Page 87 of All Yours

A couple of ducks coasted down the river, quacking noisily as if squabbling. She watched them drift by, imagining a parallel life where Finn had been waiting for her at the church, he’d said his vows and kissed her as his wife at the end of the service. Would they have been happy? He jiggled his legs on the bench beside her, oblivious to how annoying it was. She’d forgotten about that too. He stretched out his arms to crack his knuckles again and she saw the tattoo was a logo for a beer brand.

Suddenly she saw it for what it was. They were not suited; they’d not been at all alike back then and they were most definitely strangers now. And that was the way it was meant to be. The universe was practically shouting at her: the fact that he’d ‘needed time to think’ and couldn’t commit to her was because he wasn’t the one for her.

‘By the time I’d done my thinking and had a clear head, you were gone.’ He half laughed again. ‘And it’s taken me this long to find you to say sorry.’

Robyn reached across the bench and put a hand on top of his. He clasped it tightly.

‘Thank you for the apology,’ she said. ‘I appreciate it. I really do. But it was such a long time ago. We don’t need to talk about it any more.’

He closed his eyes in relief and when he opened them, he said, ‘You haven’t changed Robbie. You’re still lovely.’

‘What’s your plan now?’ Robyn asked. ‘Want to get a coffee first for old times’ sake? There’s a café on the way to the station if you’re heading back.’

‘I thought I’d hang out with Ross for a few days actually. But he has his new girlfriend over so I can’t go back there until later. He made that very clear earlier.’

Willow stirred and broke the moment. Robyn stood to check on her and saw she was wide awake, blinking into the afternoon dusk. ‘I’d better get this one home,’ she said, taking hold of the buggy. ‘You can wait it out at mine if you want? I can make us a coffee there.’

He brightened.

‘Really?’ When she nodded, he took the buggy from her and began to push. ‘So, who’s this little fella then? Handsome chap.’ He made a bizarre googoo noise, obviously not used to babies in the slightest.

‘This is Willow, my daughter!’ Robyn said.

‘Oops, my apologies,’ Finn said, bowing towards the buggy. ‘And am I going to meet her big protective daddy back at yours?’

Robyn took the buggy back and turned towards Honeybridge House, thinking about Fox and the way he’d asked her if she was okay earlier. The way his eyes had held hers, how protective and strong he was, how safe he made her feel.

‘No,’ she said to Finn, wanting to keep him as far away from Fox as possible. ‘Definitely not.’

Chapter Forty-Eight

Fox

Fox was put out, concerned, fucked off and a whole lot more besides that he couldn’t put into words. Watching Robyn walk out with Finn – who had a perfect fucking beard by the way – had really put a spoke in his plan. Fox had seen Robyn’s face light up as he walked in the door and he knew, right there and then, that she liked him too. And suddenly, it all seemed straightforward. She’d always been an open book, honest as the day was long, and he could tell that if he asked to spend more time with her until she left, she would say yes. He just knew it.

And then there was old floppy fringe making his entrance, running his thumb and forefinger along his jaw to show off that beard, with his puppy dog eyes that made Fox want to punch him, which was a bit of a surprise to Fox himself if he was honest.

But it was the feeling that took over when Robyn was preparing to leave that surprised him the most. The protective streak that swelled inside him. If that loser hurt her again, he’d have Fox to deal with. But Robyn had gone with him anyway, and all Fox could do was watch them walk away.

He couldn’t face going straight home to an empty house, so he texted Fiona to give her the rest of the day off, then picked the boys up from school and took them to the park to blow off some steam. Him that was, not them. It worked to an extent, although the boys were both a bit surprised to see him on the zip wire and then at the top of the climbing frame. By the time they walked home, it was dark. All he could think about was how Robyn was getting on. He checked his watch; it was nearly five. Surely that was enough time to set things straight? Resolving to text her when he got home, to check she was okay, he turned into the drive, idly hoping Fiona had made some dinner before she left.

‘Surprise!’

Millie sat on the doorstep, huddled in a long puffa jacket.

‘Aunt Millie!’ The boys ran up to her and she caught them in both arms, holding them until they wriggled. Fox helped her up.

‘You haven’t been waiting long, have you? Not in this cold?’

‘Only ten minutes. My last meeting was cancelled,’ she said as he unlocked the door and ushered her in. ‘So I thought I’d drop by. I’ve missed the little monkeys.’

Fox frowned at the chill in the air inside and whacked up the thermostat.

‘You might want to keep your coat on for a few minutes,’ he said as she unzipped. ‘The new nanny thinks fresh air is healthier than central heating. Personally I like my fingers pink rather than blue.’ He rolled his eyes.

She laughed and followed him through to the kitchen.

‘How’s it working out then?’