“We all have to do things we don’t want to do,” Molly said. “I have to tidy my room. And clear the table. It’s part of being a family.”

“You’re expecting her to pick up your dog’s poo.”

“It’s not my dog, it’s the family dog.”

Never had Flora thought that being taken for granted could feel so good. As they argued their way down the drive she hung back, giving herself time to enjoy the moment.

The gardens reminded her a little of Lake Lodge, and she remembered that she’d promised Clare some new photos. They emailed almost every day and used video chat every week or so. Flora was already looking forward to spending those few precious summer weeks in Lake Lodge the following year.

Jack, Izzy and Molly were still arguing about dogs, none of them prepared to back down or compromise.

They’d have plenty of times like this, Flora thought as she watched the interplay between the three of them. Plenty of laughter, probably plenty of fights, too. But that was family life. You could speak up, say what you thought, and still know you were loved and accepted. It was something most people took for granted, but she didn’t. She wasn’t sure she ever would.

Jack turned to see where she was, pausing to give her time to catch up and she smiled, warmed by the fact that he’d noticed her absence.

She hurried across to him, eager for their new life to begin.

* * * * *

acknowledgments

I feel lucky not just to be a writer, but to be working with incredible and talented publishing teams who work hard to put my books into the hands of readers. There are so many people involved that it’s impossible to thank all of them, but I appreciate the dedication that goes into each part of the process, from cover design to sales, marketing and publicity. Thank you to HQN in the US, in particular to Loriana Sacilotto, Dianne Moggy, Margaret Marbury and Susan Swinwood, also to Leo MacDonald, Cory Beatty and the rest of the fantastic team at HarperCollins Canada. In the UK, I’m grateful to the team at HQ Stories for their endless enthusiasm and hard work. I’m so lucky to get to work with you. Particular thanks to Lisa Milton and Manpreet Grewal. It’s easy to write about strong, inspiring women when I’m surrounded by so many role models.

My editor Flo Nicoll is an endless source of encouragement and great ideas. Without her I wouldn’t be able to write a thank you note, let alone a book.

My agent Susan Ginsburg is wise and calming, essential qualities to balance my overactive writerly imagination. I feel lucky and grateful to work with her.

My family displays endless patience when I focus obsessively on a book, offering love, support and food and never once suggesting a different career.