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“Oh.” I nod. “Right.” I don’t know what to say to that, but honestly, I’d no idea that’s how a pregnancy term was measured. Every day is a school day.

“I’m a week further along than Emily,” Grace adds.

“Aye? That’s kind of . . . funny. There were only six days between me and Ally, and now I’m due to become a da a week before him. That’s pretty crazy.”

We lapse into silence for a while. There are probably a thousand different things I should be asking—this is such a massive, life-changing event—but my mind has gone blank. I’m at a loss what to say.

“I’m keeping the baby.” The words come out of the blue, unprompted, answering my unspoken first question. “And I know you’re not cut out to be a father, Aidan. I’ll be doing this by myself.”

I scratch my cheek. “Aye, well, Emily and David live here, so you’ll be coming to visit, and Bannock isn’t big enough for us to avoid each other. Like it or not, Grace, I’ll be a part of the bairn’s life.”

I give her a moment for this to sink in then add, “I suppose we just have to be sensible about this. If there are things you need from me, tell me. Like . . . what about child maintenance? Honestly, I don’t know how that works, or how much it is, but whatever I’m supposed to pay, I’ll pay.”

Obviously, I don’t mention that with the business still being new, and with my plans to move out, it’s not exactly the best timing. Instead, remembering what Maw said, I try to think about things from Grace’s point of view.

“I’m sorry you felt you had to keep this from Emily and David. Have you told anyone in London, like your mum?”

“She’s the last person I want to tell.”

“Oh.”

Subtly glancing at Grace’s belly, I imagine the being growing in there—half me, half her. A sudden current of panic tugs at me, but I resist its pull. I can’t be selfish about this. As Maw pointed out, this is harder for Grace than it is for me. And yet . . . this just isn’t how I saw my life going.

“We should probably get to know each other better,” I say. “I mean, seeing as we’re having a baby together.”

“I’m travelling back to London tonight.” She says it dismissively, like it makes my suggestion an impossibility.

Despite my nerves, I smile. “Damn, if only there were a way to talk to someone who’s in a different place than you.”

Grace snorts. “Are you really suggesting we try long-distance dating?”

“Whoa, whoa, whoa!” I throw my hands up in protest, my nervous smile twisting into a grin. “Who said anything about dating? No offence, but I was just meaning . . . chatting.”

She doesn’t respond straight away, her forehead crinkling as she considers this. “I suppose we could talk,” she says eventually. “I’m glad we clarified it’s not dating because I’ve no interest in that. I’ve decided to focus all my attention on myself and the baby.” She glances down, a hand sliding to her belly.

“All right, cool. We’ll talk.”

This child won’t have a traditional family, but I reckon they might just be lucky to have Grace for a mother. She already seems to care deeply about the bairn, even though she won’t meet them for another six months.

CHAPTER TWELVE

GRACE

I’m in my usual spot in the flat, sitting on my bed, back against the headboard. It’s the middle of November, so rather than sitting on the duvet, I’m under it, with the covers pulled up to my armpits. The heating is on, but I’m cosy like this. I’ve been devouring a romantasy novel all evening—it’s so good—but reaching the end of a chapter, I wake the tablet beside me to check the time.

Seven fifty-eight. Two minutes until my call with Aidan.

I set aside my book then open the device’s camera in selfie mode. I take out my scrunchy and redo my hair, fixing my spiral curls atop my head. Should I put on some lip gloss?

No, that’d be silly. I’m not trying to impress him—I’m only doing these calls because he asked. Although . . . I have come to look forward to them. Since I was in Bannock, we’ve spoken once a week, and today will be our fifth call. I’d suspected Aidan might lose his initial enthusiasm, but no, he’s surprised me. And actually, our chats are fun and make me feel like I’m not entirely alone on this journey.

I come out from under my duvet then grab my pillows and prop the tablet on top of them. No sooner have I moved into a cross-legged pose than it rings.

Eight o’clock. Right on time, as always.

I tap to accept, and Aidan appears against a background of a stunning sandy beach. The water is a deep blue, and the sun is blazing in the sky. He grins at me then turns and shields his gaze, as if checking out the view.

I roll my eyes but can’t quite suppress a chuckle. “Wow,” I say drily, playing along. “I didn’t realise the beaches in Scotland were like that at this time of year. And at night!”