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‘Oh, Jilly, I’m so sorry you’re feeling like this.’

Jilly straightened. ‘Fifty-two and there’s still life in this old dog. Onwards, I say.’

Rita smiled. ‘Well, at least you’ve inadvertently revealed your age to me. And you look fantastic. More fool Joel, I say.’

‘It’s not the first time this ol’ heart of mine has been broken, but I really hope it’s the last.’

‘I hear you, sister.’ Rita stood, putting on her coat. ‘I’m far more cynical these days. Wasn’t it Thomas Hardy who said, “Happiness was but the occasional episode in a general drama of pain.” So, we must embrace the good times and get through the more challenging times, like the bad bitches we are.’

That made Jilly laugh through her tears. ‘Isn’t that the truth. But I’ve no regrets.’

‘Good,’ Rita enthused. ‘I’ve always lived by the motto, “Only regret the things you don’t do.” That would piss you off far more on your deathbed.’

‘Thanks, mate, you’re sound, you are. And y’know what… I might just take that bit of whispered advice you gave me about old Maxy boy, you know.’

TWENTY-FOUR

The next day, Chloe was doing some Saturday morning overtime, sprawled on the rug in the big lounge with a scatter of soft blocks and plastic animals around her, while the twins played at her knees. Afternoon light poured through the windows, catching Alfie as he tore past in endless loops, his laughter echoing off the high ceiling. ‘Careful, Alfie!’ Chloe called, though she was smiling.

Nathan had pulled himself up against the low table, wobbling, his fingers gripping tight. Chloe’s attention snapped to him as he began to steady on both his feet.

‘Go on then, darling,’ she encouraged gently. ‘Come to Chloe.’

The little lad shifted, one foot lifting, then another, uncertain, brave.

Chloe’s eyes widened. ‘Oh no, wait stop, you must wait for Mummy to see.’

But even as she said it, her arms were instinctively outstretched. ‘Come here then… come to me.’

Nathan tipped forward, took a couple of wobbly, miraculous steps, and fell into her.

‘Oh! Clever boy!’ Chloe laughed, scooping him up, kissing his cheek.

Across the room, Noa watched, then resumed her determined shuffle, scooting quickly along on her bottom, as if refusing to be left behind.

Chloe glanced between them, with a small, guilty wince.

‘Shit. I saw it first,’ she murmured under her breath.

Alfie thundered past again, narrowly missing them. Nathan back down on his bottom throwing bricks, totally oblivious to his mistimed achievement.

Betty was emptying one of the glass cabinets to make way for the morning’s fresh bakes when Rita walked into the heavenly-smelling tearoom.

‘I was just after a sliced granary please if you’ve got one.’

Betty handed the loaf over and took Rita’s payment, then returned to clearing the shelf. ‘Go on, take these last few cinnamon buns too, love. I won’t be selling them now.’ She slipped them into a white paper bag and passed it across the counter.

‘Aw, that’s kind, thank you, Betty. Jago and my Thom will be delighted. Any news on the market?’ Rita enquired.

She hadn’t made herself busy finding accommodation for Max, and he hadn’t chased her, so she’d let it go. Jago hadn’t mentioned him again. Although, she couldn’t deny she’d quite liked seeing that spark of jealousy from her usually level-headed fiancé.

Betty shook her head. ‘Not that I’ve heard.’

‘You’re slacking.’ Rita grinned, already halfway to the door. ‘Right. I’d better get back to those kids of mine before they drive Chloe completely mad.’

‘Oh, Chloe Brimble? You’re brave.’

Rita paused, her expression softening. ‘She’s good with them, Betty. Really good.’ Betty raised a brow. ‘People don’t always get a fair start, do they?’ Rita added quietly. ‘Doesn’t mean they don’t turn out right in the end. She just needs someone to trust her, that’s all.’