When Enzo nodded, Belinda took her phone out and scrolled through to find a couple of Chloe and the twins. She stood up and angled the phone so that Enzo could see the screen.

‘Chloe, she looks like you,’ Enzo said. ‘I would have liked to meet her.’ His words, tinged with regret, were barely audible.

Belinda hesitated, unsure if she was doing the right thing. ‘She’s actually coming to Brittany in a few days. If the doctor agrees, and you’re well enough, would you like me to bring her to see you?’

‘That would be wonderful.’ Enzo smiled. ‘You are married then?’

‘Divorced,’ she answered briefly. ‘Unexpected, but I’m happy about that now.’

‘Do you work?’

‘Yes. I qualified in hotel management and I work for a chain of three hotels in Devon, but that is about to change. At the moment, I’m helping to renovate Camping dans La Forêt, a campsite not a million miles from where we lived.’ She smiled at her father. ‘I have to admit being back in Brittany feels like coming home.’

‘That’s good to hear. I never stopped loving you or your mum, you know. I so wish things could have been different for all of us,’ Enzo said, his eyes glistening. ‘But Helena…’ He stopped and shrugged shoulders that Belinda could see were painfully thin under his pyjama top.

‘Don’t, Dad,’ Belinda said. ‘I know we’d both change things if we could, but we can’t and now is not the time for recriminations. Now is the time to forgive.’

Enzo nodded and closed his eyes and Belinda realised her visit had tired him out and he’d drifted into sleep. Carefully, she stood up and kissed his forehead.

‘I promise I’ll come again and bring Chloe to see you if I can. Love you.’

The nurse came in as she turned to leave.

‘He’s fallen asleep,’ Belinda whispered. ‘I hope my visit hasn’t been too much for him.’

The nurse shook her head. ‘No, the drugs he’s on caused that. Was it a good visit for you both?’

Belinda nodded. ‘Yes it was. I’m glad I came and ended our estrangement.’ She looked at the nurse. ‘I did tell him that if the doctor agrees, I’ll come back with his granddaughter. Will that be possible?’

‘I’ll have a word with the doctor. Telephone me later and I’ll tell you what he says.’

‘Thank you.’ Belinda paused. ‘Does my father’s wife come at set times to see him?’

‘She comes in the afternoon and spends the evening with him,’ the nurse said. ‘I understand there is something of a family rift, so perhaps it’s best if you come late morning, say?’ she looked at Belinda.