He found himself obeying her, marvelling at how soft a child’s cheek was and feeling pleased that Hayley accepted his kiss with a murmured, ‘Night, G’anddad.’ Ryan had fallen asleep while being carried to bed.

Back in the living area, the two men wandered over to the table, leaving Jane to her final ministrations in the bedroom.

‘You look unhappy. Was it bad getting away?’ Jez asked quietly.

‘Yeah. I usually do as Mum says and it was really hard to go against her. I think we’d better talk to a lawyer in the morning because she seems to be on Gail’s side.’ Tom began to fiddle with his glass of orange juice. ‘And after we’ve settled in, can we see about finding a job for me?’

‘Of course. I’ve spoken to someone already. They can start the tests as soon as you’re ready.’

‘Tests?’

‘Aptitude tests. We don’t want to try to fit a square peg into a round hole, do we? But they were pleased to hear you’d done a business degree.’

‘They were?’

Jez could see some of the worry shift from his son’s face. ‘You’re pretty employable, you know. At least, they seemed to think so. But I think we should get the children well and truly settled in before you start work. That’s the most important thing.’

As Tom hesitated, he added gently, ‘Are you all right for spending money?’ He saw his son’s flush of embarrassment and added, ‘I can lend you some to tide you over.’

‘I’ll need to pay Gail maintenance as well. I don’t know how much I’ll be earning, but it won’t leave much to pay you back with, not at first.’

The money meant nothing to Jez but he didn’t say so. Tom was clearly touchy about it. Instead he said, ‘I’m sure you’ll pay me back when you can. In the meantime, I’m delighted you’re here. I’ve been rather lonely lately.’

It was the right thing to say, because Tom’s expression brightened.

‘I’d better tell you, though. I’m seeing someone. She’s really nice. I’m sure you’ll like her.’

‘It’s whether you like her that matters, isn’t it?’

‘Partly. But your opinion is important too.’

‘What’s she called?’

‘Sophie Carr. She’s a—’

‘Novelist. My wife reads her books, or she used to before she started drinking so heavily.’

‘It seems as if everyone knows about her. I’ve just read my first one and am into my second. I’m really enjoying them.’

‘Is she pretty?’

For answer, Jez went to pick up the book and showed Tom the cover photo.

‘She’s your age!’

‘You sound surprised.’

Tom wriggled uncomfortably. ‘I thought you only went out with beautiful young models.’

‘I used to. But I never stayed with them for long.’

Tom studied his face. ‘Is this one serious?’

‘I hope so. I’m a bad risk and I’ve told her she should run away, but I’m rather hoping she won’t.’

He was hoping a lot of things. His life seemed to be changing daily, and for the better. In fact, he felt happier than he had for a long time.