Page 144 of Seven Letters

Johnny pressed her to him. ‘Does this mean I’m forgiven?’

She nodded into his chest.

Mia pulled her head back. ‘I’m sorry for doubting you. I know the story would have come out, given that that guy was snooping around the hospital. The staff will probably talk now that it’s over. I just wasn’t ready for the world to know. I wanted more time. But the words, Johnny. You wrote it so beautifully. You explained it so well. You really do have a gift. I’m sorry I was a bitch.’

‘You’re not a bitch. You were just devastated.’

‘I forgot how hard this was for you, too. I’ve been so wrapped up in my own grief, I forgot about you and Riley. I know how much you loved Sarah. I’m sorry, Johnny.’

Johnny kissed her lightly on the lips. ‘You have nothing to apologize for. You’re the most amazing woman and wife, mother, sister and daughter. Never forget that, Mia. You were a brilliant sister.’

‘I miss her so much.’ Mia gulped back tears.

‘I know you do. But I’m here and so is Riley. Don’t push us away, pull us in. We want to support you and help you. It’s our turn to look after you.’

Mia buried her face in her husband’s chest and wept for all that she had, and all that she had lost.

Week Four

56

Riley hovered in the hall, biting her thumbnail.

‘You’ll have no thumb left if you keep that up,’ Johnny said, as he came down the stairs.

Riley pulled her thumb out of her mouth and stuck it into her skirt pocket.

‘You look lovely. Skirts suit you.’

She shrugged. ‘I wanted to make an effort today. You know, for Sarah and Mum.’

‘Well, I approve mightily.’ Johnny smiled at her. ‘What time is he due?’

‘Around now,’ Riley said. ‘Promise you won’t embarrass me, Dad?’

‘How could I? I’m the coolest dad around.’

‘Oh, God.’ Riley rolled her eyes. ‘This is going to be a disaster.’

‘You invited him,’ Johnny reminded her.

He was right. She had. It had been a moment of weakness. She’d been crying about Sarah and the scattering of her ashes, and Zach had said he’d like to come and support her, so she’d said he could.

But now he was going to meet everyone, all at once, and they’d be asking questions and it would be mortifying.

‘How are you doing?’ Johnny asked.

Riley looked up at him. ‘I couldn’t sleep last night. I keep thinking this is all a dream and Sarah will come through the door any minute. I guess this all makes it very final.’

Johnny sighed. ‘Yes, it does. It’s been a horrendous few weeks. You’ve been great with Izzy, I’m so proud of you.’

‘Stop, Dad. Don’t make me cry.’ She held her fingers up to her eyes.

‘Can I hug you?’

‘No, that’ll definitely set me off. But thanks.’

‘You’re welcome.’

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