Finally, eventually, we all arrive in Brighton. The others have parked up and are checking in at our hotel, a street or two back from the seafront, and we walk the short distance down the hill from the station to join them.

Gareth and Melissa have brought their two kids, and Cath and Ben have dragged Ben’s niece and nephew along for the day to keep them company. Cath keeps nudging Ben and giving him little knowing smiles as the kids play in front of them, as if to say “That could be us soon!”. Nauseating.

The weather’s actually pretty good for December — the temperature’s in double figures — and the wind isn’t as ridiculous as I remember it tending to be in Brighton, from holidays as a kid.

When we get to the beach, Cath taps me on the arm. ‘Grace, do you have a sec?’ she says.

We walk a few yards off course, just enough to be able to talk in private.

‘Look, I just wanted to clear the air so today isn’t awkward,’ Cath says. ‘We both said things we didn’t mean, and it’s pointless there being bad blood between us. We’ve only got a few weeks left until the wedding, and I’d hate there to be bad feeling knocking about. For both our sakes.’

I force a smile. ‘Thanks, Cath. I appreciate that. I’m sorry too.’

Gareth and Ben set up the portable, throwaway barbecues and fight to get them lit, while Cath, Melissa and I sit chatting as we watch Tom playing with the kids.

‘He’s great with them, isn’t he?’ Cath says.

‘He is,’ I reply. ‘Gives us a bit of peace and quiet, too.’

‘From them or from him?’ she says, laughing.

‘Both!’

‘Aww, no, he’s lovely. Bearing in mind he hadn’t met any of the kids until half an hour ago, they’re absolutely loving him.’

Melissa and I share a look. I know Cath probably doesn’t mean what she’s saying, and it’s clear she’s trying — perhaps a little too hard — to smooth things over and see the good in Tom. She obviously knows she’s in the wrong, and at least she’s making an effort.

‘How’s the wedding planning going?’ Melissa asks, in a tone that’s a little more probing than I’d expect.

‘It’s alright. Still a few things to sort out, but we’ll get there,’ Cath replies.

Melissa looks at me again and raises an eyebrow as if to say Told you there’s a reason she wants to make up with you.

I look across the pebbles at the kids chasing Tom around, further towards the sea where the stones almost — almost — become sand. I can’t hear what’s being said, but there’s plenty of laughing and shouting and everyone seems to be having a good time. Never mind Cath’s knowing glances to Ben; as I look at Tom I get a glimpse of my own future. Maybe this is what it’ll be like. Long, slightly warmer days, down on the beach, watching Daddy and the kids having fun in the sun.