Page 124 of Best Summer Ever

‘Good,’ I nudged again.

‘I think Dad could see so much of his father in me that our relationship was never going to be a success.’

‘I can’t even begin to imagine what he’s just said to you about those letters and you coming here and falling in love with Wynbrook,’ I said with a shudder.

Josh gave a wry smile.

‘And I’m certainly not going to tell you,’ he laughed, sounding more like himself. ‘That’s not language I would ever wish to repeat.’

‘So, what now?’ I asked. ‘For your dad, I mean. How long has he got to stay in here?’

‘The consultant is willing to let him go as soon as possible, which I’m sure will come as no surprise.’

‘Er, no.’

‘He’ll probably be discharged the day after tomorrow.’

‘Those poor nurses until then, though,’ I said. ‘What will he do after that? Will he be able to fly straight back to the States?’

He certainly wouldn’t be recuperating at Wynbrook. There wasn’t going to be a kiss and make up happy-ever-after along this branch of the limited Alford line.

‘I think he’s planning to,’ Josh told me. ‘His assistant is already on a flight and he’ll assess the situation when he gets here. He’ll probably advise a rest in a five-star hotel somewhere for a few days first, but knowing Dad, he won’t listen.’

‘His assistant? I can’t believe there’s anyone in the world who would willingly take that job on.’

‘Oh, believe me, Jerome isverywell renumerated for putting up with Dad and his epic tantrums.’

‘I had no idea there was that much money in the world,’ I tutted.

If Thomas Alford was prepared to rant like I’d heard thatevening, with a heart condition flare-up hampering his flow, I dreaded to think what he was capable of when he was as fit as his condition allowed.

‘So,’ said Josh, reaching for my hand, ‘Jerome will arrive tomorrow and I can leave here without a guilty conscience because I did try to patch things up with Dad.’

‘You did?’ I gasped.

‘I did.’ He nodded gravely. ‘And Algy video-called, with Penny’s help, and he tried to reconcile us too, but my father was having none of it, so now we’re both done with him for good. I think Algy was feeling guilty about what happened this afternoon—’

‘I was afraid he might be,’ I interrupted.

‘But having heard more of Dad’s bitterness tonight, he’s realised the outcome was inevitable.’

‘Well, that’s something. It’s been quite a day for saying final goodbyes to destructive relationships.’

‘Hasn’t it just?’ Josh agreed.

‘Thank goodness you’ve fallen in love with Wynbrook.’ I smiled. ‘It would have been terrible if you’d travelled this far and gone through all of this for it not to work out.’

‘That it would,’ he sighed.

‘You sound exhausted.’

‘I am. I really am.’

‘Come on, then,’ I said, as I stood up. ‘Let me drive you home. I bet you’re going to sleep for a week.’

‘I might just,’ he said, taking my hand, but not standing up. ‘You do know that Wynbrook isn’t the only thing I’ve fallen in love with this summer, don’t you, Daisy?’ he said.

I looked down at him and felt my breath hitch.

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