“Did you feel that?” he asks when I shiver. Biting my lip, I nod – my nerve damage is improving all the time. His hand moves higher and I quiver again. The warmth of his body makes my cheeks flush and I press closer. His brown eyes close and I plant kisses across his jaw. His sigh switches something in me and I am greedy for his skin, his chest, his mouth. There is no space between us. Finally, I am home.

There has been so much to change, so much to disagree on. How do you bring blanks and marked together after all these years? After all this hatred? I think we’re still trying to work that out. Tanya and Solomon live nearby now, on the outskirts of Saintstone. It’s not easy, but they told Mum that nowhere felt quite like home any more. At least this way they can be close to Obel and Gull. Fenn flits from place to place, always on the lookout for a new challenge and thrill. The Whitworths have been kind, gracious and wise. The people of Saintstone are slowly warming to them and accepting them as the good people they are. Julia went to Tanya for advice last week – I think she’s worried about Seb’s growing desire for independence – and Tanya’s joy at being asked was beautiful. I’m learning something about patience from them.

I’m glad Seb is pestering his parents about being more independent. He proved himself to be clear-thinking and careful when he took care of Mum – and his kindness… well, if I can become more like him I will be proud. He was the bravest of us all when he had nothing to gain from it.

Living with Mum is calmer than I expected it to be. Her motto of “keep your head down” is long gone, and I feel like I’m seeing the true her for the first time. She is still a reader, in the fullest sense of the word. People come to her for counsel now – her insights, whether they come from people’s ink or their words, are life-giving and full of peace. She blooms.