We say our goodbyes then, promising updates and more pictures to come. I have had a hectic yet fulfilling day, but I don’t think I will be able to sleep right now. Tracy’s offer is a really sweet one but my mind can’t help but think of every way it could go wrong.

“We can tell her no,” Liam says after a beat of silence. He is still sat next to me on the small hospital bed and I don’t chance looking up at him yet.

“I don’t know what I want to say,” I whisper, looking down at the bundle in my arms.

“What’s scaring you?” he asks, turning me slightly so we are looking at each other.

“Everything,” I tell him honestly. Having a new baby is scary. Bringing new people around is even scarier.

“Okay, but what’s scaring you most?” he tries again and I let out a deep sigh. His eyes are locked on mine and there is nowhere to hide from him or my anxieties.

“What if they come here and think I’m a terrible mum? They don’t approve of me at all?” My arms tighten around my baby as if she is going to be snatched from me. My voice is shaky and I see emotions flit across Liam’s face too quickly to pinpoint.

“You are an amazing mother already, Sunshine. I would never say yes to them if I thought for a second they wouldn’t love you as much as me.” He hooks his fingers around the back of my neck as he speaks, his thumb sliding up and down in a calming rhythm, pushing away some of the tension.

“I’m not used to having help.” I laugh lightly. It’s a humourless laugh but the smile Liam gives me is anything but. His eyes dance with mischief as he raises a single brow at me.

“You’re getting used to it.” He grins, squeezing the back of my neck again.

“What do you mean?” I ask, tiredness sweeping through my body as I relax under the touch of his hands.

“Ellis, you have me,” he tells me, taking Charlotte from my arms and putting her into the cot next to us. “Jack is staying with one of my teammates tonight. Your room was filled with people who are here to help an hour ago, so what’s a few more?”

“I’ve never had a village before.” I know he knows this but I am too tired to come up with anything more profound. It’s strange how big my life has become.

“You do now.” He places a light kiss on my hairline to comfort me. “Look, if they come and step a toe out of line, I will put them on the first flight back to Florida. I would never let them disrespect you in your own home.”