He sighed. “That’s not what I meant. You and I are husband and wife.”

“But it’s not so different.”

“It is. I haven’t changed my mind about children…unless you have?”

She shook her head. He’d said unless. A heavy weight settled around her heart.

Once more he moved away from her, this time to turn the light off. “I’ll need to get an early start in the morning.” He kissed her lips and slid down in the bed, reaching to pull her close as she did the same. “Good night.”

Kate lay perfectly still, wanting to say more but not sure how to begin. Perhaps this wasn’t the right time. Once they were both back at their place, maybe. It would be difficult but perhaps they needed to revisit their decision, or had it really been her decision and Sean being the supportive guy that he was had simply agreed? His hand felt heavy across her belly and his breathing deepened. She moved his arm to the side, and he snuffled and rolled away.

The sadness inside her swelled and added to the deepening lethargy she felt. She decided she should make an appointment to see the doctor tomorrow. Her childhood GP still practised in town. She felt more comfortable unburdening her woes to the woman who’d seen her through her teenage years, rather than to the GP where she lived. She took a deep breath and let it out gently. Just making the decision to visit the doctor eased the weight.

Bree and Owen were finishing the last of the kitchen clean-up when Milt returned from the bathroom. He paused, watching Owen who was wiping down the bench while Bree put dishes away. He hovered looking lost. In her lifetime Bree had rarely seen her dad pick up a tea towel. He’d clear the table, put plates in the sink or the dishwasher, but that was about the extent of it.

“Thanks for cleaning up.” Milt shifted from foot to foot. “Laura’s food’s not bad but she does create a bit of havoc.”

“No probs,” Owen said, his face wide with his easy smile.

“I’m glad you’re not driving back to town tonight. Probably shouldn’t have opened the second bottle of red.”

“I enjoyed it.”

“And Bree’s got you somewhere to sleep.” Once more Milt’s feet shuffled.

Bree shut the cupboard with a thud. Was her dad being diplomatic or did he really believe Owen wasn’t spending the night in her bed?

“Yep,” Owen said. “All under control.”

“Well…great.” Milt nodded. “Will we see you again before you head north?”

“Probably not.”

Milt moved closer, reached out a hand. “Good luck then. I’m sure Bree will keep us posted on how it goes.”

Owen shook his hand. “Yeah.” He glanced sideways and gave Bree a look, eyebrows raised.

“I’m off to bed.” Milt turned away.