I quickly delete the ‘x’ and press ‘send’ before I change my mind. Then I let out a very deep breath and I smile from the inside out when I see my husband through the window, bopping around the kitchen as he makes a cup of tea. He may be predictable, he may be a creature of habit, but we’ve created a very beautiful, very safe and very wholesome life here as a married couple.

I get out of my sparkling new car and close the door shut, feeling the sun on the back of my neck and hearing the sweet sounds of summer from above.

‘Honey, I’m home,’ I call out with a giggle as I make my way through the yellow door of the cottage. I kick off my shoes in the hallway, feeling the cool of the stone floor under my feet, and then I hear what my husband is listening to in the kitchen.

‘Have you heard this band, Char?’ he asks me, dancing around with a mug of tea in his hand that says, ‘World’s Best Husband’. ‘They’re freakin’ awesome. Now, that’s what I call a tune!’

It’s Blind Generation of course and the song is the one I just heard on the radio. Looks like Blind Generation is everywhere.

Jack puts down his mug and takes both my hands, forcing me to dance with him whether I want to or not. But I do want to dance with him. I want to laugh with him and dance and sing in a way I’ve been waiting to for so long now.

The sun streams through the window onto the floor, making tiny sparkles of dust look like fairy magic between us, and before long we’re both singing together to the chorus of Tom’s big hit single.

I never thought I’d see the day when I’d be able to do this, when I’d totally feel free of hurt, guilt and regret, but that day has come, and it feels even better than I’d hoped it would.

I’m dancing with the lightest of hearts and a free, open mind. I’m dancing with my husband, the man I love, and it feels so good.

Chapter Twelve

Sophie and Harry arrive fashionably late as always, armed with craft beers and crisp white wines that make my mouth water at the very thought. After a long soak in a bubble bath just as I’d planned, I feel relaxed and ready for the weekend in my cool red slacks, pink blouse, flat sandals and loose ponytail.