‘I saw the same use of colour in your portfolio. Expressionism isn’t just using the colours you see, but the colours you feel. It’s the tonal value that counts. If you took a monochrome photo it would look correct. And art students are left to find out a lot themselves, too, by the way.’ After a few more moments contemplating the canvas she discarded her brush and changed the subject. ‘Did you see who was at the fair, yesterday?’

He only half-registered a sudden tension in her. He was finding new details in the amazing painting and marvelling at the woman who was Laurel: compassionate in helping her family; hot in his bed and his dreams; talented enough to produce this stunning work of art. ‘I saw all kinds of people.’

Her body shifted within his arms as she sighed. ‘I saw Amie.’

Shock rippled thought him. He jerked back to stare into her face, which now wore a tight, troubled expression. ‘Amie Blunt?’ he demanded.

‘We spoke.’ Her tone gave little away.

‘Were you OK? How did it go?’ he demanded, alarm sharpening his voice.

She smiled but her eyes were unhappy. ‘She’s caring for her mum and she has three sons.’ Her skin had paled, as if picking up the reflection of snow through the window. ‘She said she’d thought of me over the years. I made a mean remark to her kids about buying earrings.’ She reached up a hand to finger her lobe, absently. ‘When the kids went off shopping, she apologised. For some reason, apologies bring out the worst in me and I made no attempt to let her feel better about herself. Amie and Mac both did the same – private apology after public bullying. It feels like letting themselves off the hook.’

Grady’s heart sank. ‘You know Mac can’t make a public apology because he’d be in trouble with his job if it got to the wrong ears. Would you feel better if he said sorry in the middle of the pub?’

Her stomach heaved at the idea. ‘No!’ She groaned, leaning her forehead against his collarbone. ‘Am I letting myself off the hook about forgiving them by setting parameters that are impossible to meet?’

‘I didn’t say that,’ he answered gently, aware she was no longer sinking her body against his. ‘But I do wonder how you’re going to move forward.’

‘So do I. So do I.’ She pulled away.