Page 82 of Coming Home to Hope Street

‘We’re in agreement there.’ Livvy smiled. ‘But one thing me and your dad have done right is to have such a lovely, well-balanced daughter to be proud of. Of course there’ll be fall-outs and disagreements in the future, but right now I’m so glad to have you.’

Pip smiled at her for a moment and then it dropped. ‘Will Dad get into trouble with the police?’

‘Yes. He’ll be charged with theft, and breaking and entering, I expect. I’m not sure of the terminology.’

‘So he won’t be coming to Somerley again?’

‘I doubt it, but you never really know with him.’ Livvy placed a hand on Pip’s thigh. ‘I’m sorry.’

‘I’m not. I hope I never see him again. He’s someone I don’t want to have as a role model.’ She smiled shyly. ‘When I grow up, Mum, I want to be like you.’

‘Please don’t be so gullible.’ Livvy laughed, trying to lighten the mood.

‘You’re kind, hardworking, considerate, and setting me a real good example. I need to be more like that.’

‘Aww, thanks!’ A warm feeling flowed through Livvy.

‘Like I keep saying,’ Pip added. ‘I’m sixteen soon and I need to start acting my age.’

‘No, don’t grow up too quickly. Because then you’ll want to leave home and I don’t want that to happen for years and years.’

Pip grinned. ‘I can help though. I’m going to look for a Saturday job.’

Livvy smiled again. Perhaps everything was going to be all right, after all.

‘Come on.’ Livvy stood up and held out her hand. ‘Let’s go home.’

As they walked, Livvy looked back at Church Square momentarily. Hannah was right.

There was something magical about Somerley.

Once in the house, Hannah took off her coat and went through to the kitchen. She could see Doug at the worktop, hear the kettle boiling. He was singing along to the radio, having a little wiggle as he crossed the room. She felt beyond blessed right now.

‘Hey.’ He turned to her with a huge smile that made her heart melt. ‘I was making a brew, but I could be persuaded to have something a little stronger.’

‘Tea is fine,’ Hannah replied.

‘How’s everything now?’ He pulled her into his arms, kissing her forehead.

‘We found Livvy under the oak tree in the square.’

‘Whatisit about that tree?’

‘It’s the Somerley magic,’ she explained with a grin. ‘I have no idea, actually. It’s just something we did as kids, sat under there and it seems every time we have to think, it draws us to it.’

‘I believe you,’ he mocked.

‘I’m going to stamp on your foot if you don’t stop teasing me.’

His laughter warmed her up and she held him close again. ‘I was so lucky to find you.’

‘Oh, I think that works both ways.’ He hugged her back. ‘Now, about that tea.’

‘Doug?’ He already had his back to her.

‘Let’s do something.’

‘You mean have an early night?’

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