‘Nothing to be embarrassed about. In December, I turn down invitations to go out for Christmas drinks with work colleagues in favour of curling up on the sofa with a hot chocolate and as many romantic comedies as can reasonably be fitted into a weekend. I like escaping into the perfect fantasy life that none of us can ever hope to live. You can believe the world is a better place for a couple of hours.’

‘Maybe that’s why you bought a Christmas tree farm? That’s exactly the kind of thing one of the annoyingly squeaky main characters would do. Or inherit one. The busy marketing executives usually inherit unexpected things, don’t they?’

I grin because I’ve never met a guy who likes these films before. ‘And of course they meet the gruff but sensitive, slightly grumpy and disapproving guy who rescues them and shows them the ropes, and you know they’re going to fall in love from the moment he steps onscreen in some adorable accident where she pours coffee all over him or something.’

‘Hah.’ He scoffs. ‘Well, we can be certain that’s not going to happen here. Unless there’s a sheep in a nearby field you fancy.’

‘I did pass some very handsome cows on the drive up …’

‘And on that note, I’d better go.’ He gets to his feet and gathers up his stuff.

‘Thank you for everything.’

‘You’re welcome,’ he says as I hover in the hallway, watching him shrug his coat back on and pull the hat down over his thick hair.

He must sense my sudden nervousness at being alone again, because he looks up in the middle of pulling his boots on. ‘Don’t worry too much. Things will look better in the daylight.’

It’s exactly what my mum used to say and a lump forms instantly in my throat and I have to swallow it down. I can’t possibly cry any more tonight. But somehow hearing it makes me feel better too. A little reminder that life goes on tomorrow, even without my parents here. Peppermint Branches is mine now, and I owe it to them to be brave and do the best I can with it, come what may.

Even if it’s mountain lions.

Chapter 6