‘There is. The way you’ve dealt with everything that’s happened, the generosity you’ve shown in accepting me into your family, well, I owe you big time.’
‘And so do I,’ said Rob. ‘We may never have been suited as a couple, but in Bertie you’ve given me the greatest gift a man can have, not to mention all those years you put up with my parents.’
I laughed. ‘Thank you.’
Nicola handed over a square package, about the size of a large dinner plate. ‘I hope you don’t take this the wrong way,’ she said, as I peeled back the wrapping paper. ‘It’s not meant to remind you of dark times. But when I saw one of those photos Marion’s thug had taken, I didn’t see a debauched, unfit mother. I saw a woman surrounded by friends captured in a moment of joy.’
I peeled back the last scrap of paper and swallowed the lump in my throat, unable to stem the tears snaking down mycheeks. The canvas painting was of the lake at dusk, a group of naked women jumping into the water. The artist had somehow captured the moment, whilst preserving the subjects’ modesty. It was one of the most beautiful pieces of art I had ever seen. At the bottom was writtenAn Tyller Lowen.
‘Oh my goodness, this is incredible.’
Nicola waved a hand. ‘I’ve got a friend who’s an artist, and she did this as a favour, so it’s not an expensive gift, but I’m pleased you like it.’
‘Me too,’ added Rob, although I suspected the gift had been all Nicola’s doing.
‘How did you know about the name?’
‘We called Seb to check if the painting was a good idea and he mentioned the new name of the project.’
‘I honestly don’t know what to say. Thank you.’
‘You’re welcome. We’ll leave you to it, as I’m sure there are tons of people here you need to speak to.’
After more thank yous and even a hug, we parted ways. I found Maggie and Stephan beside a stall selling candy floss. Stephan had patches of pink sugar stuck to his chin, but Maggie was too busy with her own sugary delight to have noticed.
‘Oh, Liv, what a wonderful job you’ve done today.’
‘It was very much a team effort.’
‘Learn to take a compliment,’ said Stephan.
‘I’ll try.’
Pat wandered over to us, munching on a toffee apple. ‘I fear this will ruin my false teeth,’ he said. ‘Please, no one tell my dentist.’
‘Your secret’s safe with us,’ I said.
‘Bertie is doing a wonderful job with the band.’
We all looked over to the stage. Given the heat of the day, Mel had discarded her usual bow tie, slacks and braces in favour of linen shorts and a Hawaiian shirt covered in images ofpineapples. As the band played, her conducting style was more like something fromStrictly Come DancingthanLast Night at the Proms.
‘Mel’s in her element.’
‘Indeed, she is,’ agreed Pat. ‘Harry too, by the looks of things.’
We all looked over to where Harry was installed on a hay bale, surrounded by children desperate to gain entry to her makeshift petting zoo. A floppy-eared grey rabbit sat in her lap, a goat nibbling treats from her outstretched hand. She looked up, saw us watching and gave a thumbs up with her one free hand.
‘Have you been down to the lake to see what’s happening there?’ asked Pat.
‘No, I’ve not had the chance yet.’
‘Here,’ said Maggie, handing me a bag of candy floss. ‘Take this to Seb. He’s been flat out all afternoon and could do with some sugar.’
Seb was helping a group of teenagers out of life jackets. ‘Hi,’ he said as I walked towards him. ‘Could you give me a hand dragging the kayaks further up the beach?’
‘Of course. How’s it going?’
‘Great. I even got some of the suited businessmen into the kayaks. How have your meetings gone?’
