Page 2 of All Yours

‘I have.’ Robyn grinned.

‘I want to do that,’ Riley said straight away.

‘Better pass your swimming proficiency then,’ Rosie said. Riley dismissed that challenge with an exaggerated roll of her eyes.

‘It’s not been easy, though,’ Robyn said. ‘The conservation work is quite often voluntary. So I have to find work and save money first and then volunteer.’

‘What kind of work?’ Wren asked.

‘Over the years, everything from pot-washing to being an au pair, from casino dealing to cattle herding, depending on what country I’m in and what opportunities present themselves. Even managed to get a two-day job here last year when I came back for a cousin’s wedding. It’s amazing what you can do if you’re prepared to do it.’

‘You were back in the UK and didn’t contact me?’ Wren admonished.

Robyn paused. ‘It was a bit of a whirlwind trip . . .’ she said, momentarily distracted by the memory of that unexpected weekend. ‘You know I’d have loved to have seen you if I could have fitted it in.’

‘Where else have you been?’ Riley asked.

‘Namibia watching elephants, Costa Rica counting birds, Australia protecting coral . . .’ Robyn replied. Wren’s face mirrored that of her daughter’s: astonishment and envy rolled into one.

‘You’re cool,’ Riley announced.

‘So are you,’ Robyn replied.

‘What’s your favourite animal?’ Riley demanded, kneeling up now to be closer.

‘I love all animals,’ Robyn said. ‘But if I had to choose, it would be elephants.’

Wren cleared her throat before saying, ‘Which is appropriate seeing as there seems to be one in the room . . .’

Riley spun around. ‘What? Where?’

‘It’s just a figure of speech,’ Rosie explained, standing. ‘Now come on, Riley, let’s take you up to bed. Give your mama a kiss and let’s leave these two to catch up.’

Riley sighed theatrically but kissed Wren and waved to Robyn before she took Rosie’s hand and left the room.

‘She’s gorgeous,’ Robyn said.

‘She is,’ Wren agreed, ‘but I’m biased.’

‘I knew you’d say that.’ Robyn laughed.

‘You know me too well!’ Wren said, laughing with her. The two women gripped hands momentarily across the sofa, and Robyn was flooded with love and gratitude that they were back together. There was so much to catch up on. Wren clearly thought so too. She fixed her gaze on Robyn.

‘But let’s get it out in the open, Robs. When exactly did you find time to have a baby?’

Willow finished feeding and blinked her big eyes at Robyn.

‘And when were you planning on telling me about her?’ Wren continued.

Robyn sat Willow upright, rubbing her back rhythmically. Willow, full and happy, sucked her fist noisily and kicked her plump, pink feet. Robyn planted a kiss on the top of her head and took a moment to breathe in her sweet scent before answering.

‘I didn’t quite know what to say . . .’ Robyn said. ‘It’s not really something you can just drop into conversation over the phone.’

‘Start at the beginning,’ Wren suggested softly, easing another pillow behind her back to get comfortable.

‘Well, first things first, her dad is not in the picture,’ Robyn began. ‘So, it’s just been us, since the beginning.’ Willow made a very happy sounding gurgle.

Wren reached her arms out for the baby, and Robyn passed her over. She watched Wren’s face soften as Willow waved her hands in the air.