‘This is true.’ He dashed towards the door, drawing a few admiring glances as he did so. With his size, he was hard to miss. Add unreasonably good looks to that and it was almost impossible. Turning at the door to pull it closed behind him, he noticed me still watching – something I hadn’t planned on. He raised a hand in a brief wave and gave me one of those winks that I had already told myself was not at all sexy. Nope. Not in the slightest. Despite the fact on the odd occasion he did it, an uninvited tingle never failed to trickle itself down my spine and detour to areas it really had no place being!

I looked down at Bod, who chose that moment to let out a very polite and dignified fart, which did an excellent job of breaking the spell. I could have done without the accompanying pong, but it was still a job well done. Much to his tired disgust, I moved him onto a little blanket on the floor by my feet, where he curled back up, resting his head on my feet. Lifting my first notebook onto my lap, I checked a few colour-coordinated, bulleted points then picked up my phone and scrolled through my contacts until I found the one I was looking for.

‘Isobel Designs. How may I help you?’

‘Hi. This is Madeleine Hart. Is Izzy around?’

‘I’ll just check for you. Could you hold the line, please?’

Izzy had been one of my first contacts when I started my business and I still always recommended clients to her if possible. She made the most incredible bridal gowns and her designs were always perfect. She had an innate sense of what people wanted and could transfer those wishes into reality with the most beautiful fabrics. Isobel Designs had gone from strength to strength in the time I’d known her, with a huge waiting list. But I also loved working with her as Izzy was one of the nicest, most supportive people I’d ever met.

‘Maddie!’ Izzy’s voice sang down the phone. ‘How are you? How’s things?’

‘I’m OK. Things have been a bit not so great but I’m hopeful they’re starting to pick up again now.’

‘I’m sure they will. I couldn’t wait to get back to the studio. Obviously I love Rob to bits but when we were both working full-time from home, it could get a bit tense from time to time. Like most people, I suspect.’

‘Oh, yes, this last few years certainly seems to have tested relationships, that’s for sure.’