“I should have told you the truth the night I arrived here, but I couldn’t bear the thought of what that might do to us. I messed up.”

“So did I. What you needed when I picked you up that night was a great big hug, and I didn’t give you one.” Milly sighed. “Friendship can be hard, can’t it? I never knew that when we were young. It all seemed straightforward.”

“Yes.”

“Can we just forget it and move on?”

Nicole felt a surge of overwhelming relief. “Yes. I really want that.” She felt Milly’s hand tighten on hers.

“This is going to sound weird, but I’m almost glad your life blew up or maybe we wouldn’t be here together now.”

“I know exactly what you mean. I feel the same way.”

“Thank you for coming to the hospital. That means a lot.”

Before Nicole could answer, the door opened, and Joel appeared carrying two cups of coffee.

“Look who I found loitering in the waiting room.” He propped the door open with his foot and Nanna Peg walked in with Zoe by her side.

Milly stood up and gave Zoe a hug. “You should be getting ready for school!”

“There’s no way I’m going to school while Gramma is in hospital.” Zoe clung to her mother. “Is she going to be okay?”

“The doctors say she’s going to be fine.”

“Can I stay?” Zoe pulled away. “I want to be here with you.”

Milly nodded. “Yes. I’ll call the school and explain.”

Milly’s attention was fixed on Zoe, and it was Nicole who noticed the look on Nanna Peg’s face.

She moved her chair next to the bed. “Sit down, Nanna Peg.”

Nanna Peg sank onto the chair gratefully just as Connie opened her eyes.

“Mum?”

“I’m here.” Nanna Peg’s voice was shaky. “What do you think you’re doing, scaring us all?”

“I fell off a horse.”

“I know. And who is this Brian chap that Milly mentioned? If you wanted to go on a date, why couldn’t you just go to the movies like a normal person? Why horse riding?”

Connie managed a smile. “You know I don’t go on dates. I like horses, and I like being outdoors. And Brian is just a friend.”

“Whatever.” Nanna Peg took her hand. “I’m too old for this type of stress. If you want to spend time outdoors, you can join my hiking group. We’re in need of new members since Phyllis fell and broke her hip. And we might be losing Maureen soon.”

Connie eased herself into a more comfortable position. “What has happened to poor Maureen?”

“Nothing yet, but if she doesn’t stop boasting about her grandchildren she is going to have an accident. Nothing fatal,” Peg said darkly. “I was thinking maybe a twisted ankle. Enough to give us all a break.”