‘You’ve made my wedding day: seeing you, Gisele, holding little Monty, and having you with me, dear Randie. I’m so happy for you. But you will wait until we come back from our honeymoon, won’t you? This is one wedding I’m not going to miss.’

Wills touched her arm. ‘There’s one more task for us, darling. Be brave, for Sibbie and Rosie.’

‘I will.’

With this, the wedding party, led by Betsy, Rosie, Billy, Roderick and Angus marching proudly in front of them, walked towards the sea.

Once there, Betsy spoke. ‘There’s sommat as Rosie wanted to do. Now, this ain’t to put a dampener on the wedding, but as we’re all together, Rosie wanted to include her sisters, Daisy and Florrie. On the wall of our shop over there is a plaque dedicated to them, which Rosie had made for this day – her special day. She wanted to share the loveliness of today with them . . . Rosie, love.’ Betsy gestured towards Rosie.

Rosie stepped forward and threw her bouquet into the sea. ‘These are for the two flowers – my sisters – who the sea claimed. They go to them with my love. I miss you, Daisy and Florrie. I miss you.’

Through the silence that followed, Sibbie heard many sniffles. She went forward and held Rosie, then threw her roses, too. Marjie did the same. And the three girls stood together, watching the roses bob up and down on the waves, their hands joined, their job well done. Three girls who’d come through hell, saying goodbye to two of their number, whom they loved and missed so much.

As they turned, Rosie smiled through her tears. ‘Thank you, everyone. We honour all those who lost their lives, and thank them for ours. Now we’re to go forward, with their blessing.’

Someone said, ‘Aye, aye.’

Then Betsy, lovely Betsy, lifted the mood and set the scene for a happy day. ‘Right, I speak for our Daisy, and our Florrie, when I say it’s time to celebrate our Rosie’s and Sibbie’s and Marjella’s wedding. And for them as don’t knaw, me old man’s called Angus and he’s a Scot; and they’re known for looking after their pennies, and he’s saved many of them for today and put his hand deep into his pockets. The first round of drinks is on him.’

A cheer went up and was followed by happy chatter. Walter had Rosie in his arms. Sibbie was held by Paulo. And Marjie snuggled into Wills.

As Marjie looked up, she saw her mama, Flors, with Mags and Ella, holding hands, and her heart swelled. These three courageous women had fought their war valiantly and had given their children the same courage to fight theirs. She ran to them, closely followed by Sibbie and Rosie, who took Betsy’s hand and brought her into the group.