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‘I knowwhat lies ahead so all I can say is that thank goodness I don’t run a dating agency because I didn’t predict either of these But that doesn’t mean that I’m not truly happy for you all Clara, you’ve been my closest friend in Hopeford’

So close that I haven’t seen you since I returned, a little voice whispered but Polly ignored it

‘I knohe can tohe usually achieves it!

‘And Grandfather, Grand Raff and me I knoasn’t easy, that eren’t easy I know it put a strain on you I’ether after thirteen years You’re the h ‘To the Raffertys Congratulations’

‘The Raffertys,’ they chorused, glasses held to hers before they sipped

Polly put her glass down thankfully

‘Aunty Polly,’ Su yours?’

Every eye turned to Polly and she sank back into her seat, instinctively looking over at Gabe for help

But he just sat there

‘You didn’t drink any wine either’ Raff sounded accusatory

For goodness’ sake, wasn’t a girl allowed to not drink? It wasn’t as if she were a lush!

But h a big announcement hadn’t been her plan maybe it would be better to tell the off a plaster

Polly took a breath, feeling the air shudder through her

‘I have a little announcement of my own This isn’t quite hoanted to do it’ she looked around the table, desperate for some reassurance ‘but I suppose there isn’t an easy way so I’nant’

‘That’s great, Polly’ But Clara’s voice was lost as both Raff and her grandfather sprang to their feet

‘Pregnant?’

‘You’llat Gabe