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“Well, you can still go. There’s no reason for you to miss out as well.”

Dylan’s brow furrowed.

“We know everything’s fine, but if something was wrong, you’re only a couple of houses away.”

“I’ll stay with you.”

“Dylan, you don’t have to—”

“Don’t you want me to? Would you rather I went and left you alone?”

“It’s not that at all,” said Lucy, quickly.

“Good,” said Dylan. “Then that’s sorted. I’m also feeling a bit wobbly still, if you must know, and I’d rather be just us.”

“Oh, right,” Lucy said. She was quiet for a moment. “Downton marathon?”

“Downton marathon,” Dylan confirmed.

* * *

It felt so good to walk back into the flat, knowing that everything was fine and that they didn’t have to go anywhere but could just be quiet . . . together. Why was she so glad that Dylan was here with her? Whenever she had a problem she always slunk away to deal with it herself. It was what she did. She processed it by herself, and then reached a point where she was wanting to be with other people again. And yet, here she was needing Dylan near her. Was it another pregnancy hormone thing?

“How are you doing?” Dylan asked. “Are you hungry?”

“Not really,” Lucy said. “But I should probably eat something. I’m OK, I think. I think my body’s still processing that everything’s all right.”

“It is,” said Dylan. “Our little girl is absolutely healthy.” Lucy felt tears spring from the corners of her eyes. Dylan immediately pulled her gently into his chest, “You’re shaking,” he said, and held her more firmly. She felt her heart rate begin to calm as she allowed herself to sink into him. Not overthinking it but letting herself do what she needed to. “She’s absolutely fine,” he repeated into her hair. They stood together until Lucy felt stronger and untangled herself.

“Thank you,” she said.

“Anytime,” Dylan replied, with a smile and he placed a tender kiss on top of her head.

“I’m sorry about earlier, about not checking on you. Of course it must have been stressful for you as well and I should have asked if you were all right,” Lucy said.

“Don’t be ridiculous,” said Dylan. “You were amazing. So calm.”

“I didn’t feel calm.”

Dylan reached over and squeezed her hand.

“Thank you for being there,” Lucy said. “It helped.”

“I wouldn’t have had it any other way.”

“Our baby is very lucky to have you worrying about her and looking after her.”

“Luce, I wasn’t just there for our baby, I was there for you as well. I was worried about you. Terrified, if you must know.”

Lucy felt herself freeze. Did he truly mean that? Could he really feel that strongly about her? “Well, thank goodness everything is all right,” she heard herself say softly.

Dylan let go of her hand. “I’m going to get started on some food for us,” he announced, and went into the kitchen without waiting for a response.

She watched him, yearning for him with every fibre of her being, it seemed. She wanted nothing more than to go to him and allow him to comfort her more, but no. There had to be boundaries between them. They were getting on so well and it was imperative that they continued to do so, so their daughter had a secure and loving upbringing. She couldn’t bear the thought of every interaction between the two of them being awkward and them going back to bickering the way they used to. And that’s exactly what would happen if she let herself get carried away with what she was feeling. Dylan had made it perfectly clear that he was more than happy for things to be more . . . physical between them, but that was unlikely to last, and so it was up to her to ensure that the relationship between them stayed focused on working together as parents. And business partners!

She took off her shoes and coat and tidied them away before going to join Dylan in the kitchen.

It had been such a strange day. The morning had been so upsetting. She’d really thought she was going to lose her baby. She’d only known about their little plum for such a short space of time, but the thought of losing her was just terrifying and she’d shut down completely. What would she have done if Dylan hadn’t been there?