“I like Sam’s new style.”

“What?” Mal wasn’t really taking in what she was saying, just enjoying the view as Freya moved the pillows into a more comfortable shape behind him, seeing as he was in very close proximity to her chest.

“Sam’s hair. He’s had it cut.” She pushed him back, more than aware of where his eyes had been straying.

“Can’t say I noticed.” He reached up and tried to undo one of the buttons on her shirt.

Freya moved away slightly. “Stop that.”

“Why? We’re married.”

“And you have to rest. You know what Simon said.” She smoothed the blanket, just the one over him because the weather was so mild.

“When’ve we ever listened to him?” He attempted to catch her around the waist but she batted his hand away.

“Today.”

“I feel fine.” At her look, he amended it to, “Better.”

“Good,” she said approvingly. “And I intend keeping you that way.”

He sighed, letting himself fall dramatically back onto the pillow as she tucked an errant corner more tidily. Then, when she didn’t seem to take any notice, sighed again. Still nothing. “Huh.”

She had to chuckle. “Time will fly, honestly.” She sat on the edge of the bed, ruining her good work with the covers, and took his hand in hers. “And then we can swing from the support beams.”

“That’s your thing, not mine.” He grinned. “Not that I mind watching, a’course.”

“Pervert.”

“Thank God.”

She stood up, having to pull her fingers away. “Hungry?”

“Not really.”

“Then you don’t want some of Mrs Boden’s cookies, and maybe a proper mug of coffee, or –“

“On the other hand …” he interrupted quickly.

She grinned. “I’ll be back.”

“Hurry. I'm gonna get lonely without you around to annoy me.”

“That’s my job.” She bent for another soft kiss, then strode to the door. “Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.”

“Well, that gives me a lotta leeway to play with.” He waggled his eyebrows at her.

“Like I said. Pervert.”

“Hey, it takes one to know one.”

She laughed and left the room, almost running into