‘It’s all relative,’ Spencer says loftily, patting her arm. He turns to me. ‘Well, give her my love, won’t you?’ As Spencer and Millie get ready to leave, I try not to show my disappointment that they’re not staying overnight. However, the prospect of a gig in Edinburgh is clearly irresistible, and with a flurry of hugs and kisses, they’re off.

‘Wasn’t that lovely?’ I remark.

Andy nods, looking a little deflated now. ‘It was.’

‘But I wish they’d stayed a bit longer.’

‘Me too.’ He wipes down the table and looks around the kitchen, as if unsure of what to do next. Izzy has disappeared off to her room.

‘It’s great that he has his own full life, though,’ I add. ‘I’m proud of him, aren’t you?’

He clears his throat. ‘Oh, yeah, of course I am.’ There’s a slight catch to his voice. He seemed particularly sorry to see Spencer go tonight, and I can’t quite work out why. Yes, the visit was brief, but that’s hardly unusual. We are used to him bowling up, all singing and dancing, then scooting off before we’ve had chance to fully appreciate him being home with us again.

While Andy loads the dishwasher I go upstairs to run Izzy’s bath and sit chatting to her while she soaks in the bubbles. I read to her in her room – a couple of chapters of The Twits, which has her in giggles – then tuck her in and kiss her goodnight.

‘Did you enjoy seeing Spence and Millie?’ I ask.

‘Yeah.’ She grins. ‘I love Millie.’

I smile and squeeze her hand. ‘I do too. She’s a great girl.’

‘Spence loves her, doesn’t he?’

Something seems to clench inside me. ‘Yes, I’m pretty sure he does. It’s kind of obvious, isn’t it?’

She nods. ‘Yeah.’ A pause. ‘Will they get married?’

‘Oh, darling, I don’t know about that. We’ll have to see, won’t we? But they’re a bit young for that right now.’

I stand up and smooth back the fine hair from her lightly freckled pale face. ‘I wish I had a sister,’ she adds.

‘Like Millie you mean? A big sister?’

She nods.

‘Oh, honey, you have Spencer, though, don’t you? You’re lucky.’

She seems to be considering this, and her expression turns solemn. ‘You don’t have anyone.’

I laugh dryly. ‘No brothers or sisters, you mean? Yes, you’re right there, but it’s okay, you know. It’s what I’m used to, and I have you guys. You’re my family. So I’m very lucky too.’