‘I’m not going to lose him, and if anything went wrong, he’d be in the hands of a trained A & E nurse. It’s about time we got to know each other a bit better, don’t you think?’

‘It’s certainly a kind offer,’ she says dubiously. ‘Let me talk to Greg.’

‘Wow. Don’t be too enthusiastic, will you? I thought you’d bite my hand off.’

‘I will, I promise. I just need time to get used to the idea of my sister as babysitter. Let me consult the ovulation charts and get back to you. If Greg and I are going to get a whole day together, I want to make sure it’s the right one.’

* * *

‘Have some more crumble, Tilly,’ Jonathan urges, pushing the bowl towards me.

‘I couldn’t eat another thing. That was absolutely delicious though,’ I tell him, trying not to slump back in my chair.

‘I told you he does a mean roast,’ Will says with a grin.

He’s not wrong. Although I’m sure Mike could pick a few technical holes in Jonathan’s cooking, there’s no doubting the love that went into it. I don’t think I’m going to be able to move for hours, I’ve eaten so much.

‘It’s so nice to have people to cook for again,’ Jonathan sighs happily. ‘A roast doesn’t really work for one person. I mean, you can use the leftover meat in stews and curries, but making roast potatoes for one is just depressing. I did try the shop-bought ones for a bit, but they’re not a patch on the real thing and I could practically feel Geraldine’s disapproval.’

‘She did have strong views about food,’ Will agrees. ‘To be fair, she had strong views about a lot of things.’

‘There isn’t a day goes by that I don’t miss her.’

‘And that’s normal, Dad. But you know she’d want you to live your life too.’

‘I do, but it’s hard sometimes. Anyway, are you young things OK to clear up? I feel an afternoon nap calling me.’

‘Absolutely. You go and lie down. I’ll bring you a cup of tea later.’

‘Thank you, Jonathan,’ I add. ‘That really was delicious. A proper treat.’

‘Ah, you’re more than welcome, Tilly. Shall we have pork next time? Risk our teeth on the crackling?’

‘You’re inducted into the Sunday lunch club now,’ Will tells me with a smile as Jonathan heads for the staircase. ‘I hope you don’t mind.’

‘I think my waistline might mind,’ I say with a laugh. ‘He’s definitely a feeder, your dad.’

‘Mum was too. Food was how she showed her love. Odd that he’s decided he needs a lie-down though. Do you think he’s all right?’