Page 32 of The Baby Plan

“Two, Bethan and Maria. They’re both older than me. They basically spent my teenage years chasing girls away from me so I could concentrate on my schoolwork.”

“I’m sure you were very grateful,” she said, laughing.

“Not at the time.” Samson grimaced.

“Is Alana your mum and dad’s first grandchild?”

“Yeah.”

Samson’s short response made Sophie wonder if he wanted the subject closed, but then he continued, “It was a bit of a shock when I told them, but they’re so excited about meeting her. They loved the video of her on the swing. My mum’s been watching it non-stop since I sent it to them.”

“How long will you and Alana be away for?” Sophie asked. Now she was wondering what she’d do with herself for a whole weekend without her niece in the house. Maybe she could visit some of her friends in London. She’d been very remiss about keeping in touch with them since Natasha had passed away... but they’d want to go out to a club or something and she really wasn’t sure she was ready for that yet. Her cheerful mood had definitely gone down a notch.

“I was thinking of leaving Saturday morning and coming back Sunday evening. That way it’s only one night away from home for Alana.”

“Sounds like a good plan.”

“Actually... I was wondering if you’d come with us?” Samson asked tentatively.

“Me? Why?” Sophie asked in surprise.

“I thought Alana would like it...” explained Samson, lamely, and not quite meeting her eye.

Sophie was sceptical. “Is that the real reason?”

“No,” Samson admitted. “Though it would be nice for Alana if you came. And for me.”

“You’re nervous, aren’t you?”

“Maybe a bit. I’ve never been in sole charge of Alana for a night by myself, and she’s going to be in a house she’s not used to,” he said sheepishly.

“Why would you be nervous, it’s only your family?”

“There are rather a lot of them.”

“And . . .”

“And they’ve never seen me with a baby before.”

“You’re worried she’s going to be difficult and cry all the time?” asked Sophie, struggling not to laugh.

“Maybe a bit,” he admitted. “She’ll be happier with you there.”

Sophie smiled at his confession. She’d often felt like she struggled so much more with Alana than he did, him being so confident and a natural with her. It was nice to hear he wanted her help.

“Won’t your mum and dad mind?”

“I’ve told them all about you. They want to meet you and would love you to come. I guess you’re the closest they’ll get to knowing Alana’s mother.”

“Sure,” said Sophie, feeling a poor second to her sister all of a sudden.

“My mum thinks it’s wonderful how you dropped everything and stepped up for Alana when Natasha died.”

“She’s more than worth it.” Sophie’s spirits lifted a little.

The cleaning-up was finished, and Sophie had already spent far longer wiping down the kitchen surfaces than was strictly necessary. “Well, thanks for a lovely supper,” she said, “I’ll head upstairs now. See you in the morning.”

Samson looked like he was wanting to say something, but changed his mind, and nodded. “Sleep well,” he called out as she left.

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