I’m nervous about meeting her again. What if I see her and don’t get that same feeling? What if I realise I got it all wrong and she’s not my daughter? But what if she is? My stomach roils and I put a hand to it as though that will somehow eliminate all the turbulent feelings inside. I tell myself to be calm and cool. Not to do or say anything that might jeopardise my friendship with Kate. If Bella really is my missing daughter, then I’ll have to approach this whole situation carefully.

I didn’t air my suspicions to Matt last night. It was enough that I told him my history. I don’t want to mention Bella until I have proof. Or at least until I’m absolutely sure in my mind. Perhaps, after this afternoon, I’ll know more. But I’ll have to see her again in order to know for certain.

A car horn makes me jump. I look up to see Kate’s white Fiat drive past, indicating into our road. The boys are already around the corner, out of sight; behind me the girls are oblivious – either that or they’re not bothered, heads still bowed over their phones. Kate’s car is out of view before I get the chance to look for Bella in the passenger seat. I quicken my pace.

Kate has parked outside our house behind my red VW Polo and is giving Kieran a hug. He squirms out of her grasp and boomerangs back to Charlie. Kate raises a hand in my direction. I wave back and lower my umbrella. I can’t see Bella yet. Perhaps she’s still in the car, but the windows are obscured by raindrops.

‘Hello.’ I’m slightly out of breath when I reach her. ‘You found us okay, then?’

‘Yes, although I did take a couple of wrong turns. My satnav got a bit confused.’

‘Ha, my satnav gets confused sometimes, too. I think it’s all the narrow country lanes around here.’ I smile and glance into her car, my heart sinking when I see the passenger seat is empty. But then, I think, maybe Bella’s got an after-school club and Kate will be picking her up a little later.

She follows me up to the house and I open the front door. The boys tumble past me into the hallway first, discarding coats and shoes and racing up the stairs. ‘Come in.’ Kate follows me inside, bringing a whiff of rose perfume with her. ‘Is Bella not coming?’