‘I may not look it, but I’m starting to feel it. I’m convinced my body stopped working properly the moment I passed forty-five. Some days climbing the stairs feels like conquering Everest. You might have to get me a stair lift for Christmas.’

‘You should join Karen’s yoga class. That would soon limber you up.’

‘Karen suggested that too. I’m not sure I can see myself in a leotard with my legs behind my ears.’

I laughed. ‘I don’t think it’s quite like that.’

‘I know. It’s finding the time, though. I feel as though I never have enough time for your brother as it is.’

‘He could always go with you.’

Mum laughed loudly. ‘Could you imagine Logan in a leopard-print leotard with his legs behind his ears?’

‘Ew! Don’t make me picture things like that!’

I looked into Mum’s tired eyes. ‘Seriously, though, are you okay, Mum? You look shattered.’

She shrugged. ‘I’m not sleeping very well at the moment. I’ve got a doctor’s appointment on Friday.’

‘For not sleeping? Or is there something else?’

She paused. ‘There are a few things.’

My hand gripped onto the banister and my heart started to race. ‘Such as?’

Mum smiled. ‘Don’t look so worried, Jemma. I shouldn’t have said anything.’

‘Of course you should!’

‘I’ll tell you all about it later. For now, I want you to go into the kitchen and find your gorgeous fiancé, then I want us all to have a fabulous day at the races.’

‘Mum!’ We’d always talked about everything. ‘No secrets’ was our family motto – something that Mum insisted upon after we discovered Grandma’s cover-up of stomach cancer.

As if reading my thoughts, Mum said, ‘Honestly, Jemma. I’m not breaking the motto. I will tell you but now isn’t the right time. Tomorrow.’

‘Promise?’

‘Promise. Now smile because you have lots to celebrate today.’

‘You’re sure you’re okay?’

‘I’m fine. But I’d be even better if I could have a hug.’ She put her mug and magazine down on the hall table and stretched her arms out.

I stepped down into the hall and hugged Mum tightly. She’d lost weight. She’d always been slim but I could feel the bones in her back as I hugged her. I knew immediately that she wasn’t okay and fear gripped me.

The door to the kitchen diner opened and Logan wandered out. ‘What’s going on?’

‘Hugs with my baby girl.’ Mum released her hold. ‘Do you want one?’

‘No. I need a poo.’ He pushed past us and ran upstairs. Nice.

‘Please don’t worry about me,’ Mum said, when we heard the bathroom door close. ‘Enjoy your birthday weekend. Especially now that it’s become an engagement weekend too.’

I squeezed her again then she gently nudged me towards the kitchen to find Scott.