There’s a little ripple of laughter.

‘Um… and that’s a yes, sorry,’ I smack my hand to my forehead, dramatically. My brain has been going at a hundred miles an hour trying to relieve some of the pressure from Nico. He’s been number-crunching for the last two days, hoping that now the bills are in he will be within budget. His absence has been worrying and whenever I have caught sight of him, he’s been frowning more than he’s been smiling.

Since Ceana left, this whole thing has come together more by luck than judgement, because I’ve had to think on my feet. As an ardent planner, it’s fallen into my lap piecemeal and I’m being reactive, not proactive, which is the least effective way of getting anything done.

‘Listen, you look frazzled, Fern. We’ve got this, haven’t we, guys?’ Taylor declares, firmly.

There’s a mutual nodding of heads and a chorus of, ‘Of course!’

‘You haven’t stopped since Ceana left. Why don’t you take the afternoon off and disappear into your artist’s cave? We’ll begin work in here and Kellie can make a start setting up the new craft room in the cottage on her own. Can’t you, Kellie?’

I turn to look at her and she beams at me. ‘You bet.’

You bet? They’re spending so much time together she’s starting to take on Taylor’s accent and mannerisms. I smile to myself. But I’m touched that Taylor can see I need a break, because I do. It’s been a roller-coaster of concern. I worry that Nico is taking on too much and that, coupled with the anxious excitement of choosing the final of my three paintings to send off to the gallery, has been tough. I’ve agonised over the decision and at times it’s driven me to tears. Plus, Ceana leaves a big hole because she keeps everything running smoothly and, unwittingly manages to make it look easy, even when it isn’t.

‘All right!’ I hold up my hands in mock surrender. ‘I get the message and I’m grateful, to you all. I’m thrilled about this gallery thing, but it’s just come at the wrong time.’

‘No,’ Kellie says, firmly. ‘It has come at the right time, Fern. You deserve this, and we can pull together to sort out a pile of boxes. It’s going to take a few days, but we’ll have everything looking perfect before next Monday.’ Then she stands back, surveying the enormous mound and grimacing. It’s enough to make everyone laugh.