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Since then, it had been like she saw Fox differently. She understood the reasoning beneath his worries, his concerns, and she felt connected to him. Robyn recognised his fear, she could empathise with him not wanting to risk his heart again. But she’d also felt the strength of his arms, the way he pulled her close to him, and the trail of his fingers through her hair as he talked. It was like a magnetic pull between them. Robyn hadn’t wanted to break that embrace until it was late and the stars had faded. Without speaking, they’d stretched and stood and smiled goodnight before going to their own houses. She’d sunk into her own bed, wrapped the duvet around her and laid her cheek on the pillow, pretending it was still him.

Since then, Robyn had felt slightly obsessed. She was nervously excited in the mornings as she turned the back door handle, knowing he’d be barefoot in the kitchen, smelling fresh from the shower, cooking eggs at the stove. Her heart leapt when she heard the office door open during the day and she’d cock her head to hear which direction he was going in, hoping he might head to her in the kitchen.

‘Thanks for inviting me, Isabella,’ Robyn said, grateful to be included but also a little embarrassed. She wasn’t a bridesmaid, so it felt strange going to see bridesmaids’ dresses.

‘Not at all.’ Isabella patted the seat beside her and poured her a glass of buck’s fizz. ‘You always look so fabulous, I need some of that style at my wedding.’ Robyn glanced down at her vintage boho skirt and felt a rush of pleasure. She sat and clinked glasses with Isabella.

‘Just juice for me, please,’ Wren said, easing herself down next to them and putting her feet up on a stool.

‘Where’s Willow?’ Isabella asked.

‘Crèche for a few hours,’ Robyn said. ‘It’s good for her to be away from me sometimes.’

‘Good for you to have a break too, my lovely.’ Wren patted Robyn’s shoulder. ‘I know what it’s like.’

‘Looks like I might have to put her in the crèche when we get to Botswana,’ Robyn said, wrinkling her nose. ‘So I’m trying to build up to it.’

‘I know it’s a weird thought,’ Wren sympathised. ‘But Riley loves pre-school, if that’s of any reassurance.’

‘But Riley’s four,’ Robyn said. ‘Not nearly six months.’

‘Six?’ Wren said, tilting her head. ‘I thought she was five months now?’

Robyn caught herself, felt her eyes widen. Stupid mistake. She flicked on a smile, even as her brain scrabbled.

‘You’re right. I meant she’d be about six months when we go there.’

‘Oh, I see.’ Wren nodded. ‘Yes, of course.’ She sipped her juice and closed her eyes in bliss.

‘Right, ladies, are we ready for the big reveal?’ Amber’s voice came from behind the curtain to the changing room.

‘Just wait one mo!’ Isabella called, dialling on her phone.

‘Hi, darling,’ Isabella said to the screen. ‘We’re all here, and ready for you. Oh, and meet Robyn, our new friend. She’s helping us decide!’

Isabella turned the phone towards her and Robyn saw a beautiful woman with cropped black hair, and dimples to die for.

‘Hi! I’m Gabi, Isabella’s cousin. I’ve heard so much about you.’

‘Me too!’ Robyn said, surprised and pleased.

‘Okay,’ Isabella said, moving the phone again so that it was directed at the changing rooms. ‘As Gabi would say – Action!’

The curtains parted and Amber and Rosie stepped out, wearing red satin cocktail dresses, nipped in tight at the waist, teamed with skyscraper heels.

‘Wow!’ Wren said, nudging Robyn. ‘Rosie looks hot.’

‘Not just Rosie.’ Amber pouted. ‘I look hot too.’

‘You both look hot!’ Robyn laughed, thinking that the hottest thing she’d seen recently was Fox James, whatever he wore – cable-knit jumpers, or his wool coat.

‘Too hot for a wedding,’ Isabella cried. ‘Next!’

The women disappeared back behind the curtain.

‘Can’t wait to see you all again,’ Gabi said from the phone. ‘And be back with Walker in Honeybridge. I’m missing that man.’

‘He’s missing you too. Especially now that Alex has pretty much moved in with me. He’s all on his own,’ Amber said.