‘It’s amazing how the most predatory men can spot the most emotionally vulnerable person in their vicinity and home in on them like a penis-driven missile, isn’t it?’

Tears sting my eyes and I turn my head away, determined to blink them back. Steve doesn’t deserve any more tears.

‘So, what happened?’ he asks gently. I know he knows I’m trying not to cry and is keeping me talking as a distraction.

‘Walked in on him shagging one of the other girls on his desk. Called him every name under the sun, poured hot coffee down his naked front, quit the job, vowed never to let a man take advantage of my weakness again, and sat crying in the stairwell for half an hour.’

‘And then drowned your sorrows, had a tipsy peek at an auction for a Christmas tree farm, and the rest is history?’

I nod, quite impressed by how much he’s paid attention to the throwaway comments I’ve made over the weeks we’ve known each other. ‘It was exactly what I needed. Packing and getting ready to come up here took my mind off Steve. It stopped me feeling used, and stupid and weak, because I was taking back control of my life and doing something I never imagined I’d have the courage to do.’ My voice is still shaky, but I realise the words are true as I say them. Buying Peppermint Branches empowered me. It gave me a chance to break the cycle of grief and guilt and move on with life on my own terms.

‘Well, I’m glad you did. Come up here, that is.’

I look down at the dark head of hair which is still resting on my shoulder. ‘I’m starting to think it might not be the worst mistake of my life.’

‘Starting to?’ He finally lifts his head and pushes himself upright, shifting around to face me as stray bits of hair fall across his face. ‘And you say that before you’ve cut hundreds of Christmas trees, learned how to grade every single one with colour-coded ribbon, and sold enough to replant another few thousand in the spring.’

‘What, that little job?’ I say with a grin. ‘Oh, that’s eas—’