Ray was still concerned for Sharon’s welfare even though she felt fine. He seemed to think that what she had gone through, what he called her ‘travail’, had been far more taxing than she was letting on! But she loved him even more for this caring of her and his family, because that is what they were – a wonderful family. She thanked God for him every day of the week.

‘Dad? Is it still OK for you to take us to football and that?’

Liam was worried that, now his sister had arrived, they would not be able to do as much stuff as usual. Not that he minded – he loved the little thing – but he liked his clubs and he would be quite happy to find his own way to wherever he needed to go. Like his brother, he was chomping at the bit to get a touch more freedom from his mum and dad.

Ray smiled understandingly. ‘Nothing will change, Liam. I promise you.’

Sharon was listening quietly, waiting to hear what was being said.

Liam tried again. ‘The thing is, I am quite happy to get the bus or trains, like. So is Lenny.’

Sharon saw Ray stifle a smile as he said forcefully, ‘No, that’s all right, son. I will still accompany you, don’t you worry about that.’

Annie had to leave the room. Sharon followed her, and together they laughed at Liam’s attempt to get a bit more freedom.

‘They are good lads, Sharon, but you can’t blame them for trying!’

‘I suppose. I’m more pleased that they have accepted little Kathy so easily. I mean, they really do love her.’

Annie smiled and Sharon could see the traces of her former beauty, though she still looked good for her age, there was no doubting that.

‘Thing is, lads especially need to be let off the leash, you know? Not that I am criticising, mind. But I do think that these days children are mollycoddled. I read the other day that young ones were leaving university after having gone great guns with their studies but they didn’t know how to look up a bus timetable! Have you ever heard the like!’

Sharon was suitably shocked but she understood that Annie was telling her it was time the boys were let free. She knew she was right, but it was hard just the same. She decided she would let them travel to school with their friends; that would be a good start. Annie had decided to move to the house in the village to be near her grandchild although Sharon would happily have her living with them. Annie was a calming presence in the home, and she was still young at heart. Sharon guessed it would be hard for her to give up her life and friends in Gateshead where she seemed very settled and happy.