My heart sinks in my chest. I should have been here and not… what? Having fun in Provence?

Owen frowns, and I hold my breath. ‘To tell you the truth, it’s been total chaos since the day I arrived back. But we all pulled together, trying our best to hide what was going on so you didn’t just jump in the car and head for home.’

‘But that’s my role, Owen. If I can’t be there for you all, then who am I?’

‘Someone who deserves to take a little time for themselves, that’s who. We’re all so proud of you, Fern, and for once we all wanted to put you first.’

‘Proud?’

He lets out a deep sigh. ‘You’ve carried us all in one way or another, Fern. Guess we wanted to make up for that. Aiden told us that you’d sold some paintings.’

‘Aiden told you?’ My question goes over his head.

‘I did tell them you’d be upset, but Mum, Dad and Hannah were adamant. When I arrived home, the timing was unfortunate, as Mum wasn’t talking to Dad because the kitchen fitters had messed up and he didn’t notice. Sorry, Fern, but you just seem to sense things and it’s too hard talking to you and… trying to keep things back. So, it was easier to say nothing at all. Why did you come home early, though?’

I came back to figure out who I am now and what is left of the old me, if anything, before Aiden gets back.

‘I came home because even though I thought I’d be here on my own, this is where I feel closest to you all. And now – am I going to have to check into a hotel to get a bed?’ I ask, half joking.

‘Dad has had to paint the entire house due to the smoke damage, so I hope you don’t mind me staying here. I didn’t want to get in his way, seeing as I wasn’t able to give him a hand.’

I can’t laugh at his ridiculous question, because now my eyes are welling up. ‘I’m going to be an aunt,’ I whisper with incredulity.

‘I know. It still hasn’t really sunk in. I’m going to be an uncle; that’s surreal,’ Owen agrees. ‘Once Hannah and Liam got over the shock, they were ecstatic about it, Fern. And we’ve all been dying to tell you.’

I nod. There are worse things happening in the world and I know that Hannah and Liam will rise to the challenge.

‘And now you have a chance at a whole new career, Fern. We’re all excited for you.’

‘But how did Aiden know? I didn’t tell him two of the paintings were sold.’

A sudden movement in the doorway attracts my attention and my jaw drops as I see Aiden standing there.