She slowly pulled her hand away from his. As far as she was concerned there was nothing to think about, and if she didn’t respond to him now it would only prolong his agony. ‘I’m sorry, George, but my answer is no. You’re like my best friend, and I love you, but not in that way.’

George turned away, his shoulders slumped and Sarah could see that she had cut him deeply. She wanted to take him in her arms to offer him comfort, but that might give him false hope. Instead, she climbed out of the van, hating that there would now be an awkward atmosphere between them.

‘Don’t feel bad about turning me down,’ George said as he too got out of the van, ‘but you’ve missed your chance now, woman. You’ll be sorry when you see some other bird snap me up.’

She turned to see him grinning and kissed him on the cheek, relieved that he wasn’t sulking. ‘Just as long as she’s good enough for you and makes you happy.’

They went indoors, and Sarah went upstairs to George’s room to pack the clothes she’d brought with her. She took a moment to sit on the edge of the bed, and thought again about George’s proposal. He was such a sweet, kind man, and though he’d put on a good front when she’d turned him down, she could see straight through him and knew he was upset. Sarah sighed heavily and decided that once she was back in her own home she’d put some distance between them for a while. It would give George a chance to get over her and maybe, just maybe, he might meet someone who could give him all the love he deserved.

Chapter 30

Lena was stacking tins of Spam, but her mind was on her son. It had been a week since Sarah and Tommy had returned to their own home, which seemed to have left George feeling down in the dumps. She missed his cheery smile in the mornings, and having been through a spell of depression herself, she hoped her son wasn’t going down the same path.

The shop door opened, and Lena was surprised to see Albert Bosco walk in. He rarely came to his store, but was always amiable and polite when he did.

‘Good morning, Mrs Neerly, how are you today?’ he asked as he doffed his hat to reveal his thick white hair.