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“Open ours next.” Tilly handed me a parcel. “Freya and I didn’t know what to get you, so we hope you like it.

I frowned, perplexed, as it rattled when I took it from her. What the hell was it?

I carefully undid the sticky tape, ignoring the shouts to just ‘rip it off’ and peeled back the paper.

I laughed and clutched it to my chest. I’d had none as a kid, so I was more than happy to receive my first Lego set.

Another grand piano.

“We know how you love playing, so we got you your own to build.” Freya took it from me and showed me a picture on the back. “See, you can link it to an app on your phone, and it’ll play the music. The keys go up and down and everything.”

“It’s the best present. Thank you so much.” I hugged them both, emotions I’d rarely experienced filling my soul.

Love and family. My earlier life had been utter shit, but if it hadn’t been for Logan falling from his skateboard, I wouldn’t be experiencing this now.

A cough from Dennis drew our attention. “I have something for you, but you’ll have to follow me to see it.”

I looked at Mac, who smiled and shrugged. What on earth could it be?

He led us to the music room, and there, wrapped in a big red ribbon, was the real deal. His mother’s piano.

“My Doreen loved to play this, almost as much as you do, but it’s sitting here collecting dust and, quite frankly, Frankie…” Everyone laughed at his joke. “Quite frankly, it should be played and loved as she loved it. This is my gift to you, and I hope you will accept it.”

I looked at him, slack-jawed. “I can’t accept it. It’s too generous a gift. Mac, tell him. It was your mother’s.”

Mac stood behind me, his arms wrapped around me. “I can’t think of a better person to have it. Granted, we’ll have to move things around in the house, but we’ll make it fit.”

“Hang on,” I said, turning to face him. “Did you know about this? Dennis, did you speak to him about this beforehand?”

He shrugged. “I might have. Why don’t you sit down and play it? I’ve had it tuned, so it should be perfect now.”

“I can’t thank you enough,” I said, utterly blown away by his generosity. I sat on the stool and stroked the leather, soft from years of wear.

“There are music books under the seat if you want to look,” Dennis said, but what was the point? I couldn’t read music. Not yet, anyway, but with my place at the music college secured, I’d soon learn.

“I don’t know what to play,” I said as expectant faces looked at me.

“Play Happy Birthday,” one child said.

So that was what I did, shocked when everyone sang along. Hand on heart, this was the best birthday I’d ever had.

We ate, we drank, we laughed, and when I thought of who wasn’t there, I cried. Fuck her for being so insensitive, but why did I expect anything more?

Gran had an absolute ball, but I could see her tiring, and after a few hours she came over to see Mac and me.

“I’ve had such a lovely time meeting everyone, but I’m too old to be out this late. You enjoy the rest of your party. You deserve the world, Frankie. Accept nothing less from anyone.”

Mac’s other brother, Kieran, the one I’d never met and Aileen’s twin, took her as he had an early shift the following day. Dennis had offered us a bed for the night, one we’d gladly taken him up on, and as we crawled into bed in the early hours, I sighed contentedly.

“Did you enjoy today?” Mac asked as I lay on his chest, his heartbeat a steady constant in my ear.

“It was mind-blowing. The food, the company, the gifts. All totally unexpected, and as for your dad giving me the piano. That was above and beyond. I just… didn’t expect it. No one has ever given me a day like that. Thank you for organising it.”

I reached up and kissed his lips, the taste of champagne lingering on them. I’d never drunk it before, and the bubbles had inevitably gone up my nose, making me sneeze.

“You deserved it after the last few months. I’m just glad I could do something for you to let you know how much you’re loved. My family sees you as one of theirs now, though, so I’m warning you in advance.”

“I love your family, and I love you, too.” I caressed his chest, his hair tickling my hand. “How far away is everyone?”