Annie laughed and conceded the point. “My ex told my children we are getting back together.”

“Are you?”

“Absolutely, one hundred, no, one million percent never ever. No.”

“That’s quite final. Have you straightened it out with your sons?”

“Yes. They’re fine. They love their dad, but they’re old enough to understand that he wasn’t such a good husband.”

“Even adults can struggle to come to terms with their parents’ imperfections.”

“Are you speaking from experience?”

“Yes.”

“Alex and Peter are very well-adjusted adults. And I think being twins, they have the added advantage of being each other’s moral compass.”

John nodded. “You know, my aunt thinks you’re a bloody miracle.”

“I am!”

“She’s pinning all her hopes on you buying this place.”

“So am I,” said Annie.

John rubbed the back of his neck with his hand. Annie noticed that his face and hair were speckled with white paint. He looked done in; his aura was that of a person weighed down by the burden of responsibility.

“The builder is pressing me for an answer. He’s had the surveyor’s reports back and he’s keen to go ahead.”

“But there’s nothing official. You haven’t signed anything.”

“No, it’s a gentleman’s agreement. I won’t be terribly popular if I pull out.”

“Will it affect your business if you don’t sell to him? I mean, could he be vindictive?”

John thought for a moment. “I don’t think so, he doesn’t strike me as the type. Maybe I could offer to pay his surveyor’s fees, so he’s not out of pocket, you know, as a gesture of goodwill.”

“You’re talking like you’ve made your decision already.”

“Let’s just say, I’m leaning more one way than the other.”

Annie felt a thrill of excitement in her stomach.

“But of course,” he went on, “a lot depends on whether your husband agrees to buy you out. And how long he’s likely to drag it out for. Mari’s needs won’t wait.”

“I understand,” said Annie. “I do, really.” She looked up at him and his eyes met hers. He smiled.

“I know you do.”

A hope that Annie hadn’t dared to believe in was blossoming inside her. She hadn’t believed in fairy-tale endings since she was a starry-eyed teenager, but right in this moment, she was willing to dream that she might just get her happy-ever-after after all.

Chapter 68