My mind buzzed with Dan’s exciting breakthrough as I climbed out of bed and went down the hallway to hunt for Payton’s T-shirt. As suspected, I found it immediately and while she got ready, I went into Saxon’s room. Gone were the days when he rose before everyone else; now getting my son up in the morning was like trying to rouse the dead and I never knew how he was going to respond.

‘Rise and shine, sleeping beauty,’ I said as I went over to the bed and gently shook his shoulder. ‘Time to get ready for school.’

‘Five more minutes. I’m stuffed,’ he groaned, his words barely distinguishable through his yawns.

‘Go have a shower to wake yourself up, and I’ll cook you some bacon and eggs.’

The next hour passed in the usual whirlwind of morning crazy, making lunches while also making sure everyone was fed, clothed and scrubbed—not necessarily in that order—before hustling them out the door. Payton was ready early enough that she had time to kick the soccer ball around the backyard, but Saxon dragged his feet and missed the bus.

‘It’s okay,’ I told him. ‘I’m meeting Hayley in the city to go shopping, so I’ll drop you off on the way, but don’t make this a habit.’

‘Why are you going shopping?’ Payton—ever curious—asked.

‘I’m looking for a dress to wear to the ball.’

‘What ball?’

I managed to smile rather than shake my head in frustration. I’d definitely told her about the ball, but kids only seemed to listen when it affected them. ‘It’s to fundraise for the island, remember?’

‘Oh right.’ She hitched her backpack on her shoulder as we all headed out to the car. ‘Isn’t that ages away?’

‘Yes, but it takes time to find the perfect dress.’

Payton nodded. ‘Can I skip school and come with you?’

‘Ah, let’s see? No.’ I tapped her playfully on the bum. ‘To the car, missy.’

After a brief squabble about who was going to sit in the front, we were on our way. Half an hour later, both kids delivered, I met Hayley in front of Myer.

‘Nothing too expensive,’ I warned her as we headed inside. ‘Now I’m a single mum I need to watch my pennies.’

‘Whatever.’ Hayley marched into the women’s formal wear section and immediately began flicking through the racks. ‘I’m thinking a silver or blue would suit your skin tone. How’s this?’

I grimaced at the dress she held out—that’s if you could even call it a dress. There appeared to be a gaping hole in the midriff area. ‘Hayley, I’ve had two kids. I need twice as much material to cover up my war wounds.’