I sit back down, pick up my fork, and take a big mouthful of the mac and cheese.

No wonder Melly didn’t like it.

“You know what? Forget this.”

I stare as Josh stands, picks up his plate and mine, and takes them both to the bench.

“It’s okay.”

“Cleary, it’s not. I can see your frustration. Let’s go for a drive.”

“Can I bring my sandwich?” Melly mumbles.

“Of course you can. We’re going to get something else though.”

He winks at her, and her whole face lights up as she sprays crumbs over the table. “Yay.”

“Pizza sound good?”

She nods, and he plucks her from the chair and onto his hip. She’s too big for me to do that with now, but Josh just makes it look effortless. And she loves clinging to him.

“Let’s get going.” He pecks her on the cheek.

“Come on, Mummy,” she calls.

Her tone’s flipped. She’s gone from being miserable to sounding like this is the most exciting outing ever.

“I’ll just take care of the rest of this.” I pick up the dish and move it onto a shelf in the fridge before grabbing my bag and following Josh downstairs and into the garage.

He buckles Melly into her booster. She’s got a sandwich in each hand, and a wide smile on her face. Her expression melts me. She looks at her father like he’s the most amazing man ever.

I know that feeling. I’m sure it’s the way I look at him.

Throwing my bag on the car floor, I climb into the passenger seat. Josh jumps in and starts the car.

“Let’s go get some pizza,” Josh says.

I close my eyes as we hit the road, and take a deep breath.

The car’s quiet but for the smacking sound Melly makes when she chews, and I sneak a look at Josh.

He reaches across the centre console and takes my hand in his.

“Are you angry?” I ask.

“No. Why would I be?” he asks.

I shrug. “You haven’t spoken to me since the dinner table.”

“Amelia hated it. And I saw your face when you took a bite.”

“It wasn’t bad. It just wasn’t that great for a five-year-old.”

He indicates and turns a corner. “No, it wasn’t. And Amelia has enough change in her life without anything else to deal with. Even if it’s as simple as that.”

For a moment, I just watch him. I should have told him how I was feeling, but I didn’t want to put him under any more pressure. Now he’s stepping in to take control, and the sense of relief is overwhelming.

“Where are we going?” I ask.

“A little pizza place I found a couple of years ago. I visit it far more often than I should when I’m home.”