‘It’s not a book for your age group, darling.’

‘But I’m good at reading. My teacher said so, didn’t she, Daddy?’

‘She did, but Auntie Lily is right. This isn’t a children’s book. When you’re older, you can read it and make your own decision as to whether you like it.’

Freddy stuck his lip out.

I crouched down to zip up his coat. ‘If you put that lip away, next time you come round, we could have a look on the local bookshop’s website and see if there are any new books you might like instead. How does that sound?’

Freddy sucked his lip back in.

‘Go and put your shoes on, please. I’ll be there in a minute.’ The children, having abandoned the wellies I kept for them to wear in the garden, zoomed through to the hallway.

‘Alternatively, you could always take them to the actual bookshop,’ said Felix.

‘Could we please not have this conversation again today?’

‘You never want to have this conversation.’

‘Exactly. So perhaps that’s a clue that I don’t want to talk about it.’

‘You can’t hide away in here forever, you know.’

‘I know. I do go out.’

‘Barely. And only when you’ve run out of milk.’

‘That still counts as out.’

‘No, Lils. It doesn’t. Unfortunately, I don’t have time to get into this now. I’ve got to get these two home before Poppy thinks we’ve done a runner.’

‘Give her a hug from me.’

‘Will do, but you can give her one yourself on Saturday. Don’t forget it’s takeaway night. Poppy’s mum and dad are having the kids this weekend.’

‘So why don’t you go out together? Paint the town red.’

‘We’re doing that Friday night and, since having kids, our stamina for nights out is very limited. Flopping over here for takeaway will be about the limit by then.’

‘OK. So long as you’re sure.’

‘Yep. Any preference on food?’

‘Nope. Just order what you like, but it’s my treat.’

‘Not this time. You always sneak a way to pay. This time I’m definitely paying.’

‘Fine. OK. Then I’d like lobster thermidor, with caviar to start.’ I paused. ‘I’ll have to think about pudding.’

‘Funny. You do know that I know you can’t stand caviar, don’t you? Neither have I forgotten that the last time you had lobster, it paid a very hasty return visit.’

‘You can be terribly annoying at times, you know that too, don’t you?’

‘I’m your brother. It’s in the contract.’

‘Go home, before your wife has time to realise she’s been duped and there are far better options than you out there.’

Felix grinned and kissed me on the cheek. ‘See ya.’

‘Bye, Auntie Lily!’ the kids chorused as Felix got to the front door.