Page 112 of Midnight in Paris

Tom wasn’t there in that pile of ash. He was with them. If not in spirit, then in their memories. And that’s where she’d learn to cherish him.

Julie had gripped her hand then. ‘Thank you. For bringing him so much happiness. He was always a bit of a… worry, Tom. Always a bit too carefree for his own good. But you anchored him. I admit, I didn’t like it at the time, his devotion to you. This sudden new version of my son. But I can see now how much… richness you gave his life.’

Sophie had squeezed Julie’s hand back. ‘Thank you,’ she’d said. ‘And you don’t need me to tell you how much he loved you both.’

They’d stood, Sophie, Julie and Doug, looking at the branches wave on the bushes, hearing the rustle of the grass, the sounds of nature all around. And although they were all crying by the time they turned away, there was definitely a sense of rightness about it all – that they’d come together to say goodbye.

‘Well, I’m glad it was OK, everything considered,’ Libby said.

‘Yes.’

‘Do you have your wedding list, by the way?’ Libby asked, changing the subject. ‘I’ve lost the link you sent.’

Sophie grinned. ‘I’ll send it again. But honestly. You don’t have to get us anything.’

‘Well, we’ll see.’

‘And you’re bringing George?’ Sophie kept her tone light, but both of them knew that Libby’s bringing him to a wedding was A Big Deal.

‘Almost definitely.’

They smiled at each other.

‘Look at you, the blushing bride. Again!’

‘Your turn next?’ Sophie teased.

‘Steady on! Yes, George is… well, he’s perfect. But it’s early. No rushing.’

‘Still… “perfect” sounds promising.’

‘I’m just saying, though. If you throw that bouquet in my direction, I will high-kick it well out of reach. I’m not even sure if I’m the marrying kind.’

‘Fair enough.’

‘Never say never, though. Just… I’ve realised I’ll be OK, either way. Maybe that’s the wisdom of getting older.’

‘Ha. Maybe.’

‘And what about you? Are you going to… Have you and Will talked about…?’

It was still awkward, after all these years. Sophie nodded. ‘Babies?’ she said. ‘Yes, we’ve talked about it. We’d like to. If we… if I can.’

Libby squeezed her hand. ‘I’m sure it’ll work out this time.’

‘I’m not!’ Sophie said with a wry smile.

Libby looked at her.

‘Well, I’m not! It’s OK though, I think. I’m trying to enjoy each day, not worry so much about the future that I spoil the present. I did that, you know. Last time. Wasted it.’

‘You didn’t.’

‘A bit.’

‘Well, hindsight is 20/20,’ Libby said. ‘We’d all do things differently if we could. Probably.’

‘You would?’

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