Page 139 of My Kind of Happy

‘It’s just a child protection issue,’ I explained. ‘I didn’t want to give your number out.’

Her eyes narrowed and I realised my mistake instantly.

‘Because Will is only seven,’ I added.

‘You mean in case there are any paedos round the table.’ Annabel studied each person in turn and sat back apparently satisfied. ‘I don’t think there are, we’ve been trained in spotting that sort of thing.’

‘Well, that’s a relief,’ I said brightly as Hamish smothered a snort.

I hadn’t really needed her this evening but she’d wanted to come to make sure I didn’t forget anything. Also, shamelessly, I’d hoped to catch a glimpse of Sam, but Pandora had dropped her off. There was still hope, he might pick her up …

‘Darling, do you mind if I start measuring up for the bunting?’ said Lucas, playing with his tape measure. ‘I want to get the order in tomorrow.’

‘I’ll hold the end for you,’ Bing offered, getting to his feet.

‘Now there’s an offer I can’t refuse.’ Lucas winked at him saucily and Una let out a peal of laughter as Bing blushed the same colour as the raspberries.

‘I’m taking notes for the registrar and the DJ,’ said Gina.

‘I’ll do you a playlist,’ said Annabel helpfully. ‘Because old people don’t know what’s happening in the music scene.’

Hamish cleared his throat. ‘Our first dance will be to our favourite Fleetwood Mac song.’

Annabel wrinkled her nose. ‘Who?’

Everyone laughed. Hamish broke the news to her that she wouldn’t be getting a say in the music and she looked mortally offended.

Rosie smoothed a hand over her round tummy. She’d be eight and a half months pregnant by the wedding date and it was already impossible to imagine the bump getting any bigger. ‘What I need to know is who’s in charge of first aid?’

‘Don’t worry, chum.’ Gina topped up everyone’s glasses. ‘I’m a qualified first aider and I’ll be on the lookout for anyone who seems in danger of getting sunstroke.’

The weather experts were predicting a continuation of the heatwave, which was great in that we were definitely going to be able to conduct the service outside. But Gina was right, the sun brought its own risks. I added ‘factor 50 sunscreen and spare sunhats’ to my list. I gave her a grateful smile and thanked my lucky stars for the umpteenth time that she’d agreed to let us use The Evergreens as the venue.

‘And what about delivering babies?’ Dexter flopped down in an empty seat and pointed at Rosie’s belly. ‘Anyone got any experience there?’

‘I’ve watched a documentary about young mothers in Costa Rica,’ Annabel offered. ‘It was quite graphic. So count me in.’

I felt a surge of affection for Sam’s daughter; I hadn’t had half as much of her self-confidence at her age. Nothing seemed to faze her, she had an opinion on everything and she was whip-smart. Although right now, Rosie was looking a bit queasy.

‘Let’s not even joke about it,’ she groaned. ‘But don’t worry, I checked with my mum. Lia and I were both late arrivals. And first babies are always late, it’s the law.’

‘Let’s hope so,’ I said. ‘I think The Evergreens has enough of a challenge coping with its first wedding, I’d rather not add a birth into the mix.’

‘Ditto,’ said Rosie emphatically. ‘Can we move catering to the top of the agenda please, Fearne. Because as we speak, Gabe is topping up Noah’s paddling pool with ice cubes ready for me and I can’t wait to go home.’

‘Sure.’ I looked at her, alarmed. Her poor feet were so swollen even the flip-flops she was wearing were cutting into her feet. ‘Let’s make the final choices for the menu.’

We decided to keep it simple: a barbecue, salads and a couple of different desserts, plus of course wedding cake.

Lucas and Bing finished their measuring job; Bing sat back down beside Una but Lucas kissed my cheek and dashed off to a prior engagement.

‘We should consider a vegan menu,’ said Annabel, throwing raspberries into her mouth like popcorn. ‘It’s better for the environment.’

Hamish pulled a face. ‘We don’t know any vegans.’

Bing looked horrified. ‘You won’t catch me eating that toffee stuff.’

‘Same here,’ said Una. ‘I’m meat and two veg every day of the week.’