Page 109 of A Secret Cornish Wish
‘What about Rosie’s father? Isn’t he involved?’
‘Yes, he contributes what he can.’
‘And your parents, haven’t they helped you out at all?’
‘Of course they have. But they’re getting older now, and they’ve retired to Norfolk. I’m sure even you remember it’s a long way from Glasgow to Norfolk.’
‘Yes . . . but what I mean is you’ve allowed them to help you; why not me?’
‘Because it’s different.’
‘Why is it? We all care about you and Rosie. You know it wasn’t all that long ago I wondered if she might be mine . . . ’
I stare at Rob. Just him saying he still cared is enough to make my stupid stomach jump. And now, as I always knew he would, he’s talking about Rosie.
I’m also very aware that people are likely still watching us – correction – watching Rob.
‘Not here, all right?’ I say, glancing casually around. I see a lot of heads immediately turn the other way.
Rob notices too. ‘Outside, then?’
I nod.
I check where Rosie is, and I see she’s now playing with some of the other children sliding across the dance floor.
Suzy passes by on her way back from the ladies.
‘Suz, can you just watch Rosie for me?’ I ask.
‘Sure,’ she says, looking across at Rob. ‘Where are you going?’
‘Just outside for a bit.’
Suzy raises her eyebrows.
‘No, it’s not like that,’ I insist.
‘Darling, it’s always like that when it comes to you and Rob. Sure, I’ll keep an eye on Rosie. You do what you have to.’
Rob and I hurry outside together before someone decides to brave asking Rob for a selfie or an autograph.
The night air has cooled significantly since I was last out here, so I pull Claire’s pashmina a little tighter around my shoulders while we walk down onto the beach together.
‘I’m going to be honest with you, Rob,’ I tell him, not wasting any time. ‘I wondered for a while if Rosie might be yours too.’
Rob looks hopeful for a moment.
‘But she’s not,’ I say firmly.
‘How do you know? The dates match. You can’t have forgotten Edinburgh.’
‘Of course, I haven’t forgotten. And to be honest, when she was born, I still wasn’t one hundred per cent sure. But the dates matched just that little bit better with Dougie – that’s my ex – rather than you. It wasn’t until we both had to have some blood tests when they thought Rosie might have a genetic disease that I knew for sure he was her father.’
‘Rosie’s all right, though?’ Rob asks, looking worried.
‘Yes, she’s absolutely fine now. We were lucky she didn’t have anything wrong in the end.’
‘Good.’ Rob glances back up at the café. ‘I wish she had been mine.’
