Lily considers his question for a few seconds.

“I’m not liking the look of this, Scottie,” says Darryl. “She’s scheming something.”

We wait, knowing Scott’s initiation is far from over.

Lily snaps her fingers. “Got it! You can take Trish to those antenatal classes she’s been avoiding.”

Silence swamps the room.

“Sorry?” Scott squeaks.

I try to speak, but my throat is blocked.

“That might be taking things a little far,” Emma murmurs.

Lily stamps her foot. “It’s not. Trish needs a partner to go with her. Both possible dads are MIA, so Scott here can help out.” She glares at Scott, daring him to speak. “You don’t have to do much. Pretend you’re some clueless husband who’s been dragged to a meeting with loved-up annoying couples called Claudia and Dwayne or something. Act like you actually want to know all about labour and childbirth, then leave.”

Scott’s eyes are wide and his face has drained of colour.

“I’m not sure it’s…”

I’d better save him before he starts to hyperventilate or pass out.

“Lily, I’m quite capable of attending antenatal classes without resorting to a fake husband.”

“Yeah,” Mags says loudly. “We’re not living in the fifties, Lil. A woman doesn’t need a man in order to fit in with some bullshit stereotypical norm.”

“Exactly,” I state firmly.

For a moment we all stare at our glasses in awkward silence. Then Scott clears his throat.

“Well, since it appears I’m not required to be a pretend husband, I hope I’m still allowed to hang out with you again anyway.”

Lily wrinkles her nose, then sighs dramatically. “I suppose,” she murmurs.

“Hear hear,” Darryl shouts, raising his glass and blowing Lily a loud kiss. “To the craziest bunch of girls I’ve ever met.”

Mags gives Darryl another fairly forceful punch in the arm and he yelps.

“Serves you right,” snaps Lily, and we all begin to laugh.

I can’t speak for the others, but my own laughter is certainly one of relief. What on earth was Lily thinking suggesting Scott attend antenatal classes with me? Talk about mortifying.

*

When there’s a knock on the front door half an hour later, I assume it’s the pizzas being delivered, but when I open the door, Will is standing holding the hand of a thin, beautiful young girl with a shy smile.

“You came,” I exclaim, grinning. “Hello, Tilly. I’m Trish – Will’s sister.”

Tilly holds out her hand, but instead of shaking it, I pull her into a hug.

“I’m so excited I have a niece,” I whisper into her hair.

She feels so fragile in my arms. Releasing her gently, I smile shakily at Will and take a deep breath to get myself under control. I’m nearly as emotional as Mags, for God’s sake.

“Thanks for coming back.”