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‘Sure is. You’re not going to get tired of saying that any time soon, are you, Miami?’ He ran up the stairs.

‘Nope. But I’m already getting tired of Miami. Just stick to Mia, would you?’

‘You sure about that? Miami is kind of hot…’

‘I’m sure if you keep it up, I’ll make you regret it.’

‘OK. I’m tucking that thought away for later. But now, anything you want. Always. I like Princess better anyway.’ He caught her round the waist and pulled her back against him, turning her chin so he could kiss her. ‘But are you really sure about this?’

She sighed, letting her breath tickle against his skin and enjoying his slight shiver. ‘I’m always sure about you.’ She pulled away, heading for his room. ‘Like I said, I’m planning on enjoying myself very thoroughly in the very near future. Now, are you joining me or not?’ Just to make sure he got her point, she unhooked her bra and threw it at him.

‘Wicked, bad woman.’

The next week flew by in a blur for Aiden. At first it was the challenge of visiting his ma in hospital while balancing his energies to be able to work – because he needed to work and keep busy – and finding the time to give Mia the attention she deserved.

Then it was trying to work out how to bring his ma back from the hospital – still struggling with mobility – to an old home that didn’t take kindly to adaptations. But again, Mia was there, stepping in with ideas, support and solutions.

Ophelia had been kind and understanding and wrapped him in one of her magical hugs once he’d stopped being a ‘hex-brained buffoon’ and explained everything – including that he’d tried to keep it all to himself for so long because it was easier than facing the reality that his ma was deteriorating to the point of needing more help. Ophelia had, of course, turned up with Mist and every helpful bath potion and lotion she could think of – closely followed by Rayenne laden with crystals, healing oils and the offer of reiki sessions at home – even if their potency would be less than if they’d been in Hudsbury.

Katie had shown up too, inviting herself over with food and good humour, and a scolding for Aiden that could have stripped paint and taught him a few new curses that made him very glad Katie was only a seer of magic instead of a gifted user – probably the universe had been sensible there!

Then, of course, there were his ma’s neighbours, and friends from her Dine, Twine and Wine and other groups.

He was quite taken aback – and deeply touched – at how quickly a support network made up of different communities wrapped itself around them both. He quickly got used to coming home and finding people he sometimes only vaguely recognised sitting in the living room or at the kitchen table, chatting to Sylvie or working out how they could help with her recovery.

So he really should have known better when he walked into his kitchen and saw a pair of black-clad legs and nurse’s tunic sticking out of the corner cupboard that was buried underneath the staircase. And he probably really shouldn’t have run his hand up one of them for a quick, cheeky pinch on the bum. ‘Hello, Princess.’

The blur of movement rushed towards his cheek and hesitated less than an inch from his face.

He stared, shocked, into the dark brown eyes glaring at him.

‘This is your one warning. There’d better not be a next time, because if there is I won’t stop.’ She patted his cheek twice, a little too firmly to be friendly – not that he could blame her – then turned back to the cupboard.

‘I am so, so, so sorry. I would never… I mean, I obviously just did, but I wouldn’t deliberately…’ He stopped, took a breath, and tried again. ‘I mistook you for someone else, and I really am very sorry and I promise it will never happen again.’

‘I should hope not.’ Her voice was muffled, but he thought – or hoped – he heard amusement. ‘Princess, huh?’

‘Um.’

‘Been a long time since someone called me anything like that. A-ha!’ She wriggled out, brushing dark hair that had escaped its braid back from her eyes and holding up an old football pump. ‘Got it. I’m assuming you’re Aiden.’

‘Yes?’

‘You don’t sound very sure about that.’ She laughed.

‘No, I am. I’m just trying to remember if I know you?’

‘Not yet, you don’t.’ She laughed again. ‘But with a bit of luck, you will.’

‘A bit of luck?’ He was feeling more and more confused by the second.

‘Did you find it?’ Mia’s voice called from the living room. ‘Sylvie said if it’s not there… Hi, Aiden.’ She gave him a quick kiss and grabbed his hand. ‘Come on through, we’re having a cuppa in the living room. Are you OK? You look odd.’

He did as he was told, a little bamboozled. What did a football pump have to do with tea? He leaned down and kissed his ma’s cheek – saving her from getting up – before sitting opposite her.

‘Hello, love. I’m glad you’re home. This is Amrita. She’s interviewing to be part of my ongoing home care team.’

‘What?’