“No! We need to sing first,” Esme said.
“Oh, there’s no need,” Libby started to say, but Esme was already launching into “Happy Birthday,” followed by the other two.
Libby laughed and caught Dylan’s eye. Even in the low candlelight, she could see his face was flushed too, and she had a sudden urge to drag him back into the kitchen and pick up from where they’d left off a moment ago. When the singing had finished, there was a round of riotous applause.
“I’d like to propose a toast, if I may,” Frank said, once the clapping had died down. He lifted up his wineglass and turned to face her. “Libby, I want to thank you for your kindness over the past few months. I know we might not have had the outcome we hoped for—”
“Yet,” Esme interrupted, and Frank smiled.
“Quite right, Esme. But whatever happens, I’m so grateful for everything you’ve done, Libby. I feel blessed to be able to call you my friend, and I know that Dylan and Esme feel the same.” Libby could still feel Dylan’s eyes on her, and she smiled. “I also wanted to say that all three of us will be here for you over the coming months, as you enter this exciting new phase as a mother. I know that right now it must all feel very daunting, but please know that we’re here to support you every step of the way. So here’s to the very happiest of thirtieth birthdays, dearest Libby!”
An echo of “Cheers!” went round the table as they all clinked glasses.
Libby felt tears threatening again. “Thank you,” she said,blinking them away. “The last few months have been... well, they’ve been life changing, and that’s mainly because of meeting the three of you. I feel very lucky to have you in my life.”
“You are very lucky,” Esme said with a grin. “Now let’s have cake.”
“Yes, boss!” Libby started to cut large slices. As she did, she heard the sound of the doorbell from inside the house.
“Do you want me to get that?” Dylan said.
“It’s fine. I’ll go.”
She jumped up from the table and made her way into the house, licking cake off her fingers as she did. Behind her, Libby could hear Esme say something and Dylan laugh. The sound of his voice sent a thrill of excitement through her body, and Libby smiled to herself as she reached the front door. She pulled it open, and her stomach dropped.
“Surprise!”
CHAPTER
32
Simon was holding a bunch of flowers so huge, he could barely see over the top of them. Libby didn’t say anything, too horrified at the sight of her ex-boyfriend standing on the doorstep minutes after she’d kissed another man.
Simon stepped forward, peering at her through the petals. “Happy birthday!” He tried to hand Libby the flowers, but as he did, he staggered and had to lean against the wall to steady himself. “Sorry. I started the celebrations a bit early.”
A strong smell of lager hit Libby, and she found her voice. “What the hell are you doing here, Simon?”
“It’s your birthday!”
“And?”
“And I saw on Rebecca’s Instagram that they’re away, and I hated the thought of you all sad and alone on your big day.”
“Well, thanks for your concern but I’m fine, so you can go now.”
“I wanted to talk to you as well, Libs. I’ve been doing a lot of thinking about the baby and everything and I—”
“Libby, can I get more wine from the fridge?” Dylan’s voice came through from the kitchen.
“Help yourself,” she called back.
Simon was looking at Libby, bewildered. “You’re having a party?”
“I’ve got some friends round for dinner.”
“Who?” He moved his head to one side, trying to see past her into the house.
“No one you know. Look, I don’t know why you’re here but—”
