We sail out into the middle of the lake and drop the anchor, before settling on the deck in the sun.

'Are you happy to just sit out here for a couple of hours? I did bring the newspapers and a couple of books.'

'This is good dad, it nice to be able to have some peace and quiet.'

'Are you OK after yesterday?'

'Yes. I was fine when Christian wasn't there, it was when he got back and everyone was making a fuss that I didn't like. What about you?'

'I'm fine now, I was worried though as time went on and there was no word. It's strange how there was a fire in both engines, it's not designed for that to happen but I'm sure Christian's team will investigate.' He pauses and then asks 'How's it been working for Christian this week?'

'It's had its ups and downs. I like working for him and I like seeing him every day.'

'But….?'

'There's no 'but' dad, I enjoy what I'm doing at the moment.'

'You're being very discreet.' He says looking at me quizzically, I try not to squirm. I feel like I'm seven years old again. 'Sorry, am I making you uncomfortable?'

'Yes' I say but I'm smiling at him. 'Dad, when you question me I feel like I'm a little boy in your study and that I'm going to be in trouble for something again. When Christian questions me I can't help but blurt out things that I probably shouldn't and then he gets angry with me.'

Dad laughs out loudly. 'You are funny. Though I don't think a week went by without you being in some sort of trouble. Did you ever get a full weekly allowance?'

'No, and the others benefited from that because they thought you were a soft touch after you got angry with me. I'm sorry dad, I've not been very good, have I?'

'Hey, what's with the self-doubting? You've been great, your mom and I wouldn't change you. You've kept us all amused over the years.'

'You're too kind dad.' I say cheekily.

'I'm going to read the newspapers, do you want one of them or a book.'

'No, I think I'll just sit for a while and enjoy the view.'

Dad disappears off to the cabin, and I sit in the sun. I must fall asleep because the next thing I know dad is gently shaking me.

'Did you bring your phone?'

'No, why?'

'Christian was trying to get hold of you. Here call him on mine and then come and eat.'

'Thanks dad' I take the phone from him and call Christian as dad disappears back down to the cabin.

'Hi Christian, happy birthday' I say

'Where's your phone?' he demands.

'Oh, it's so good to speak to you too. It's in my room, are you angry with me?' I ask.

'Yes, no. I don't know. You're so difficult to get hold of, it frustrates me. I wanted to check you were OK after last night.'

'I'm fine, I'm sure you could have asked mom or dad that.'

'You're grouchy, and I did ask them but I wanted to hear you tell me.'

'I'm tired, dad just woke me up'

'Did you sleep last night?'

'Yes, straight through'

'Are you ill?' he asks. 'You never normally sleep as much as this.'

'I've got a sore throat and I'm tired but otherwise I'm fine. Have you finished with the questions?'

'Yes'

'Good, I have some for you. Are you OK after yesterday?'

'Yes'

'Oh Mr Talkative, how's Ana?'

'She's good. Thank you for looking after her yesterday. I was a bit jealous when I saw you wiping away her tears.'

'Really, I thought you were angry with me.'

'I was.'

'I'm sorry.' I whisper 'I didn't mean to make you angry. She was so lost without you. I just tried to keep her warm and make her eat so that you wouldn't be mad.'

'Hey, don't get upset. I'm not mad with you anymore. Ana told me how you took care of her and mom told me as well. I'm truly grateful for what you did yesterday. Matt I need to tell you something now but I don't want you to tell anyone else.'

'Ok.' I say warily.

'Ana said yes. We're going to get married. We're making an announcement at dinner tonight but I wanted you to know beforehand so that it's not a shock later.'

'Oh wow Christian, I'm really happy for you both. Congratulations.'

'Matt, you blow me away.'

'Why, what have I done now?'

'This will mean change and you're usually so opposed to it.'

'I know, but I like Ana and this is good change. I can cope with that. Can I ask you something?'

'Of course, am I going to get cross?'

'Hopefully not. I was supposed to go to the drug store today but I'm out sailing and I haven't got a car….'

'And you need some condoms.' He laughs as he finishes the sentence. 'I'll bring some for you later, and your car is being dropped off now.'

'Thanks Christian, you're the best brother ever.'

'Stop being cheeky, go and eat, look after yourself and get mom to check out your throat when you get home. I'll see you later.' And he clicks off. I smile to myself. He's not angry with me and he's getting married, this is turning out to be a great day. I go to find dad and we sit and eat a late lunch.

'Are you ready to head home? It will be nearly four by the time we get there.'

'Yes dad, I'm not feeling too great, my throat is so sore.'

'Ok, we'll be back in twenty minutes, let's get going.'

Dad raises the anchor and I start the engine and set course for home. The journey goes quite quickly and we're soon pulling into the boathouse. I help dad carry all the gear back up to the house and then head for a shower. It doesn't make me feel any better so I climb under the duvet and once again I am asleep.

When I wake I'm slightly disorientated before I realise that I'm in my own room. Mom has just walked in.

'Hi darling boy, how are you feeling now. Dad said you weren't too good on the boat.'

'I'm feeling much better mom.' I croak.

'You don't sound like it. Are you trying to get out of the party?' she asks smiling at me. 'Here, drink this and take these pills and then I'll check you over, have you got any other symptoms?'

'Mom, I'm fine, I just have a bit of a sore throat, stop fussing.'

'Christian was right you are grouchy. You have about thirty minutes to get ready before guests start arriving. If you feel any worse as the evening goes on come and find me and I will check you out. I don't want you getting ill.' She says looking concerned.

'Mom, I'll be ok. I'll be down before the first guest arrives.' I say smiling at her to try and reassure her that I'm ok. To be honest I could just lie back down and sleep but I'd better get dressed.