He shot her a sceptical look. ‘Statistically, that wasn’t likely to happen.’

‘Statistically, Emil was never supposed to wake up.’

‘Touché.’ With a mirthless smile he sat back in the chair again, staring into space. They sat in easy silence, Bell drinking her coffee as his fingers tapped absently on the crossword.

He glanced over at her again. ‘So back to you – why have you lost weight? You didn’t answer before.’

‘Oh.’ She gave a groan, trying to make light of it, find a reason. ‘You know – boy trouble. The usual.’

‘Ah.’ Sympathetic nod. ‘Anyone I know?’

She shook her head. ‘No. He’s . . . uh, a sailor, skippers a megaboat. Leaving for New Zealand soon, just my luck.’

‘New Zealand?’ he grimaced. ‘That really is unfortunate.’

‘Yeah. He couldn’t get further away.’

‘Well, I’m sorry to hear that – but don’t cry too many tears over him. In my experience, The One appears whether you’re looking for them or not.’ He shot her a wry look. ‘Clearly, I was not.’

She gave a sympathetic smile.

‘Anyway,’ he said, changing the subject. ‘Enough of our respective heartbreaks. What’s the plan for today? When are you going back? I’ve packed a bag for Linus, just some little things he forgot –’

‘Back?’ She got up, taking their empty cups over to the sink.

‘To 007.’

‘Oh. I’m not,’ she said over her shoulder, rinsing them.

‘You’re not going back?’ he echoed, as though he hadn’t heard correctly.

‘No.’

He came over and joined her by the sink. ‘But Hanna hasn’t mentioned you not staying there.’

‘Well, I was only needed to help Linus settle in and get to know his father. Emil I mean,’ she corrected, flashing an apologetic smile. ‘Which he’s now done.’

‘But it’s only been two weeks.’

‘I know, but it’s going well. They’re certainly relaxed together. You know, Emil’s like the cool uncle.’ She shot another apologetic smile. ‘Not that you’re not cool.’

‘But doesn’t Linus need you still?’

‘No. He’s having fun now and I was getting in the way of that, somewhat.’

Max stared at her. ‘Were you? Or was that just Emil trying to make you feel that way?’

She shot him a blank smile. ‘Well, either way, I’m not going back.’

‘Bell, I’m sorry to have to say this, but I don’t think you’ve got any choice in the matter. As far as I’m aware, Hanna wants you over there with Linus.’

She turned the cups upside down on the draining board and reached for a tea towel, drying her hands. ‘Max, I love Linus, you know I do. And I wouldn’t leave him there with his father if I didn’t genuinely believe he will be absolutely fine. But I’ve made my decision. I can continue working for you here, with the girls.’

‘Or?’ He stared at her, incredulous.

‘Or I can quit.’

Chapter Twenty-Five

‘That’s it. Now keep your chins down,’ she said as Tilde and Elise kicked frantically, their tiny bare bottoms peeking up through the water like little islands. Their breathing sounded Darth Vader-esque through the snorkels as they excitedly scanned the bottom of the sandy shallows, most likely seeing nothing more exciting than her fluorescent-orange-painted toenails. ‘Can you see the fishes?’