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‘There’s no future. She’s not going to stay in Broclington.’ He knew it was true, but saying the words aloud still hurt.

‘And she’s told you that, has she?’

‘She’s told me she’s not looking for anything serious.’ He tried to shrug the pain away, but it was getting harder. ‘I thought I felt the same but . . .’

‘But now you want something more?’

‘I think I might.’

‘Have you asked her if she feels the same?’

‘There’s not much point. She’s made her feelings clear. And you know she’s only on a locum contract. It’s obvious she’ll be leaving.’

‘Maybe.’ She pursed her lips. ‘But maybe not. When Summer and I moved in with my mum a few years ago, I hadn’t really planned on staying. Now, I can’t imagine wanting to live anywhere else again. Broclington is a bit funny like that. It catches you unaware and wraps such a warm welcome around you that you never really want to leave.’

‘But you did leave. Originally.’

‘I was a kid.’ She laughed. ‘And I didn’t leave, so much as just didn’t come back.’

‘It’s not the same.’ Callum shook his head sadly. ‘She’s here on a temporary contract.’

‘That’s a shame.’ Evelyn frowned. ‘I really like her. And I’m clearly not the only one.’

Callum followed her gaze back to where Sarah leaned happily against Liv. Her small fingers twirled in Liv’s silky blonde hair that he knew smelt like a summer evening. The happiness he felt when she curled against him in a private — albeit temporary — world eclipsed almost everything. Which scared him. But what terrified him more was how happy and open Sarah was when she was with Liv — more so than with anyone else outside his immediate family, which meant she was going to be hurt when Liv left. He cursed himself silently as he watched them together, realising for the first time how badly he’d screwed up. He could handle pain, but Sarah didn’t deserve to be abandoned again. He could only dread the damage that would be done by another woman walking out on her.

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

He was saved from having to answer by the rap of the door knocker.

‘You’ll have to excuse me.’ Evelyn grimaced. ‘I should go see who that is. But don’t think this conversation is over, Cal.’

* * *

Sarah leaped out of Liv’s lap and raced out of the room, squealing with excitement, with Summer and Tilly hot on her heels, yipping and shouting their own excitement.

‘So this is where you all are.’ The familiar voice echoed down the hall, tinged with laughter. Within moments, everyone was on their feet, crowding the new guests.

As the cacophony of joyous greetings bounced off the old cottage walls, Liv retreated further and further into the corner, feeling more and more awkward. Despite what Callum had said, and the colleagues who were present, this was very much a family event and she was reminded that she was very much an outsider. However warmly she’d been welcomed, she was only too aware that she was a temporary addition to the group, and didn’t have any real place within it. Unlike everyone making up the loud, noisy welcome party. She shrunk further into the corner, wishing the ground could swallow her up.

‘Liv, is that you hiding in the corner? Get over here and say hello properly.’

She’d always listened to Tom in the past, and didn’t want to argue now, so stood and let him fold her into a quick hug.

He stepped away after a second or two and held her at arm’s length. ‘You’re looking much better than the last time I saw you. I’m glad. It looks like being in Broclington suits you.’ He turned her hand in his. ‘And I’m glad to see you’re out of the cast. Are you fully recovered?’

Liv hesitated before answering as honestly as she could when surrounded by people. ‘Yes thank you, as well as can be expected.’

Tom’s eyes narrowed, and she knew her former mentor wasn’t going to let the comment slide easily. But her recovery, incomplete as it was, wasn’t something she wanted to discuss right now. Or ever really. But she was saved from the medical interrogation by an older woman who stepped forward, her arms outstretched in welcome.

‘I’m Julie. I know we’ve never met, but I’ve heard so much about you for so long that I feel like I know you. I’ve been so looking forward to meeting you.’ The older woman beamed.

‘Really?’

‘Of course.’ She embraced Liv quickly and firmly. ‘You’ve been one of Tom’s favourite students for years. I was so sorry to hear about what happened in London, but I’m glad it brought you to us. I know I said it in my email, but I want to say it again. Thank you. For so much.’

‘I’ve really not done anything special,’ Liv asserted, embarrassed by all the eyes on her.

‘We had a horrible time getting reliable cover before. It was so bad last time, Tom wasn’t sure we could take another sabbatical.’