‘We all say things we wish we could un-say,’ Mum said when I’d finished. ‘Which is why it’s a good thing that Jemma didn’t promise you anything yesterday when she wasn’t sure if she could keep that promise. I like her already.’

‘Like who already?’ Jack asked, returning to the lounge with a clean Isla wedged under his arm.

‘My friend, Jemma. Long story.’

I was saved from explaining it by Isla squealing and begging to be put down.

‘If I put you down, do you promise to stay clean for at least an hour?’ Jack asked her.

‘Put me down!’

‘Not until you promise.’

‘Promise.’

He put her down, but only after he’d dangled her upside down by her ankles first, resulting in more squealing.

Millie appeared with Saffron. ‘Who’s being murdered in here?’

‘Daddy made me downside up,’ Isla shouted.

‘Ooh, naughty Daddy,’ Millie said, playfully bobbing him on the arm with Saffron’s feet.

‘Look at me!’ Isla cried. She stuffed a cushion up her dress and wandered round the lounge patting it. ‘I’m Mummy.’

‘Stop it, Isla,’ Millie snapped, lunging for her daughter.

Isla was too fast and ran to the other side of the room. ‘I’m Mummy, I’m Mummy,’ she chanted.

‘Isla! Stop it now,’ Jack said, a sharp edge to his voice.

Mum stood up, grabbed Isla and removed the cushion, giving her a stern look.

‘What’s going on?’ I asked. ‘She’s only playing.’

‘I want a brother this time,’ Isla said, stamping her feet.

Oh! So Jack had got what he wanted. ‘You’re pregnant?’ I asked, looking from Millie to Jack, then back to Millie.

‘I’m sorry, Sam. We were going to tell you.’ Millie’s cheeks were flushed bright red and she looked mortified.

‘Congratulations.’ I hoped I looked and sounded genuinely thrilled for them. ‘Am I missing something? Isn’t this good news?’

‘Yes,’ Millie said. ‘Well, no, actually, because I didn’t want another so soon, but I’ve got used to the idea. It’s just that…’

Jack squeezed Millie’s hand. ‘It’s just that… well… this Friday… you know.’

‘No! Jesus! What are the pair of you like? Yes, it’s the anniversary of Nikki’s death, and yes it’s going to be a difficult day – especially with the memorial thing – but life goes on. Quite literally in your case. You don’t need to hide stuff like this from me.’ Again, I hoped I sounded convincing. My heart was thumping and my stomach had started churning.

Millie wiped at her eyes. ‘You’re sure it’s not insensitive talking about our new life when… you know?’

‘Honestly, Millie, it’s fine. Really exciting. When’s number three due?’

‘21st May.’

My heart raced even faster. ‘What date was that?’

‘21st May,’ Jack said. ‘Are you okay? Sam? You don’t look so good.’

‘21st May,’ I muttered. ‘21st May.’