“Thanks,” I say. “For everything.”

“No problem.” He fills Emma in on the time between contractions before giving me a quick peck on the cheek. “Good luck,” he says before disappearing out of the door.

“Bye, Scott,” calls Lily. “Thanks for calling me.”

The second he’s gone, three sets of eyes turn to me and raise their eyebrows in unison.

“What?”

Lily rolls her eyes. “Trish, as soon as you pop this sprog, we’ll be demanding full details on Mr Dark and Dashing. You’ve clearly been keeping him on the down-low.”

“What was he even doing here?” demands Mags. “Are you sleeping with him?”

“No!”

Mags slaps her hand to her chest. “Thank God! That would just be too weird.”

“It wouldn’t be that weird,” says Emma. “Well, OK, maybe a bit.”

“Hello,” I shout. “In labour here.” Already, the oncoming contraction is making me shake.

“Oh, shit. Sorry,” says Lily. “Do you want to get back on the floor?”

I shake my head. “Mags,” I hiss through clenched teeth. “What were those bloody breathing ex” I’m physically incapable of finishing my sentence. Instead, I lean heavily against Mags and groan.

“Trish, honey, you’re doing great,” says Emma, patting my back lightly.

Too lightly. I wish Scott’s firm hand were there instead. I stagger to my room, crawl onto the bed and curl up on my side.

Mags kneels beside my head. “OK, Trish, let’s try one of those breathing exercises.”

I nod and fix my eyes on her face.

“Breathe in deeply and exhale slowly, evenly in and out, in and out.”

She demonstrates and I try to follow, but my breathing remains fast and shallow.

“I can’t,” I gasp.

Someone has removed my sandals and is rubbing the soles of my feet. I can’t decide if I like it or if it’s the most annoying thing in the world. The contraction eases and I allow my tense body to relax.

“Well done, Trish,” says Emma. “Now, have you called the midwife?”

“Yes, she’s coming soon.”

“Good, then let’s sort your bag for the hospital.”

I point to my wardrobe. “It’s in there.”

Emma opens the wardrobe door and pulls out a small blue suitcase. “This it?”

I nod. “The car seat is in the hall,” I mutter. “I should have put it in the car already.”

Lily leaps to her feet. “I’m on it,” she calls.

We know without speaking how relieved Lily is to have an excuse to escape the room.

Less than five seconds pass before Lily returns, her eyes wide and hysterical.

“The midwife’s here,” she says breathlessly. “I saw her pull up.”

“Are you going to let her in or just stand there?” asks Mags.

“Oh, oh, yes.” Lily dashes out again and I manage a small laugh.

“I think she’s going to need a sedative,” says Emma.