‘Yeah. You can’t do everything, so we’ll be bringing someone else in to help out too.’

‘OK, I’ll do it. I’ll hand in my notice at Cohen’s tomorrow.’

‘Thanks, Queenie. You’re a diamond,’ grinned Daniel.

‘She sure is. Mum’ll be chuffed when we tell her. I’m just gonna have a quick word with the doctor.’

When Patrick dashed off, Daniel squeezed Queenie’s hand. ‘This little arrangement means we get to see more of one another too.’

About to reply, Queenie was horrified as she clocked Bridie walking towards them, minus the baby. She snatched her hand away from Daniel’s. ‘Hello, Bridie. How are you?’ she asked.

‘Missing this one like mad,’ Bridie replied, linking arms with Daniel while looking up at him adoringly. ‘How’s your mum today?’ she asked him.

‘So, so.’

‘I’m gonna shoot off now Bridie’s here, Daniel. I need to pick up a few things from the shops and visit my own mum.’

‘Don’t rush off on my account. Daniel adores you,’ smiled Bridie. ‘He always says you’re like his little sister.’

Queenie forced a smile back, while experiencing that horrible gut-wrenching feeling in her stomach. ‘I have so much to do. Honestly. I’ve hardly seen my husband since I got married. Bye, Bridie. Bye, Daniel. Tell your mum and Patrick I said goodbye as well.’

As Queenie reached the exit, she stared dismally at the torrential rain. ‘Damn,’ she mumbled, realizing she’d left her brolly inside the hospital. She’d have to go back for it. It was teeming down.

Queenie made her way back through the corridors and as she turned the corner to where she’d left her umbrella, she was shocked to the core. Bridie had her arms around Daniel’s neck. He had his hands on her buttocks and they were kissing passionately. She couldn’t believe it. Daniel had convinced her there was no passion in his marriage, swore he was only with Bridie because they had a child together. What a load of old cock and bull that was. They looked like love’s young dream.

‘Erm, sorry to disturb you two lovebirds, but I forgot my brolly,’ Queenie said, trying to keep the sarcasm out of her tone.

‘Don’t mind us. I have missed him, though. Be glad to snuggle up to him again tonight,’ smiled Bridie. ‘Emily’s missed him too,’ she added. ‘My mum has her at present. We’re going to pick her up on the way home.’

Queenie glanced at Daniel. He looked terribly embarrassed, and so he should after pouring out all his marriage woes to her.

Queenie grabbed her umbrella and forced another smile. ‘Bye again. Tell Mary I’ll see her tomorrow, Daniel.’

As Queenie walked off, Daniel told Bridie he’d be back in a minute. He chased after Queenie and once out of sight of Bridie, he grabbed her arm. ‘That’s not what it looked like, sweetheart. I swear it’s not.’

Queenie stared into his dazzling eyes and for once they didn’t have the usual effect on her. ‘I am going home to my husband now, Daniel. I will always love you as a brother, as you love me as a sister. But I can’t listen to your bullshit any more. I want to make a go of my marriage and I suggest you do the same.’