Darkness was falling as Merrin realised she had not managed to secure a minute alone with her sister during the whole exhausting day, although her parents had, throughout the celebrations, felt the need to check on her constantly.

‘If you are finding things tricky, my little love, no one would think any less of you for slipping away . . .’ her mum had whispered in her ear as they queued for the ladies.

‘I’m fine, Mum, really.’

And, ‘Merrin, don’t feel sad today, darling, you will have your day. I am sure of it . . .’ Her dad had squeezed her arm when she bumped into him at the buffet table.

‘I don’t need “my day”, Dad! God, I’m fine!’

‘’Course you are, my little one.’ Maddeningly, he had ruffled her hair.

Judging from the wide smiles on their faces at the end of the evening, Ruby and Jarvis had, thankfully, had the day they wanted. As Merrin and Bella prepared to leave, the newly-weds were falling against each other on the dance floor at the back of the pub and had barely noticed any of their guests exiting.

‘Look at her face.’ Bella leant on her as the two watched the slow dance. ‘Reckon she’s the happiest I’ve ever seen her.’

‘Me too.’

‘I’m glad she’s stopped punching things; reckon we’ve got Jarvis to thank for that.’

‘Good old Jarv.’ Merrin knew he was the kindest soul.

‘Yep, good old Jarv,’ Bella concurred. ‘Seeing as he’s now married your sister when he was once so sweet on you, is it weird at all?’

‘Is what weird?’ Miguel bounded over and overheard the tail end of the conversation.

‘Having a sister who is a married woman!’ Bella replied as quick as a flash and rubbed briskly under her nose with her finger.

Miguel grabbed Merrin’s hand and twirled her around, before pulling her in for a kiss.

‘Oh, get a room, you two!’ Bella mimed retching.

‘We have got a room, but it’s got two single beds in it and a selection of dolls staring at us, not to mention Ben within five feet with an axe close to hand . . .’ Miguel pulled a face.

‘Half your luck, I share a room with a fidgety baby who snores like a drunk and who wakes up demanding food every couple of hours!’

‘Sounds a lot like Miguel.’ Merrin laughed, her eyes fixed on the newly-weds, as Miguel went to grab his jacket so they could leave. ‘And no, Bells, don’t be so bloody stupid! Me and Jarv were just kids; I never had feelings for him and I don’t want it mentioned again. But then there’s lots I don’t want mentioning, which seems like too much to ask in Port bloody Charles!’