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‘So, not quite half the village.’ Butterflies started their twisting dance in Liv’s stomach at the thought of a polite dinner with strangers. ‘It’s fine, you should go. I’ll probably just get an early night.’

‘Liv, I really want you there.’ His words washed over her, and the butterflies slowed their anxious quick step to a smooth waltz as her heart soared. She was amazed at how easily he soothed her worries, and involved her in his plans with genuine, open invitations without obligation or expectation. And she found herself wanting to say yes — not because he would sulk or glower like Mike would have if she’d turned him down — but because she really wanted to be around Callum. And Sarah.

His hand slid down her arms to grasp her fingers in his. ‘Please, Liv. I really want you to be a part of this. It’s your concept, your plan, your hard work that’s given us, given me, a chance to save the surgery. I want you to be part of it . . . with me.’

‘OK.’

* * *

Callum watched Liv from across the room. She was laughing with Jake and Kimberly as they pored over photos from the original Summer’s Christmas fundraiser. Nick, who was as good as an extra brother to the three of them, was there in the thick of things — watching over the plans. It was only fair. He’d come up with the original concept and designed the first fundraiser, and if anyone other than Summer owned the event, it was Nick.

He’d welcomed Liv with one of his usual warm hugs and shot a thumbs-up to Callum as soon as Liv’s back had been turned.

He knew he shouldn’t care about what his friends and family thought of Liv — not when they both knew their time together was limited and futureless and they had both agreed to keep things casual — but it did matter to him. And seeing her laughing together with some of the most important people in his life did something to his heart. When Sarah wriggled her way onto Liv’s lap she automatically wrapped her arms around the little girl, then looked up and caught his eye. The smile she gave him slammed realisation into him like a punch to the stomach: he didn’t want her to leave. Not tonight, when the party was over, and not in a few weeks or months when his parents returned from their latest adventure.

‘Callum?’ Evelyn waved her hand across his vision and he started guiltily.

‘You’ve barely heard a word I’ve said, have you?’

‘I’m sorry, I was just . . . thinking.’

‘I’d offer you a penny for your thoughts, but it would be a waste of money.’

‘Gee, thanks.’ Callum rolled his eyes. ‘Nice to know what you think I’m worth.’

‘Rotter.’ She gave him a gentle shove. ‘You know I don’t mean it like that. I know I’m relatively new to the family, but anyone who’s known you for ten minutes can see what’s on your mind right now.’

Callum closed his eyes, hoping that she was bluffing, or wrong.

‘Or should I say who is on your mind?’

‘Can you read all men like we’re open books, or is it just us Macpearsons?’ he grumbled.

‘That would be telling.’ Evelyn grinned. ‘But it might be a new trick I’m adding to my repertoire. But right now, if you were a book, you’d probably be one of the easy-read ones Summer used to bring home from school. With easily understood text and lots of pictures.’

He stayed quiet, not knowing what to say.

She nudged his shoulder with hers. ‘Look at me and tell me that I’m wrong, Cal. Or tell me it’s none of my business. Or tell me that you don’t want to talk about it.’ She smiled when he opened his eyes, and Callum could see the kindness and warmth that made her such a good nurse. And friend. ‘Or, tell me how I can help.’

‘I don’t think you can help.’ He sighed. ‘I don’t think anyone can.’

‘Tell me.’ She kept her voice low. ‘Is it what I think?’

Callum glanced over to the corner of the room again, to where Sarah bounced excitedly in Liv’s lap as she pointed things out in the photo album. He watched as Nick inclined his head, listening to something Liv was saying, before nodding and scribbling something in his sketchpad.

He looked back at Evelyn, who was watching him closely. ‘Did I do the wrong thing, encouraging you to get together?’

‘No. Yes. Maybe. I don’t know.’ He ran his hands through his hair.

‘I’m sorry. I thought you liked her.’

‘I do. That’s the problem.’

‘She doesn’t like you back?’ The sympathy in Evelyn’s eyes made him cringe.

‘I think she does.’

‘Then what’s the problem?’