Page 128 of I Knew You Were Trouble

‘Noise?’ I offer.

‘Noise, yes. Just you and me.’

Just you and me…

Tears prick my eyes and, unable to speak for the lump in my throat, I simply nod.

Then he leans across the table, one hand cupping my cheek, and kisses me.

Everything else falls away – the doubts and overthinking, the self-reproach and regret – and it’s just me and Willem, hopeful and eager about embarking on a new adventure.

Together.

EPILOGUE

SEVERAL WEEKS LATER

Poppy

‘They’re in the car!’ I look up from my phone and grin at Tristan. He grins back, but then I have a troubling thought. ‘We should have met them at the airport. Should we have met them at the airport?’ I ask, suddenly doubting myself.

Tristan captures me in his arms and lands a soft kiss on my mouth. ‘Darling, your mum insisted that we not do that. It was a miracle she agreed to us sending a town car. Now, what’s really got you so out of sorts?’

I peer up into his whisky-brown eyes.

‘I want to tell them. I know it’s early but?—’

‘I do too,’ he says, cutting me off.

‘You do?’ I ask, my eyes wide.

‘Darling, this is the mostbrilliantnews we’ve ever had to share.I’vebarely been able to contain myself – I’ve nearly told Ravi half a dozen times.’

‘You have?’

‘Yes,’ he says with a laugh. ‘Andyou’re nearly seven weeks along.’

‘True. And Dr Prior was pleased with how it’s going.’

‘Exactly. So, let’s tell your mum and dad that they’re going to be grandparents.’

I grin at him again, excitement infiltrating every part of my body, every nerve ending, every hair follicle, everycell.

We’re going to be parents!

And with Baby Sharma arriving in a couple of months and Shaz and Lauren another step closer to becoming mums, it won’t be long until our friendship family will grow by three.

‘Meow.’

Saffron appears at our feet, her tail curling around Tristan’s legs. He bobs down to scoop her up.

‘What do you think, Saffy?’ he asks. ‘Ready to be a big sister?’

She mewls disdainfully, struggling in Tristan’s embrace. He lets her go, and she drops to the floor and saunters away.

‘So, that’s a no,’ I say.

‘She’ll come around.’

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