She’d have to get out for a walk with Alfie at some point. She hoped it might dry up a little, but maybe a blustery beach walk would do her good. And Alfie wouldn’t mind: being a spaniel he positively loved the wet; swimming in the sea, rolling in muddy puddles, walking in the rain – he was still happy.

Emma remembered yesterday, the heart-warming scene in the shop, and thought of Holly and Adam. She hoped their afternoon-tea date would go well. She had a strong feeling that it would – he seemed a nice lad. Aw, the promise and excitement of early love. She was so pleased for them.

She snuggled down under the duvet for a little longer, thinking of first loves, and lost loves, but didn’t let herself dwell on it. Somehow, she had to get a grip on the here and now, make the most of her every day. She couldn’t waste the life she had.

Later, togged up in rain mac, trousers, wellies, hat, scarf and gloves, she told herself that again. She really didn’t fancy walking out in this – the rain was relentless. But there was Alfie wagging his tail, and barking now his lead had come out.

‘Come on then, boy. Let’s do this thing.’

They made their way down the hill to the harbour. She could see the waves bashing up against the harbour walls, sending up an arc of white spray. The boats rocked and rattled, though they were tied safely with sturdy ropes. Hopefully, none of the fishing boats were out today. It wasn’t the weather to be out at sea.

No one else was around; they were all sensibly staying indoors or perhaps planning to make a quick dash later on to gather around the real fire and settle for a cosy supper in The Fisherman's Arms. She hadn’t cooked properly in ages, having been so busy making chocolates, and while she might treat herself to a roast chicken dinner at the weekend, she didn’t fancy sitting on her own, or making all that effort for one. Maybe she’d invite James and the family over for Sunday; that would be nice. A family beach walk, hopefully in better weather than this, and a Sunday roast when they all got back to hers. Yes, she’d arrange that. She’d phone him when she got back in.