After dinner Harry and I stayed outside for a couple of hours. Harry had a glass of wine and was reading a book and I was following a group of mums on a forum who were talking about their recent childbirths. It was funny, really funny at times, but was making me squirm and cross my legs. It was just as I’d hoped pregnancy would be and I could feel myself start to relax.

Then as we were going into the house for the night, Harry said, “Oh, something came for you today.” He went into the dining room and came back with a huge box. “I’ve no idea what it is, do you?”

“No. Are you sure it’s for me?”

“Your name’s on the box. Have you ordered anything for work?”

“No. I’d have it delivered there, anyway. There’s always someone who can sign for it. When did it get here?”

“No idea. It was left with the guy next door. He was working from home and took it in. He brought it round when he saw my car tonight.”

I opened up the box. I had to. Harry was standing next to me, wondering what was in it. His birthday wasn’t for a long time; neither was mine. I just knew this wasn’t going to be good but had no excuse for not opening it.

Inside was a huge white teddy bear with a tartan bow around its neck.

“Wow,” said Harry, pulling it out. “That’s nice.” He put it on the table. “Who sent it?”

“I’ve no idea. Could it be your mum and dad?”

“No, they’re coming to see us next week. They wouldn’t send something like this through the post. They never buy anything online anyway. Isn’t there a note to say who sent it?”

There was nothing in the box but on the outside there was a document, taped to the box. It was facing away from Harry.

“No,” I said. “That’s odd, I can’t see anything. Oh well, someone will call soon and claim it.” I picked up the box. “Harry, would you do me a favor and run a bath for me? And put some of that bath oil you gave me in it?” I gave him a winning smile. “I’m so tired.”

“Of course!” He bounded upstairs and I ripped the delivery note off the box and shoved it into my handbag. Later in the bathroom with the door locked I opened the note. Attached to it was a card with a message typed on it. It said:

For our baby. T x

CHAPTER 56

Emma