He ran over to the car, helped Lumin out and swirled her around as she giggled. ‘You look like you’ve grown a metre since I saw you last,’ he said as he put her down.

‘Your silly beard does too,’ she teased back.

He stroked his beard, pretending to be hurt. ‘Fine, I’ll shave it off for you.’

‘No! I like it really.’

He laughed and took her hand, then smiled at me over her head, as though just noticing me. ‘Hey, Gwyneth.’

‘Hey.’

We both hesitated then went in for an awkward kiss on the cheek as Lumin watched us.

‘Thanks for inviting us,’ I said, quickly drawing away from him, hating how stilted things were between us now.

‘It’s a pleasure.’ We walked into the lodge and I was surprised at how quiet it was.

‘It’s just us for a few hours,’ Dylan said. ‘They’re giving us some time.’

That was good. I didn’t want Lumin being rushed into it all.

‘Do you want some time, just you two?’ I asked, suddenly aware he might mean me too.

Dylan shook his head as he helped Lumin take her red woollen coat off. ‘Maybe later. I’ve done lunch for you both. Note the I,’ he said, puffing his chest out. ‘I made it all myself.’

I quirked an eyebrow. ‘Impressive.’

‘Come on then.’ He led us through to the living room where the large coffee table was topped with a tray of sandwiches, crisps and cakes.

I looked around me. It felt surreal to be back there. Still the same in many ways. Though the wood looked a little more worn, the sofa frayed at the edges.

‘I made different types of cakes,’ Dylan said. ‘Chocolate, vanilla, carrot cake … I wasn’t sure what you’d like, Lumin,’ he added, voice wavering slightly.

‘Chocolate!’ Lumin exclaimed, running over to one of the cakes and taking it. She looked up at me. ‘Can I?’

‘Of course, darling,’ I said. It was strange how easily children adapted, walking in like they’d been here a hundred times before. Maybe she had in her little mind. The thought of her imagining life with a father she didn’t then know made me sad.

‘Did you really make the cakes?’ I asked Dylan, sitting down on the sofa and smoothing my jumper down.

‘Yep, sandwiches too.’

‘It’s yummy,’ Lumin said between mouthfuls.

Dylan caught my eye and we laughed.

Over the next couple of hours, we ate lunch and I watched as Dylan and Lumin drew and played together. Their relationship seemed so natural; I almost felt left out. But still, it made me happy, to see Lumin so relaxed … Dylan too.