He has to keep believing that they will all get through this. He’ll be the positive one. He crouches before Lucy and takes her hands. ‘Everything will be okay.’ Their gazes lock. He sees that she wants to believe him and wanting something is always the start, isn’t it? ‘We’ll be okay. All of us.’ This it what he wants more than anything, and as she nods, squeezing his fingers, he is relieved that she wants this too. Wants them. He’s been so distracted, so caught up in her and all the implications of their ill-fated relationship he’s almost forgotten what’s most important.

His wife.

His children.

Everything he needs is right here. He has such a lot of making up to do he doesn’t quite know where to start but he says, ‘I’ll cook tonight. Do you want a cup of tea while you wait?’

It’s a small kindness but Lucy’s eyes fill with tears.

He is floored by a love that is fierce. ‘Look. I don’t have to go to this conference on Monday.’

‘But your CPD?’

Vets have to undertake 105 hours of Continuing Professional Development over a three-year period.

‘I know, but I can do it another time. You’re more important. All of you. You absolutely come first.’

For a moment his words hang heavy, the frown that creases Lucy’s forehead disappears and he can imagine her holding his promises to her chest. She’s wavering but still she says, ‘But they won’t give you a refund now, and you’ve paid for the hotel room.’

‘It’s fine.’

‘No… go. You’re only half an hour away, you’re often called out further than that. If we need you, you can come back. Look… when you come home everything will be different.’ She touches his face, her palm is warm as it rests on his cheek.

‘Go, Dad.’ Connor chimes in. ‘Staying here won’t bring Ryan and Tyler back and I’m not going to school next week if they haven’t been found so you know I’ll be safe.’

‘But Kieron’s got to see Dr Peters.’

‘He won’t tell us anything new. Kieron’s only just been discharged but I’ll take him to be cautious and to book the next appointment.’

Now Aidan is the one who’s unsure. ‘I don’t know—’

‘Mum does and she wants you to go and she wants a cup of tea!’ Kieron pipes up. ‘And while you’re making it, I’ll have a hot chocolate please!’

Aidan forces a laugh for his son. ‘You lot are so bossy. Want anything, Connor?’

‘Is a beer out of the question?’

Aidan doesn’t answer but while he waits for the kettle to boil he uncaps a bottle of Becks from the fridge.