Page 45 of The Baby Plan

“That feels so much better,” Samson declared. “How’s Alana doing?”

Sophie felt her niece’s forehead. “She’s not hot, and she’s definitely less congested.”

“It’s a gorgeous afternoon. Do you think she’d like to go down to the beach for a while?”

“That might be a bit much,” said Sophie, uncertainly.

“Yeah, maybe you’re right.”

“You go out though if you want . . .”

“Nah, I’ll stay with you two. What if we carried a few bits into the garden for her? She can sit in the shade, and if we’re worried about her not feeling well, she can come straight back inside.”

“Great,” Sophie said. “But are you sure you don’t need to go and get some work done?”

“It can wait until tomorrow. What about you?”

“It can wait until tomorrow,” Sophie agreed, contentedly.

They each had a quick shower, which made them feel a million times more awake and with it, then put a big rug in the garden for Alana and brought out plenty of her toys. It was amazing how much better the little girl was, though both Sophie and Samson kept a very careful eye on her, and enjoyed the extra cuddles she was wanting to give them. She seemed so happy to be home and not be feeling awful.

Samson went to pick up Mutt once he and Sophie were confident Alana was unlikely to have a relapse.

The dog was also thrilled to be home, and Sophie automatically scooped up her niece as Mutt came racing through the house to find them. But she needn’t have worried. Mutt stopped short when he saw Alana, perhaps sensing she hadn’t been well, and gave her foot a gentle lick. Alana giggled, pulling away from her aunt to get to her friend, so Sophie put her back down on the rug. Mutt lay down next to Alana. She gave his ear a little tug and went back to playing next to him. They truly were the best of mates.

* * *

Samson took Mutt for a walk while Sophie was bathing Alana and then he went on to the supermarket as the kitchen cupboards were definitely a little bare. Sophie was put under strict instructions that he was going to cook for her. It would only be something simple he said, but he’d sort it.

Alana had her bottle and her story and was put to bed. Delicious smells emanated from the kitchen as Sophie came downstairs. A glass of white wine was poured ready for her on the kitchen table.

“Hey, how’s she doing?” Samson asked.

“Really well. Definitely ready for bed though.”

Samson caught her debating the wine. “You can have a glass of wine,” he said, gently. “She’ll be fine tonight, she’s doing brilliantly. You can relax.”

“You’re right,” Sophie said, taking a sip. “What’s for supper? It smells delicious.”

“It’s kind of a prawn and watercress pilaf-y thing... I’m making it up as I go along.”

“That sounds interesting.” She laughed. “I’m starving.”

“Have some faith! It’ll be good. And I’ve got some garlic flatbread in the oven to keep you going. It’ll be ready in five.”

“Brilliant. Is there anything I can do?”

“Nope, sit down and entertain me.”

Sophie sank down into a kitchen chair. Mutt came over to say hello and she absentmindedly stroked his head. A heavy, grey paw tapped her insistently until she gave him her full attention for a minute, then, when he was satisfied, he slumped down at her feet. She glanced over at the baby monitor: Alana seemed to be fine.

The flatbread went down well, taking the edge off Sophie’s hunger, and she poured herself another half glass of wine after giving in and checking on Alana upstairs. She was of course fast asleep and breathing normally.

Samson hummed while he cooked. It didn’t take Sophie long to realise it was the Friends theme song he had stuck in his head. She added in the claps at the opportune moment. “What is it with you and that show? It wouldn’t be my first choice if I had to guess a TV programme you’d enjoy,” she said, laughing.

“Maria and Bethan used to love it so it was always on in our house,” he answered. “And it’s funny! Who doesn’t like Friends?”

“Monsters! Everyone should like Friends,” she said.

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