I feel laughter swell inside me like a pocket of air, then I begin to giggle. Emma and Mags join in and soon we’re collapsing against each other, breathless, with tears in our eyes. Finally, I have something I can write on my list of three things I’m grateful for tonight. I was worried I’d struggle to find anything again. The past few days the page has remained blank.

“All right, all right,” Lily says, smiling. “Have a good laugh, but I was serious, you know. I’ll move in, Trish, for the first few weeks at least.”

I calm down and wipe my eyes. “That’s a wonderful offer, Lils, thanks.”

“Me too,” says Mags.

I look at her, confused.

“You too what?”

“I’ll move in, too. There’s no way I’m going to India with Phoebe – not that she’s even asked me. I’ll tell her I can’t go because I’m coming here to help you with the baby. It’s the perfect excuse.”

“Well, that’s not fair. If you three are all living here, I’m going to feel left out,” Emma says indignantly.

I shake my head. “You’re all mad.”

“I’m actually deadly serious.” Mags leans her head against my shoulder. “If Phoebe goes, I’ll need a major distraction to stop myself from falling into the depths of despair.”

“What about your cats?” Lily asks. “Will they be moving in with us, too?”

Mags puts a hand over her mouth. “I hadn’t thought of them,” she breathes. “Can they come, Trish? I promise they’ll be good.”

Shaking my head, I get to my feet and put my hands on my hips.

“Who wants a tea or coffee?”

“Have you got herbal?” asks Emma.

“Peppermint and camomile.”

“Peppermint, please.”

Lily holds up the bottle. “I’ll stick with the wine,” she says, winking.

Mags considers her options. “I might just have a glass of wine with Lils, thanks, Trish. If that’s OK?”

“Of course it’s OK. Back in a flash.”