Mia quirked up her eyebrows. “I thought you were angry at her?”

“It’s never that simple in a relationship, is it?”

“Don’t ask me. I’m hardly an expert. Lou and I have been together for eight months and that is by far the longest I’ve been with anyone.”

“I understand your reluctance to live next to her parents better now.” Jane grinned.

“Give me some inside information, Jane. What’s it like having been with someone for twenty years? What do I have to look forward to?”

Jane cradled her mug between her hands and leaned back in her chair. “It’s the most comforting, warm feeling I’ve ever had. Knowing there is always someone you can count on, someone who will have your back and fight with you against the wrongs life inflicts on you.” A smile appeared on her face. “And sometimes we quarrel and hurt each other, and even though that can be a pain in the ass, it’s all part of it. There’s just nothing better than finding that person that fits you the most. I simply can’t imagine my life without Annie.”

“Aw.” Mia cooed. “Now I wish we were ten years later and Lou and I had a couple of brats running around already.”

“I can’t give you any advice on how your life will be like with children.”

“Did you never want any?”

Jane shrugged. “Nah. At the risk of sounding like a cliché, my books are my children. And they take a lot less work. And they make money instead of spending it.” She threw in a chuckle. “And I’ve always been convinced I wouldn’t have made the best parent.”

“Why? Because of your own upbringing?”

“Oh, no. My parents are very decent people. Just because of how I am.”

“How’s that then?”

Christ, Mia really had no shame when it came to asking direct questions.

“Too sensitive for my own good,” Jane said. “Just having the Pink Bean in the shop has been enough to drastically throw me off my game. Sometimes, it’s like I feel things more than other people do. That’s the best way to describe it.”

“You’re hypersensitive. Like Lou,” Mia said matter-of-factly. “Lou wants children though. Very much so.”

“Good for her.” Jane didn’t really know what to say to that.

“I didn’t mean to imply your reason for not wanting children isn’t valid,” Mia was quick to add. “More people should have the courage to be so honest with themselves.”

“It’s not the only reason, and when I get asked the question, which has happened one too many times over the years, it’s usually not the one I give.” Jane managed a smile. “People who do have children hardly ever get asked why they have them, so why should I have to give a reason for not having any?”