The nurse shook her head. ‘It won’t be long now.’ She touched Lottie’s arm. ‘I left Mr Russell with her. They’re listening to music.’

‘Thank you for all your help.’ Lottie headed up the stairs and stood in the doorway for a moment. Alex came to stand beside her.

‘My darling,’ Gramps said, taking Gran’s hand in his. He looked up and saw Lottie and Alex.

‘Do you want to be alone?’ she asked.

‘No.’ Gramps looked at Gran. Alex went to the window as she sat on the far side of the bed, picking up Gran’s other hand. She looked to Alex. ‘Can you see Mum?’

He shook his head and she let go of the breath she was holding.

She turned to Gramps and asked, ‘Has she been to see Gran?’

‘Not that I’m aware.’ He caught her eye and she nodded. He sighed, shaking his head.

Lottie took a deep breath then said, ‘Gran, I love you and thank you for everything.’ Her grandmother opened her eyes. Her eyes said so much that Lottie found it hard to breathe. ‘I know Gran, and I forgive you. You had no choice.’

A tear slipped from the corner of Gran’s eye as she closed her eyes.

‘I’m here, my darling one.’ Gramps stroked her hand and she turned to him. ‘It’s OK to go.’

She opened her eyes again and Lottie held her breath.

‘It’s a beautiful day. It reminds me of our trip to Maine.’ He ran a finger down her cheek. ‘We argued over the lobster. You said Cornwall’s were best, but I held my ground.’ He laughed. ‘You conceded, but I knew you were only letting me win.’ He sighed. ‘You were good at that.’

The song changed. Lottie’s glance met Alex’s for a moment.

‘Do you hear the music, my love? “Night and Day”.’ He swallowed. ‘Dancing. Cairo.’ He closed his eyes. ‘Can you smell the night scented jasmine? I proposed, and you accepted, making me the happiest man alive.’

Lottie turned to the window where Alex was looking at the bay. Gribben Head glowed in the midday sun.

‘How we would dance, my love.’ He looked heavenward. ‘Dance on, my darling.’

Tears pooled in Lottie’s eyes, but she wouldn’t let them fall.

He picked up Gran’s hand and held it to his lips. ‘I love you, Joan.

Gran looked at him then her eyes closed. ‘Always,’ she said. Her breathing faltered then she didn’t take another breath. Lottie waited, holding hers, willing her to take in more air.

She sank to her knees. ‘Gran.’