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‘But you just said the drugs might work. What have you seen differently?’

‘Here.’ He circled a section with his finger. ‘She’s not eligible. She’s too old. I’m sorry. That’s why I hadn’t seen the results on this one. I stopped reading after the dosing mechanisms when I saw the eligibility criteria. I’m so sorry.’

‘That’s all right.’ Jake grinned. ‘You think it might work. That’s all I needed to know.’

‘She’s still not eligible. Their cut off is sixty months old. Five years.’

‘Why are you smiling, love?’ Julie rested her hand on his shoulder, concern etched over her face.’

‘I included that one because it’s gone into phase 4 trials. It’s received the initial approval for use,’ Jake explained, his heart soaring with hope.

‘And is that good for Summer?’ Julie asked quietly.

‘It is when one of the lead consultants on the trial has a private practice in Boston where he’s accepting patients. Without an upper age limit.’

‘Jake …’ His father’s tone was cautious, gentle. ‘We don’t know for sure this would help her …’

‘No, but you said you liked the chances of it enough to call her oncologist.’

‘You did say that, darling,’ Julie inputted.

‘I did. And I’m still happy to do that. But Jake, this is an experimental treatment – albeit phase 4 – in America. It would cost a fortune.’

‘We know what Evelyn earns,’ Julie added. ‘It would be cruel to dangle an unaffordable hope before her.’

‘I’m not going to hurt Evelyn, or Summer,’ Jake assured them both, horrified at the thought. Even though Evelyn had cut him from their lives, he understood that she’d done it out of love, trying to be kind and protect him from being hurt. She’d just been too late. ‘Money can be found. There’s online fundraising and all sorts.’

‘He’s not wrong,’ Julie agreed. ‘We’ve both seen stories in the news where it’s been done. How expensive do you think this could be?’

‘I’d have to look into it in more detail, and contact the Boston clinic … but I’d imagine it could easily run to two or three hundred thousand.’ Tom placed his glasses on the worktop.

‘That’s what I was thinking.’ Jake nodded. ‘So we have a plan. You’ll call Summer’s oncologist, and I’ll start trying to work out how we can raise that much money. And when you’ve been told yes, and when I’ve figured it out, then I can tell Evelyn.’ He smiled broadly, a massive weight lifted from his shoulders. His research and digging had been a tiny flicker of light against darkness that was too heavy for him to bear, and now that flicker was becoming stronger and brighter. He might really have found something that could help Summer.

‘If, Jake. The word is if.’

‘It will be a yes. I’m sure of it.’

‘You know what, love?’ Julie wrapped her arms around her son’s shoulders. ‘I believe you’re right.’

Tom shook his head. ‘You can’t know that, darling. Neither of you can.’

Jake grinned back at his dad. ‘I’ve just got a feeling it will all be all right.’

‘From your lips to angels’ ears.’

Chapter Twelve

‘Oh, I forgot to tell you, Evelyn, I made an appointment for Tilly at the vet.’ Linda yawned and rubbed her back as she limped across the kitchen to the kettle. ‘She’s been itching at her tail a lot, and doing that thing where dogs drag their botties on the floor. I think she might have worms or something.’

Evelyn cast a sharp look at the little dog who was happily chewing on a toy, showing no signs of distress. ‘I haven’t noticed anything.’

‘You’ve probably just been too busy. I was going to take her myself, but my back is so sore that I’m worried she might pull at the lead and make it worse.’

‘What’s wrong with your back?’

‘I’m sure I told you yesterday. I think I’ve pulled a muscle or something.’

‘Do you want me to take a look?’