Charlotte opened her mouth to speak but yet again Steph spoke over her. ‘Darren, this is a huge thing we’re asking you. You’ll need to take some time, but it’s also okay if you want to say no.’

Once again, Darren was surprised. His jealousy had meant that he’d never really put a lot of effort into getting to know Steph. Instead he’d kept her at arm’s length, preferring to see her as the imposter within his world. But right now, she was displaying real compassion. And he appreciated it. He smiled and nodded. ‘Thanks, Steph.’

But now he looked back at Charlotte and saw that her face had dropped. It was clear she was hoping for a yes. And quite possibly hoping he was going to give them that yes, here and now. Considering the excitement and animation in her voice as she’d chatted on and on about all the reasons he was the perfect choice, he wouldn’t have been surprised if she’d whipped a jar out of her handbag and asked him to nick into the men’s room and bang out a specimen for them right now.

He couldn’t stand to see her looking so disappointed. The words were out of his mouth before he could stop himself.

‘I’ll do it.’

Charlotte was on her feet in an instant. She flung her arms out to gather him into a difficult hug, considering there was still a table between them. ‘Thank you,’ she gushed. ‘Thank you, thank you. You don’t know what this means to us.’

Steph, meanwhile, had remained sitting and when Charlotte finally released him, Darren saw that she was looking worried.

‘Are you sure about this?’ she asked. ‘Honestly, you can take more time if you need it.’

Charlotte dropped back into her seat and whacked Steph with the back of her hand. ‘Jesus, Steph, he said yes. Don’t try and talk him out of it now.’

Steph smiled. ‘I’m not. I only want to make sure he’s certain.’

Darren looked away and briefly caught the eye of a petite redhead by the bar. He grinned at her and then turned back. ‘When you think about it, I’d be stupid not to. It’s a chance to give two people a family. And all I have to do is jerk off. Not a bad gig really.’

‘Oh my God, Darren!’ Charlotte laughed and then stood up again. ‘I’m going to the bar. We need to celebrate.’

As soon as she was out of earshot, Steph leaned forward. ‘Really,’ she said, keeping her voice low. ‘You don’t have to say yes. I know you still have feelings for her. And I know you’d probably do just about anything for her. I don’t want you to do this out of obligation or because . . .’