Page 125 of Good Sisters

‘We all do,’ Sophie replied. ‘Is everything okay with the boys?’

Julie’s face went red and she stared fixedly at her cake. ‘Yeah, sure,’ she said.

I looked at Sophie and she looked at me, obviously thinking the same thing: Something’s up.

‘You and Harry both seem a little off today,’ I said. ‘Is anything wrong?’

‘No, no.’ Julie shook her head, but still didn’t look at us. ‘It’s grand. Just some … you know … normal teenage stuff, but it’s all fine.’

‘Can we help?’ Sophie said. ‘Is there anything we can do?’

Julie finally looked up at us, and I could tell something was really bothering her. She took a very deep breath and opened her mouth as if to speak, then shut it again. Another deep breath, and she went to speak again, but stopped. I wanted to shake her.

‘Jesus, Julie, spit it out,’ I urged my sister.

She opened her mouth again, but before she could say anything, Lemon let out a roar and projectile-vomited all over the table. Thank God Clara had gone to her room or she would have freaked out with the mess and the smell.

Everyone helped clear up, and when that was done, it was time for them all to head home. Clara let Marco read her a story before he left for his hotel and I collapsed into bed for an early night. It was only when I was turning off my light that I remembered Julie hadn’t told us what was wrong. I’d have to call her and check in.

The next morning, Marco stood in our hall, his suitcase at his side. He held out his arms.

‘Not yet,’ Clara said.

‘No problem,tesoro mio. A fist pump?’

‘Sì.’ She smiled shyly at him.

He held out his fist and she touched it with hers.

Marco looked at her, his hand on his heart. ‘I love you,amore mio.’

‘Grazie,’ Clara said.

‘Thank you for permitting me to be in your life. I am the happiest man in Italy.’

‘I’m glad Mummy found you and that you came over. I like you, Marco. You’re kind and funny, and even though you smell a bit funny, I don’t hate it.’

Marco’s smile widened. ‘This makes me so happy.’

Clara smiled. ‘Good.’

The taxi tooted outside. Marco picked up his suitcase and turned to go, blowing kisses at Clara. I walked him down the path.

‘Thank you, Louisa. Thank you for finding me and giving me this beautiful gift. I am for ever grateful. Clara is wonderful.’

‘It’s Louise, Marco, and you’re very welcome.’

I smiled. All those sleepless nights worrying about how Clara would react to Marco were over. She had taken to him so well. He had been wonderful with her, endlessly patient, following her lead at all times, knowing when to back off, alert to signs of her getting anxious … I couldn’t have asked for a better result. I felt lighter and hugely relieved.

It had been surprisingly nice to share Clara with him. He adored her and wanted to know every single detail about her. My family loved her and were interested in her life, but Marco was as obsessed with her as I was. He loved her completely.It was so comforting to have someone who felt the way I did about Clara. Mum had, but she was gone now and the hole was deep. I had enjoyed the visit as much as Clara had, if not more. I’d thought I’d hate sharing her. I’d thought I’d be worried every time I left her alone with him for even a second. But it had been the opposite: I’d known she was in safe hands. I could leave the room and not worry. I could leave them alone and know Clara was going to be okay.

‘Thank you for following my instructions and taking it slowly. I can’t believe how quickly she warmed to you. It’s been lovely for her.’

‘I would like very much for Clara to come to Italy to meet my mother and see my farm. Can we think about this possibility?’

‘I’ll talk to her. If she wants to go, we’ll work something out, but to be honest, she’s not a very good traveller. She doesn’t like change, but we’ll see.’

‘Thank you. I go now with a big heart full of love. I have the most beautiful daughter. And you are a special and generous woman, Louisa. You didn’t have to do this, but I am so grateful that you have. You have changed my life. And please, I will try to bring only good things into Clara’s life, yours too.Grazie, Louisa.’ He kissed me on both cheeks and climbed into the taxi before I could remind him for the millionth time that I hated being called Louisa.

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