‘Hello, it’s only me,’ Sarah calls as she lets herself and Sophie in the back gate. The dogs run over to her and she makes a fuss of them. ‘I made lemonade. Thought you might like some.’

‘I’ll fetch the glasses,’ he says and heads for the kitchen.

‘Any news?’ she calls after him.

‘Maddy will be here in half an hour.’

They sit at the table in the shade.

‘Emily’s looking brighter today.’ Sarah pours the drinks.

‘She perked up as soon as she knew Mummy was coming home.’

‘The garden is coming on nicely. Maddy will be so pleased.’

Max nods. He wonders if there will ever be a time when he can talk about everything that’s happened and not choke up. He’s made it clear he doesn’t expect Sarah’s forgiveness, or anyone’s come to that. Perhaps Sarah hates him underneath it all, but he’s grateful they’ve stayed friendly. The girls come running over. Emily drinks her lemonade down in one go. Sophie fishes out an ice cube and stuffs it in her mouth.

‘Any news on when you’ll see Sam, I mean Charlie?’

‘Alison’s moved in with someone she works with, Rob, I think,’ Max says. ‘She’s not answering my calls.’

‘She moved on quick.’

‘We’ve sold the house and split everything.’

‘What will you do with the money?’ Sarah shakes her head. ‘Sorry, it’s none of my business.’

‘No, no, it’s fine, I was going to tell you anyway. I’m going to pay Maddy back every penny she gave me and pay off my debts. If there’s any left, I’ll treat Emily.’ He shrugs and tries to keep the tears in. ‘I’m not fit enough to go back to building.’ He sighs. ‘I want to be around for Emily, for all my kids, if Alison ever lets me.’

‘I’m pleased. I really am. And you know I’m here to help you all.’

He attempts a smile. He’s seen the way she looks at him, shocked that he’s aged so much, but he’s grateful for her offer. It’s hard to be upbeat about anything until Maddy is back with them, where she belongs. If she can ever forgive him. If she’ll let him stay.

A car stops outside the house, engine running. A car door slams. Emily and Sophie run to the gate. Sarah stands behind them; Max stays back. Maddy is full of smiles at seeing Emily. She comes in the gate and hugs and kisses them all. When she spots Max, her smile drops.

Later, when Sarah and Sophie have gone and he is finishing off the gardening, Maddy comes over. He squints at her standing over him, blocking the sun, a halo of sunlight crowning her head. She reaches a hand down to him and he clasps it tight, never wanting to let her go.