‘Thanks,’ Charlie said dryly. He stood up from the kitchen table and wandered over to where Holly was leaning against the door frame of her living room, so she could hear if the shop bell signalled a customer. ‘What’s wrong?’ he asked softly, seeing the conflicted look on her face.

Holly smiled. ‘I know you’ve worked really hard to get to this point, but I’m still so afraid that all of it could be for nothing. We could still be in a stalemate in another year’s time.’

Charlie slipped a hand around her waist and drew her a little closer. ‘It won’t be,’ he said softly. He reached out with his other hand and squeezed one of hers. ‘I said I’d do everything I can, and I meant it. This is my defining issue now, just as it’s been yours since Harry was diagnosed. I will not let you down this time.’

In the ensuing silence, Tom coughed. ‘Well, now we know, I’d best get back to Claudia, since it’s nearly time to get home, anyway. She sends her regards, Holly, by the way, and hopes she might see you again at another one of “those bloody boring dinners” soon. She quite liked having someone new, and younger to talk to.’

Holly laughed. ‘I’m not sure Charlie would share Claudia’s enthusiasm to have me back, after the last time.’

‘Well, you livened up the evening in a lot of ways,’ Tom said. ‘Even if a certain local baker doesn’t think so!’

‘I shouldn’t have gone off at Miles,’ Holly said. ‘Not on Charlie’s night, anyway. My sister reckons I should just hex him next time!’

‘I thought you didn’t go in for that sort of thing,’ Charlie replied. ‘Because if you did, there are a few people in the House of Commons I’d get you to try it on!’

‘I don’t,’ Holly said firmly. ‘Or I’d have hexed Miles years ago. You should only send out what you want to get back, no matter how much someone hurts you or pisses you off.’

‘So I can’t blame you for the dodgy stomach I had for a week after we split up, then?’ Charlie teased.

‘Nope,’ Holly said. ‘Blame that on your liking for ropey London takeaway food!’

As they all laughed, Tom glanced at his watch. ‘I’ll leave you to it.’ He turned to Charlie. ‘And don’t you forget you need to be back in Westminster tomorrow morning. No staying up all night perfecting your speech… or whatever.’

‘OK, Dad!’ Charlie teased. ‘I promise an early night and an even earlier train is the order of the day.’ He turned back to Holly, ‘Much as I hate to have to tear myself away from you.’