Amber lifts her eyes from the book when she sees me. She’s waiting to see what humour I’m in; will I have a go at her for letting the boys wreck the room? I won’t let Tom’s disappearing act ruin everything. Turn it on, Sally. Turn it on.

‘Okay,’ I say in a bright happy voice. ‘Who’s ready to get dressed for the party?’

Amber drops the book, pulls herself off the bed and hurries out of the room. The boys run towards me. ‘Me, me, me, me, me.’

There is still no sign, or word, from Tom when the first guests arrive. His phone is going straight to voice message each time I call. He may have decided to let the party commence without him knowing I won’t say anything in front of our guests when he walks in. He’ll be all smiles and hellos, playing with the kids, flirting with the mothers and joking with the fathers. He’s always the same, life of the party, entertaining the masses while I rush around tripping over myself making sure everyone has what they need. Earlier on in the week, I’d asked him to look after the drinks this year, pour the odd glass of wine for someone, keep the bottle opener on hand but it doesn’t look like that’s going to happen.

‘Are you all right, Ellen?’ I say.

Ellen has arrived at the door looking the worse for her little piece of exercise.

‘Yes, I’m fine, thanks.’ She hands me the box of candles before going to a bottle of wine on the counter top and pouring a glass which she drinks rather quickly for her.

The party is well underway. Laughter, music, chatter, but all I hear is noise. I’m getting worried. People have been asking where Tom is. ‘He should be here shortly,’ I tell them. ‘He just had to pop out, a friend’s car broke down.’ At least it’s something to say. An excuse for Daddy not being here for his kids’ birthday party.

I try to ring him again. Beep, beep, beep, beep, then straight to the answer machine. ‘Tom, ring me ASAP,’ I say. Like that’s going to make a difference. If he’s on the golf course he can’t take a call. But if he isn’t… I’m not sure what to think. Why is he not here? Part of me hopes he is on the golf course otherwise something bad has happened.

A thought crosses my mind. If he is playing, his golf bag will be gone from the shed. I’ll slip out and have a look.