Page 161 of Good Sisters

‘Thank you, George. That is making me so ’appy to ’ave the approval of the grandfather.’

‘She’s as happy as I’ve ever seen her, the little dote. Anne would be so pleased.’

‘Thanks, Dad.’ Louise leaned her head on his shoulder.

To her left, Sophie could see Jess and the triplets bending over a phone. She sat back in her chair so she could hear them.

‘What about him?’ Luke asked.

‘Not my type.’ Jess shook her head.

‘Okay, him?’ Liam swiped the screen.

‘Maybe,’ Jess said.

‘He’s a really nice bloke, not like Voldemort.’

They all cracked up laughing and Sophie’s heart lifted. If Jess was able to laugh with her cousins about Sebastian, it was truly behind her.

‘How is Voldemort?’ Jess asked.

‘Still a total arsehole, but a much less arrogant one. Whatever our mums said or did to him seriously humbled him.’

‘Our mums are kind of badass,’ Jess said.

‘Yeah, Mum will never tell us, but I bet they set Louise on him. I’d be terrified if she came after me,’ Leo said.

‘Jeez, me too.’

‘Me three.’

‘Me four,’ Jess said.

They all giggled.

‘She’s a brilliant aunt. Louise will always have your back,’ Jess said. ‘Just like you guys had mine. Thanks for that.’

The triplets shrugged. ‘You’re family,’ Liam said.

Jess beamed. ‘Thanks.’

Luke stood up. ‘Right, Jess, boys, let’s play a bit of footie. Come on, Robert, Tom, let’s see how good you are.’

‘Dad? Jack? Marco? Granddad? Gavin? Christelle, Kelly? Football?’

‘Sure,’ Harry said.

‘Yes!’ Jack said.

‘Bring it on.’ Kelly jumped up, followed by Christelle.

‘My hip is at me,’ Dad said.

‘Give me ten minutes.’ Gavin was feeding Lemon.

‘I can feed her.’ Shania held out her hands to take her daughter.

‘No, I’m knackered. I want the excuse,’ Gavin whispered.

---