‘It’s funny, really. I’ve been so stressed over the last few weeks, fretting about all the little things that need doing and worrying about how it would all come together, but right now, with everything pretty much organised, I don’t feel that nervous at all. Plus, I mean, it’s Jarv, he’s my best mate. There’s no wondering if it’s the right thing to do or any second-guessing or doubt – easy.’

‘I guess that’s how it should be.’ Merrin thought of Digby and remembered a time when she had taken his words of love as gospel, letting them fill her head with crazy, misplaced notions of a future spent in harmony. Lies, no doubt, but how she had fallen for them and the promise he offered. It had felt like the right thing to do, no second-guessing or doubt in her mind – easy . . .

‘Absolutely.’ Her mum walked to the stove. ‘It’s exactly how it should be. I’ve made a Bakewell tart and some walnut-and-apple cakes. Or there’s fresh bread if you want some with jam?’

‘Ooh, I’ll have a cup of tea and a bit of Bakewell tart, please.’ Her mouth watered and again her tears fell at this most simple gesture that she had missed.

‘Coming up!’ Her mum’s face broke into a look of sheer delight. ‘And don’t you cry, my darling. You’re home!’

‘I can’t help it, Mum.’ She sniffed. ‘It’s so good to be here in this room, the way it smells . . . the furniture . . . everything . . .’ It was a little overwhelming.

Her mum nodded and wiped at her own tears.

‘You and Miguel still going strong?’ Bella called from the sofa, doing what she did best, lightening the mood, steering the conversation. ‘He seemed happy to run off to the pub with your dad – that’ll earn him plus points with Ben!’

‘Yup.’ She looked towards the window and hoped he was having a nice time. She swallowed the uncomfortable thought that it was pointless for her family to get too involved with him, but this was not the time or place to say that.

‘He’s a gorgeous-looking lad.’ Bella jostled baby Glynn into a comfier position. ‘I bet you just stare at him all day.’

‘I do, Bells. I don’t actually do any work, I just follow him around, staring at his face.’

‘It’s not only his face I’d stare at,’ Ruby joined in. ‘From what I saw of him walking up the slipway with Jarv, he’s got a peachy little bum ’n’ all.’

‘Ruby Mae! And there’s you about to be a married woman!’ her mum called from the stove.

‘I can still look! ’Tain’t nothing in vows about lookin’!’