“What else can I do? I’m trying to do what’s best for me now.” I gaze down again, focusing on the sampler with its neat rows of black thread, and pray Jake gets distracted by the kids. Not wanting to have a love chat about his brother while he’s sitting beside me, acting all fatherly.

It’s plain weird.

“I think it’s messed him up a little, if I’m honest. I mean, you two have always been close, and now he can’t even talk to you. He sounds stressed and asks how ...