‘So you said you’ve been sick quite a bit, you went off certain foods and have been feeling more tired than usual.’ She said it without a hint of irony but I couldn’t believe how I’d missed the signs.

‘I’ve been such an idiot,’ I groaned. ‘When you put it like that it’s obvious, but recently I’ve moved house, changed cities and generally been under quite a bit of stress; I thought it was that.’

‘It’s more common than you think, especially if it’s not planned.’

‘Harvey and I always played it safe, he took his duty as chief contraceptive officer very seriously.’

Issy raised an eyebrow approvingly. ‘Good man. He sounds like a keeper.’

I cleared my throat. ‘We’ve split up, actually. So I’m flying solo.’

‘Whoops, me and my big mouth. Sorry.’ She winced. ‘And not entirely solo, I’ll be here.’

I smiled, trying not to think about Evie and how much I wished she was here with me too. ‘Do most women already know their due date when they come to see you for the first time?’

‘Some do.’ She shot me a conspiratorial smile and carried on typing. ‘I shouldn’t say this but my favourite ladies are the ones who had no idea – the happy accidents.’

I puffed out my cheeks. ‘This is definitely an accident; the jury’s out on whether it’s happy or not.’

‘Oh crumbs, sorry.’ Issy looked distraught. ‘Never assume, my dad says. It makes an ass of “u”,’ she drew the letter in the air, ‘and me. Only not you,’ she added hurriedly. ‘Just me. I’m the ass. Nearly always.’

I couldn’t help but smile at her earnest face. ‘It could certainly have come at a better time, that’s all, and with a better father.’ I swallowed. ‘I wish my mum was still alive to talk to about it.’

‘Of course.’ Issy nodded. ‘Have you got someone to support you: a friend, family?’

I didn’t want to get into the situation with Evie right now so I said I did.

‘Okay, now first things first, we’ll get you booked into the hospital for a scan and find out when this baby is due. Then you can work out what to do next. Sound like a plan?’

I rubbed my face with the tissue and stood up to leave. ‘Do you know how long it will take for an appointment?’

She shrugged. ‘A couple of weeks, maybe more.’

‘Good,’ I said with a sigh of relief. By then, I was hoping Evie would have answered my calls and we’d have made up. I could manage by myself if I had to, but I’d much rather have her by my side if she could bear it.