Isaac was pretty sure there had been no call waiting. Putting down his phone he went into the kitchen and made coffee. Hayley had finished her conversation and accepted the cup with a wan smile. ‘Thanks.’

‘OK if I go make another phone call?’ he asked. ‘Need anything first?’

Hayley let her head rest on her fist. ‘I’m OK, thank you. I know I’m not at my lovely best because I really didn’t want or expect to rely on you, of all people. I’m sorry when I’m grouchy because I’m in pain or I’m embarrassed. I do appreciate what you’re doing.’

He shrugged. ‘You couldn’t foresee what happened to Nicola and Vicky’s dad.’

She went on, frowning, as if he hadn’t spoken. ‘Hopefully the drain under my arm comes out on Tuesday then the other one a week later. I should begin to pick up after that. Unfortunately, the consultant’s on holiday so I don’t get my results till the 23rd.’ The life went out of her eyes again, perhaps as she realised today was only the 8th. ‘I need a lot of help until after Christmas I’m afraid. But maybe Nicola and Vicky will come back.’

The wave of compassion that swept through Isaac at seeing this bright, self-sufficient woman having to cast around for help in her hour of need took him by surprise. ‘I’m here as long as you need me,’ he said, because he knew he wouldn’t be able to abandon her until she could manage alone. He cast around for something positive to say. ‘Do you think you’ll be OK to have Doggo around?’

Her eyes lit up. ‘Oh, yes! He’ll have to learn not to stick his head in the bag of goo though.’

Glad he’d put a smile back on her face Isaac continued. ‘Maybe, once you’re better, we could dog share? I’m more than happy to keep him but if you only gave him up because of the cancer—’

‘But aren’t you going abroad?’ she broke in, a puzzled frown puckering the bridge of her nose.

For a moment, Isaac froze. He’d got so caught up with the Middletones trip – and, especially, with Lily – that his plans to work abroad had sunk to the bottom of his mental fish tank. ‘I suppose my plans are still fluid,’ he said. Then his phone began to ring and he saw Harrison Tubb on the screen. ‘Sorry, I need to take this.’

‘Sure.’ Hayley reached for the TV remote.

In his room, Isaac closed his door as he said hello to his employer. ‘Glad to hear the baby arrived safely.’