Page 47 of Coming Home to Hope Street

‘I’d never turn you away. Maybe that’s what Kieran thinks about you too.’

‘I suppose.’

‘So take him at his word. Let him stay, no longer than a week.’

‘I’ve tried that before but then he gets comfortable and doesn’t want to leave.’

She paused, unsure whether to say what she was thinking. Then she decided to go for it.

‘Can I be honest with you? You’re coming up with excuse after excuse. It does sound as if you still love him. Or at the very least, have feelings for him.’

‘Perhaps I do.’ Livvy sighed. ‘I really would like it to work with him, but I don’t trust him.’

‘Do you want to give him another chance, now you’re here in Somerley?’

‘I don’t know.’

‘At least you have family you can talk to. You don’t have to feel so alone. And perhaps he might see you have other options and realise what he’d be missing out on if he left again.’

‘I guess so.’

‘Remember, you don’t have to move on anywhere now if you don’t want to. You have a home here in Hope Street. If you want Kieran to be a part of yours and Pip’s life again, then it’s fine by me. Why don’t you bring him round this evening?’

‘Oh, I don’t know about that.’

‘But I’d like to meet him.’

Livvy paused for a moment and then nodded. ‘It will be good for Pip to have him around,’ she replied.

‘This isn’t about Pip.’ Hannah shook her head. ‘You can’t be in a relationship just for her.’

‘But he makes her so happy. She’s much better behaved when he’s around too.’

‘Nonsense. You brought her up well, despite the circumstances, and she’s old enough to understand that parents fall out of love. You can’t be with him because it’s good for her.’

‘I know, but I feel so guilty.’

‘You shouldn’t. Bring him round for dinner, Pip too, and we can get to know each other.’

‘I don’t think you’ll like him.’

Hannah couldn’t help but feel for her sister, desperate to heal her pain but unsure how to.

Livvy nodded. ‘I’ll ask him if he wants to come.’

‘You’lltellhim,’ she said sternly. ‘It’s the least he can do, turning up on your doorstep like that.’

‘Like me,’ Livvy said, with a hint of a smile.

‘No, you and Pip were a nice surprise.’ Hannah shook her head fervently. ‘Come this evening, around seven?’

‘Don’t be horrible to him, though.’

‘Me? Would I do that?’ She laughed. ‘I’ll be on my best behaviour.’

‘I’m not sure Kieran will be.’ Livvy glanced at Hannah. ‘He’s quite the charmer.’

‘It doesn’t matter. All I want is for you to be happy.’

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