Page 157 of Good Sisters

‘Hold your phone up higher, Dad,’ Sophie said.

‘All we can see are your knees,’ Julie told him.

Dad rustled around and eventually got the phone to show the top half of his face. It would do.

‘Well?’ Julie asked.

I filled them in.

Julie reacted first. ‘Poor Clara. But brilliant about the puppy.’

‘Marco sounds like he really gets Clara,’ Sophie said.

‘That was a clever move. Labradors are the best.’ Gavin was impressed.

‘Will she go back tomorrow, do you think?’ Dad asked.

‘I think so because she said she wants to feed the puppy. But I won’t know until tomorrow morning when she wakes up. Hopefully she will. Any news from home?’ I was happy to be distracted with other news.

‘Tell her about Pippa,’ Julie told Sophie.

‘She’s signed over full custody of Robert to Jack.’

‘Wow, how does Jack feel?’

‘He’s gutted for Robert that his mum has basically dumpedhim, but he’s happy that he doesn’t have to worry about his boy being with her if she falls off the wagon.’

‘Are you okay about it?’

Sophie shrugged. ‘I have no choice. What can I do? He’s Jack’s son and I love him. He’s a great kid. Do I want to raise a little boy who is not technically mine? Not really, no, but he’s part of our family and we’ll muddle through.’

‘I hope Jack is giving you all the kudos you deserve,’ Julie said.

Sophie smiled. ‘He is. In fact …’ She waved her hand in front of the camera.

‘OMG, is that a ring?’ Julie gasped.

‘Yep. Jack asked me to marry him.’

‘Sure, you’re already married.’ Dad was confused.

‘Divorced, Dad, remember. We’re going to get remarried.’

‘Lord save us, married to the same fellow twice.’

Ignoring Dad, I congratulated my sister.

‘Thanks. Jack wants to make us an official family again. He’s very emotional about the Robert situation and he wants us to be legally married.’

‘What does Jess think?’ Gavin asked.

‘Actually, she’s thrilled. It’s been really sweet to see how happy she is. She’s currently spending hours looking up websites to find her bridesmaid’s dress.’

‘Damn, I was hoping to put on a big pouffy dress and be your bridesmaid.’ Julie laughed.

‘Do I have to make a speech?’ Dad asked.

‘Just make the same one you did last time.’ Gavin chuckled.

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