Page 96 of The Summer That Changed Us

Claudia and Robyn stifled their giggles. Hannah had taken exception to having water poured on her forehead by the vicar and had scooped her own hand in the font and tried to splash him back, only for the vicar to dodge aside and Finn to get the full force of her revenge.

‘Three at once!’ Callum rolled his eyes. ‘What possessed us?’

‘But only one christening party,’ Robyn reminded him. ‘Good planning.’

‘Dad!’ William was jiggling on the spot at the end of their row, clutching the front of his shorts. ‘I need to go. Now.’

‘Duty calls,’ Callum sighed and ducked out of the row, leading William by the hand.

The hymn ended, and after thanking the vicar, who admitted he’d never done a job lot like that before, they filed out of the little church and into the heat of the day. Robyn slid her sunglasses down over her eyes and checked her handbag for suncream. She had chosen the coolest outfit she could find: a sleeveless sundress cut on the bias which barely touched her skin, and flat leather sandals. Claudia had poured herself into a tight fitted dress and her feet looked hot and swollen in smart court shoes. To make matters worse, Betty was clinging to her like a limpet.

‘Colic,’ Claudia explained, stroking Betty’s vivid red face. ‘Poor tot must be in agony. Do you think people will be bothered if we don’t let the party go on for hours? I just want to get the kids’ paddling pool out and wallow in it with an ice-cold beer.’

‘That sounds like heaven,’ Robyn said, secretly relieved. ‘No one will mind.’

Least of all her; she had a serious talk with Finn planned as soon as they were home. She had to know what was behind his lack of interest in her physically. If he was stressed or worried or anxious, she needed to know, and she wanted to help. If he wouldn’t open up to her, she didn’t know what she’d do next. Couples’ counselling sessions, maybe? The thought made her squirm. Finn would absolutely hate that, and she wasn’t too keen herself.

‘Can we have the godparents and the children please?’ the photographer called, mopping his pink bald head with a handkerchief. ‘Over here in the shade.’

Finn touched Robyn’s arm. ‘Ready for your close-up?’

‘Not really,’ she grinned, taking his hand in hers. ‘I could do with powdering my nose. It’s all right for you. You’re the most photogenic person I know. You and your film-star good looks, you never look bad in pictures.’

‘Me?’ He shot her a look of surprise. ‘A scrawny fisherman with a stubbly chin?’

‘Oh, but you’re my scrawny fisherman with a stubbly chin.’ She laughed and pulled him towards her, standing on her toes to brush her lips against his.

‘Oi,’ said Callum, delivering William to them and squeezing him between them. ‘We’ll have godly behaviour from the godparents please.’

Robyn and Finn laughed and then groaned in disgust as William slid his wet hands into theirs.

‘Who’s having Betty?’ Claudia asked, holding the red-faced baby out to them at arm’s length.

‘Finn,’ said Robyn, knowing how much Finn would probably be itching for a cuddle with his niece.

Finn said simultaneously, ‘Robyn.’

‘Charming!’ Claudia said with a huff and shoved her towards Robyn.

‘Hey, angel.’ Robyn took Betty and bounced her gently, whispering softly, ‘Don’t cry. Sshh-sshh-sshh.’

The photographer swigged from a water bottle and then picked up his camera. ‘Ready?’

‘We’re missing Hannah,’ said Robyn, scouring the crowd.

‘HANNAH, you silly bumhead!’ William yelled, causing a rippled of laughter.

Hannah slouched over, looking grumpy but adorable in a dress and sandals. ‘I wanted to wear shorts too. It’s not fair.’

‘I’ll give you a pound if you stand still and smile at the man,’ said Finn under his breath to both of them.

‘Two,’ said William immediately.

‘Deal.’ Finn looked at Robyn as if to say, what the hell. Robyn’s cheeks ached with the effort of not laughing.

‘OK, look at me!’ The photographer pressed the shutter and then stood up. ‘Has anyone got a tissue? The baby has been sick.’

Claudia stepped forward with a muslin cloth, wiped Betty’s face and Robyn’s arm.