Hayley was disappointed I hadn’t totally given her brother what for, but I’d reined myself in, thinking of the kids. My lawyer had warned me how often separations became acrimonious—as if I didn’t remember firsthand—and getting into a war with Adrian wouldn’t be good for anyone. If we wanted this to succeed, we needed to work together while being apart.

‘So, do you think …’ Hayley began, ‘now that your separation is definitely permanent, you’ll continue with the current custody arrangement?’

I took another gulp of wine. ‘We’re still settling into the situation—Adrian, me, the kids, we all have some adjusting to do—but, as much as I hate to agree with him, I do believe this is the least disruptive for Sax and Payton long term.’

Not to mention the fact I’d come to love my weeks in Ragged Point.

Although a couple of months ago I’d wanted to chop off my own hands at the thought of spending every second week without my kids, I’d discovered that being a single parent wasn’t a walk in the park, no matter whether you had another full-time job or not, and I relished the break between shifts. For the first time in as long as I could remember I had me-time.

Pushing this selfish thought aside, I added, ‘I never wanted my children to have to deal with a divorce, so the least I can do is make their experience better than mine was. I hated moving from house to house.’

Hayley gave me a sympathetic smile. ‘Anyway, what’s the latest on the shack? Got any more photos?’

I showed her some and she was impressed by my progress.

‘I’ve just started gutting the kitchen so the new cabinets can be installed.’

‘Your eyes light up when you talk about Ragged Point.’

I shrugged. ‘It’s a special place.’ I went to take another sip of my wine only to discover it was empty. Grabbing the bottle, I was about to top Hayley’s glass up and frowned. I’d guzzled a whole glass but she hadn’t even touched hers. ‘Are you okay?’ I asked, suddenly worried.

She glanced around and then replied in a near whisper. ‘I’m pregnant.’

I blinked, not sure if I’d heard properly. ‘Did you just say you’re pregnant?’

Hayley nodded.

‘Oh my God!’ My hand rushed to my mouth. ‘Why did you bring over the wine then?’

‘Habit.’

I took a deep breath and refilled my glass. It might not be very kind to drink in front of someone who couldn’t, but I was in shock and now it looked like I was solely responsible for not letting good grog go to waste.