‘I don’t need romantic gestures. I really, really don’t.’ She reached over and briefly found his hand, knowing how empty and hollow those gestures and words could be. Digby’s words floated unbidden into her mind: I’m happier sitting here on a patch of grass with this view than at any other time in my life . . . You make me happy because you love me no matter what . . . ‘But thank you, Miguel. You make me feel great.’ This was the truth, but still she was able to maintain emotional distance, tucking a small part of her heart away for safekeeping.

‘I hope I always do. I want your family to know that I will always look after you.’

She gave a brief nod and swallowed back the same old rhetoric that he was not to think too far ahead, not to rely on her emotionally; there were only so many times she could push the point. His was a statement that spoke of long-term intentions and caused her pulse to flutter. She was not at that point, not even close. ‘I think they’d prefer to know that you support me while I look after myself.’

‘’Course, but I still think it’s nice that I want to look after you. I love you.’

As ever, she found it hard to offer reciprocal words. ‘Don’t worry, it’ll pass!’ she laughed.

‘I wouldn’t be too sure about that.’

She could feel his gaze on the side of her face, but kept her eyes on the road. Merrin had never been anything other than honest with him, knowing how shitty it was when one of you thought you were heading in one direction while the other had an entirely different plan. The first time they had had such an earnest discussion, tears had accompanied her words as she explained how it had felt to be sitting in the vestry, knowing she was going to have to venture outside and face the music and how her heart broke as she drove away from the gossip, the scandal and her beloved Port Charles, which grew smaller and smaller in the rear-view mirror. How there were days when it felt easier not to think about the place and all that she might be missing, just to be able to function.

‘I am happy to be going home, really excited to be seeing everyone, but I’m nervous too, and kind of looking forward to getting it over with and leaving again.’

‘I think it’s normal. Home has that unique pull to it, but it doesn’t mean that’s where you can live your best life. Sometimes you have to go far away to do that. Especially after what you went through.’