‘So, what do we need to do now?’ Ritchie wanted to know.
‘You don’t need to do anything, but keep an eye on his nappy. It shouldn’t pain him to pass the toy now that it’s moved down. A big poo and he’ll be as right as rain.’ The doc smiled. ‘What a shame that isn’t the answer to all our problems.’
With that Theo let out a long grumbly fart.
‘Looks like the garage doors might be opening sooner than we thought,’ Ritchie stated, much to everyone’s amusement and Titch’s immense relief.
CHAPTER 37
Rosa propped the phone on the bedside table as she talked to Josh on Facetime, at the same time pulling on knee-high winter socks. They chatted animatedly.
‘You look so cute in those long socks,’ Josh said.
‘I don’t feel cute, just bloody cold. The temperature has really dropped, and the heating’s been off up here all day. And they’re not quite so sexy over thick tights.’ She made a face at him on the screen.
‘Well, turn the heating up then, you mustn’t be cold. Mind you, it’s a good job you’re not here. Brr! It’s minus five today.’ Josh shoved a piece of cake into his mouth. ‘I can’t believe your mother had me for dead, by the way,’ he said, chomping with his mouth full.
‘Josh, that’s gross!’ Rosa blinked at the sight. ‘I know, sometimes these premonitions of hers aren’t a good thing. This time, it nearly did for her.’
‘To be fair, she did get the weather bit right, and several planes were skidding along the runway before they decided to close the airport. I’m so sorry if I worried you. And don’t be so snooty about the cake, wifey. I’ve been up since four, so I need some sustenance.’
‘It wasn’t your fault. The messages you sent all came through together, just as I got back earlier.’
‘How did you get to the hospital anyway? Exeter’s quite a drive.’
‘Don’t be cross, but Lucas took me. I was running out of the shop and–’
‘Rosa, slow down.’
She felt tears hitting her eyes. ‘I’d never hurt you again, I promise.’
‘Don’t you think I know that – or there wouldn’t be a little bubba growing in that beautiful tummy of yours. How is Mr Bump anyway?’
‘It could be a Miss Bump. I was thinking about that the other day: shall we find out the sex?’
‘That’s not until the second scan though, is it?’
‘Look at you knowing all these things.’ Rose lifted her jumper and flashed her midriff at him. ‘No sign of anything yet. But I’ve been so terribly sick. Every single day and not just in the morning.’
‘Oh darling.’
‘It’s fine, I’m excited now, and hopefully the sickness will go soon.’
‘Well, I’ve been reading that it might not,’ Josh said knowledgeably.
‘Hmm, thanks for that – not, Dr Smith. Let’s maybe leave the textbooks alone until we meet him or her, shall we? As I think we’ll need the guidance far more then.’
‘Talking of babies, how’s Theo?’
Rosa started to laugh. ‘Basically, he just needed to have a big poo. He’d eaten a tiny plastic car and it got a bit stuck on the way down.’
Josh’s shoulders shook. ‘That’s hilarious, but bloody hell, he was lucky he didn’t choke.’
‘I know. Titch and Ritch are on super-high alert now. He really is into everything.’
‘All the more reason we need to get a house and not have the worry of those steep stairs for when our little one comes along.’
‘Yes. I’m excited about moving now. In fact, I’m excited about a lot of things.’ Rosa got up from the bed and began hunting for her green wool roll-neck dress. ‘Talking of moving, I got another envelope this morning – a blue one labelled Quality Street.’
‘Another genius name, funny. How many is that now?’
‘Only four. I honestly thought they’d be flooding in. That doesn’t seem many, considering what’s on offer.’
‘You said yourself that it’s a massive decision, even more of a risk if you don’t know the area or clientele. I also think putting a ten-year block on selling it will deter some people, but it gets rid of those wanting to make a fast buck. Hopefully it will be somebody from around here who takes it on. Ned surely would have preferred that. And that way, you’re far more likely to get somebody who genuinely wants to make a go of it. It’s all good, Rosa. I’m so proud of you.’
‘Aw, I agree about Ned and I’m quite proud of myself too, thank you very much.’
Josh was thrilled at just how far his wife had come from her previous issues with low self-esteem and jealousy. ‘So, you’re not getting on the mulled wine with Titch at the fireworks do tonight then?’
‘No, of course not. I’m pregnant with our child, remember. Or I might have,’ Rosa said slightly defiantly.
‘Just checking,’ Josh teased. ‘Well, have the best time.’
‘I will. I need to pay Danny and thank him for looking after the shop. Tina and their little Alfie are down here too, so it’ll be good to see them in much happier circumstances.’
‘It was so good of Danny to step up.’
‘Yes, it really was.’ Rosa let out a breath. ‘He saved my bacon at a very fraught time.’
‘And, Rosa…you’re sure that DC Clarke has calmed down and he’s saying it’s just a formality now, your interview?’
‘Whatever it is, it’s all under control, so please don’t worry. I’m not guilty of anything other than caring.’
‘You are so sweet.’ Josh blew a kiss to her. ‘OK, I’d better go. I’m bloody knackered, what with all the airport goings-on and then worrying about you and Mary. She is going to get through this, isn’t she?’
‘Bless you – I bet you are knackered. As for Mary, I believe she’s on the mend and I hope she can take things easy for a while.’
‘That’s good to hear – and Rosa?’
‘Yes? What have I done now?’
‘Nothing. Just wondered if I’d told you lately that I love you to where the sky touches the sea.’
‘You hadn’t actually,’ Rosa said nonchalantly, her whole being smiling inside and out.
‘Well, I do.’
‘Oh, bugger off and finish your cake.’ Rosa laughed and blew a kiss to her now smirking husband down the screen.
CHAPTER 38
With Alec busy in a counselling session, Sara took the opportunity of walking Brown down to the beach before the bangs and whistles of the fireworks commenced. She was disappointed with Nate. She and Rosa had been nothing but good to him – and not only had he let them down this morning, but she hadn’t been able to get hold of him to give them a hand with opening up for the fireworks this evening. Instead it was Alec, her rock, who had helped her set everything up for the hot chocolates to be served outside, and despite her insistence that Rosa have a night off after her terrible day, her young partner was having none of it.