Cam and Elinor went to appointments together, they picked out baby items with recommendations from the grandmothers-to-be (still standoffish with each other) and argued about their living space. They were looking at places to rent.
Bernie thought that Jason was charming, unlike the rest of his family. They'd bumped into each other outside the fish and chip shop and he'd complimented her on the golden retriever she was babysitting.
'Sadly she's not mine' Bernie said, fondling the dog's head. Fleur gambolled about and chased after leaves. They chatted about dogs and Bernie was impressed that he had a solid canine knowledge. It wasn't until she saw him turn into the road where Elinor lived that she realised he might be her neighbour. The next time she met him, he was most definitely accompanied by a harassed looking Serena who spoke to him hurriedly but kindly. She hadn't realised that Elinor had a brother. When she mentioned him at their next strained meeting (twenty year olds snogging on the sofa, the grandmothers-to-be at the kitchen counter stiltedly sipping coffee), Serena enlightened her about her autistic nephew. Bernie praised him on his knowledge in conversation and tentatively added that she imagined that he could be a bit of a handful. Serena smiled and rolled her eyes.
'Elinor was a bit annoyed we took him on but I couldn't leave him in that place. He has his moments but I wouldn't change him for anything.' Her eyes shone with genuine affection.
Bernie's opinion of the woman was starting to change. Now she could see under the acid exterior lurked a heart of gold. Not everyone would have done that. And taking his side over her own daughter because said daughter was a brat. More than fair at times.
'Well I like talking to him.'
'Talk all you like. He's not always here but when he is, his bedroom is on the top floor and don't disturb him. He'd be delighted if you joined him for his evening programmes.'
'Are you trying to palm him off on me?'
'Just a little bit. It would be nice for him to have more friends and I only have so much patience for the world's strongest man and military documentaries.'
Bernie smiled at the freely issued invitation. She had to admit, she really liked this cosy house. And she had enjoyed Jason's company more than Elinor's. Maybe being forced into this family wasn't all bad. She looked at Serena and received a smile in return that made her heart skip. They sat looking at each other over their coffee cups until Jason blundered in and made a sandwich in their company, chattering all the way. They were surprised when the actual couple of the family shouted their request for dinner. They'd been getting on so well.