“All right.” She rose from the table a bit unsteadily, and Simon hurried to help her. Olivia took her arm and guided her towards the spare bedroom, fetching her nightclothes and wash bag. “Can you manage? Or would you like some help...?”

“I can manage,” Tina said with a kind of chilly dignity, taking the things from Olivia. “I’m sorry. I don’t know what happened.”

Olivia tried to smile, although she still felt near tears. “It’s okay, Mum.”

“We were playing bridge?” She sounded wondering.

“Yes, you like bridge.” She hesitated, unsure if she should press the issue or not. “It doesn’t matter now, Mum,” she finally said. “Get some sleep.”

Twenty minutes later Tina was settled into bed; Olivia had tucked her in like a child, sitting on the edge of the bed until she’d drifted off.

Back in the sitting room, she glanced helplessly at Simon and he just opened his arms. Olivia walked into them, grateful for the comfort. Thankful there was someone in her life to be there for her, a comforting shoulder, a steady presence.

“That’s never happened before,” she mumbled against his chest as his arms closed around her and drew her close. “I mean, she’s been forgetful and things, but not like that.”

“I’m sorry.”

“You seemed like you knew what to do.”

“My grandmother had Alzheimer’s. The doctor told us to give her the facts of a situation when she was confused, as well as options. Help her to feel in control.”

“Thank you for doing that. Clearly I need to do more research.” She pressed her cheek against his shoulder, breathing in his familiar, woodsy scent, savouring the connection. “I suppose I’ve been fooling myself a little bit, because she’s seemed okay these last few days. I didn’t think it was bad as...as that.”

“Like with most things, there are good days and bad days.” He hesitated, and once again Olivia had the sense he wanted to say something more. She lifted her head.

“Simon...?”

He smiled and touched her cheek. “You have a lot to deal with, Olivia.”

“And I’m so glad you’re here to help me with it. I don’t know what I would do without you,” she confessed, and then wondered if she was being too honest, too needy. “I feel badly for bringing you into all this, though.”

“This is life, though, isn’t it?” Simon said with a sad smile. “The good and the bad.”

“Yes, but it’s a lot to deal with, especially in a new relationship.” She bit her lip. “I’m sorry.”

“You don’t need to be sorry.”

“Still...”

“I mean it.” He sounded so serious, but also a little bleak. Olivia feared the mood had inexplicably altered, and not just because of her mum. She wasn’t sure how to get it back.

Then Simon kissed her softly on the lips. “But let’s not worry about all that now. Each day has its own trouble, right? And remember, it’s almost Christmas.”