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‘Just water, please’ She accepted the ice-cold glass gratefully, carrying it over to the co onto one with a sigh of relief

She had begun to recreate this feeling in the kitchen at Hawksley, sanding back the old kitchen cupboards so that they could be repainted a soft grey and bringing in one of the better sofas froa Slowly, step by step turning the few rooms she and Seb used into warm, comfortable places Into a family home

‘I feel like I should be co to you ords of advice and wisdom’ Rick sat down on the sofa opposite, a bottle of beer in one hand ‘After three daughters and three decades ofBut all I know is don’t go to bed angry, wake up counting your blessings and always try and see the other person’s point of view If you can e that—’ he raised his bottle to her ‘—then you should be okay’

‘Funny’ She s very similar’

Rick took a swig of his beer ‘Well, your mother’s a oman’

Daisy swung her legs up onto the sofa, reclining against the solid ar the cushions enfold her She half closed her eyes, allowing the sounds and smells of her childhood hoot up and she could hear hi about in the food preparation part of the kitchen Her eyelids fluttered shut and she allowed herself to fall into a doze, feeling safe for the first ti while

‘Here you go’ She roused as a plate was set before her ‘I know it’s fashionable for brides to waste away before their wedding but if you get any thinner, Daisy girl, I’ll be having to hold you down as alk down that aisle’

‘My favourite’ The all-too-ready tears pricked her eyelids as Daisy looked at the plate holding a grilled cheese and tomato sandwich and a bowl of tomato soup Her childhood comfort food—not coincidentally also the li skills ‘Thanks, Dad’

Her father didn’t say another hile she ate; instead he picked up one of the seeuitars that lay in every rooan to strum some chords It had used to drive Daisy mad, his inability to stay quiet and still, but now she appreciated it for what it was A safety blanket, just like her camera

As always the slightly stodgy mix of white bread, melted cheese and sweet tomatoes slipped down easily and a full stomach made her feel infinitely better Rick continued to strum as Daisy carried her e into a well-known

Rick began to croon the lyrics in the throaty tones that had hter, a twinkle in his eyes ‘Thought Ia speech’