She shouldn’t do it—get excited, that is. Not until Tally had spoken to Cash. Knowing Cash as she did, Em fully expected him to go ballistic about the potential surrogacy, but Tally had seemed so certain, so determined, to be a surrogate. If anyone could talk Cash around, it was Tal.

It was the ideal solution. Genetically, the baby would still be her and David’s, and with Tally acting as the “incubator”, well, it would bring them all even closer, if that was possible.

David poked his head inside their room, spotted she was alone, and came in. Poor guy didn’t even get to close the door before Em blurted, “Tally’s offered to be a surrogate.”

David’s eyes widened. Closing the door as though on auto pilot, his jaw went slack with shock. “She what?”

Em grabbed his hand and urged him to sit.

“That’s what she wanted to talk to me about. It’s a great idea, don’t you think? I mean there are some pretty massive hurdles to overcome. The whole IVF thing, research into the legalities and stuff. Not to mention Cash. He’s probably the biggest obstacle but, if anyone can talk him around, Tally can, right? God, David, this could be it. We could be parents.”

He made a calming motion with his hands. “Slow down, Em. How did this come about?”

Her stomach jolted. Why wasn’t he jumping up and down like she was? “She offered. Out of the blue. I didn’t broach this with her, I promise. But it’s fantastic, right?”

David rubbed the back of his neck, his eyebrows drawn down into a low frown. “Oh, babe, I don’t know. I mean that’s a hell of a strain to place on an important friendship.”

“But it’s Tally. She wouldn’t have offered if she wasn’t one hundred percent sure she wanted to do it.”

“Wouldn’t she?” David asked. “You are so close, she must be hurting nearly as much as we are over the fact we can’t have a baby naturally. It’s just like her to try to fix everything.”

Em’s shoulders drooped, and she nibbled on her lip. “You didn’t see her, David. She really wants to do this.”

He tilted up her chin, his soft, loving, gaze warming her insides. “I’m sure her intentions are completely honourable. I’m not saying we shouldn’t discuss it further with her, and with Cash, but please don’t get your hopes up too much—not yet—there’s a long way to go before it’s time to break out the champagne. I’m still not sure how I feel about it all yet.”

Em’s chin trembled, her smile wavering. “You’re right. I hate it when you’re right. There’s a lot to discuss and we have to make sure it’s the right thing for all of us. But, oh God, if this works out, it will be a dream come true.”

David brushed her lips with his. “One day at a time, okay?”

“I promise. Shall we go for a walk along the beach? I could do with clearing my head.”

David nodded. “Sounds good.”

They were halfway down the stairs when a door slammed behind them. Em glanced over her shoulder – and her heart plummeted. Cash was marching towards them, his cheeks flushed red, his face like thunder. Only one thing could have made him so furious.

“Cash,” Em said, holding out an arm to stop him storming past.

He glared down at her. “Tell me you didn’t put her up to this?”

She shook her head. “I didn’t. I swear. Look, I know it must have come as a bit of a shock, but—”

“A bit of a shock?” Cash snarled. “Fucking hell, Emmalee, understatement of the fucking century. You should have told her no. I’m sorry you can’t have a child, really I am, but Jesus Christ, this is an insane idea.”

“Why don’t we all sit down and talk properly?” David said.

Cash laughed bitterly. “What’s the point in that? Because she isn’t doing it. End of.”

He stomped down the stairs. Another door slammed, then silence.

Em blew out a breath. “Shit.”

“You can’t blame him for being angry, not to mention a little scared, too. It’s a big thing – huge, in fact.”

“I know.” She squeezed David’s arm. “Rain check on the walk? I need to talk to Tally.”

David kissed her cheek. “Go.”

Em jogged back upstairs and tapped on Tally’s bedroom door, then entered. Tally was sitting on the couch, wearing a resigned, if slightly bruised, expression.

“He took it well, then.” Em said.

“You saw him?”

“Yeah. Breathing fire.”

Tally nibbled her lip. “I think he was more hurt by the fact I spoke to you first.” She swept a hand over her face. “Not the best idea in hindsight.”

“Look,” Em said, taking hold of her friend’s hand. “Forget it, Tal. It isn’t worth all this upset. I won’t allow my inability to have a baby to come between you two.”

Tally’s lips mashed into a determined line. Em knew that expression well, it was Tally’s dogged, resolute, no-one-is-veering-me-from-this-path, look.

“He’ll come around.”

Em raised an eyebrow. “You think? I’ve seen Cash angry a few times over the years, but the fact that he nearly took the skin off my face as he stormed off suggests, well, he’s madder than mad.”

Tally’s head fell back against the couch. “Merry Christmas, Em.”

Em laughed, even though her heart felt like it was breaking. High hopes had turned into crashing disappointment in a matter of minutes.

“I really appreciate the offer, more than I’ll ever be able to express, Tal. But I’m saying no.”

“Just give me some time to work on him. You know Cash – he likes to fly off the handle, then he’ll calm down and allow his rational mind to have a say.”

Em shook her head. “I really want a baby, Tal, and your offer is amazing. I’ll never forget it, but like I said, it’s not worth causing problems in your relationship.”

Tally rested her head on Em’s shoulder. “Don’t give up yet. Let me talk to him properly when he’s calmer, and if he’s still insistent it’s a no, then...” She sighed. “Then I’ll respect his wishes – and withhold sex for a month to show my displeasure.”

Em chuckled. “Come on, let’s go and get shit faced, then push Rupe in the pool.”

Tally grinned. “Deal.”