Lloyd had switched off the engine, pulling up at the back of the cottage. People rarely came around, but it didn’t do to have tongues wagging just the same. He’d been upfront about the puppy to Joanne, and she’d agreed that the dog would bring some much-needed joy into Grace’s short life. She had visited the cottage several times, bringing cakes and library books, and she and Susan had organised some charity fundraisers for Grace. Some of the kids from the local school had completed a sponsored hair shave, and Joanne had held a bring-and-buy cake sale at the café. She wasn’t crazy about him visiting Susan alone, but Lloyd told her he wouldn’t go sneaking around behind her back.

The door opened before he was able to knock, which was just as well, given he had an armful of puppy. Susan’s face brightened as she saw them both, and as always, she quickly ushered him inside.

‘Ooh,’ she said, softly stroking the cowering puppy, who was all legs and tongue. ‘You’ve got a new pet? He’s beautiful.’ She looked brighter today, wearing a light application of make-up and her hair pulled back into a low ponytail.

‘She,’ Lloyd corrected. ‘And she’s yours . . . well, yours and Grace’s. I thought you’d appreciate the company.’

Susan’s eyes flicked from the dog to Lloyd and back to the puppy again. ‘I couldn’t . . .’ she said. ‘She must have cost a fortune.’ But she was already taking her from Lloyd’s arms.

He chuckled as he watched her soothe the trembling puppy.

‘There now,’ she said. ‘It’s OK, you’re safe here.’ The lines on her face eased, and she looked more like the person he once knew.

‘I know the breeder. His bitch had ten pups, and this was the runt of the litter. He gave her to me.’ The last bit was a lie but there was no way he was taking money from Susan when she was saving every penny for Grace’s care.

‘Thank you.’ She bowed her head as the puppy gave her a grateful lick on the cheek. When she looked back up at Lloyd, she had tears in her eyes.

Lloyd felt a pang. A physical pain in his chest as he sensed her overwhelming gratitude. If he’d brought the puppy home to Joanne, she would not have been quite so welcoming.

‘I’ve got some stuff in the car . . . food, blankets, bowls . . . oh, and a few chews. You’re going to need those. She’s teething.’

‘Like a baby.’ Susan laughed as he followed her into the living room. ‘Grace is going to love her when she wakes up.’

‘She’s not awake?’ Lloyd said, crestfallen.

Susan checked the clock on the wall. ‘You can go in and see her if you want, while I get this bonny girl a drink.’ She paused, her eyes alight. ‘Bonnie. What a perfect name.’