‘No, I’m fine, honestly. Lou and Becky will be back soon.’ My bridesmaids must still be downstairs. As my sister couldn’t be here, I asked my two best friends to step in. I went to school with Lou and I work at the salon with Becky.

Celia picks up the phone on the bedside table. ‘I’ll have the kitchen send tea and cake – enough for the three of you.’

‘Four of us,’ I amend. ‘You should stay too.’

‘No, I’ll let you three have some time to yourselves. You don’t want an oldie cramping your style.’

‘Don’t be daft. Of course I want you with us.’

‘Okay, if you’re sure.’ She gives me a soft smile.

Celia is the closest I’ve got to a mum. My mother died when I was thirteen after a two-year struggle with cancer. And my younger sister Dina left home to go travelling when she hit sixteen. I’ve only spoken to her sporadically since then. Dad was devastated after Mum died. He never really got over it and was rarely there for me and Dina. Well, not emotionally anyway. He made sure we were fed and clothed, but he wouldn’t talk about Mum, or about anything really. Our household was a sad place. I tried to fill the void Mum left as best I could, but I don’t think I did a particularly good job. No wonder Dina got the hell out as soon as she could.

I stuck around in Shaftesbury, as I couldn’t see myself living anywhere other than the small Dorset town where I grew up. But when I met Toby and his family, my world finally developed some colour. Some warmth. Ever since the two of us got together three years ago, his mum has treated me like the daughter she never had. We chat daily, meet for lunch, go on spa days, and tell one another pretty much everything. And Malcolm is a soft-hearted sweetie who would do anything for his wife. Don’t get me wrong, I love my dad. It’s just… difficult.

‘I hope I haven’t jinxed things.’ I turn to Toby. ‘It’s supposed to be bad luck for us to see one another before the wedding.’

‘You don’t really believe that.’ He gives me an indulgent smile.

‘No, but I wanted to do things the right way. I didn’t want any drama. And I wanted to wait until I reached the chapel to see you. Now I’ve ruined it.’

‘You haven’t ruined anything.’ He puts his arms around me, and I lean into him. I’m only a couple of inches over five feet so my cheek rests comfortably against his chest. ‘I know you wanted everything to be just so. It’s what I love about you, Zoe. You love family. You love tradition.’