‘What is it?’ He shut the van door.

‘I’ve got a lovely surprise.’ She gave a little clap of her hands.

He hated surprises.

She pecked him on the stubble of his cheek and trotted into the house.

Inside, the musky smell of an incense stick wafted towards him. Ali had laid out the dining table for two. In the middle was a bottle of champagne and two glasses.

‘Have I forgotten your birthday?’ His hands reached for her hips, pulling her towards him.

‘No, try again.’ She giggled.

‘It’s our anniversary – do we have an anniversary? Two years, is it?’

‘Adam…’ she took a deep breath and steepled her fingers, ‘we’re going to have a baby.’

Max stepped back from her as though she’d thrown ice in his face. ‘I thought you were on the pill?’

‘I am, well, I was, but when I was ill a few weeks ago, we forgot to take precautions.’

‘Are you sure?’ He massaged his brow, his thoughts leaping in all directions.

‘I’ve been to see the doctor this morning to book in with the midwife.’

‘How far…?’

‘I’m ten weeks tomorrow.’

‘And you… want to go ahead?’

‘’Course, why wouldn’t I?’ She crossed her arms high on her chest.

‘Because we didn’t plan it.’ He followed her into the kitchen and opened the fridge.

‘I thought you’d be pleased. I mean, we’re a proper couple now, aren’t we?’

‘It doesn’t mean we’ll be tying the knot, if that’s what you’re fishing for.’ Max took out a Guinness and cracked it open, but it fizzed into his face. ‘Fuck it.’ He wiped his arm over his eyes.

‘Did I even mention getting married?’ She passed him a tea towel and crossed her arms again.

‘You didn’t plan this, did you?’ He wiped his face.

‘Is that what you think of me?’ She swung round, storming into the hall.

‘Okay, so tell me, what are we going to do?’ He shouted after her, pouring the rest of the drink into a pint glass.

She came back in. ‘Keep it, of course. I can’t believe you’re even suggesting… why are you being like this?’

‘It’s a big thing – something people usually plan together.’

‘It hardly ever happens like that,’ she shouted.

‘What, most kids are mistakes, are they? We should’ve been more careful.’

‘Like the first time? Are you saying you wish I hadn’t had Jamie?’ She stood at the sink holding her stomach as though she was about to vomit.

‘You know I didn’t mean that.’ Once upon a time he’d have wanted nothing more than a brother or sister for Jamie, but how would they afford another one? Worst of all, it was another level of betrayal. Jesus, he’d never meant to do any of this to Maddy.