Slowly, reluctantly, she lifted her eyes. ‘I still can’t believe you’re really here,’ she murmured, ‘just an arm’s reach away.’ She hardly dared to think about it.

There was a long, intimate silence while each regarded the other, their thoughts not so different, their needs surprisingly alike.

Nigh on twenty years ago, Jack had done what he had set out to do. He had made his money and learned from his many mistakes. Now, if only she would have him, he was back to claim her.

‘Not a day went by when I didn’t miss you,’ he said huskily, and took a step closer. ‘I’m here to take you away with me.’ He glanced towards the door. ‘But not the kids,’ he told her awkwardly. ‘I’ve never been fond of kids – you know that.’

She gave a wry little smile. How like him, she thought. ‘You were never one to take on too much responsibility.’ Her voice was hard.

‘They’ll never want for anything though,’ he promised. ‘I’ll see to that.’

‘What you’re asking is impossible.’

‘Nothing’s impossible.’ Now he had her hands in his, and she was visibly trembling. ‘You and me were meant for each other.’ His mouth brushed her hair. ‘Admit it, Amy,’ he urged. ‘You still want me. Say it, girl. Say it!’

Drawing away, she glanced nervously at the door. ‘Lottie was right,’ she said. ‘If Frank comes home and finds you here, he’ll kill you.’

‘More likely I’d kill him, for what he’s brought you to.’ Thrusting his hands in his pockets, Jack gave her a curious look. ‘I was surprised to hear you’d married Frank Tattersall, and so soon after my departure.’ He shook his head disapprovingly. ‘I never thought he was your type. Bit of a waster, as I remember.’

He stared round at the tiny parlour, with its tatty curtains and worn-out chairs. ‘From what I can see, he hasn’t given you much to be proud of, has he, eh? Except for an army of kids to age you before your time.’

‘And what about you!’ Anger marbled her words. ‘At least he never ran out on me!’

‘That’s why I’m here, I told you. To make amends.’

‘It’s too late, Jack.’ Over the years, Amy had tried to hate him, but it was hard to hate someone when all you really wanted was to be with them again.

He took a step closer. ‘Don’t turn me away, lass. Not now.’

Drawing herself up to her full height, she told him sternly, ‘You’d better go. Now! Before Frank gets home.’ There would be no explaining with Frank. He was possessive and nasty, especially when he’d had a drink or two.

‘Mam!’ Lottie’s voice rang out from the upper reaches. ‘Eddie wants the potty!’

Sighing wearily, Amy rushed to the bottom of the stairs. ‘Fetch him down,’ she called out. ‘And be quick about it. Your dad’ll be home any minute!’

Suddenly Jack’s hands clamped on to her shoulders and he swung her back into the parlour. ‘Get off me, Ja—’ Her voice was smothered beneath a long, hard kiss. Afterwards he held her for a brief second, his eyes locked into hers, and his hands like iron fists around her arms.