Page 159 of Good Sisters

‘Amazing!’ Julie said.

‘Suits me,’ I said.

‘Deadly!’ Gavin grinned. ‘I’ll let Shania know.’

‘Pat is welcome to come too, Dad.’ Sophie smiled.

‘Ah, hold on a minute now, we’re just pals. It’s a bit early for family weddings.’ Dad was taken aback.

‘I just don’t want you to be lonely,’ Sophie said.

‘I’m always lonely, but I’m learning to live with it and getting used to the quiet.’

‘Mum would be so happy you and Jack are getting married again, Sophie,’ Julie said.

‘She loved a wedding,’ I added.

‘Stop,’ Sophie sniffed. ‘I wish with all my heart she was coming.’

So did I, and I wished she was there with me right now, helping me and Clara to navigate this new part of her life. And mine.

Italy

Louise looked around to make sure everything was perfect. She wanted today to be a day of pure celebration. It had been the toughest year of her life, yet incredible things had happened too.

‘Thanks, Mum,’ she whispered at the blue Italian sky. ‘Thanks for sending Marco and Anna to me.’ Louise saw her mother in Anna. The way she adored Clara, the way she looked at her as if her heart would burst with love. She still tried to touch Clara too much, but Clara was getting used to her and Anna was getting better at holding back and waiting for Clara to hold her hand or hug her.

Louise felt lighter in Italy. Away from all the stress of work and having to drag Clara to school and fast city living. It was only when you removed yourself from your life that you realized how much of a hamster wheel you were on. When she woke up in the morning, her heart wasn’t pounding and her mind racing with all the things she had to do. Here, she woke up when Clara came into her room and they did everything slowly and calmly, no rushing, no having to be anywhere by a particular time. It was bliss, and Clara seemed really content. She was even spending time outside with Marco on the farm and had got a little colour on her usually ghostly white face.

Louise counted the chairs again, nineteen plus Lemon. Yes, there was one for everyone who was coming. The villa she had rented was quite small, but it had the most beautiful garden with a view of the rolling hills of Lazio. She had set up the long trestle table under the hanging vines. Today wasgoing to be a celebration of Clara’s tenth birthday and everyone who mattered would be here. Everyone who had come into their lives, at different stages, for different reasons. Louise also wanted to celebrate Sophie and Jack’s wedding, the triplets and Jess turning sixteen, Marco and Anna coming into their family. The only pang, the only sadness was Mum. If only Mum could have been here …

‘Mummy, do you think Miracolo will be okay with all the people coming?’ Clara asked.

‘Yes, sweetheart. I’m sure he’ll be happy to meet Granddad, and your uncles and aunts and cousins.’

‘Yes, I suppose he will.’

‘Are you looking forward to the party?’

‘Kind of. I want to see everyone and show them Miracolo, but I’m worried it will get super-noisy.’

‘Well, whenever you want, you can go to bed. I’ve closed the shutters and the windows so the noise won’t be loud in your room.’

She nodded. ‘Okay, Mummy. Come on, Miracolo. Let’s go to the gate and see if anyone is coming.’ Clara led her beloved puppy down the lane to the gate. She looked calm and happy.

Everyone arrived at the same time, with wine, flowers, gifts for Clara, chatting and laughing, oohing and aahing over the beautiful garden and sweet villa. They were all introduced to Anna, and with broken English and Italian, sign language and hugs, they all connected.

Anna pointed to Clara, then her heart, and said, ‘Miracolo.’

They all nodded, yes, she was, and yes, this whole situation was a miracle.

Louise, with Marco’s help, served everyone drinks. ‘Oh. Louise, it’s like being in a movie.’ Sophie gasped at the view.

‘Spectacular,’ Jack agreed, holding her hand.

‘Harry, can we buy a place here?’ Julie asked. ‘I never want to leave.’

‘Yes, please,’ Christelle and Kelly chimed in

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