‘It’s… great.’ She grinned.

‘Oh, Jem, I’m so happy for you and I’ve been thinking, I want you to have this,’ Simi said.

She reached into her bag and pressed something cool and smooth into Jemima’s hand.

‘This will make what you have last and last.’

Jemima looked down to see Simi’s beautiful rose quartz crystal glint back at her.

‘But, Simi, you’ve had this for years,’ she whispered.

‘And now it’s yours. He adores you. I want you to go for it,’ said Simi hugging her.

‘You sweet, sweet girl. Thank you,’ said Jemima as she felt Simi’s blessing in her embrace.

‘Look at you two,’ Meagan cooed as she patted them both.

As they eventually untangled themselves, Jemima snuck a peek at them all, contented and peaceful, oblivious to the hubbub around them. She hated the thought of disturbing this moment but there was one final piece of business she could no longer put off. She pulled two hardback copies of her book from her bag, and placed them on the table. Eve had kindly rush-printed them but now the books were in front of her, Jemima’s anxiety had returned with a vengeance. While Simi and Meagan had agreed in principle to the publication, she had no idea how they’d react finally seeing it in print. Simi picked up one of the books and flicked through its crisp, white pages.

‘So many words,’ she said in quiet awe.

Meagan stared at her copy, drumming her fingers on its thick cover.

After an age she winked at Jemima. ‘Congrats, babes. I will read your books from now on.’

Jemima laughed out of sheer relief. This was everything she’d wanted but daren’t hope for – no resentment just pure love which she felt in overwhelming abundance. Her throat constricted as she searched for what she had to say next, words that could ruin all this.

‘I need to tell you something,’ she said. ‘Well, a couple of things actually. This is definitely the last Beverly Blake book.’

‘What? No!’ gasped Simi.

‘Why?’ Meagan asked running her hand over the cover. ‘She means everything to you.’

‘She does but it’s time to let her go and I couldn’t ask for a better sendoff than this,’ Jemima said. ‘But would you guys check the first page?’

‘Go on, Sim. I haven’t got my reading glasses,’ said Meagan.

‘You don’t wear glasses!’ said Jemima.

‘Oh, Jem. I’m not a reader. If you don’t know that by now, we ain’t gonna make it,’ Meagan squawked.

‘I’ll read it! Just be quiet!’ insisted Simi.

Simi carefully pressed her book open. She scanned the title, usual copyright information and page one details no one ever reads. ‘Wait, I’m not spell-checking, am I?’

Jemima pointed to the acknowledgements. ‘Here.’

Simi read the brief paragraph then gasped as tears welled.

‘What is it?’ said Meagan. ‘Read it out loud!’

Simi wiped away her tears, clearing her throat. ‘“And lastly, I dedicate this novel to my dear, darling companions, Simi and Meagan, without whom this book would not be and neither would I. You are my sheroes, my muses, my heart and I love you.”’