‘The thing is, Sprig,’ he went on, ‘I’ve had time to think. For the past couple of years, it feels as though that’s all I’ve been doing. And then there was Sadie. And now Ben. Not just Ben, in fact. Callum Richardson. Isaac. All the others. They all … all they needed … I mean, I don’t know, obviously, but the thing that was missing from their lives … from all their lives—’

Fleet shook his head, cutting himself off. He was in danger of falling into the same trap he had last time.

He started again. ‘Whatever happens, whatever you decide to do, and however you decide to raise your baby, I know for a fact it couldn’t be any luckier. Ben, Isaac – they had no one. Not a single person who loved them, not in the way they needed. And one person, I think, is all it takes. Especially if it’s someone like you.’

Fleet took a breath, acutely aware of how closely Holly was scrutinising what he was saying.

‘So it’s not about that,’ he went on. ‘I just … I was wrong, Sprig. That’s what I came here to tell you. I thought I couldn’t ever be a father, but when you came to me and told me you were pregnant, all I could think was … was how stupid I’d been to let you go. To let us go. And I wished … I wished more than anything we were having this baby together.’

He paused, trying to read Holly’s expression. She rolled her lips, and Fleet couldn’t tell if she was upset or trying to contain her anger.

He held up his palms. ‘Which isn’t to say I’m trying to muscle in on your situation. If you want me to leave – to leave you alone, I mean – then all you have to do is say. And I will. I’ll go. I promise.’

He left a pause, praying that Holly wouldn’t fill it.

‘But if you decide you can forgive me,’ he went on, tentatively, ‘and there’s anything I can do to make up for my mistake … anything at all, I mean. Like … like money, if you need it, obviously, but also, I don’t know. Babysitting. Just for example. Or … or someone to talk to. A friend. Someone who … who cares about you. Then … then that’s what I’m offering. To be there for you. In whatever way you’ll let me. If you’ll let me.’ Once again he took a deep breath. ‘Because I love you, Holly. I’ve always loved you. And although part of me has changed, that’s the one thing about me that never will.’

Once again Fleet waited. Once again he had no idea what Holly would say.

‘Don’t take the job.’

Now Fleet was the one to frown. ‘Sorry?’