Happily Never After

Prologue

TWO YEARS AGO

‘So, that went well then,’ I say to Angus with a smile as he carefully negotiates the farm track.

‘What do you mean?’

‘All the research we did about how to choose a puppy. You know, don’t just pick the cutest-looking one, assess their personality by whether they’re curious or fearful.’

‘She didn’t seem fearful to me, and we did do most of the things the books told us. We met the mother and I didn’t spot any of the signs that would have indicated it was a puppy farm.’

‘I’m not convinced she’s all Border Collie,’ I observe.

‘Me neither. I reckon she might be a bit of a Heinz 57, but that can make for a healthier dog. Some of the Kennel Club-approved breeds have all sorts of issues.’

I sigh contentedly. ‘She is very cute though, isn’t she?’

Angus turns to me and grins. ‘You’ve got it just as bad as I have.’

‘What are we going to call her?’

‘I was reading in one of the puppy books that it’s best to go for a short name with hard consonants in it, because dogs find those easier to learn.’

‘Oh, that’s a pity,’ I say with a smile. ‘I was planning on calling her Josephine, or Evangelina.’

He laughs. ‘No, you weren’t.’

‘Hermione? Amethyst?’ I add, joining in with his laughter.

‘Stop it.’

‘What about Tabitha?’

‘Better, but maybe a bit long.’

He’s so transparent, it’s all I can do not to laugh out loud. ‘You’ve already decided on a name, haven’t you?’ I tell him. ‘Come on, spit it out.’

‘Not at all. She’s going to be spending more time with you than me, so I think it’s only fair you name her.’

‘But you have a suggestion.’

He does have the decency to look a little guilty now. ‘I was wondering whether Meg would work. I mean, we can totally choose something else if you hate it, but—’

‘It’s fine,’ I interrupt him. ‘Meg it is.’

A comfortable silence descends as we reach the main road and Angus turns towards home.

‘It’s a big thing, taking on a puppy,’ he observes after a few miles. ‘You know what they say about how getting a pet is merely a precursor to having a baby?’

‘Whoa!’ I cut in with a laugh. ‘One step at a time.’

He pats my thigh reassuringly. ‘Don’t worry. I’m sure Meg will keep us both busy enough. Shall we call into the pet store on the way home and see about getting some bits and pieces for her?’

‘I think that’s an excellent idea.’

I lean back in my seat and close my eyes.

Yes, getting a puppy is a big deal, but I think we’re ready for it, and it’s another sign of our commitment to one another that we’re taking on dog parenthood.

I may have feigned alarm when Angus started talking about babies, but I’d be lying if I said the thought hadn’t crossed my mind too. He’d be a great dad, I reckon.

I’m jolted out of my reverie by my phone ringing in my pocket. The caller ID shows that it’s my agent, Tamara.

‘Laura, I’ve got fabulous news,’ she says before I even have a chance to say hello. ‘The publisher called. They’re really excited by the concept for your next book, to the extent that they’re offering a substantial advance.’ She names a sum that makes me inhale sharply.

‘Is everything OK?’ Angus mouths.

I nod. Tamara is still speaking, telling me about contracts and so on, but I’m no longer listening. This is the biggest advance I’ve ever been offered, and a real sign that the publisher has faith in me. As soon as the call ends, I turn to Angus.

‘We need to make another stop on the way home,’ I tell him.

‘Oh, yes?’ His expression is curious.

‘The publisher bought my concept. We need champagne.’

He laughs. ‘I don’t know why this always surprises you. You’re a bestselling author. You’d have to come up with something truly dreadful for them not to buy it. You really need to learn to ditch the impostor syndrome.’

‘I know, but I think it comes with the territory,’ I tell him.

‘Yeah. And now you’ll agonise over whether the book is shit right up until the point that everyone buys it and loves it because you’re actually very good at what you do. And we know that this book is going to be brilliant, because in a couple of weeks Meg will be there to give you inspiration.’

I lean over to kiss him on the cheek. Angus has been my most vocal supporter from the beginning, and I love him to bits for it. I truly don’t know what I’d do without him.