‘Cuddle down now,’ she said in a calm voice that masked her annoyance, ‘it’s just your Daddy coming home.’ Jake struggled upright, ‘Wanna get up,’ he mumbled, although his eyes were almost closed. ‘Hush now,’ she said laying him down again. ‘You’ll see him in the morning.’ Jake sighed and pulled the covers under his chin. Claire gave him a quick hug. ‘Me too,’ Charlie leaned forward out of the bottom bunk. ‘As if I’d ever miss you, chum.’ Claire bent down and gathered him to her in a quick hug before releasing him onto the pillow and pulling his quilt over him. ‘Don’t close the door.’ Claire smiled. Charlie liked to play at being tough, but he was still afraid of the dark. ‘I won’t,’ she promised. ‘Go to sleep now.’ The room next door was smaller, not much more than a box room, but it was big enough for Catriona who was the baby of the family. Claire peeped into the small cot bed where Catriona lay, her little mouth blowing bubbles while she slept, and dropped a light kiss on her forehead.
