“Your standards for men are quite low," Alick said.

Flirtingly, Annis asked, "If we have a child, could you do what he does? He's practically his daughter's servant."

Confidently, Alick said, “If we have a child, I'll do even better than him."

"I should hold you to that promise," Annis said, clinging to his arm.

Perhaps the memory of Annis' miscarriage caused Alick's expression to darken a bit.