‘Evan’s right, though,’ she sniffled. ‘It’s totally the wrong time to be telling you something like this. But it’s coming up so fast, and I might not have had another chance.’

Frank sat back and drummed his fingertips on the arm of his chair.

‘So . . . Australia, eh? Can’t say I was expecting that.’

‘It’s not that long since I found out, so it was a shock for me, as well,’ Jo said, dabbing at her eyes with the tissue. ‘But Sam’s been asked to manage his company’s new branch on the Gold Coast, and it’s twice the salary he’s getting now, so we’d be stupid to turn it down. They’ve leased a house for us, with a really good school close by, and a beach at the end of the road.’

‘Whoopty-do,’ Evan said scornfully, staring at her in disgust. ‘He buried Mum today, in case you’ve forgotten, and now you’re going to abandon him?’

‘I’m not abandoning him,’ Jo protested, even though she felt she was doing exactly that – and hated herself for it. ‘It’s only for two years, and we can call and email each other all the time. We can even Skype – if you can get your head around it, Dad.’

‘I’m sure I’ll manage,’ said Frank.

‘Never mind Skype,’ Evan interjected bitterly. ‘It’ll be winter soon, and who’s going to look after him if he gets snowed in or has a fall? Or – God forbid – another heart attack?’

‘That’s not going to happen,’ Frank said before Jo could respond. ‘This is a great opportunity for them, and I’d never forgive myself if they missed out because of me.’

‘But your heart—’ Jo said lamely.

‘Is stronger than it’s ever been,’ said Frank. ‘I haven’t had any problems since the doc put me on that new medication, and there’s no reason why that should change.’

‘She still shouldn’t be going at a time like this,’ Evan argued. ‘She’s being selfish.’

‘And you’re not?’ Jo rounded on him. ‘Expecting me to stay in case Dad needs looking after, when you’re only an hour’s drive away?’

‘You’re his daughter.’

‘And you’re his son – when it suits you.’

‘What’s that supposed to mean?’

‘Oh, come off it!’ Jo snorted. ‘You only ever visit when you want something, and he doesn’t see you for dust the rest of the year.’

‘You’re no better,’ Evan retorted angrily. ‘When was the last time you—’