Lucy Greenwell

Kim is in her early 30s, chatty, gregarious.

Kim is in her early 30s, chatty, gregarious.

Chloe is ten years younger.

Chloe is ten years younger.

She seems shy and a bit nervous at first.

She seems shy and a bit nervous at first.

It was lovely to see.

It was lovely to see.

The way Jess tells it, this first meeting with her new sisters, the muddy walk, lunch in the pub, everything just fell into place.

The way Jess tells it, this first meeting with her new sisters, the muddy walk, lunch in the pub, everything just fell into place.

Jess says she's always dreamed of being part of a big family, and we know she has one now, on paper at least.

Jess says she's always dreamed of being part of a big family, and we know she has one now, on paper at least.

By my reckoning, on top of those eight half-siblings, she's gained two parents, four grandparents, a lot of aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews, and that's before you get to her new cousins.

By my reckoning, on top of those eight half-siblings, she's gained two parents, four grandparents, a lot of aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews, and that's before you get to her new cousins.

But it's Kim and Chloe who make that feel real.

But it's Kim and Chloe who make that feel real.

That autumn day, Chloe walking ahead with Jess's children, pointing out the ducks, the three women content.

That autumn day, Chloe walking ahead with Jess's children, pointing out the ducks, the three women content.

If only you could just press pause and freeze it there.

If only you could just press pause and freeze it there.