It felt like it had been months since she had last seen Maggie, but it had only been a week. ‘No, and she doesn’t want to. Her and Charlotte are really happy living with Dad and its given Dad’s life meaning again. He loves my boys and Charlotte is just another of his grandkids and Maggie a best friend. I’m really happy it worked out for them both.’

‘Yeah, your dad deserves some happiness. I’m glad he has them too. Must be nice having a young kid around the house, to play with.’ He sighed wistfully.

‘Billy! Are you suggesting that we have a child?’

‘Maybe,’ he said, testing the waters.

‘But we’ve talked about this. We decided on this before we were even married. I was pretty clear that I didn’t want any more kids and you said—’

‘I know what I said, but things, people, change.’

‘So you’re not all right with just us now? You want your own flesh and blood? Is that it?’

Vanessa was out of the bed, flipping on the lamp and glaring at him with her hands on her naked hips. ‘You always said no to that, Billy. You agreed. I told you that you could find someone who wanted kids, I gave you an out right up to the wedding, but you didn’t take it. Now you’re lying there saying you want another child?’

‘Can I talk now?’ he asked mildly.

‘I suppose so.’

‘Ness, I know I said that thing about the kids, but I guess in the back of my mind, I was kind of hoping I could get you to change your mind. Especially since I’m so good with your kids.’

‘Our kids,’ she interrupted, thunder coloring her face.

‘OK, clearly that was the wrong way to phrase that. I didn’t marry you with the intention of changing your mind. I just hoped, you know?’