‘Well, blow me down, big brother!’ I say to him. ‘That’s the best news in the world! Does she sing or what? Tell me more about her. This is just fantastic! Do Mam and Dad know yet?’

He looks away shyly. I’ve often imagined Matthew’s wedding day, him making a heartfelt speech, maybe singing to his bride at some part of the ceremony and my father speaking of his son and new wife, saying how much he is looking forward to welcoming her into the family. If this is really happening for him at last, I’m over the moon.

‘I told them last night,’ he whispers. ‘I wanted to tell you first, but in person, so I just had to tell them over dinner last night.’

I’m taken aback at that. ‘You wanted to tell me first? Why?’

‘I suppose you’ve always been the one I’ve felt closest to,’ he says. ‘The one I trusted the most. I know I may have pissed you off sometimes by looking out for you a little too much, but you’ve always been special to me, Charlotte.’

Ah … I feel my opportunity arise.

‘Sometimes a little bit too much,’ I say with a light laugh. I remember I’ve the car outside and decide to leave it there and walk the mile or so to our parents’ house so I can have another drink. That’s the effect Loughisland has on me. ‘Can I get another G and T please, Angela?’

Angela looks flustered as a new couple enter the bar and I can see the shop has a few customers too. Matthew really should be working and I’m relieved when he offers to get the drinks while she attends the adjoining shop. When he sits back down, I fear the moment to tell him about Tom may have passed.

‘So, before I get into all the gory detail about my love life, what about you, little sis?’ he asks me when we get back to our conversation. ‘I know you’re busy being teacher of the year but is there anyone special in your life right now?’

Yes! It’s all happening so organically so I decide to grasp the opportunity. I can quiz him further on his mysterious new lover in a while, but this is my big moment to tell him about Tom.

I take a deep breath. I’ve practised this the whole way from Dublin to Loughisland and now it’s time for the big reveal.

‘I’ve met someone too, yes,’ I tell him softly. ‘And, just like you, it’s early days, but I’m feeling it, you know? I think when you know, you know.’

He brightens instantly. ‘That’s so true, sis. So, who is he? A work colleague, I bet! I always thought you’d end up surprising us all by falling for Mr Sensible who teaches Year Fives and wears corduroy trousers and—’