“I love you, Megan,” he says as he pulls me back in for another kiss.

“I love you, too,” I say as I wiggle my leggings back up.

“You’re amazing, sexy, and perfect. So carefree when it comes down to it.”

“I know, but we need to get back. I have things to do,” I state as I put my seat back to normal.

“I know,” he says as he sorts his chair and then turns on the engine. “The windows are a bit steamed up.”

“They are indeed.”

Mark turns on the air-conditioner to clear the windows and starts to drive. I reach for my phone.

Megan, I can’t believe what happened. Someone has written all over Martin’s grave with paint. XX

WHAT? XX

Yes, all over his gravestone. It says “Burn in hell like your son.” XX

Oh my, where are you? XX

Just about to hit your house. You? XX

About 10 mins away. Have you called your mum? XX

No, she will flip. I don’t know what to do. XX

What about ringing Uncle Dave? XX

I’ll do that. See you in 10. XX

I turn to face Mark. He’s smiling from ear to ear, looking all relaxed and calm. I love him in this work-free mood. I inform him of what Jenny has just told me.

“What sick bastards,” he says.

“Exactly. Do you know what would take it off?” I enquire.

“No, I don’t. Message Connor. He will find out. I’ll go with him and get it cleaned off. I’m sure we can do it. I don’t want this on Jen’s mind over Christmas,” he informs me.

“Thank you, Mark.”

“Anything for you, baby.”

Hi, Connor. Do you know what cleans paint off gravestones?

Hi, Megan. Yes, I do. Why do you ask?

Someone has painted on Jenny’s brother’s grave. Mark wants to go and get it cleaned today.

Okay, I’ll give him a hand. Local supermarkets will sell it. Kate is waiting for you.

Thank you. Tell her I will be with her shortly. Get the kettle on. I need a brew. I’m freezing. Lol

“He knows. He will give you a hand,” I tell him.

“Good.”

Who could do this? Who would do it to a child’s grave? I hope I never find out, or I will blow and I mean really blow. I know Jenny is going to be seriously upset. She blames herself for it as it is, so I need to calm down before I see her. It will not help her if she knows that it has gotten to me. We hit the street where I live, and I start taking deep breaths, counting to ten, and telling myself that I can do this. Jenny needs me. As we turn onto the driveway at the front of the house, I see Warren’s car parked to the side. Kate is standing in the front window, waving at me.

I step out of the car and wave back. “I love you, Mark,” I say as he takes hold of my hand and walks towards the front door.

“Megan!” Kate yells as I walk inside. She runs straight into my arms, and I begin to look forward to baking with her.

“Hey, Kate, I hear you have been waiting for me.”

“I have. I have. Can we bake now?” she questions.

“Of course, just let me get changed and then I’ll be down. I don’t want to get my new jumper mucky,” I state.

“Should I get changed, Daddy?” she asks, turning to face Connor.

“You can if you want, Kate.”

“Come on, Megan,” she says as she runs up the stairs.

“I’ll be up in a minute.” I turn to face Connor. “Where is Lucy?”

“She is asleep in her cot. She’s been an angel.”

“Thank you.”

“Come on!” Kate shouts from the top of the stairs.

“I’ll be right back,” I say as I run up to her. “Right, what are you going to wear?”

“This,” she says, pulling out a red top with holes in it. It looks like it’s never been washed. Ever. It’s so unclean.

“Why?” I ask.

“Grandma Betty gave it to me,” she answers.

She quickly changes her top before running downstairs to put on her apron, or so she says. It’s one of mine, so it will be too big for her. I believe there is one under the tree for her though. I peer into Lucy’s room, checking to make sure she is okay. She is flat out asleep. Bless her.  Before toddling into my room, I grab fresh underwear, a grey T-shirt and some clean leggings from the drawer. I change quickly, throwing my clothes into the washing basket before running downstairs to find Kate.