‘And smells lovely too.’ Suzy had joined them, clinging to Aaron’s arm as they finished a tour of the flower and herb beds. ‘Such a good idea of yours, Prue, to think of the sensory side of things. I love the noises it all makes too. The wind chimes, the crunchy gravel, the rustling of the grasses …’

‘Here, take my seat.’ Simon jumped up and laid his hand gently on Suzy’s elbow.

‘Nonsense. I’m blind, not crippled! I’m perfectly happy to stand. In fact, I think I might take another walk around. It’s so nice to get out into the sunshine. I like the warmth of it on my face. I’ve been cooped up inside for far too long.’

‘Do you need me to come with you, Mum?’ Aaron said.

‘No, let me.’ George broke away from the small group of residents standing behind the tree and took her hand.

Prue saw Suzy blush as she realised who had spoken. It was clear she was still not used to having this newly discovered brother in her life, but that she was definitely coming around to the idea.

‘I’d like that.’

‘Mind if my wife comes too?’

‘Of course not. How are you feeling, Jessica? Morning sickness kicked in yet? I remember mine went on for months.’

Prue watched the three of them set off along the path, George stopping to rub a finger over a thyme leaf and hold it up to Suzy’s nose, Suzy giggling almost girlishly as she breathed in its scent. It was amazing just how much George looked like his famous father. Tall, dark, handsome, with that twinkle of easy charm in his eyes. She wondered why she hadn’t spotted it before, when she’d lain in Madi’s bed night after night and seen his face looking down at her from the photo in its fancy frame. Maybe you just don’t see what’s right in front of your eyes sometimes, until you know exactly what it is you’re looking for. Like Joe and his struggle with his sexuality. She should have spotted that too, but it wasn’t what she had wanted to see, was it?

She shook her thoughts away and turned her attention back to the garden. Having an official ‘grand opening’ party, now it was finally finished, had been Aaron’s idea, and a good one at that. It was a Friday evening, still light, and surprisingly warm. Every resident of the block was here, even miserable old Stan, who continued to find things to grumble about while simultaneously helping himself to free beer and sausage rolls. The little girl from the ground floor, whose name Prue couldn’t remember but who was noticeably taller than the last time she’d seen her, was happily running around with an ice lolly in one hand and a doll in the other, not in the least bothered that there was no swing, and several people had brought guests and family members along, Madi’s son and his newly pregnant wife included.