“Penguins!” I exclaim as Will comes to stand beside me. “I didn’t know there were penguins here.”

“Come on, Tills,” says Will, smiling. “Let’s go and show Trish.”

As Tilly wriggles out of the dragon, my brother puts his arm around my shoulder and squeezes.

“Thanks for coming with us today, Trish. It’s been great to spend some time with you.”

I wonder if I’ll ever get used to my brother showing me affection.

“Thanks for inviting me.”

“Tilly and I are having a few people over for Christmas lunch tomorrow. If you don’t have any plans, maybe you’d like to join us. It’s pretty low-key. Steak and sausages on the barbeque, salads, bread rolls.”

Tilly grins up at me and I want to say yes for her sake, but I can’t. This whole family thing is going to take some getting used to.

“Thanks for the invite, only I have plans already. Maybe next year.”

“Sure thing,” says Will.

Tilly looks disappointed for less than a second before she grabs my hand and leads me to the penguins.

28

I’m lying on my bed sipping a peppermint tea and reading a magazine in an attempt to recover from my trip to the zoo. I feel physically and emotionally wiped out, and strangely calm. It’s as if time has slowed and I don’t have to be in a rush to do anything, be anywhere or be anyone. I’m putting it down to pregnancy hormones giving me a false sense of well-being.

When there’s a knock at the front door, I try to maintain my sense of inner peace and slowly get to my feet.

“Hi, Scott,” I say, opening the door.

He smiles and my heart immediately begins to race – so much for staying calm.

“Hey, Trish. You’re looking well.”

“Thanks.”

I invite him in and we make awkward idle chit-chat in the kitchen while I pour him a glass of water.

“You sure you don’t want a tea?” I ask again.

“Just the water thanks, Trish.”

As I hand it over, my fingers brush against his and heat rushes to my face.

“You really didn’t have to get anything for the baby,” I say in a rush.

Is it just hot or have Scott’s cheeks turned red, too?

“I’m not sure you’ll like it,” he says nervously, looking down at the small present in his hand. “In fact, I nearly decided not to give it to you because, well, here…” He shoves the present across the table.

I unwrap it tentatively and lift out the most exquisite caramel knitted cardigan and matching hat.

“They’re gorgeous,” I breathe.

Scott grins. “Well that’s a relief. Not perfect, though – I dropped a stitch near the neckline.”

I stare at Scott, my mouth open. “You made these!” I exclaim, turning them over in my hands. “You’re incredible – very talented, I mean.”