“I took a guess, but I’m sure this will fit.” She hands Melly a package. Melly rips it open and her little mouth falls open. It’s a pale pink cardigan.

“Mummy, look.”

“I can see, sweetie.” It’s enough to bring tears to my eyes. I’ve knitted her a few things, and know just how special this is.

“I made it myself. Anything you need, Delaney, let me know. I’m so happy to have a little girl to knit things for.”

I nod. “Thank you so much.”

It takes about five more seconds for Melly to end up on her grandmother’s lap.

She’ll be just fine.

* * *

By the time we’ve finished lunch together, Melly’s keeping her grandfather entertained on the other side of the room, regaling him with stories of All Black games and the haka.

“She’s beautiful,” Ros says.

I look up and smile. “She really is.”

“There’s so much of you in there, but I can see Josh. Especially around the eyes.”

I nod. “I saw him in her every day from the moment she was born.”

“That must have been hard for you.” Her expression is so full of empathy. I’m sure Josh has told her my story.

“Very.” I suck in a big breath. “She was a reminder of everything I’d lost. But at the same time, she gave me the courage to keep going. I’ll tell you something else, too. I think she’s almost guaranteed to follow in her father’s footsteps.”

Ros laughs. “We’re in for a bumpy ride then.”

“I’m sure.”

She turns serious. “Josh told me about your mother. I’m so sorry that you couldn’t get in touch with him. We would have been there for you.”

I swallow hard. “Thank you. That means a lot.”

“Oh, sweetheart.” She wraps her arms around me, and holds me like a mother should. Is it weird that I’ve known her for an hour and she feels more motherly than my mum ever did?

I sniff. “It’s really important to me that we develop a good relationship. Especially for Amelia. She doesn’t really know what it’s like to have grandparents.”

“Oh, I think we already have that sorted.” She lets go and holds me at arm’s length. “I wasn’t impressed when Josh called me, but once he explained the whole story … well, I can’t say I understand it all, but I don’t have to. You two have worked things out, and now I have a precious granddaughter to love.”

I smile through my tears. “She’ll have you wrapped around her little finger in no time. That’s what happened to Josh. I think he’d let her do anything right now.”