‘Goodbye from me, Mrs Cardy!’ Ruby shouted, giggling at the novelty, and Bella howled her laughter as she stood with baby Glynn in her arms. He watched as she and Merrin, who was, if anything, a little subdued, held each other tearfully – this despite the lingering party atmosphere from the previous day’s wedding.

Ben walked forward and reached for Miguel’s hand, shaking it vigorously. ‘What a weekend, eh? One we won’t forget in a hurry!’

‘My liver certainly won’t!’ He winced at the memory of the hangover, one of the worst he’d ever had. ‘Thank you for your hospitality, it’s been incredible.’

‘You take good care of her.’ Ben pointed at him, smiling, but his finger was ramrod straight and almost in his chest.

‘I will. Although she’s keen to remind me that she can look after herself.’

‘Don’t make me get that axe now!’

Miguel laughed, wondering who had let him in on the joke.

‘And don’t always believe her, Miguel. She thinks she can look after herself but she’s made of glass as well as steel.’ Ben held his eyeline.

With Merrin preoccupied in goodbyes, Miguel coughed to clear his throat and did his best to control the tremor in his voice. ‘I do . . . I . . .’

‘Spit it out, boy!’ Ben slapped his back.

‘I guess I just wanted to say, to reassure you . . .’ His gut flipped with nerves.

‘Sweet Lord.’ Ben patted his pockets, as if looking for his wallet. ‘It’s not money you’re after, is it? Because I’m a little short after this weekend’s knees-up!’

Miguel ignored the joke.

‘I . . . I love . . . I love Merrin,’ he stuttered. ‘That’s all I wanted to say. So you don’t need to get your axe, because I do, I love and respect her.’

‘Well, that makes two of us.’ Ben smiled at him. ‘All I can say is that she’s got a good head on her shoulders, always has had. But she’s not as strong as she thinks she is.’ He paused and looked over at Merrin, who was crouching low and kissing baby Glynn on the cheek. ‘I’d prefer to keep her close; she’s my little girl. Always will be. But I like to think she can rely on you, Miguel. But make no mistake, she’s her own person and knows her own mind. I just want her to be happy, that’s all I’ve ever wanted.’

‘What are you two plotting?’ Merrin walked over with the car keys in her hand, her sunglasses on her head and dark rings of sadness and fatigue beneath her eyes.

‘Best route home,’ Miguel answered.

‘No.’ Ben shook his head and fixed him with a stare. ‘She is home; you mean best route out of here.’