Page 161 of Our Secrets and Lies

Her phonepinged.Am so happy to hear that news! Well done and thanks for letting me know.

In spite of everything, Lucy felt things were starting to change for the better.

The shop was closed when she reached it, which confused her. There was a hastily scribbled sign on the door:Closed for lunch. Lucy looked at her watch. It was two thirty. What was Billy playing at?

She walked into the house and followedthe sound of voices to the kitchen. Billy and Jenny were sitting at the table, deep in conversation. As soon as she saw Lucy, Jenny jumped to her feet and held up her hands. ‘Lucy, I’ve been feeling terrible about all the things I said. I don’t want to kick you when you’re down. I’m just …’

Lucy strode straight across to her, and Billy leapt up in fright. ‘Don’t hit her!’ he yelled. ‘Don’t fight!She didn’t mean it!’

Lucy reached Jenny, and pulled her into a tight hug. ‘Don’t apologize,’ Lucy said fiercely. ‘You’ve saved my life. You toldme the truth and I needed to hear it. It’s me who’s sorry. I’ve been so blinded by the past. I’ve been a complete idiot. I’m sorry to both of you,’ she said, looking at Billy, who was standing stock still, his mouth open. ‘I’m sorry, and I promise I’mgoing to change. You’ve both tried to say it to me over the years, and I couldn’t hear you. But I’m hearing you now,’ Lucy said. ‘Thank you for keeping on trying to get through to me. I’m just so sorry it’s taken so long.’

‘Ah, now,’ Billy said, coming over and hugging them both. ‘That’s wonderful, Lucy, my darling. Wherever Tina is, she’s smiling down at us.’

‘I feel like a huge, heavy cloudhas been lifted and I can suddenly see clearly. And guess what? I’ve just come from Woodside, and they’re taking Kelly back.’

‘That’s fantastic!’ Jenny said. ‘You’re brilliant. She’ll be so thrilled.’

Billy sniffled as he tried to hold back tears. ‘I love you both like mad. You do know that, don’t you?’

‘Always, Dad,’ Lucy said, kissing his cheek.

‘It was all your mother and me ever wanted,that you two would be there for each other when we were gone.’

Jenny grinned at him. ‘Well, now that Lucy’s doing what I tell her, there shouldn’t be a problem.’

‘Hey,’ Lucy said, punching her arm. ‘I’m still the oldest, remember.’

Billy smiled. ‘Magic,’ he whispered, more to Tina than to himself.

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