‘Shut up and mind your own business,’ Joyce snapped back.

Jessica handed two bottles of champagne to Ricky and told him to open them. Handing everybody a champagne flute, Jessica topped up their glasses.

‘Is this to toast my wonderful grandchildren?’ Stanley asked, winking at the twins.

Jessica smiled. She felt sad that Eddie wasn’t here to join in, but Frankie was waiting to go out, so what could she do?

Urging Joey and Frankie to stand up, Jessica grinned at them. ‘My little babies have now left school and are about to start looking for jobs. To Frankie and Joey – we all wish you every success in your future,’ she proclaimed.

‘To Frankie and Joey,’ everyone repeated.

Frankie knocked her champagne straight back. She was aching to see Jed. ‘Can I go out now, Mum?’ she asked cheekily.

Jessica hated giving speeches. Eddie was good at them, but she wasn’t, and even felt nervous in front of her close family. Urging Frankie to sit back down, Jessica cleared her throat. ‘I’ve got some news of my own. I know Mum and Joey have both commented on me putting on a bit of weight recently. Well, there is a reason for this. I’m pregnant! Eddie and I are going to be parents again, and Joey and Frankie are going to have a little brother or sister.’

An expert at overacting, Joyce leaped up and down like a kangaroo. ‘That’s wonderful. Oh Stanley, we’re gonna be grandparents again,’ she squealed with delight.

‘Congratulations, dear,’ Stanley said in a monotone voice. He still didn’t like Eddie – never had and never would. He loved his grandchildren, though, and would certainly welcome another.

Joey turned to Frankie and pretended to put his fingers down the back of his throat.

‘It’s disgusting. How old are they? I hope they don’t expect us to wipe its arse and babysit, ’cause I won’t,’ Frankie whispered to her brother.

Aware that the twins’ reaction hadn’t been one of utter joy, Jessica spoke softly to them. ‘You’ll always be Mummy’s favourites. You were my first born,’ she assured them.

‘Ain’t you a bit old?’ Joey asked her bluntly.

‘Don’t expect me to look after it,’ Frankie chipped in. Jessica smiled. They were probably a bit jealous, bless them. She was sure they would get used to the idea once the baby was born, and would make wonderful siblings for him or her.

‘Go on, you can go out now, Frankie. Are you going out as well, Joey?’

‘Yep,’ Joey said, as he shoved Frankie out of the room. A screaming brat in the house was the last thing either of them needed.

Raymond hugged his sister. ‘Me and Polly are thrilled for you,’ he said kindly.

‘Who wants more champagne? Me and Ricky are gonna be bruvvers again and that deserves a celebration on its own, don’t it, bruv?’ Gary said.