‘I think,’ Mairead muses, ‘that our little Bren has wanted more meaning, more purpose, in his life for quite some time, even if he was completely unaware of that fact, bless him. I have a feeling that you and Tabby are exactly what he needs, and that’s why he’s risen to the occasion so readily. He’ll probably be telling himself that he wants to be your knight in shining armour, to swoop in and save you both. But don’t be fooled for a moment, because I’m quite certain it’ll be you two who save him.’

When I put Tabs to bed, it’s clear she’s tired in the best possible way, in a way that kids should be after a day in the countryside. She’s swum and laughed. She’s made new friends and learnt new games. Her body is working as it should, and it’s a revelation.

‘Elsie’s really naughty, Mummy,’ she tells me as I sit on the edge of her bed, stroking her hair. ‘She poured her daddy’s gin and tonic into the hedge and filled the glass with water from the swimming pool. When he got out of the pool, he took a big gulp and spat it all out.’

I laugh. ‘Oh dear. That is very naughty. Poor Peter. What a horrible prank to play on her daddy. Have you had a good day, my love?’

‘I’ve had the best day ever.’ She sighs sleepily. ‘Can we swim again in the morning?’

‘Of course, as long as you’re feeling up to it.’ Dave has retired for the night, to one of the guest cottages (yes, that’s a thing here) and has given me his number. I’m to call him if I have any worries in the night.

I’m peppering her face with kisses when Brendan appears in the doorframe. He may be in a linen shirt and shorts, but I’m struggling to erase the image of him in swim shorts from my mind.

‘Hey,’ he says softly. ‘Okay if I say goodnight?’

‘Of course.’ I stand to make room for him by the bed.

He closes the distance and runs a huge hand over Tabby’s hair. ‘You did great today, sunshine. Did you have fun?’

‘I had lots of fun,’ she says. ‘Can we play more Marco Polo tomorrow?’

‘Yeah. Definitely. Though I may have to cheat a little and open my eyes. It was pretty embarrassing when I grabbed Peter thinking he was you.’

Tabs giggles, and it’s a magical sound. He leans over and kisses her on the forehead.

‘Goodnight, sunshine. Well played today. Get some rest, yeah? You’ll need it for tomorrow.’

We walk downstairs in comfortable silence. ‘Come outside with me?’ he murmurs as I head towards the living room, and I nod.

‘Sure.’