This Could Change Everything(48)

Conor nodded. ‘They are.’

‘I loved them.’

‘Thank you.’

‘My favourite was the guy with the dreadlocks pushing his daughter on the swing in the park. Their faces were just perfect.’

‘They were great.’ Since she was eyeing the camera once more, Conor said, ‘Would you like me to take one of you?’

Belinda wrinkled her nose. ‘Am I allowed to say no? I don’t really like having my photo taken.’

‘It’s fine.’ He was glad.

‘Caz does, though. She’d love to pose for you.’

He smiled briefly, because that wasn’t going to happen. ‘When Caz decided to set us up, she said she can always tell when two people will get on well together.’

‘She can,’ Belinda agreed. ‘She matched up her nephew’s maths teacher with her dog’s vet. They got married last year.’

Conor was taken aback. ‘Wow.’

‘Oh, sorry. Now I’ve scared you. You don’t have to marry me, I promise!’

‘Right.’

Belinda checked her watch. ‘Anyway, she’s waiting for me. I’d better get over to Aqua.’ She paused. ‘But it’s been really nice to meet you. Maybe we’ll bump into each other again.’

‘That would be great.’ As always, the more interested in someone Conor was, the shyer he became. He nodded vigorously, wondering why his confidence always turned tail and deserted him just when he needed it most.

‘They said at the Red House that you have new photos going up every couple of weeks. Maybe Caz and I should pop in again soon . . .’

OK, it’s now or never.

‘Or to make up for messing you around before, I could take you out to dinner sometime.’ The words tumbled out in a rush. ‘This week, maybe, if you’re free. But if you’re busy, it doesn’t matter . . .’

‘I’d love to.’ Belinda beamed and fanned herself. ‘I thought you’d never ask.’

Oh, thank God. ‘Great. Well, name the evening.’

‘Friday?’

‘Friday it is.’ Conor took out his phone and handed it to her. ‘If you key in your number, I’ll text you later.’

When she’d done it and returned the phone to him, she said, ‘This dinner invitation. I should check. Is it just me, or is Caz invited too?’

She was teasing him. Conor mimed alarm. ‘Just you.’

‘OK. I’m looking forward to it.’

‘So am I.’ And now it was his turn to exhale with relief. ‘Phew!’





Chapter 22


Barry clearly didn’t have long left on this earth. His skin was the colour of church candles and his breathing was laboured. But when he was lifted out of the ambulance, his whole face lit up.

‘Daddy!’ His two girls raced across the tarmac, reaching up on tiptoe to give him a kiss on each cheek. ‘You’re here . . . We’ve been waiting for you!’

Watching them from a discreet distance, Essie had a stern word with herself, because whatever happened, she mustn’t cry. This was her afternoon off work, and when Zillah had asked if she’d like to help, she had jumped at the chance. Together they’d driven in Zillah’s car to collect Barry’s wife and children from their family home in Midsomer Norton. When Barry had been asked what his wish might be, he hadn’t hesitated for a second. His favourite place in the world, he’d told Zillah, was the one that held the happiest memories for both himself and his family.

Tamsyn, his wife, was now saying to her daughters, ‘We’re going to have one last lovely visit, and then we’ll remember it forever, won’t we?’

If Tamsyn could say it without breaking down in tears, there was no excuse for the rest of them.

For the next hour they toured the dogs’ home where Barry and Tamsyn had first met whilst working as voluntary walkers, visiting all the dogs in their separate glass-fronted cubicles and choosing which ones they’d like to take out for a walk. Essie helped the older daughter with a bouncy, waggy-tailed mongrel called Bernard. Together the motley group made their way along a winding path. Conor, who’d been delayed at work, arrived with his Nikon to take photos of the family. There were happy squeals, there was chatter and laughter and there was a volley of barking when the dogs spotted a squirrel racing up a tree.

‘He’s running away,’ the older girl told Essie, pointing as the squirrel disappeared into the highest branches. ‘He’s going all the way to heaven!’

‘Woof woof woof.’ Bernard was desperately scrabbling his front paws against the tree’s gnarled trunk.

‘Don’t be silly, Bernard. You can’t climb up there. You’re a dog.’

The younger daughter was peering up with interest. ‘Mummy, are there squirrels in heaven?’

‘Ooh, I should think so,’ said Tamsyn.

‘What about dogs?’

Tamsyn nodded and stroked her daughter’s blonde head. ‘Oh sweetie, definitely. Heaven is full of lovely dogs.’

‘That’s good. Will you be able to take them for walks, Daddy? When you’re in heaven?’

Barry managed a smile. ‘I will. Every single day.’

And Essie had to turn away, because the look he was giving his younger daughter was so heartbreakingly full of love.