Emma had to acknowledge the truth of that, even though it made her feel uncomfortable. If Darcy had given in to her pressure to have another baby immediately after Holly died and then not been the family man Emma had wanted, she would have blamed him even more. She hadn’t been fair to him, just as Dave wasn’t being fair to Alana.
“When a couple’s desires and expectations don’t match, there’s bound to be trouble,” Emma said. “Do you still love him? Do you want to stay married?”
Alana nodded.
“You have to be totally honest with him. Find a way to compromise. I know I said this before, but if you’re talking about splitting up, it’s the only way.” It’s what she should have done. Her marriage breakdown had been partly her fault. It was hard to admit, but it was true.
Equally hard to admit was her part in Holly’s death. She hadn’t been completely honest with Darcy, too afraid he wouldn’t love her if he knew what she’d done—and hadn’t done—that day. Instead she’d been a coward, keeping her secret bottled up inside, unwilling to let her perfect image slip. And she’d lost him anyway.
“Compromise,” Alana repeated bitterly. “I know—I’ll have half a baby and Dave can look after it.”
“You have a right to expect help. If he wants another kid, he shouldn’t expect you to make all the sacrifices. Work it out with Dave, somehow. You’ve got to. He’s a good man, Alana. Tessa needs both of you to be a family.” The same as Billy needed her and Darcy. She felt like a fraud. “Don’t give up on your marriage. You’ll regret it forever.”
Alana took a tissue from the box on the counter and handed one to Emma. “Do you still love Darcy?”
Emma hesitated, then slowly nodded. “I think so.”
“Maybe you’d better listen to your own advice.”
* * *
DARCY WENT DOWN the street to the deli for an early lunch. Emma making plans to move out had left him restless and uneasy. Having her and Billy stay had given him a glimpse of how life could be. At his parents’ house, where he’d been reminded of the simple joy and comfort of family, he hadn’t wanted to rule out a reconciliation.
But although he cared deeply about Emma and the sex was great and he liked having her around, neither of them was willing to rush into another relationship and risk disaster. Over the past year he’d gotten himself on an even keel. If they tried again and failed... He didn’t think he could go through that level of anguish again.
He placed his order at the counter then, carrying his number on a metal stand, looked for a seat in the crowded café. Wayne Overton was seated by the window dressed in his signature black on black. The sun gleamed on his bald head. Darcy quickly moved his gaze past Wayne then was forced to return. The only empty seat was at Wayne’s table.
“Pull up a pew.” Wayne pushed out a chair with his foot.
Darcy plunked his number on the table and sat. “This is awkward.”
Wayne took a forkful of pasta and used a chunk of bread to mop up the sauce. “If you’d like to apologize, I’m listening.”
Darcy snorted. He glanced around again, hoping to see an acquaintance with a spare seat. Nope, nada.
He cracked his knuckles. Shifted his feet. Then made himself relax. While he didn’t like Wayne, he could usually find some common ground with most people. Maybe if he used this opportunity to get to know the man, they could lessen the antagonism and come to an agreement not to poach each other’s business.
There was one topic guaranteed to strike a chord with most Australian males. “So, Wayne, what football team do you barrack for?”
Wayne’s gaze narrowed. “I’m not into football. I’m from New South Wales. I follow rugby league.”
Great, a dead end. Darcy fiddled with the sugar sachets. “Do you play any sports yourself?”
“What do you want, Lewis? It’s a bit late for the welcome to the neighborhood schtick.”
“Just trying to be friendly. What part of New South Wales are you from? I have an aunt in the town of Wisemans Ferry on the Hawkesbury River.”
“Yeah?” A glimmer of interest showed in Wayne’s eyes. He pushed his plate away and pulled out a toothpick. “My dad runs a houseboat charter in Brooklyn not far from there.”
“A few years ago my ex-wife and I rented a houseboat for a week. Loved it. Gorgeous country. I’m surprised