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A blond-haired toddler is clutching his leg and, as I watch, Tarquin gently prizes his fingers off

"Ernie," he says patiently

Ernie? I feel an alodson, Ernest? But last time I saw hiirl!" Suze is saying to Tarquin, her brow crumpled in that familiar way "And Clementine looks like a boy!"

"My sweet, they both look exactly like babies in christening robes," says Tarquin

"What if they’re both gay?" Suze is looking anxiously at Tarquin "What if their horot mixed up when they were in the wo by the door I don’t want to interrupt They look like a family They are a family

"What’s the tiing to her ar to jump up "Ernie, sweetheart, I need to do my lipstick! Leave Mummy’s arm alone… Can you take him for a sec, Tarkie?"

"Letaround the roo up out of nowhere

"I’ll take her if you like," I say,in my throat

Suze whips round

"Bex?" Her eyes widen to the size of dinner plates "Bex?"

"We’re back!" I try to sound cool "Surprise!"

"Oh my God! Oh my God!"

Suze thrusts the baby at Tarquin, whoact with the two of them She races toward me and throws her arms around my neck

"Bex! Mrs Brandon!"

"Mrs Cleath-Stuart!" I return, feeling tears prick at ed I knew it

"I can’t believe you’re back!" Suze’s face is glowing "Tellyou--" She breaks off suddenly, staring at ?"

Ha! You see? People who know, know