‘Oh, Jay!’ Betty leaned over and gave him a hug. ‘If you’re still in love with her you have to fight for her. You’ll need to do something big to convince her that you made a mistake, but she really is the one for you.’
‘What kind of something big?’
Betty shook her head. ‘Now, that, son, is up to you.’
* * *
‘Oh, my word, Liz, she’s so tiny!’
When Emma had arrived on the ward, Liz had asked if she’d wheel her down to the baby unit so they could visit the baby together.
‘I know, but she’s a fighter. The nurses say she’s doing really well considering how prem she was.’
‘And she’s going to be all right?’
Liz shrugged, suddenly looking downcast. ‘I don’t know. It’s just a question of taking it one day at a time and hoping forthe best. She could have problems further down the line, but we won’t know until they do tests and see how she develops.’
Emma’s heart went out to her friend and she tried to find the words to console her. ‘As you say, though, she’s a little fighter and we’ll all keep our fingers crossed for her. How’s Alex?’
Emma could see that Liz was welling up. ‘To be honest, I don’t think it’s really hit him yet. He’s still in shock. But he was dog-tired so I sent him home for a few hours’ sleep. I just hope he gets some.’
‘And what about you?’
‘I’m okay. Sore, but that’s inevitable. If all is well they’re going to send me home tomorrow. I’ll still be here most of the time until this little one is well enough to come home, but that won’t be for weeks.’
‘Like you say, all you can do is take it one day at a time.’
Liz smiled as she gazed at her baby. ‘Yes. I can’t tell you how much love I feel for her already. The mum hormones have really kicked in.’
‘You’re going to be a great mum. And Alex will be a great dad too.’
‘I hope so. It’s only what baby Isabel deserves.’
‘Oh, what a lovely name!’ Emma peered into the crib. ‘Yes, I think it suits her.’ She saw Liz yawn. ‘Shall we go back to the ward?’
Liz nodded. ‘I’ll come back later when Alex is here.’
When they were back on the ward, Emma handed over the bag of goodies she’d bought this afternoon, after she and Jay had finished their interviews. ‘Here’s a few bits for you and the baby.’ She’d had a lovely time shopping for Babygros, bibs and cardigans, as well as some luxury items for Liz and a big box of chocolates.
‘Oh, Emma, thank you. There’s no need for that.’
‘It’s only a few bits. I bought the smallest Babygros I could find, but even they probably won’t fit her yet.’
‘No, but they are adorable, Emma, and hopefully she’ll soon grow into them. Thank you.’
‘My pleasure,’ Emma said.
‘So tell me, then, how are you and Jay?’
‘Good,’ Emma said. ‘We interviewed Chen and Mia this morning. Chen is happy to start as soon as he’s worked his notice and Mia can start next week. I’ve spoken to my manager and she’s agreed for me to take some leave so I can help her out in her early days.’
‘Oh, Em, that’s so good of you. Thank you. I know Jay was getting ready to take over, but not quite as soon as this. And I’m so glad you’ve made it up with each other.’
‘We’re not back together,’ Emma said hurriedly. She didn’t want Liz to get the wrong idea. ‘We had a good talk last night and he understands that I’m not with Nick, or at least I think he does. But we’ve agreed that we’re only going to be friends from now on. Especially while I help out with the business until everyone’s up to speed.’
‘But you still love each other, don’t you?’
‘It’s not as simple as that,’ Emma said.
