* * *
Eventually, we found each other. Owen brought a plate over to me that was filled with yet more food; cold cuts and cheese had magically appeared from Max’s fridge.
“Can you show me round the house?” he said quietly, not that there was much chance of being heard given the racket Seph and Callum were making.
“Sure,” I said, picking up a slice of Parma ham. Max and Victoria had been living here together for only a couple of months, but it had been Victoria’s grandparents’ house and she’d done most of her growing up here. As a historian, she tended towards the old and antiquated furnishings so there were lots of pieces of unique chests of drawers and unusual tables, many repainted. Ava helped Max to remodel the property, taking it from an old fashioned, rather dark building to something that was open plan and warm. My little sister was talented for sure.
“It makes me want a house instead of an apartment,” Owen said as we headed into the large sitting room with bi-fold doors that opened onto the garden. It was turning out to be a warm spring day, so the breeze drifting in was pleasant.
My father was watching Killian cuddle Eliza, whose big baby blues were fixed on her daddy. Claire was gossiping with Mum about one of their neighbours back in Oxfordshire and Ava was talking to Eli about whatever it was they had in common. I sat down on a wing back chair, Owen perching on the arm, close enough so I could feel his body heat.
“We’re looking at the tailor’s cottage on Saturday,” Killian said to my father. “It needs some modernisation but it’d be a great place to spend long weekends and for me and Claire to escape to.”
My father’s face lit up. He missed working in London, I knew, but he loved being in the village. Having Claire and his first grandbaby would be amazing for him and my mum. “That goo.”
I sat up and looked at my father, unsure of what he said.
“Do you know the people selling it?” Killian said, sitting forward, and I knew he had noticed it too.
“Peter Mike. He an guy…” My father looked puzzled and tired.
“How much has Dad had to drink?” I said, trying to smile, make a joke of it and fighting the build-up of panic that was bubbling in my stomach.
Killian ignored me. “Grant, can you lift your arms?”
My dad nodded and put his arms out, his right lifting higher than the left. “See. I’m fine.”
Killian looked at Owen whose expression was concerned. “Claire, take Eliza into the kitchen.” He passed his daughter over, his concentration focused on my dad.
“Why? What’s happening?” Claire said, the gossiping stopping immediately, the atmosphere thickening with fear.
“What’s happened to you mouth, Grant?” my mum said, calmness in her voice that told me she was anything but calm.
Killian stepped over to my dad and knelt down beside him. “Claire, take Eliza elsewhere please.”
“You’re scaring me.” This was my fearless sister, the one who would take on the world and win.
“No need to be scared. I’m going to call an ambulance as I think your dad’s had a TIA,” Killian said. “We need to get him to hospital and get him checked out. Grant, do you have a headache?”
My dad nodded, his colour now pale and his eyes worried. I had never seen my father scared. I bit my lip from going into panic mode, the mode that would do no one any good.
“Shall I call an ambulance?” Claire asked.
“I will. Payton, talk to your dad. Keep him calm.”
I swapped places with Killian and took my dad’s hand, half listening to Killian making the emergency phone call. I talked to him about the restaurant last night and Dot’s date, praying Owen wouldn’t mind. My dad seemed to be listening but didn’t speak, just nodded. Max and Jackson were now in the room, watching and speaking to Killian. I heard Owen telling Callum and Seph what was happening and helping them come to the conclusion to give my dad some space.
“The ambulance is on its way, Dad,” Max said, standing behind me and putting a hand on my shoulder. “You don’t need to listen to this one rabbiting on for much longer.” I stood up and stepped away, letting Max talk about rugby.
“Is he okay?” Seph said, looking at me urgently from around the door into the hallway.
I nodded, stepping towards him, knowing how my brother needed us strong around him. “Killian mentioned a TIA. But he’s focused and aware. We’re just trying to keep him calm.”
Seph nodded. “That’s a mini-stroke, isn’t it?”
“I think so. Look, can you see to Claire and make sure she’s okay. I can hear Eliza crying.” I said. Redirection would help him right now. “She’s probably picking up on everyone’s worry.”
“I can do. Are you going to the hospital?”
