What the hell was happening to him?

Babies were not sweet. Babies marked a very definite end to a bachelor existence and a start to a lifetime of self-sacrifice.

It wasn’t a route he intended to take.

* * *

Jenny stood in the corridor, hardly daring to breathe.

She’d been woken by the first cry but then it had occurred to her that this was a golden opportunity to force Alex closer to Daisy. Surely he wouldn’t be able to ignore the baby’s cries?

And he hadn’t.

She’d stayed in her room, suppressing the natural urge to rush to the baby, biting her nails until she’d heard his heavy tread on the landing and his rough male voice talking to Daisy.

She had no idea what he’d done but Daisy had stopped crying so whatever it was had obviously worked.

And he was still in her room.

Not sure whether that was a good thing or not, Jenny crept back to her room and slid into bed.

Hopefully, exposing Alex to the baby would improve their relationship, but on the other hand it was a strategy that could totally backfire. Alex was a hardened bachelor who valued his independence above everything. Spending too much time with Daisy could just reinforce his prejudices about the effects of babies on his lifestyle.

He could decide that he wanted nothing to do with Daisy.

And then what would she do?

* * *

Jenny was downstairs giving Daisy breakfast the next morning when Alex strode into the kitchen full of purpose.

‘Get Daisy’s things together. We’re going shopping.’

Jenny paused with the spoon halfway to Daisy’s mouth. ‘Sorry?’

‘Shopping.’ He glanced round the kitchen expectantly. ‘Is there any of that delicious coffee?’

Jenny blinked, registering the fact that he thought her coffee was delicious. ‘It’s on the side,’ she said warily, wondering what was going on. ‘What are we going shopping for?’

‘Toys.’ He helped himself to coffee and stared at the freshly baked batch of rolls cooling on a rack in the centre of the table. ‘Are those spare?’

His tone was casual and she hid a smile. ‘Help yourself.’

She felt a thrill of satisfaction that she’d finally persuaded him to eat breakfast. ‘Why are we shopping for toys?’

‘Because Daisy doesn’t have any.’

Jenny stared at him, unable to hide her amazement. ‘You want to buy Daisy some toys?’

He didn’t look at her, instead reaching for a roll and covering it in butter and honey. ‘Every child needs toys. I know a great toy shop. I take my nieces and nephews there. We’ll go there and find something for Daisy.’

Still flabbergasted by his sudden interest, Jenny hesitated. Should she remind him that at six months a baby didn’t need much in the way of toys? No. Any interest from him was surely to be encouraged.

‘But why?’ She nibbled her lip, unable to comprehend his sudden interest in the baby. ‘You don’t think Daisy’s your child.’

‘I’m sure she isn’t.’ He poured himself some coffee. ‘But that doesn’t mean I can’t buy her toys. The kid’s had a rough time.’