Page 77 of Modern Romance January 2025 1-4

The images in his head were so vivid they might have been memories. Portia calf deep in flowers, bending to pick scarlet poppies. Portia laughing as she bobbed to the surface of the sparkling aquamarine shallows off his private beach.

Portia beckoning him to her as she lay sprawled on his wide bed.

They turned down another street and a chill wind buffeted them.

‘Have you ever been to Greece?’

‘I’ve never left the UK apart from a school trip to Paris.’

Did she realise how wistful she sounded?

‘There are some wonderful art galleries in Athens.’

She laughed, her amusement making his heart lift. ‘You don’t give up, do you?’

‘Not when something is important. You’re important to me, Portia. So is our child,’ he continued quickly. ‘Think about it. A short trip with no strings attached. At least you’ll find out what the place is like. Then when you come back to London you’ll feel better.’

She regarded him as if sifting his words for hidden traps. Then she inclined her head. ‘Thank you. I’ll think about it.’

Portia felt a weight rise from her shoulders as she emerged from her obstetrician’s appointment.

She was still amazed at how fast Lex had secured the appointment, and that the doctor seemed to have all the time in the world for the consultation.

The woman had been thorough, patient and encouraging, allaying the most urgent of Portia’s concerns.

It turned out the slight spotting of blood several days previously wasn’t uncommon. She was to report it if it happened again but it wasn’t necessarily a sign of impending miscarriage. All seemed well for now.

‘You look like you’ve had good news.’

Portia looked up to find Lex waiting for her on the pavement.

She should have expected him, even though she’d declined his offer to drive her to the appointment.

Reading his expression, a mix of excitement—and was that nerves?—she didn’t have the heart to protest. It was good that he was concerned about the baby’s welfare.

‘I have. Everything seems on track so far.’ It was only now that she realised how incredibly tense she’d been, nervous about the baby and the future.

‘That’s fantastic! Shall we celebrate? There’s an excellent restaurant just around the corner.’

His delight made her silly heart flutter. As if he were excited to be with her, not just because the baby was okay.

‘I’m sorry, I have to get back to work.’

His enthusiastic expression faded as he turned to walk beside her but he didn’t protest.

A man like her father would have complained that a lunch date was the least she could do, since he’d pulled strings to get the early appointment with a top specialist.

It was ridiculous to make comparisons between Lex and her dad. Lex had never been like her horrible father.

But nor had he been the fairytale hero she’d believed in her youth. His belief in her hadn’t been as unwavering as hers in him. She’d trusted him but it had been one-sided.

‘Thanks again for getting the appointment.’

‘It was nothing.’ He turned, his gaze catching hers. ‘You know I want to help. Apart from the fact it’s my child too, it’s important you have someone to care for you. Someone to look out for you.’

‘You do know I’ve been looking after myself for over a decade? I’m quite capable.’

His smile was a rueful twist of the lips that only made him more approachable, for it reminded her of years gone by when they’d shared secrets no one else knew.

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