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Abby stands up, raising her nose in the air to sniff. “Smells delicious, whatever it is.”

“Come and meet Gordon, Cam’s father.”

We all trail down the hallway and into the large kitchen at the back of the house.

“Gordon, Cam and Abby are here,” Mum tells him as we enter.

He looks over, the steam from whatever he’s cooking having steamed up his glasses. He grins as he removes them and uses his shirt to wipe away the condensation. I’m pleased to notice how well both my parents are looking.

“Hey, lass,” Dad smiles at Abby as he steps over to shake her hand. The pair of us tower over her short stature, and her expression is stunned as she peers up at Dad.

“Hi.” Her voice comes out in a squeak. Very un-Abby-like. “Pleased to meet you, sir.”

“Sir?” Mum giggles next to Dad. “Please don’t give him ideas.” She slaps Dad on the chest with mirth.

“I think it’s a fitting title. Thank you for bestowing it on me.” He gives Abby a wink before clapping my shoulder in greeting. “Hey, son.”

“Hey, Dad. What’s cooking?” I ask, sensing that Abby might be feeling overwhelmed and trying to move things along.

“We’ve got lamb with sweet potato, and I’m just steaming some green beans and carrots. Shan’t be long. Do you guys need to freshen up?”

I turn towards Abby with a raised brow.

“I wouldn’t mind using the bathroom.”

“Come on, I’ll show you.” As I steer her out of the room, Mum approaches my dad to whisper something in his ear, but I can’t catch what she’s saying. I lead the way to the powder room downstairs, switching the light on. “Okay?”

“Yeah, sorry. I think the nap confuddled me. I just want to splash some water on my face.”

“Want me to wait for you?” I ask. She shakes her head.

“I’ll be fine. I’ll head back to the kitchen when I’m done.”

“Okay.” She closes and locks the door, and I pause for a moment, drawing in a deep breath. I wasn’t expecting to feel such simple joy having her here in the family home. It’s strange.

“That was delicious, Gordon. Thank you.” Abby tells my father as she places her cutlery down on her plate.

“Glad you enjoyed it,” Dad tells her with a grin. I stand up to gather the plates ready for clean-up duty.

“I can help,” Abby offers, following me over to the sink with a stack of dishes. She fidgets with the hem of her top once her hands are freed up.

“You don’t have to. It won’t take long,” I tell her, trying to work out how I can put her at ease.

“Abby, would you like another glass of wine?” Mum asks. “While Cam clears up. You don’t need to help, honey, you’re a guest.”

“Okay,” Abby says, her eyes meeting mine. There’s something flashing in her gaze. Panic maybe? I send a soothing smile her way, and she turns back to Mum.

“Come through to the lounge. We can get a comfy seat,” Mum tells her. The women head through, leaving me in the kitchen, loading the dishwasher and cleaning the pans by hand. Dad hangs around, leaning back against the counter, watching me tidy.

“All going well with The Juniper?” he asks. “And all okay with the budget? Let me know if you need a second pair of eyes over anything.”

“I’m keeping a close eye, but thanks. I’ll let you know if I need some help.” My parents had been supportive when my previous project failed, and it’s their unwavering encouragement that convinced me I could give things a go with The Juniper.

“You’re not working too hard, are you, Cam? I know you’re eager to succeed and make us proud, but you need to be taking care of yourself, son.” His hand clasps my shoulder, concern flaring in his gaze.

“Some days it’s too easy to just keep working, but I’ve got a good team around me and I’m trying to have a life outside of the work.” I appreciate his concern.

“We worry about you down there with no-one keeping tabs on you.”