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But rather than think about it, he shook away the feeling and the questions it raised, and concentrated on getting home as quickly as he could.

When he got there, he forced himself to take a few breaths and enter quietly, and he was glad he had. He froze at the door to his living room, floored by the scene in front of him. Liv was snuggled up on the sofa with his daughter, looking for all the world like she belonged there. Sarah was tucked under her arm, asleep as she hugged her favourite bear tightly to her chest. Liv smiled down at Sarah warmly, her full attention focussed on the little girl who looked so peaceful in her arms.

As if sensing his presence, Liv looked up and for a moment Callum was bathed in the warmth of her beautiful smile.

‘Hey,’ she whispered, ‘she’s asleep.’ Her eyes flicked to Sarah.

‘Amazing.’ Callum tiptoed across the room. ‘She usually struggles to settle when she’s been sick.’ He knelt by the sofa to check on his daughter, and looked up at Liv. ‘Thank you so much for this.’

‘It’s fine.’ Liv shook her head slightly, careful not to move too much and wake Sarah. ‘I hope you don’t mind me being here, but she begged to come home, and Millie said it was for the best.’ The concern etched across her face touched him deeply: she’d gone out of her way to help his daughter, and now she was worrying about having been rude.

‘You’ve done me a huge favour. Believe me when I say I’m grateful.’ He squeezed Liv’s good forearm, offering reassurance. ‘How long has she been asleep?’

‘She’s been out for a while. I told her when she wakes up, you might let her try some dry crackers or toast. She’s not been sick again since we got back and was starting to feel hungry. I hope that’s OK. She’s kept down some Pedialyte solution too.’

Callum smiled as he realised Liv had said exactly what he would have said. ‘Liv, it’s perfect. I’d have done the same myself.’

Sarah began to stir, and he smiled down at her. ‘Hey, princess, how are you doing?’

‘Tired. I got sick at school.’

‘I know, sweetheart. I’m sorry I wasn’t able to come and get you.’

‘S’OK.’ Sarah gave him a sleepy smile. ‘Livvy came and got me.’

‘I know. Have you said thank you?’

‘Thank you, Livvy.’

‘You’re welcome, sweetie.’ Liv smoothed Sarah’s hair away from her face. ‘I’m just glad you’re starting to feel better.’

‘Me too. Being sick is no fun.’

‘No, it isn’t,’ Liv agreed quietly, an odd look on her face.

‘I’m tired, Daddy,’ Sarah grumbled.

‘Right.’ Callum scooped his daughter up into his arms, trying not to think about Liv’s strange look. ‘You’ve been poorly. I think it’s time you went to bed. And Dr Cuddlington agrees with me. You can try some food when you’re a bit more awake.’

‘K.’

Callum smiled at Liv, suddenly feeling shy. ‘I really can’t thank you enough for this.’

Liv shrugged and flushed in a way that made her hazel eyes seem to sparkle. ‘Like I said, it’s no big deal.’

‘Well, it is to me.’ He jiggled Sarah slightly. ‘To us.’

‘Well then, you’re both welcome.’ She leaned closer, and her delicately honeyed scent filled Callum’s senses, giving him thoughts that were entirely inappropriate when he was holding his sick daughter.

‘Feel better soon, Sarah. This world needs more fairies like you spreading magic.’ She planted a quick kiss on her cheek.

‘You’re not going?’ Sarah complained, twisting in Callum’s arms. ‘I want to know how the story about Dr Cuddlington and the fairies and pixies ends. Can you put me to bed and finish the story?’

Liv’s questioning eyes met Callum’s and he shrugged. He hadn’t planned on having her in his home, but now she was there he didn’t want her to leave either. He was grateful Sarah seemed to feel the same — although for entirely different reasons. He held his breath and hoped Liv didn’t have any reason to rush off, but didn’t want to presume anything either. ‘Liv probably needs to head home, Sarah-bear. She probably has things to do.’

‘Please, Livvy . . . just five more minutes,’ Sarah begged. ‘I won’t sleep if the fairies and Dr Cuddlington don’t find the missing pixies!’

‘Well, I suppose I can stay for a bit and tell you the end of the story. If that’s all right with your daddy.’