Lucas turned up promptly at 10 on Sunday morning as he'd said he would. He took in Jo's pretty but casual attire of a breezy skirt, singlet and cardigan approvingly and smiled at her. "Where are we going?" she asked.
"Brighton," he answered.
Jo answered but letting out something that sounded very like a happy sigh.
"Do you like Brighton?" Lucas asked.
"Ooh yes – we used to go there when I was little. I knew that whenever we went to Brighton I would always get candy floss and an ice cream," she said smiling happily.
"Well," said Lucas, leaning in to whisper in her ear, "we'll have to make sure that you get candy floss and an ice cream this time too. Especially now that you're eating for two."
Jo wasn't quite sure what to make of his gentle teasing but smiled back at him a little hesitantly.
"Shall we go then?" he asked smoothly, offering her his arm.
**
They spent the day strolling along the seaside, visiting the gardens and a local cafe. Lucas insisted on paying for lunch. Jo had to assure him every couple of hours in response to his questions that no, she wasn't too tired and yes, she was feeling quite well.
Jo did get her candy floss and a deluxe model chocolate chip ice cream which Lucas surprised her with while she was sitting on a bench by the sea.
They stopped at a little café for afternoon tea just after 3. After ordering coffee and cake, Lucas got around to asking Jo something that had been at the back of his mind for a while.
"So are you going to tell Ros about the baby tomorrow? You know you'll need to be transferred to desk duties - field officer work is too risky."
Jo sighed, knowing Lucas was right – as usual. She wasn't looking forward to her little chat with Ros and the questions that might follow.
"I will. I can ask Ros to keep it quiet but I'm afraid it will only be a matter of time before everyone knows. Given that the office is full of people paid to be discrete there are some pretty shocking gossips amongst them – and once they find out you're involved too things will just get even worse," she said, shaking her head.
She paused then continued – her voice half serious, half mischievous, "Maybe I could throw them off the scent by telling them it's someone else's."
"Malcolm perhaps? Or Harry?," asked Lucas, trying not to laugh.
"I have to say that find your comments to be in extremely poor taste," said Jo with dignity, before dissolving into a giggle.
****
At the end of the day as they returned home Lucas asked Jo what she was doing next Sunday.
"I don't know really," was her reply.
"Perhaps we should do this again?" Lucas asked smiling.
Jo nodded in reply, "what did you have in mind?"
"Hmm, I think I'd like to keep that a surprise."
Jo sighed happily, "I do like surprises."