They chattered away like old friends over the course of the evening, when in fact they were new friends finding out about each other and liking what they learnt.

After their main course was finished, steak for Scott and lamb for Fern, Scott took a small package out of his pocket and, placing it on the table, pushed it towards Fern.

‘I bought you something. I hope you like it and when you wear it, you’ll think of me while I’m away.’

Fern’s fingers trembled as she opened the small box she found inside the package. When she saw the contents, she looked at Scott and laughed. ‘I love it. Thank you,’ and she took the silver pendant of a Scottish Highland terrier out of the box and fastened it around her neck. ‘Now I’ve got two Scotties.’

Scott reached across the table and picked her hand up. ‘I will come back as soon as I can – you will wait, won’t you?’

Fern felt her heart skip a beat as Scott looked deep into her eyes, almost willing her to answer. Did she like this man enough to do as he asked and wait for him to return? Deep down she already knew the answer.

‘Yes of course I will.’ As Fern smiled at him, she saw Scott give a deep sigh of relief.

‘Good. Now, have you thought any more about Belinda’s job offer?’

‘Making cakes and desserts for the campsite? I have to admit it’s the kind of thing I’d have jumped at years ago. I was surprised when Belinda suggested it though.’

‘I think you should take her up on the offer. It would keep you busy.’

‘I’ll definitely think about it,’ Fern said. ‘I do like that sort of cooking. In fact, I made a tiramisu this afternoon, just to take my mind off things.’

‘In that case I suggest I ask for the bill and we go home and sample it. Did I tell you I put a bottle of champagne in the fridge earlier?’

‘No you didn’t,’ Fern said, laughing. ‘Is that why you barely touched your aperitif and why I was the only one to have wine with our meal? You were saving yourself for later.’

‘That and the fact I never drink and drive. Come on. You can show me the way to go home.’

Fern laughed.

‘What’s so funny?’

‘That reminded me of the old song my dad used to sing when he came home from the pub after too many beers.’

‘I wonder if it’s the same one I know? You can sing it for me in the car,’ Scott said.