She went into her bedroom and opened Ivy’s box, now on display in the middle of her dresser. She put Charlie’s letter in the back and closed the lid, her fingers lingering on the top just briefly.

Nicole’s friends had welcomed James like she knew they would. Everyone had left now except those that were closest to her, and the small group sat around the table under the tall gum. The sun had dropped low towards the horizon and the air was filled with love and gentle laughter.

Nicole could see James beginning to relax and she hoped he would feel comfortable among them. He’d mentioned little about himself, other than he was from Sydney, had a young family there and worked as a burns specialist at Westmead. There were, no doubt, some difficult questions he was here to ask. All she knew of Charlie’s past was what she had gleaned from Ivy’s letters, and his own letter now. Snippets only. Of drink and guilt, of a night that maybe not everyone survived. Whatever the past held, whatever James was here to discover, it was unlikely pleasant. But she would make it as easy as she could. Later, when everyone was gone and they were alone, she’d show him Charlie’s letter. A place to start.

‘So,’ Danny whispered in her ear. ‘James is going to stay with you for a bit?’

‘Yeah. He wants to learn everything he can about his father. It didn’t seem right him staying at The Royal. It is technically his house.’

‘Pretty good-looking.’ Danny glanced over at him.

‘Hadn’t noticed, really.’ Nicole couldn’t stop the cheeky grin that teased the corners of her mouth.

She had noticed, though. James looked a lot like Nicole might imagine Charlie had looked at the same age.

‘A bit old for me, though. He must be in his fifties. Turns out I like men born in the same decade as me.’

Danny blushed but held her gaze.

‘What time are you flying tomorrow?’ Jacqui leaned over and asked Danny.

‘The flight’s first thing. Actually, I should probably get going. Start the drive to Sydney and get to the airport motel before it gets too late.’ He shook the men’s hands and kissed Mandy, Cheryl and Jacqui on their cheeks.

Nicole walked him to the gate.

‘Have a safe trip.’ She took one step towards him. He didn’t step back.

‘Thanks.’

‘I’m going to miss you.’

He closed the gap between them. The hint of orange and cinnamon on his neck filled Nicole’s head with desire. He reached his arm behind her neck, pulling her into him, their bodies pressed tightly together.

Danny brushed her hair behind her ear and cupped her face in his strong hands.