Ginny takes the news that Corey and Constance are having a baby hard.

It’s not fair.

If anyone was a natural at this mother stuff, it’s her. When I see them together, I am watching a mother and daughter. She’s the one Ava turns to when she needs comforting, and when she can’t sleep. I don’t envy them that as my relationship with Ava is just as close.

I know it’s Ginny’s body that won’t co-operate, but I feel like a failure. My girl bravely battles on and holds her head up high when I know she wants to curl up and cry. Because sometimes she does just that.

I wish I could take her pain away.

Neither of us know what will happen now she’s had the surgery, and I’d try over and over again if it would give her what she wanted. But I don’t know how she’ll cope if we lose another one.

It’s a Saturday afternoon, and Ginny and Ava are at home watching a movie. I’m over seeing Moana for the four hundredth time, so I’ve excused myself and made my way down the road to the pub. It’s been a long time since I’ve been here alone. With Ava and then Ginny moving in, all my evenings have been with them.

I haven’t missed this place, but it’s nice to be alone with my thoughts.

My phone buzzes with a text from Adam, responding to the one I sent inviting him here an hour ago.

Lily’s visiting Constance. I’m at home with the kids. Come around here if you want.

My second beer sits in front of me, and the car’s at home, given that it’s not a long walk.

I’m just going to finish this and go home I think. Ava’s movie’s probably finished by now.

Moana? Haha

How did you guess?

Mate, Rose loves the music. I’ve seen it a million times.

I smile. I’m glad to know that at least one of my brothers is going through a Disney obsession too.

“Owen?”

I look up. A blonde woman is heading straight for me, and I take a deep breath. Occasionally, someone from my past turns up somewhere, and when they do I’m always glad if Ginny’s not with me. All it does is hurt her.

“It’s Michelle.”

“Oh.” Shit. Her brother and I were friends through high school. Michelle used to follow me around with big puppy eyes, but there were two reasons why we never hooked up. One was that she was three years younger than me, which is a huge amount when you’re fourteen. And the other thing was that she was Brian’s sister. That made her a no-go zone as far as I was concerned.

“Hey, mate.” Brian’s right behind her, and I smile at him.

“Hi.”

“Mich has just moved back from Wellington, so we thought we’d come down to have a welcome home drink.”

I nod. “Fair enough.”

“It feels like we haven’t seen each other forever,” she says, nudging my arm.

“You’ve been gone five years.” Brian laughs. “I’ll get the beers.”

“I’m not staying,” I say.

“Just the one? I haven’t seen you down here for ages.” Brian says.

“Okay. Just the one. Then I have to go.”

“Why? Got a hot date?” Michelle laughs.

“Something like that.”

We sit in awkward silence for a minute.

A beer appears in front of me, and I nod toward Brian. “Thanks, mate.”

“No problem. How’ve you been?”

“Good. Really good. Life’s a bit of a rollercoaster, but I think we’re on the right track now.”

Brian looks over at Michelle. “Owen found out a little while ago that he had a daughter.”

She smiles. “Why am I not surprised?”

Her comment irritates me, even though I know it’s not meant in a nasty way.

Michelle leans in closer, hooking her arm around my shoulders. I try and shrug her off, but she doesn’t get the message.

Her brother’s not so slow. “How’s Ginny?” Brian asks.

“She’s good. Her and Ava are watching Moana, and I’m a bit over it. I’ll be heading home once I finish this drink.”

“Mich, why don’t you go and play pool? I’m sure someone will turn up to play against you.” His tone is resigned, like he knows she’s not going away. Maybe it’s time to stop being subtle.

“Owen?”

I turn to see Ginny, hand in hand with Ava, staring at me. She shifts her gaze to Michelle, and if looks could kill, Michelle would be about twenty feet under.

“Babe, I was just saying to Brian that I’m going after this beer.” I hop off the bar stool, shaking free from Michelle’s arm.

“Oh, you were.” Her tone is flat.

“I don’t know if you know Michelle, Brian’s little sister? She’s just moved back to town.”

Ginny’s expression stays tight, but she nods toward Michelle.

“Let’s go grab a booth and order some food.” I take Ava by the hand and slip my other arm around Ginny’s waist and guide them toward an empty booth.

From out of nowhere, Mary Cuthbert appears. “Ava.”

Ava’s eyes widen, and she giggles as Mary sweeps her into her arms.

“Are you here for dinner? Me too,” Mary says. She looks between Ginny and me. “Can I steal this little one? You two can have a nice quiet dinner, and Ava can sit at my noisy table.”

She jerks her head toward the table behind her, and I smile at the sight of Joe, her husband, surrounded by their four grandchildren.

“Family night out?” I ask.

“Something like that. We’ve got a full house this weekend.” She jiggles Ava. “One more for dinner won’t make a difference.”

“Do you want to go?” Ginny asks.

Ava nods.

“Go on then. We’ll just be here.” I shift my gaze to Mary. “Put her dinner on my tab.”

They disappear, and I take a big breath before slipping into the booth beside Ginny.

“You’re not going to invite your friend, Michelle, to join us?”

“Why would I do that?”

Ginny shrugs. “I don’t know. She seems pretty friendly.”

“She’s always been touchy-feely. I’ve never been there, though, and I don’t plan on ever going there.”

Ginny looks tired. Has she looked that way for a while? God, I love this woman, and the hell she’s been through these past few months has worn her down.

“I love you,” I say. Gripping her chin, I pull her face toward me and kiss her softly. “I know things are tough right now, but you know my love for you will never change.”

She snuggles in against me. “I keep thinking maybe I should offer you an out.”

“I don’t want one. I’ve got everything I need.” I plant a kiss on her forehead. “I’ll order us some food. What do you want?”

She picks up the menu waiting on the table, studying it for a moment.

“The fish and chips are usually good.”

I grin. “Good choice. We can recreate our first meal together.”

She laughs, and it’s music to my ears. I have no idea what I’d do without my Ginny.

She’s quiet during dinner, and more than once I catch her watching Michelle. Michelle and Brian are still sitting at the bar, and I just wish they’d go home or something.

I pick up an onion ring and smile.

Ginny looks up as I slide out of the booth. I grab her hand to pull her with me.

“What are you doing?” Her laugh is half-hearted.

When I step out, I turn, dropping to one knee.

“Owen.” She casts her gaze around. No one’s paying much attention to us. They’re all eating and drinking.

“Virginia Helen Robinson, will you do me the very great honour of becoming my wife?” I slide the onion ring onto her ring finger as her expression grows emotional.

“Why are you doing this?” she croaks.

“I want you. I’d be lost without you, Gin. I want us to get married, and for you to adopt Ava.”

“Adopt Ava?” Tears slide down her cheeks.

“We should make it official.”

She slips her arms around my neck. “I love that idea. And I love you. Owen Campbell, I would very much like to accept.”

I stand, pulling her to her feet and kiss her.

She laughs and snuggles into my chest. “Can we get a real ring?”

“We’ll go shopping tomorrow. Maybe Ava can pick something out.”

She raises her head. “You know that means I’ll end up with a Paw Patrol watch or something.”

I chuckle. “Maybe you can get one of those and a ring.”

“Owen.” I turn at the sound of Mary’s voice. “Ava’s got something to ask you.”

I raise my eyebrows and look down at my daughter. “Do you?”

She nods, and I let go of Ginny, squatting in front of her.

Ava leans closer. “Daddy, can I go for a sleepover?”

“I can’t see why not. Should we ask Ginny?”

She fixes her blue eyes on Ginny. “Mummy, can I go for a sleepover?”

Ginny nods. “That’s a great idea, sweet pea. We’re going for a drive to Carlstown tomorrow, but if you want to stay with Mary tonight, it’s fine with me.”

“The kids are all getting on so well. My youngest moko is the same age as Ava, and the two of them have really hit it off,” Mary says. “Besides, I saw what just happened.” She winks, and we laugh.

“You’re the only one who did, I think.” I grin. “Ava’s only ever had sleepovers at Adam’s place. We’ll pop home and grab some things for her.”

Mary shakes her head. “Don’t worry about it. We’ve got plenty. I’ll drop her off in the morning.”

I grin. “Are you sure?” Leaning in, I murmur, “She wears a pull-up to sleep.”

“So does Kiana. We’ll be fine. Enjoy your night.”

I scoop Ava up into my arms and plant a kiss on her cheek. She giggles and reaches for Ginny. Ginny pecks her on the cheek, too.

“Love you. Have fun.” Ginny shifts her gaze to Mary. “Please call us any time if she needs picking up. Have you got the bakery number? It’s forwarded to the house at night.”

Mary nods. “I do, and I will.”

As she walks away, I slide my arm around Ginny. “That was an unexpected bonus.”

“I’ll miss her.”

“So will I, but we get to celebrate. Just the two of us.”

She widens her eyes. “Whatever will we do?”

I grin. “Oh, I have plenty of ideas.”

I’m shattered.

Ginny and I have had a lot of sex since we got together, but last night was like running a marathon. I might work out, but I’m not made for this.

It makes me laugh when I think of my reputation prior to being with Ginny. No woman ever put as many demands on me as Ginny did, but oh, how I loved giving in to them.

When I roll over, I smile at the sight of her.

She’s lying on her stomach, her auburn hair all over the damn place. I can’t see her face as it’s buried underneath all that hair.

“Ginny,” I whisper.

“What?” she mumbles. “I’m tired. You wore me out last night.”

Laughing, I plant a kiss in her hair. “How about I make breakfast?”

“That sounds like a good idea. Gotta prove you’re husband material somehow.” She chuckles, and I land my hands on her waist, tickling her.

She shrieks. “Owen!” Ginny rolls over and onto her back. The love she has for me is written all over her face, and it makes me smile. This makes up for the tough times.

“Oh, so you’re still going to marry me?”

Ginny runs her fingers through my hair. “Maybe. If you’re lucky.”

She’s so beautiful, her long hair spread out over the pillow. Her eyes still show signs of her recent tiredness, but she’s happy. Seeing her like this warms my heart.

“I’m already lucky. I have the best girlfriend—”

“Fiancée.” She grins.

“Fiancée. I stand corrected.” I laugh. “Ava’s going to be so excited when she finds out we’re getting married.”

Ginny’s eyes widen. “We can look for little flower girl dresses. Ohhh, Owen, she’s going to look gorgeous.”

“So will you. Let’s not wait too long.” I peck her on the lips. “I’ll go and make some breakfast.”

As I reach the living room, there’s a knock on the door, followed by a giggle I’d know anywhere. I pull open the door to see Ava grinning up at me.

“Not today, thank you.” I push the door as if to close it.

“Daddy …” She laughs.

“One Ava, returned home safe and sound,” Mary says.

“Thanks, Mary. I hope she wasn’t too much trouble.”

Ava scoots around me and heads up the hallway.

“No manners. I hope she said thank you.”

Mary nods. “She’s lovely. She has better manners than my lot. Any time you want a night off, just let me know. Ava’s always welcome at my place.”

“Thank you so much. We really appreciate it.”

“It’s never a problem. See you soon, and congratulations, you two.”

I smile as I close the door. “Shit.”

“What is it?” Ginny asks from the hallway.

“We’re going to have to make a few phone calls today. As much as I love Mary, news of our engagement will be all over the place by lunchtime.”

She laughs. “I’ll just call my mum. She’ll spread the word on my side.”

“Have you told Ava?”

“Not yet. She’s literally just walked in the door. I thought we could do it together?”

Ginny leads Ava into the living room.

“Come and sit down, sweet pea,” I say.

We all sit on the couch. For a moment, I’m distracted by the fact that Ginny’s dressed in one of my T-shirts, her long bare legs stretching out in front of her, and …

“Owen?” Ginny sounds amused.

“Sorry. Ava, do you want to go for a drive to Carlstown today?”

Ava nods.

I take a breath. “We’re going to find Ginny a very special ring.”

“A ring?” Ava’s eyebrows knit.

“Well, Daddy and Ginny are getting married.”

Her mouth forms a perfect O as she stares at me. “Can we have a wedding?”

I nod. “It might take a little while because we’ve got our new house coming too, but we can have a wedding. And there’s something else.”

Ginny looks at me, confused.

“I’m going to make it so that Ginny is your mummy. I know you already call her that, but we’ll make it all official.”

Tears appear in Ginny’s eyes. Ava says nothing.

“Ava?”

“Ginny is my mummy. And then I have my other mummy.”

I nod. “Just like you have two daddies.”

She beams as if she’s the smartest kid on the planet.

And that’s because she is.

“Breakfast’s ready.”

Ava leaps onto one of the chairs, and I shake my head. “Are you hungry, by any chance?”

“I am,” Ginny says. “Starving after last night. All that exercise made me hungry.”

I chuckle. “Bacon and eggs, coming right up.”

I place a plate in front of each of them and sit down with my own. Ginny’s eyelids flutter.

“Are you okay?” I ask.

The colour disappears from her face, and she slaps her hand across her mouth. “I can’t eat that.”

“My cooking’s not that bad,” I joke.

“No, it’s just …” She gags, and stands, running from the room toward the bathroom.

Ava and I look at each other. “Mummy’s sick?”

I nod. “Looks like it.”

Leaving Ava at the table to eat her breakfast, I walk to the hallway. “Gin, are you okay?”

“I’ll be fine.” Her voice wobbles.

“Let me know if you need anything.”

Still worried, I sit at the table. Ginny’s been through more than enough these past few months.

“I love bacon.” Ava stabs a piece with her fork.

“So do I. Is this your second breakfast today?”

She nods. “We hobbits today, Daddy.”

“Well, you are, sweet pea.” I laugh. She learned that from me a long time ago. I’m so proud of how smart my girl is, and how good her memory is. Except for when she uses it against me. “Owen, can you come in here?” Ginny’s voice shakes as she calls me from the bathroom.

I run.

She’s standing in the centre of the room, tears streaming down her face. In her hand is a pregnancy test. My heart lurches at the sight of it. Despite our promises to each other not to stress, every month is agonising no matter which way it goes.

“Hey, hey, it’s okay. We knew this could take time. Do you know what I think? I think we should just relax and forget about it. Just be together and if we make a baby, we make a baby.” I don’t know what to say about what will happen if she suffers another miscarriage. I’m not sure she can take it again.

She shakes her head. “No. I’m not crying because I’m not pregnant. We did it.” Ginny raises her hand to show me the white stick, and for a second it’s so close to my face it’s fuzzy, but sure enough, there are two stripes.

“We did it?”

Ginny nods. “I don’t know if it’ll stick, but we did it again. And now I’ve had the surgery there’s a better chance.”

“I know. Let’s just take it slowly and see how we go.” Inside, I’m screaming with joy.

“Daddy?” Ava sticks her head around the door and frowns. “Why are you crying, Mummy?”

Whenever Ava calls Ginny that, it just makes her cry harder. Now is no exception.

“She’s just really happy about something.” I hold my arms open, and Ava leaps into them. I stand with her in my grasp. “Give her a hug.”

Ava stretches across and wraps her arms around Ginny’s neck. “I love you.”

“I love you, too,” Ginny whispers.

“Don’t cry, Mummy.”

“I always cry when you call me that.”

Ava’s mouth falls open.

“It’s okay, though. I love you calling me Mummy.”

Ava clings to Ginny, and I’m reluctant to let her go the whole way into Ginny’s arms. Ginny will be doing as little as possible if I have anything to do with it.

“How about we all go and sit down on the couch together?”

Ava nods, letting go of Ginny, but not taking her eyes off her. Those two are so close that every up and down Ginny goes through, Ava’s right along with her.

When we get to the couch, Ava crawls onto Ginny’s lap and those arms go back around Ginny’s neck.

“I’m fine, baby,” Ginny whispers, hugging Ava tight.

“I don’t like you crying.”

“You know what? I’m just so happy to have you and your dad in my life. I love us being a family.”

I extend my arm, and Ginny snuggles into me, Ava in tow. More than anything, I wish I could capture this feeling in a bottle and hold onto it forever.

It takes half the morning to call around the family with the engagement news. In the afternoon we drive to Carlstown where Ava picks out the perfect ring, and a Paw Patrol watch.

The whole day, I watch Ginny.

Every so often, she stops and places her hand on her stomach, and a small smile appears on her face. I love seeing that smile, but the thought of something going wrong terrifies me. If she loses this baby, it will kill her inside.

By the time she joins me in bed, she’s looking relaxed and happy. Long may that last.

I open my arms to her, and she nestles in.

“No sex tonight?” she asks.

“I think you took every last drop out of me last night. My balls need to recover.”

She laughs. “I’ll leave your balls alone tonight, then.”

“They might like it if you …” I don’t finish my sentence because the bemused look on her face tells me she’s going nowhere near them.

“Ava took the news well.”

“She loves us. She had her whole life turned upside down, and between us we’ve turned it the right way up.” I kiss Ginny on the forehead.

“I love her, Owen. I’ll be a good mother to her. No matter what else happens.”

“I already know that. You’re a good mother now.” I pause. “I’ll always be sorry that she doesn’t have her biological mother in her life, but she’s happy. Can you imagine how excited she’ll be when she finds out she’s going to be a big sister?”

Ginny grins. “I can’t wait to tell her.”

I place my hand on her stomach. “This one just needs to keep safe a few more weeks and we can tell her. Or you can. I want to see the look on her face when she realises.”

Ginny’s eyes are so full of life, and love. “Me too.”