We all do.

Dan more than any of us, perhaps. What he told me made sense: he was completely alone by the time he was Casey’s age. No wonder he couldn’t process the idea of being a young dad. His behaviour had consequences, but what matters now is that he’s making amends.

So how would he feel about having another child in his life?

And how do I feel about having Casey in mine? I have been wanting a baby, Andrew’s baby, not a girl her age. I know nothing about looking after teenagers.

But I do know about people – Casey is amazing, and I know we’d have the best times together if—

‘Well, you never do things by halves.’

I turn to see my big sister in full earth-mother mode, with Charlotte cocooned against her chest, the baby’s eyelids flickering as she dreams.

‘What’s that supposed to mean?’

She tuts. ‘Dan. Some serious rebound action going on there.’

I try not to let her see how crushed she’s made me feel. ‘You don’t like him?’

‘Oh, he’s very cute. I can see why you picked him.’

That’s better. ‘Can you see why he picked me?’

Charlotte mumbles in her sleep and my sister sways from side to side, matching her baby’s sounds until the threat of waking is past. Where did she learn that? Will I ever learn to do it too?

‘How much does he know about you?’ Laura asks. ‘About your circumstances?’

‘Not this again. Mum’s already given him the third degree. He has money of his own – a flat that’s worth twice as much as ours.’ I correct myself. ‘Mine.’

‘And did he know I’m police before I arrived?’

‘I hadn’t mentioned it.’

‘Because did you notice how soon he cleared off when I mentioned it to his daughter?’

‘He had a clash,’ I tell her. ‘A commitment he’d forgotten.’

‘If you say so. He didn’t want to hang about. Seemed shifty to me.’

I don’t say the obvious: that my sister makes everyone feel like a criminal. ‘I like him, Laura.’

‘I can tell. But what do you know about him? His background, his prospects.’

I sigh. ‘Sorry, the credit check and criminal records aren’t in yet – my private detective has been on holiday.’

‘Don’t be touchy, Gem. I’m just trying to look out for you; you have so much going on, without starting a hot and heavy new relationship with a total stranger.’

‘I’ve not had much luck in the happy-ever-after department, so can’t it be my turn? Can’t this be the universe offering me a gift, to make up for all it’s taken away?’

‘I got your share of good fortune, I guess. Sorry, Gems.’

We laugh, but the unfairness lingers. Laura has sailed through everything: revealing her sexuality, building her career in the police, succeeding straight away with the IVF that’s helped her and Mel make their family.

‘How are you feeling about the transfer? Mum told me they’d had to use the final embryo.’