‘My mother would have loved this,’ she said. ‘Still I’m glad I’ve gone vegetarian.’

Mid-commotion Alex’s other dog Buoy arrived with a mouth full of sausages, and, casting a baleful glance at Sue and Catriona, settled down under the table to enjoy them, as the chaotic turkey hunt went past the dining room door once again. At last the turkey was caught and dumped on the table for forensic examination.

‘Well.’ Tamsyn prodded the turkey with a fork. ‘I think he mainly only mauled a leg, the rest of it is a bit dusty, but not chewed. Who’s game?’

‘I think I’ll pass,’ Alex said.

‘That’s not like you to wimp out, Alex!’ Tamsyn laughed.

‘And normally dog-chewed turkey is my favourite thing, but as I was about to tell you before Skipper stole my thunder, Ruan and I are expecting a baby!’

Laughter, turned to cheers, which turned to kisses and jokes, and bottles of wine were opened. Backs were slapped, people were hugged and Petal asked Ruan did that mean that he and Alex and done it. Those who were brave enough had turkey, and those who weren’t had ham, and the afternoon rolled on, a perfect combination of friends and family, joy and laughter, a day that was just as every Christmas Day ought to be – full of love.

‘Suuuuuuuuue!’ Tamsyn sat down next to her on the sofa, a little on the squiffy side. ‘How are you holding up?’

‘I’m having a lovely day,’ Sue said. ‘I don’t want it to end.’

Which was true, because after this day was over all of the problems that she had been resolutely avoiding would come crashing in around her. She closed her fingers around her pendant, and wondered what Christmas wishes she would make, if she were only brave enough to let herself think about them.

‘Well, listen, I’ve been trying to talk an idea through with you for ages now, and you kept ignoring me and then it didn’t seem like the right time. But I hope you don’t mind, Cordelia told me about your money worries, and I couldn’t wait any longer so …’

‘What are you babbling on about?’ Sue asked her.