Not wanting Albin’s hoity-toity attitude to hurt her wonderfully warm family in the exciting, loved-up run-up to Rob and Leesa’s wedding she’d told them he couldn’t get away from work. Now Nico had apparently been dispatched to evaluate her well-being. He hadn’t mentioned Albin’s existence so did that mean Rob hadn’t told him, wanting an unbiased, fresh eye on Hannah?

Shrugging, Nico picked up his coffee, sat back and changed the subject, telling Hannah about his eight-year-old daughter Josie. ‘She lives with me but she’s with her mum Loren this weekend, using FaceTime on her tablet to catch me up on her doings. She’s a little chatterbox.’ His voice was soft and warm.

Hannah’s heart suffered a pang at his obvious love for his daughter. ‘I’m sure you make a lovely dad.’ In return, she told him about her own baby – the shop. ‘I’m gearing up for the gift-buying period. We haven’t had Halloween yet so it’s too early for festive decorations but I’m increasing my stock for the eager beavers who come into Stockholm on October weekends to start their Christmas shopping.’

‘You don’t mind giving up your Saturday evening to sorting stock?’ Nico had finished his coffee but wasn’t rushing to leave.

‘I don’t mind if long hours bring me success. I want to expand, maybe into larger premises or a more commercial spot in Västerlånggatan or Österlånggatan.’ When she’d taken the shop the agent had insisted tourists loved wandering the narrow side streets like Köpmangatan. He hadn’t yet been proved wrong but Hannah intended to ensure lots of Swedish kronor through her till in the bumper Christmas trading season and wasn’t leaving it to chance. Even if Albin hadn’t been elk shooting in Värmland this weekend she wouldn’t have minded working this evening. Her shop made her happy and hunting made her feel ill. She continued, ‘Tomorrow, I’ll come in early to create new displays before I open at eleven for the Sunday shoppers. Gamla Stan—’ she used the Swedish for ‘Old Town’ ‘—is open seven days a week.’

‘Then I’d better let you get on with your work.’ His eyes were very blue in the overhead lights as he reached for his coat. ‘I’ll walk you back to the shop.’

‘I’ll be fine thanks,’ she answered, though touched by his thoughtfulness. Nico had always been one of those who opened doors for others.

He looked as if he might argue as they stepped back into a chilly Västerlånggatan where most of the shops were getting ready for seven o’clock closing but his phone began to ring. He pulled it out and smiled. ‘It’s Josie.’

Though sorry at the evening ending so abruptly, she smiled. ‘I’ll head back to the shop. Goodnight! Great to see you again.’