She walked me to her porch and squeezed my hands as I left. Despite the heavy emotion of the afternoon, I felt somehow lighter as I walked down her path and out her gate. Even encountering Joan Wetherby did little to dim the only ray of brightness I have had recently. Naturally she was incapable of anything more than forced civility. I have never understood why that woman has always been so ill-tempered towards me. Towards everyone. The only kindness she has ever shown me is the time she left me flowers just after you went missing.

I must say goodnight, my sweet; ensure I have enough sleep to enable me to face another dark day without you. Wherever you are, I hope you can feel my unyielding love.

Forever yours,

Ivy

Ten

The following Thursday Nicole found herself stepping through The Royal’s doors, wondering how she had let Mandy talk her into it.

Her pulse quickened and her chest tightened. Nope. She couldn’t do it. She stopped and turned back round, hoping to get out of there before anyone saw her. The doors opened, as if by magic, offering her her freedom.

In walked Danny Temple.

‘Thank God I’m not the only one who’s late.’ He smiled at Nicole, who stood frozen in terror.

‘Ready?’ Danny gently put his arm around her shoulder just long enough to steer her to the tables.

Everyone else in the group had already arrived and paired up into teams.

‘I’m going to the bar,’ Danny said to Nicole. ‘What’ll you have?’

‘A lemon squash, please.’

He winked and turned away.

‘So glad you could make it.’ Mandy grinned broadly. ‘You know everyone.’

Cheryl and Jacqui smiled at her.

‘How are you travelling, Jacqui?’ Nicole said. The poor woman looked so tired.

‘Ready to offload this,’ she replied, rubbing her bulging tummy. ‘But,’ a smile spread across her face, ‘not long now. And with any luck, the boys will have paved the way, so to speak, and she’ll slip right out.’

‘So to speak.’ Nicole grimaced.

Mandy smiled. ‘Keep your legs crossed there, Jacqui.’

George brought over a bowl of wedges with sour cream and chilli sauce – a trivia night staple apparently. ‘Jason will be starting the questions in one minute,’ he said.

Jacqui grabbed Nicole’s arm. ‘We might just be starting something else. Now.’

Everyone looked at Jacqui, not quite comprehending what she’d said.

‘She’s coming.’ She tapped her tummy.

Everyone stood up, chattering at once, trying to figure out what to do.

Jason, Jacqui’s husband, who was about to jump on the microphone with his first question, saw what was happening and raced over.

‘Here we go!’ he called out as everyone cheered, grinning broadly as he escorted his wife out of the pub.

‘Phone us,’ called Mandy after them. ‘Good luck.’

‘A round on the house,’ announced George. ‘And all bets are closed.’