Max appears, looking irritated, anxious. ‘Freya’s gone into labour,’ he says to Cara. ‘Judith wants me to go straight away, if you don’t mind staying with Oscar. Freya’s mum has arrived and it’s easier if Judith and I check into a hotel. We’ll be home as soon as the baby is born. I’m really sorry about this, Cara.’

‘Don’t be silly,’ she says quickly. She pats Oscar, who is sitting watching anxiously, sensing trouble. ‘It’s nobody’s fault. I’m quite happy here with Oscar. Are you going now?’

‘I told Judith I would. Everyone’s in a bit of a panic, apparently.’ He looks at Sam. ‘Your visit hasn’t quite worked out the way we planned, has it?’

‘Honestly. It’s not a problem. Babies come first. I’ll stay with Cara and we’ll carry on house-hunting until you come home again. We’ve got lunch at The Keep to look forward to as well.’

Max looks relieved. ‘That’s great. Take care of each other. I’ll let you know how things go on.’

‘Text when you’re safely there,’ says Cara, kissing him. ‘Give my love to everyone.’

In the silence that follows Max’s departure Sam and Cara look at each other.

‘Have we got any plans for supper?’ she asks him.

He grins at her. ‘Yes,’ he says. ‘Let’s go to the pub.’

Jack’s in the bar, having a pint with his mates. He looks pleased to see them and gestures for them to join him.

‘Amy’s abandoned me again,’ he says. ‘She’s got a last-minute date. Where’s Max?’

Cara explains. ‘We can’t be bothered to cook so we’re going to have supper here,’ she adds. ‘Want to join us, since you’ve been stood up as well?’

‘Sounds like a plan,’ he says. ‘What are you drinking?’

Later, when they come out into the quiet town, a huge moon is rising beyond the headland.

‘It’s so bright,’ says Cara, awed by the sight of it.

‘It’s the hunter’s moon,’ Jack tells her.

‘What does that mean?’ she asks.

‘It happens every autumn, usually in October. It’s called the hunter’s moon because its light is so brilliant that even the smallest animal can’t hide from its predator.’

Cara shivers. ‘That’s rather scary.’

Jack looks at her. ‘Only if you’re an animal,’ he says. ‘Come back for a nightcap. Neither of you has seen our little house yet. Amy might be back by now,’ and they all head off to Courtenay Street.