2.30 pm

“Ma told me to … oh, sorry.” Bobby, his face red, went to back out of the makeshift bedroom.

“It’s okay,” Simon said quickly. “It’s ending.” He helped Kaylee back onto the mattress, lifting her legs up so she could lie flat and covering her with the comforter.

“What, the whole thing?”

“No.” Simon smiled. “Just the contraction.”

“Easy for you to say,” Kaylee muttered, trying to get her breath back and wiping her perspiration-wet hair out of her face. “Next time I’m pinin’ over a baby, or getting all broody, you remind me about this, will you?”

Her husband gazed lovingly at her. “I’ll try, but I doubt it would work.”

Kaylee sighed. “Guess you’re right. Always did want me a large family. You know, when I was younger, thinking about who I was gonna marry in the end.”

“I'm glad it was me, bao bei .” Simon leaned over and kissed the end of her nose.

“That all I get? All of this, and a peck?”

“At the moment.” He grinned. “Don’t worry. In a few weeks you’ll be back to your old self and …” He paused, glanced at Bobby. “Well, you know.”

“No, I don’t.” Kaylee leaned back on the pillows. “And that ain’t ever gonna happen again.”

“So you keep telling me.”

Bobby coughed, feeling his face turning even redder. “Um …”

Kaylee turned to gaze at him. “What, Bobby? Only you’re standing there like a frog at a hare’s wedding.”

Simon raised his eyebrows at the turn of phrase, never having heard that one before.

Bobby held up two mugs. “Ma … she sent some more tea.”

“Good.” Kaylee managed a smile. “All o’ this is making me thirsty.”

Simon shifted on the bed. “Which is a good point,” he said, standing up. “Kaylee, all that tea … I need to …”

She nodded. “I understand. Bobby’ll sit with me a while. Him and me are due a chat, anyway.”

“Shiny.” Simon hurried to the door. “I’ll only be a minute.”

“Don’t rush. It don’t look like anything’s happening quite yet.” He grinned for her and was gone, the door closing softly beh