A week later, Tally’s plane touched down in Heathrow, and the moment it did, she knew this had been the right decision. She’d been wrong to think running away was the answer to her problems. The baby had brought everything into sharp focus. She didn’t need tranquil. She needed London, with its fast-paced lifestyle, overcrowded streets, and general buzz.

Nerissa’s teary face drifted into Tally’s mind. Her friend had bawled like a baby when Tally told her she was leaving, but Tally reassured her they would definitely stay in touch. Running away might not have been the right thing, but she’d achieved great things—a serialised story that highlighted the plight of millions, a new and dear friend, a café that was better set up to help those in need. And an apartment she’d be able to rent out.

She disembarked. Icy air bit into her skin as she walked up the jet bridge, and she was relieved when she reached the warmth of the terminal building,

As luck would have it, her bags were amongst the first off the carousel. She loaded them onto a cart and set off towards the Nothing to Declare lane, which didn’t have a customs officer in sight.

Tally exited through the automatic doors into the arrivals hall and glanced around. She spotted Em about three rows back, waving madly. She weaved through the crowds of arriving passengers, eventually reaching her friend. The two girls hugged as though they hadn’t seen each other for months.

“You made it,” Em said, kissing her cheek. “This place is nuts.”

“Everyone’s heading home after the New Year’s holidays.”

“I’ve had to park in the multistorey,” she said, taking the trolley away from Tally.

Tally planted her hands on her hips. “I am capable of pushing my own trolley.”

“I know,” Em said, completely ignoring Tally’s attempts to take it back. Em set off at a clip, catching the ankles of a few shufflers. With a muttered apology, she steered the baggage trolley around them.

Em refused to allow Tally to put her suitcases in the boot, even going so far as to open the passenger door and help her inside. But when Em grabbed the seatbelt and tried to clip it in place, Tally snatched it away.

“I’m pregnant, not an invalid. I had enough of this when we were in Safome.”

“Still grumpy, I see,” Em said, dismissively waving as she walked around the car to climb into the driver’s seat.

“Please tell me you’re not going all mother hen for nine months,” Tally said, giving her a hard stare.

“If you think this is bad, wait until you tell Dozer. That uncle of yours won’t let you lift a finger.”

Tally swallowed hard. “Do you think he’ll be mad?” she said, glancing sideways at Em.

“What right does he have to be mad? You’re not sixteen.”

“Still…”

“I think he’ll be worried, but once he sees you’re okay, he’ll be thrilled.”

“I hope so,” Tally murmured.

“We can find out tomorrow,” Em said.

“Why tomorrow?”

“Because I’ve invited him over for dinner.”

“Emmalee!”

“Oh, come on, Tal. You think I’d actually be able to keep him away. You know how delighted he is you’ve decided to move back home. He hated the fact he couldn’t get over to see you at Christmas. He might come across as a grouchy old bastard, but he loves the bones of you. He’s missed having you around.”

“I know. He told me every time I called,” Tally said, grinning. “I thought I’d have more time to prepare, that’s all.”

“Rip the plaster off, babes. Easiest way.”

As Em drove through the grimy London streets towards her flat, Tally’s excitement grew. Ten weeks wasn’t long, but she’d missed home. Having this baby on the way meant she needed her family around more than ever.

Her palm settled on her stomach, and she absentmindedly rubbed it. Cash might not want her any more, but she still loved him desperately. If this baby was all she had left of their relationship, there wouldn’t be a child more wanted, more cherished, more precious.

By the time Em parked up outside her flat, Tally could barely keep her eyes open. A ferry, two flights, and an hour scrambling across London in heavy traffic had finished her off. This time, she didn’t argue when Em insisted on carrying her bags inside.

“Do you mind if I take a bath?” Tally said.

Em rolled her eyes. “Please don’t tell me you’re going to be asking if you can do this or do that or if it’s okay to make a cuppa every five minutes, because that will get on my bloody nerve pretty quick.”

Tally laughed. “Nerve? As in singular?”

“Yep. I didn’t have many left after the week I’ve had, and the drive from the airport eroded the last few away. A bowl of pasta, a glass of wine, and a good night’s sleep, and the others will grow back.”

“Here’s hoping,” Tally said over her shoulder as she pushed open the door to the bathroom. She turned the hot tap on full. While the bathtub filled up, she rummaged through her suitcases, eventually locating her toiletries and a warm set of pyjamas.

She stripped off and turned sideways to look in the mirror. The slight bump was easily detectable, although anyone not in the know would probably think she’d eaten too much bread.

She sank down into the bath and closed her eyes. The hot water soothed her aching muscles, and her body began to relax for the first time since she’d found out she was pregnant. She was so glad to be home. She needed those she loved around her, especially now.

But the one she loved the most was missing.