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Matt joined them, someone handed him a glass, and they did a rousing rendition of ‘Happy Birthday’. The Digey bakers were invited and they rolled out a cake shaped like a whale with ‘Happy 40th, Ty’ on it.

After Tyler had hugged Matt and thanked him, Matt called for silence. ‘And now, I’d like to do one more song. It’s one that my mates here in the choir will know – good job as we couldn’t rehearse it – and it’s for a very special person. The woman I love, the new Mrs Veryan, Zennor.’

There were more cheers. Zennor’s mouth was open. She’d had no idea he had this planned.

‘It’s not a love song, per se, but then again, it is a love song to Cornwall, and the most important thing is that it’s for you.’

‘I think he’s a keeper,’ her mum whispered, holding her hand as Matt and his mates assembled in front of her.

‘A good sword and a trusty hand,

A merry heart and true!’

Matt hadn’t finished the second verse when Zennor saw his eyes widen like saucers. To do him credit, he carried on singing even as two people walked into the room and made their way to the front of the guests.

They were both tanned. Matt’s mother had tears in her eyes and both she and his dad – who suddenly reminded Zennor very much of Harry – were clearly bursting with pride.

He saw them and his voice faltered and then it became louder and louder.

‘Here’s twenty thousand Cornishmen

Will know the reason why!’

A cheer almost lifted off the repaired roof and Matt broke free of the choir to hug his mum and dad. ‘It’s been four years. Four years!’

Zennor joined them, tears in her own eyes.

‘Yes. It’s been too long,’ his mum said, hugging them both. ‘When you told us about the wedding, we knew we had to be here. It’s our wedding present.’

Matt looked at Zennor. ‘Did you know about this?’

‘I might’ve.’ She grinned.

‘It’s – it’s amazing!’

Zennor’s heart swelled with emotion until she feared it might crack.

‘Your grandad would be proud,’ his dad said, putting his arm around Matt.

As the party carried on into the evening and the sun set, Zennor found Matt standing on the terrace, looking out over the beach.

‘Penny for them,’ she said.

‘I just never thought we’d get to this moment or that I could be so happy.’

Zennor slipped into his arms and leaned against him. ‘Me neither, but I know this. We needed to grow up and make mistakes before we could finally realise the truth. Sometimes, the unforgivable suddenly becomes forgivable.’

‘What’s the point of nurturing a toxic flame?’ Matt said. ‘You know, I might even forgive Trev because I have you and he doesn’t.’

‘He’s probably just as happy with that new girlfriend who runs his new hotel with him,’ Zennor said.

‘Naw …’ Matt laughed. ‘No one could be happy without you.’

Zennor rolled her eyes.

‘Have I told you that you look absolutely beautiful?’

‘Um. Once or twice.’