‘Tom,’ she said. ‘This is Eric. He helped me bring the boat.’

Eric held out his hand. It was still uncommon for people to shake hands – some pandemic anxiety lingered – but Eric clearly didn’t share it.

‘How do,’ he said. ‘Eric Widdop.’

‘Tom Sark. Is this your boat?’

‘It’s yours now. It’s what you wanted, I hear.’

‘Yes,’ she said. ‘Tom really likes boats.’ Alice caught Tom’s eye and raised an eyebrow. ‘Don’t you, Tom?’

‘Oh,’ he said. ‘I love them. Always wanted one.’

‘Well,’ Eric said. ‘Take care of her. Nice to meet you both.’ He looked at Jo. ‘And you.’

‘Thank you,’ Alice said. ‘I’ll walk you to your car.’

When she got back to the boat, Tom was smiling.

‘You bought a boat?’

‘Something for us to enjoy. I thought we could go out on the water. Have a picnic.’

He smiled. ‘Sounds fun. Eric seemed to think I wanted it?’

‘He’s a bit confused,’ Alice said. ‘I tried to explain that it was a surprise for you, but it didn’t sink in. So I just said you wanted it.’

‘Where did you find it?’

‘I saw a sign in the supermarket in Ambleside.’

He laughed. ‘So you’re buying boats on a whim now? When out getting some groceries? That’s not like you.’

‘It wasn’t expensive. It’s seen better days.’ She squeezed his hand. ‘But it floats. It’ll be fun. Come on. Let’s take her on her maiden voyage.’

‘She doesn’t exactly look like a maiden to me,’ he said. ‘But I know what you mean.’

Tom

The boat was fun. Alice had bought a life jacket for Jo; she and Tom didn’t have them, but they stayed close to shore, enjoying the sounds of the water lapping against the fibreglass.

‘Well,’ Tom said. ‘I think I’ll go on an adventure tomorrow. Maybe cross the entire lake.’

‘You can leave Jo here,’ Alice said. ‘I’m not sure she’s ready for a sea voyage yet.’

‘Agreed.’ He looked at his watch. ‘Four p.m. You want to go and start getting dinner ready? I’m starving. Must be all this fresh air.’

‘OK,’ she said, and grabbed the oars. ‘I’ll row us in.’

They beached gently on the rocky shore and Tom climbed out. Alice handed Jo to him.

‘I’ll drag her onto the beach and tie her up,’ she said. ‘You take Jo and get her something to eat.’

‘Got it.’

He carried Jo up to the house and settled her in her highchair on the terrace, then went into the kitchen to grab a jar of baby food and a spoon. When she saw it she banged her fists on the plastic tray in front of her; she was hungry too.