‘Why don’t you get changed into your bathers now? Then you’ll be ready after lunch and a walk. I’ll show you to our room.’ I nodded to the door that led to the two small bedrooms, and then looked to Saxon. ‘You coming?’

He reluctantly followed us into the first bedroom, the one I’d been using and that Payton would share with me. Wei and Hayley were already in there, looking out the window and admiring the view of the beach.

‘Wow,’ Hayley said. ‘This place looks …’

‘Boring?’ Saxon glowered from where he’d stopped in the doorway. ‘I can’t believe we have to stay here for a whole week. How lame!’

I opened my mouth to ask him exactly what his problem was, but Hayley got in first.

‘Stop being such a grump,’ she reprimanded, then turned back to me, her eyes sparkling with encouragement. ‘I can’t believe how much you’ve done in such a short time—the transformation from those first photos you sent us is amazing. You are a superwoman.’

While I smiled proudly, Wei nodded his agreement and pointed to the walls, newly painted in duck-egg blue. ‘I love the colour scheme.’

‘Thanks.’

I’d wanted something bright, fresh and calming to match the seaside location so, in consultation with Wei and his sister, had decided on a Hamptons-style look throughout. The windows and doorframes were all painted white, and I was having fun hunting for inexpensive or second-hand furniture and decorative pieces to complete the look in the bedroom, including some rugs I’d earmarked online for when the floorboards were finished throughout. ‘There’s still a lot to do, but it’s starting to feel like home.’

When Hayley’s eyes widened and then sparkled, I realised my faux pas.

‘Well, not home-home obviously. It can’t be home without the kids here …’ I pulled Payton into a hug, not stupid enough to risk that with Saxon in his current mood. ‘But it’s starting to feel like my space. I love waking up on the beach and I’m enjoying meeting people and being part of the community.’

‘It certainly looks a lot nicer than I remember as a kid,’ Wei added. ‘Never underestimate a woman’s touch, that’s what I say.’

The way Hayley grinned at him was really quite nauseating. Perhaps I should offer them a room?

‘When did you say the kitchen renos were starting?’ she asked.

‘Not till next week. I didn’t want to have tradespeople here while the kids were staying. I’m actually thinking that I might attempt the bathroom overhaul myself.’ I looked to Wei. ‘That’s if you trust me.’

He nodded. ‘Go to town.’

‘Can you guys get out so I can put on my bathers?’ Payton asked, shooing us with her hands. ‘There’s a beach outside with my name on it.’

We all laughed, well, everyone except Sax.