Defne shrugged. “He said there was an emergency at the office.” Catching Yasmin’s alarmed expression, she quickly added, “Nothing terrible. A paperwork mix-up that needs his attention right away. The accounting team was called in to help him deal with it. He said it was going to take all day to clean up the mess and that we should go to the appointment, then meet him at the dockyard. He said he wanted to treat his favourite ladies to a meal out when he’s finished work.”

Yasmin smiled her relief. She still wasn’t sure why Volkan didn’t contact her himself, but there was no reason for Defne to lie to her. In fact, since finding out she was going to be an aunt, Defne seemed perkier and more involved in household events than she had previously. She was more than willing to leave the house for shopping trips and appointments. It thrilled Narin to see her daughter thriving, especially since her younger son was about to be sentenced and things weren’t looking good for him.

Demir was in prison with no hope of release any time soon. Volkan had ensured that he wasn’t offered bail, so he’d been forced to languish in prison while awaiting trial and sentencing. The trial had finished and he was found guilty of kidnapping and conspiracy to commit murder. Sentencing was in a few days.

Zeynep had disappeared after Demir’s arrest. At Narin’s request, Volkan tracked his sister-in-law down, finding her with her father and helping him with his oyster business. Narin asked her to move back into the house, but Zeynep had gracefully refused, saying that she wanted to spend time with her father and discover what she truly wanted in life. Both Defne and Yasmin kept in touch and Yasmin found herself developing a genuine and fulfilling friendship with Zeynep.

Just as she was deciding what to do, her phone rang.

It was Volkan.

“Hi,” she answered, unable to help the smile that tugged at her lips.

She’d fallen hopelessly in love with her husband to where the mere sound of his voice sent a rush of happy tingles through her.

“I’m sorry, my love, I won’t be able to take you to your appointment,” Volkan said, sorrow in his tone. He really didn’t like when he had to break plans with Yasmin and always made his displeasure clear.

“It’s fine,” she said brightly. “Defne just arrived and offered to go with me. She said we’ll meet you at the dockyard after we finish.”

Defne smiled at her and nodded.

“Excellent,” Volkan said. “It’s as I hoped. I’ll be able to see my two favourite girls after a long day at work.”

“Did you ask your mom or Zeynep if they’d like to join us?” Yasmin asked hopefully. “It’ll do them both some good to spend time with the family.”