‘With pelican wallpaper.’ Owen smiled.
‘Yes, what more could a little girl want?’
‘Financial security,’ Owen said, his smile fading, feeling like he’d burst his own balloon. He downed the last of the chocolate and handed the mug to Lexie. ‘That was nice. Thanks. I think I’ll go to bed now.’
* * *
Lexie stood for a minute,holding two mugs – one empty. The other (hers) was still half full and listened as Owen moved through the flat, going into the bathroom and turning on the shower. In years of working as a wedding photographer, she’d learned how quickly the magical stardust of a wedding day could be blown away. She could only hope her brother’s day was finishing better than her own. Sighing, she took the mugs to the sink.
* * *
Owen was showeredand in bed when Lexie finished in the kitchen. He listened to her moving in the bathroom. The shush of the high-power shower, the buzz of her toothbrush. He remembered he used to have an electric toothbrush and wondered what had happened to it.
‘Here I am.’ The mattress dipped. ‘Shove over for me.’ Lexie touched his back. ‘Do you think we should get a bigger bed?’
He rolled over and pulled her into his arms. ‘No. This one’s fine. Anyway, it would be a problem getting anything bigger up those stairs.’
‘Hmm, you’re right.’
He felt her curls, slightly damp from the shower, soft against his shoulder.
‘What time do you need to leave tomorrow?’ she asked.
‘I’ve got to catch the ten-thirty train. We’re meeting Margaret in Trafalgar Square at noon.’
‘That’s a change from St. James’ Park. Won’t Emi be upset at missing her pelicans?’
‘I’m hoping she’ll consider the Christmas tree in the square a fair swap, and I’ve promised I’ll take her to Hamleys if Margaret agrees.’
They fell into a comfortable silence, then Lexie stretched over to switch off the bedside lamp and wriggled back alongside Owen, placing herself face to face with him. He could see the moonlight reflecting in her eyes as she moved in for a kiss.
‘You taste of toothpaste,’ he said, slipping his hand under the cover, resting his palm on her belly, soft and warm.
‘So do you.’ She kissed him again.
‘Thank you, Lex.’
‘What for?’
‘For being brilliant with Emi. These last two days have been more than I could have ever hoped for. Emi loves you now.’
‘And I love her. She’s a fantastic little girl, just as marvellous as her dad.’
‘Flatterer,’ Owen grunted and pulled Lexie into his arms.
‘It’s true.’ Lexie snuggled closer and said, ‘She’s clever and kind, like a sunny version of you.’
‘Are you saying I’ve got a dark personality?’
‘Sometimes you get moody. When things get you down.’
‘That’s it!’ He nipped her ear. ‘No sex for you tonight, madam … calling me moody.’
Lexie giggled. Then after a second, she said, ‘I didn’t expect any sex tonight, not with Emi sleeping next door. You get noisy when excited.’
‘I don’t.’
‘You do.’ Lexie giggled again, adding, ‘It’s one of the many things I like about you.’
