He chews his lip. ‘This year you are both taking away from each other must be hard? But I can sort of understand it. Please don’t let her know I’ve told you this, but Hannah wanted to give up uni. She wanted us to get married next year. She’d get a job so we could buy a house together, rather than share my flat. I said no. I want us to be together, but I don’t want her to sacrifice anything that she might regret in the future. Can you understand that?’

I nod. ‘Yes. And I appreciate that you are thinking about Hannah, putting her first, because as the youngest member of our family she’s had a lot of people protecting her. But I’d be a hypocrite if I said I didn’t understand how loving someone changes everything.’

I’m glad Liam is happy to confide in me, especially as I might not get a chance to talk to him again until after my time here is over. It’s sweet of him trying to put my mind at rest.

‘Hannah is worried about you and Aiden. She thinks the world of you both, you know.’

‘This year off isn’t because we aren’t happy together, Liam. I’d hate anyone to think that. I don’t want Aiden to have any regrets because I can’t share in his dream to travel. While this break isn’t something I’d choose, I will admit, it’s turning out to be a wonderful learning experience for me, too. As I see it, that can only enrich our lives as we go forward.’

Looking at Liam, I wonder if he can understand. He’s so young still, but even the few years he has on my sister is more life experience gained. He seems very clear about where he’s going and what he wants out of life.

‘I hope Hannah and I can face whatever problems life throws at us in a constructive way, too. I believe it’s important not to take anything for granted, as I’ve seen how quickly a relationship can unravel when assumptions are made. Taking a risk is infinitely better than doing nothing at all.’

‘If you can survive the tough times, the good times will be so amazing it will blow your mind.’

He grins at me. ‘Your sister blows my mind every single day. She’s a bit of a whirlwind at times and she can be very stubborn, but I think that might be a family trait.’

My eyes open wide as my forehead lifts. ‘Oh dear, and I thought I was the only one bestowed with that! You’re in for a roller-coaster ride with our family, then.’

‘And I wouldn’t have it any other way, believe me.’

A voice pipes up. ‘Are you two talking about me?’ Hannah enquires, one eyebrow raised in disdain.