Page 116 of The Clockmaker's Cottage
Nothing more needed to be said about that.
‘Have a look around the shop and then we’ll take you both through to the workshop,’ suggested Pippa.
As Sebastian and Zara began to admire all the different watches, Pippa slipped behind the counter, hands resting on the wood. Theo slipped his arms around her waist and rested them on her tiny bump.
‘I love this place,’ she murmured.
‘And I love you.’ He looked down at her stomach. ‘Are we going to find out what we’re having?’
‘Absolutely… not!’ she said smugly.
Theo groaned dramatically. ‘You’re going to torture me for five more months.’
‘Yep!’
‘It’s worth it.’
Pippa rested a hand lightly over her stomach, her expression softening as she gazed up at him, ‘Mum said something to me when she knew she was ill. She told me that if any grandchildren ever popped up in the future, she hoped she’d somehow still be part of their lives.’
Theo hugged her.
‘So I was thinking… if it’s a girl, I’d love to give her Mum’s name as her middle name. Caroline.’
Theo didn’t hesitate for a second. ‘I think that’s a beautiful idea.’
‘Mum would have loved this. Being here… meeting you… everything.’
‘Then Caroline it is.’
‘Well… only if it’s a girl.’
‘Either way, this baby’s already got the best mum in the world.’
Sebastian and Zara browsed the displays, chatting quietly. Outside, the rain kept pouring, loud and relentless.
Pippa leaned into Theo. ‘It’s funny,’ she said softly. ‘A year ago today, I thought my life had fallen apart.’
‘And now?’ he asked.
She smiled. ‘Now it feels like it’s finally started.’
Theo squeezed her tight. ‘Funny how the worst day of your life can turn into the best thing that ever happened.’
Pippa rested her hand on her bump. ‘Turns out, running away was the smartest decision I ever made.’
‘And choosing to stay,’ Theo added. ‘Definitely that.’
She nudged him playfully. ‘You’re very pleased with yourself, aren’t you?’
‘A little,’ he admitted. Then he said: ‘I’ve got something for you.’
‘I love a surprise.’
Theo crossed the shop, picked up a long, flat package leaning against the counter, and carried it back to her. It was wrapped neatly in brown paper and tied with string.
‘What is this?’ she asked, already grinning.
‘Open it and see.’
