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‘That’s why it’s a secret, silly.’ Sarah laughed, and Liv found herself joining in.

‘I think I’m going to like gardening with you too. But you’re right, let’s not tell your dad that!’

‘Deal!’ She wove her fingers through Liv’s, and smiled up at her as they walked up the path.

‘What’s that?’ Callum asked as they giggled their way into the kitchen.

‘Nothing, Daddy.’

He glanced at Liv, who shrugged. It was a harmless enough secret between her and Sarah, and she suspected Callum knew the truth anyway. And the look on the little girl’s face warmed her heart.

‘OK then. We should get going. Rest up, and feel better soon.’

‘I will, I promise.’

‘And if you’re feeling better, maybe this little monster of mine can come round after lunch tomorrow, and spend her Sunday afternoon helping clear up the mess she’s made in your garden. And next weekend too, if it’s still needed. I can bring my laptop and work on finishing off the proposal while she tidies up.’

‘Only if you’re sure.’

‘I am.’ Sarah answered for both of them, and Liv had to smother a smile.

‘Well, I’m sure I’ll be feeling much better by then.’

‘See you tomorrow, Livvy. Enjoy your cake!’

‘I will do. And thank you again for bringing them by, and finding the well.’ She waved and smiled to herself as she shut the door behind them, and headed back into the kitchen. She opened the cardboard cupcake box and smiled again. Inside, the pink cakes were messy and slightly skew-whiff, but covered in sparkles and made with such love that just looking at them made her feel a little better. They truly did have some sort of magic.

Chapter Six

Noise infiltrated Callum’s dreams, dragging him awake. He rolled over and hit the snooze button, figuring he might get just a few more minutes of peace before . . . Thump! The whole bed shook as Sarah launched herself at him.

‘Morning Daddy.’ She bounced up and down.

‘Morning Sarey-fairy.’ He grabbed her and tickled her, laughing as she squealed. ‘What’s this, you’re already dressed. How come you’re up so early?’

‘Too excited to sleep. It’s my last day gardening with Livvy and I’m so excited to see Uncle Jake and Summer next week! Do you think Tilly will be at their welcome home party too?’

‘I don’t know.’

‘I hope she is. I like Tilly. Do you think I can have a dog like Tilly one day?’ She snuggled against him, tucking her hands against her cheek and making his heart melt.

‘Maybe when you’re a bit older.’ He didn’t fancy restarting this argument. ‘This is nice. You used to do this all the time when you were little.’

‘I know.’ She yanked the pillow out from under his head and thumped him with it. ‘Get up!’

‘It’s still early, Sarah.’ He groaned.

‘But quicker you get up the quicker I can see Livvy.’ She grabbed the duvet and yanked it back.

‘All right, all right.’ He rubbed the sleep out of his eyes. ‘I’m getting up.’ He knew he needed to get moving. The time Sarah had been spending gardening with Liv had meant he’d been able to work on finishing the proposal to keep the surgery open — one more read-through and he’d be ready to submit.

The truth was, the proposal had been ready for a while, but the thought of actually sending it to the clinical commissioning group was something he was still struggling to get his head around. But he pushed the worries back, along with what was left of his bed clothes, and stumbled to the bathroom. He’d ask Liv if she minded watching Sarah for a few hours, and try to read it one last time before sending it off.

* * *

Liv gasped in surprise when the cool water hit her warm neck and trickled down her back. She spun around to find Sarah looking sheepish, the dripping hose half hidden behind her back.

‘I’m sorry.’ Sarah shrugged, nibbling on her lower lip as she watched Liv carefully. ‘It just went off.’