‘Five minutes!’ he protested. ‘I’ve been given five minutes.’

They were laughing as Matthew closed the door behind them, but, gazing around the empty room, he became serious once again. ‘I don’t like the thought of you living here on your own, Jen.’

‘I’ve been thinking about that, and if I can manage to buy this house, I’m going to ask Ivy and her family to move in. It’s much too crowded next door, but Fred and Glad took them in when they got chucked out of their place by a greedy landlord. They couldn’t possibly have afforded the rent he was asking.’

The frown left his face and he drew her into his arms. ‘That’s a great idea. I’ll get Luke moving.’ Then he dipped his head and kissed her very gently. ‘Thanks for a lovely evening.’

Jenny was flustered by the kiss and didn’t know what to say. That was the first grown-up kiss she’d had, and it had quite made her head spin. At eighteen she was a late starter at this dating lark. It was exciting, though. ‘I’ve enjoyed myself,’ she managed to say. ‘Would you like a cup of tea?’

He shook his head, stepping away and glancing at his watch. ‘I’ve had my five minutes, and if I don’t leave now Fred will charge in here and throw me out!’

Jenny gurgled. ‘I think he’s taken on the role of my father.’

‘I’m pleased he has. You are so lovely, and if some of the men around here find out you’ve now got money, they might start pestering you.’

He thought she was lovely! ‘Fred and Glad were afraid of the same thing when I told them, so we’ve decided to keep it just between ourselves.’

‘Very wise. Now I really must go. I’ll see you at the children’s party, and after Christmas we’ll go out again.’

‘I’d like that.’

He gave her another kiss and left. Before driving away, he stopped outside Fred’s and tooted his horn to let him know he was leaving – on time.

As Matt drove home, he couldn’t help smiling. Jenny was financially secure now; they’d had their first real date, which had been a great success; he was fully recovered and already back at work. The future looked good for both of them.