“Scott,” I say firmly. “This is my brother, Will.”

The scowl disappears and Scott gives a welcoming nod.

“Hey, Will.”

My brother approaches and I hook my arm through his.

“Come and see what my friends have done,” I say, marching him inside.

Scott steps aside to let us through and I avoid his eye.

“Will!” calls Lily from the doorway to the baby’s room. “You’re just in time for bubbles.”

“Hi, Lily,” Will says quietly.

He admires the new nursery, says hello to Mags and Emma, and is introduced to Darryl, all the while gripping his hands like he has to hold himself together.

“You OK?” I murmur as we head to the kitchen for champagne glasses.

“Not really.” Will slumps into a chair and sighs. “Tilly’s back in hospital for more tests. I need to go and pick her up shortly.” He waves a hand at the bottle of bubbles. “I’ll have to take a rain check on the drink.”

“Is she OK?”

“I guess.”

He looks so dejected and still. It’s like he’s shrunk inside himself.

“Will, is there something I can do to help?”

He sighs again. “I work under contract and I thought I had another job lined up, but it fell through. I hate not having a secure income coming in.”

A small voice in my head starts to wonder if Will is putting on an act. He looks genuine, but maybe I was right the first time.

“Do you need money?” I ask harshly.

Will looks at me quickly.

“No, Trish. I don’t need money. Do you think that’s why I’m here?”

I don’t answer.

“Not that it’s any of your business, but I’m careful with finances. Always have been. I have a reasonable stash in my savings account for situations like this. I’m not here to fleece you. I’m here to try to give Tilly a family. She hasn’t got any relatives, you know. Well, our side doesn’t count and Tilly’s mum – her parents died ten years ago and her only sister lives in Iceland, of all places. I’m it. There’s only” Will breaks off and drops his head in his hands.

“Will, I’m sorry.”

“Forget it,” comes his muffled voice. “I should go.”