She smiled. ‘I went on an adventure and Humph-Wee came to find me.’
‘Rosie,’ Ben said, sitting down beside her on the log. ‘You can’t go on adventures by yourself. You mustn’t cross that road by yourself.’
‘I like going on adventures with Humph-Wee,’ she said, stroking Humphrey.
‘Let’s get you home with Nana,’ ordered Ben.
Humphrey refused to walk with me or let me grab his collar. He only had eyes for Rosie, which made her giggle. ‘Humph-Wee is naughty.’
Once we got across the road, Ben’s mother rushed to greet Rosie and scooped her into her arms. ‘I’ve been so worried, Rosie.’
‘Sorry, Nana, I went on an adventure with Humph-Wee.’
Ben’s mum looked down at Humphrey. ‘Oh, he’s adorable.’
‘Looks can be deceiving,’ I said, which made Ben chuckle. ‘He’s the naughtiest dog ever.’
Ben turned to me. ‘He’s a hero now in my eyes. I feel bad for calling him a naughty dog.’
I waited for Ben in his van with Humphrey on my lap. Ben was having a stern word with Rosie inside.
He came out grinning and climbed in beside me. ‘Well, that was fun.’ He reached over and stroked Humphrey. ‘Thanks, little fella.’ As he pulled his hand back, he held my gaze and a fluttery sensation engulfed my chest.
CHAPTERTWENTY-ONE
When we got back to the manor house I checked the visiting times at the hospital. Layla was in the living room playing with Zac. ‘Layla, do you have a car seat for Zac?’
She nodded. ‘Yes, I do.’
‘Let’s go visit Derek. I will stay in the car and look after Zac for you.’
‘Oh, Rachel, you don’t have to do this.’
‘Layla, I want to help you. Get your things and whatever Zac needs. Grandpa can stay here with Humphrey and guard the house.’
The main roads were clear so getting to the hospital wasn’t too bad. Zac babbled away in the back for the first twenty minutes but soon he fell asleep. Layla fidgeted a lot in the passenger seat. She kept wringing her hands and squeezing them until they turned white. ‘Are you nervous?’ I asked.
She nodded. ‘Yes. I don’t know what to say to him?’
‘You’ll find the words. You message each a lot – don’t you?’
Her fingers touched her tight hair bun. ‘It’s different when you’re face to face though. ‘Are your mum and dad still together?’
I explained about how Dad left us when Maddie and I were young and how we now had the odd birthday and Christmas card from him.
‘Do you ever feel like contacting him?’ Layla asked.
‘Mum has always told us not to…’ I stopped and remembered something Grandpa had said. I’d not contacted Dad because of Mum and how she always told us speaking to him would be like a form of betrayal to her. A lot of the time it was easier to go along with what Mum wanted. I turned into the hospital car park and realised Grandpa was right. I had been letting Mum control me. ‘I’d like to contact him.’
I explained about what happened with Dad.
Layla studied my face. ‘Their marriage problems were their business. Not yours and your sister’s.’
She was right. ‘Layla, for a twenty-one year old, you’re wise.’
Layla looked up at the hospital building. She placed her hand on her chest. ‘My heart is going berserk.’
‘You can do this.’
