Even so, it still hurt. “How long have you known?” Colin asked his husband.
“A couple of days,” Martin admitted, looking miserable.
Colin shook his head, unable to comprehend how, why, Martin would keep something like that from him, promise or not.
“Martin made me promise I’d tell you before you left,” Avril said, coming to stand next to Colin.
“What? Just before we went through the security barrier at the airport?” Colin snapped, instantly feeling remorse for his harsh words.
“Colin!” Harry warned.
“Sorry, Mum.”
“I just wanted us all to have one last Christmas together.” Avril’s resolve was cracking.
Colin turned to his mother and hugged her. “I thought you said you’d get better. You will, won’t you?”
She smiled up at him through watery eyes and patted his cheek. “Yes, love. I me
