Hannah had danced with cousins, old school friends, with Nan and with Mum. She’d also drunk a lot of fizz. She was thinking about grabbing a seat when Nico appeared beside her. She hadn’t seen him for a while, nor Amanda Louise either, a fact she knew shouldn’t concern her. ‘Nan Heather’s a marvel,’ he said.

She laughed. ‘In so many ways! What’s she done?’

‘Got me a babysitter.’ He’d shucked off his jacket and his white shirt lay open at the neck. ‘Someone she knows is happy to sit in the room with the girls and knit and watch TV so I can rejoin the party. The girls met her before they went to sleep. With Nan Heather’s recommendation and my phone in my pocket I feel at ease.’

Hannah could see his shoulders had relaxed. ‘Nan still has lots of friends who are fosterers or childminders.’

The music slowed and Nico, as if it were a natural thing, offered her his hand. It felt just as natural to take it and follow his lead into a slow dance, her hands on the firm warmth of his shoulders. Coloured lights roved the room, switching his skin from rose to gold. ‘Are you wondering about Maria?’ he asked.

She gave a tiny shrug, saying, diplomatically, ‘Rob said you weren’t in the mood to talk about it.’ Even through his shirt she was aware of his skin.

His face shadowed. ‘Loren’s having problems.’ As they continued to move together, his hands on her waist, he went on to explain briefly that his ex had an alcohol and prescription drugs issue. ‘Loren’s mum’s taken her home but her dad’s had heart surgery and is quite ill. They can’t look after Maria.’

Hannah tried to compute the situation. ‘But …’ She halted, not knowing how to say, ‘How is this your problem?’

He sighed, his muscles flexing beneath her palms. ‘But … what? Try and get her into care? Insist Loren takes her back before she’s capable?’ He blew out his cheeks. ‘It’s been a nightmare arranging the childcare – a mixture of annual leave, working from home, help from my cousin Emelie and Josie’s nanny. It’s nearly impossible to get day care at no notice and it would be yet another change for a small, confused kid. Unfortunately, my boss hasn’t been sympathetic.’

‘Wow,’ she breathed. ‘Nico, you are a seriously good man.’

He laughed, most of his body brushing hers as they segued into a new song, something by Taylor Swift. ‘I guess I was brought up not to turn my back.’

She smiled up. Barefoot, she was short compared to him. ‘Lars was always kind. You must take after him.’ She added thoughtfully, ‘Maria seems a sweet kid.’