‘Surprise!’ Hannah shouts, hurrying forward to throw her arms around me. Owen isn’t far behind and Liam stands behind them both, looking a little unsure, despite my obvious delight.

I draw in a sharp intake of breath and then expel it at force, so it comes out like a half-sob, half-laugh. ‘What on earth are you all doing here?’

Hannah, Owen and I are hugging, our smiles lighting up the room. I wave my hand for Liam to join in.

‘This is so amazing. I simply can’t believe it!’

‘Well, the mountain wouldn’t come to us, so we decided to go to the mountain. Besides, we come bringing a whole pile of presents from Mum and Dad. It would have cost them a fortune in postage,’ Owen declares, rather lamely. And we begin hugging all over again before I reluctantly peel myself away to stand back and gaze at them in astonishment.

‘Oh, it’s beyond good to see you all. It’s wonderful. Amazing. Unbelievable.’ I throw a hand up to my forehead, hitching back my hair as I try to take it in. ‘I feel like I’m dreaming,’ I add. ‘Sit down. I want to hear everything, about… everything.’ I know I sound like a crazy woman, but that hit of unfettered joy makes me feel like I’m going to burst.

Hannah holds up her hand and I glance down at her ring.

‘Oh, Liam, that’s perfect. I’m sorry Aiden and I weren’t there when it all happened. But we will make it up to you both, I promise.’

There’s a bang as the door clicks shut. We all look up to see Nico standing there hesitantly, looking as if he might turn and walk straight back out.

‘Nico, this is my family, come and meet them.’

He breaks into a genuinely welcoming smile and strides across.

‘This is my brother, Owen.’

Nico shakes Owen’s extended hand, vigorously.

‘Always a pleasure to shake the hand of a soldier,’ Nico says. I can see that Owen is surprised and pleased.

‘This is my sister, Hannah, and her fiancé, Liam.’

There’s more handshaking and Nico congratulates them on their engagement.

‘Have you all eaten?’ he enquires, glancing at each of them and finally at me.

‘No, we came straight here. It was a spur-of-the-moment thing. Owen has five days’ leave and only arrived back home yesterday,’ Hannah replies, smiling. I turn my head to look at her, askance. ‘My tutor was fine with it, honestly. I explained the situation and said I’d be back in on Thursday. Liam offered to drive and his dad kindly let him take a few days off.’

‘Well, this is just the tonic I needed. Thank you, lovelies, for making the trip. And what a long drive you’ve had.’

Nico slips off his coat and I follow suit.