Alain came home just five minutes before the meal was ready and Belinda took him straight out to the terrace to meet Chloe and the twins. Once the introductions were over, Belinda excused herself and went to check on the chicken casserole she’d bought from Fern.

Five minutes later, Alain came back into the kitchen. ‘Something smells good,’ he said. ‘If there’s any left when I get back…’ He looked at Belinda hopefully.

‘Why aren’t you eating with us?’ Belinda said. It hadn’t occurred to her that Alain wouldn’t eat with them; they’d had a routine of eating together in the evening since she’d returned from the UK. ‘There’s more than enough chicken casserole. I didn’t make it, if that’s what bothers you. It’s one of Fern’s finest.’

‘I didn’t want to intrude on your first evening of family time,’ Alain answered.

‘Don’t be silly. If you really have to be somewhere else or if your parents are expecting you, then fine, but if not, you’re eating with us this evening. Who else is going to open the wine?’ And she handed him the corkscrew with a smile.

With Aimee sat between her and Alain and Charlie next to Chloe, Belinda had the strangest feeling looking around at everyone that they could easily be mistaken for being a unit – a family unit. Chloe and Alain were laughing at something and the twins were managing to eat their food without spreading it everywhere. After everyone had finished, Chloe stood up.

‘I think I’d better get these two in bed,’ she said.

Belinda stood up too. ‘I’ll walk down with you and help. I’ll clear this away later.’

‘Non non.’ Alain was already on his feet. ‘You go. I do this.’

‘Thanks. See you in a bit then,’ Belinda said, taking hold of a twin in each hand.

Bernie was outside gardening when they got back to their cabin and Belinda smiled and waved at him.

Once the twins had cleaned their teeth and had a quick wash, they tumbled into bed. ‘Story, Gangan.’

Belinda picked up one of the storybooks she’d bought and read them a story each and they were asleep before she finished the second one. She gently kissed them goodnight and went to join Chloe.

Chloe had made herself at home, unpacking her suitcase and, opening the welcome pack she found in the kitchen, was now ready to settle down outside with a bottle of rosé and some nibbles.