They had fun at the rink, of course they did, though Nico’s heart felt like a rock in his chest as he watched the girls together. Maria wore double-blade trainers over her snow boots because she was too small for proper skates. Josie had had enough practice to stay upright and cross over at corners but Nico resolved to enrol her for a course of lessons at home so she could have more fun on these winter holidays in Sweden. Hannah skated well, after learning as a teen and then living in Sweden. She took Maria, holding on to a push-along reindeer, while he taught Josie to pick up speed and confidence. Then it was time to go to Carina’s, his heart still heavy as he fetched his gaily wrapped family gifts from the case for Josie and Maria to give out – though they were much more interested in ripping the shiny wrapping paper from the pretty clothes and dolls their grandparents gifted to them with scant respect for the lovely ribbons that had no doubt been tied with care. Carina had found time to buy for Maria and Nico felt a stab of love for the mother who wasn’t differentiating between the two children.

At least he received an email from Middledip Primary School offering Josie a place when school reopened in January and directing him to where he could buy school polo shirts, sweatshirts and a PE top. Josie just grinned when he told her and he supposed that she hadn’t thought there would be any other result.

Carina took him aside before they left for their temporary home in Lars’s house. ‘Maria’s a lovely little girl,’ she said, patting his arm through his thick fleece top.

He gave her a hug. ‘I told you I wouldn’t bring an imp into your house. Thanks for treating her so well. I know you were worried about me bringing her.’

Carina smiled painfully. ‘Not for my sake, Nico. For yours. I could see you making a place for her in your heart as well as in your family. I grieve for your heartache when she goes back.’

A lump rose to his throat. ‘I know. I worry about how Josie’s going to take it too. But how could we guard our hearts against her?’

Carina laughed. ‘Impossible. She’s adorable.’

Nico got one more night sleeping with Hannah before they rose early and drove back to the airport. They returned the rental car and moved on to the airport building, where festive decorations were decidedly low-key. Josie and Maria began a game with the toys they had in their backpacks.