‘If I promise to let Doctor Johnson check me over, will you leave me in peace?’

Nicole made the call and as the doctor arrived, she left.

‘I’ll be back,’ she called.

‘I’m sure you will be.’

Walking up the path to the cottage, Nicole stopped and stood at her front gate, admiring the garden and lawn that was now settling nicely. She was in awe of the job Jack had done. She really ought to do something special to thank him.

Danny had been going quietly about replacing and repairing rotting wood around the verandah. A little one day, a little more the next. Their conversations were becoming easier, lighter since that night she’d told him about Mark and her past.

All that was left of the renovation was the back garden, which could be tackled at any point really, and a few, small cosmetic touches in the two bedrooms. And the painting outside. That was the task that would make all the difference now. The cottage would look finished, show everyone who passed how much it was loved, be the pride and joy of the cove once more, perhaps. The transformation complete. And then she’d have to give it up.

‘Hot pink and lime green.’

Nicole jumped and turned to see Danny’s smiling face. ‘Sorry?’

‘Colours. For the outside. Hot pink and lime green. She’d really stand out then. Passing ships could use her as a beacon.’

‘I will if you will.’ Nicole grinned.

‘Or subtle greys, perhaps, or beige.’

‘It was originally blue and white.’ Nicole turned back and looked at the cottage again.

‘Will you stick with that?’

‘Maybe. Maybe a slightly different shade or tone. Definitely steering away from pink though.’

‘Brunch?’ He held up some shopping bags. They headed into the kitchen and Danny made himself at home, opening cupboards and drawers as he prepared them each a plate of lamb roast rolls with gravy.

‘A girl could get used to this,’ Nicole said.

‘Nah, this is a one-off.’ Danny grinned. ‘It’s really the only hit in my cooking repertoire, so I usually keep it in reserve till I need it, but I figured, well, with everything that’s happened, I wanted to do something nice for you.’

‘You’re forgetting pancakes,’ said Nicole. ‘You make pretty mean pancakes.’ She swore he blushed a little.

‘True. Next time it’s your turn, though, seeing I’ve got nothing else.’

‘Then you might want to have a few extra helpings.’ Nicole laughed. ‘You are familiar with my lack of cooking skills?’

Danny nodded gravely and served himself another slice of lamb. ‘I hear they are improving, though.’

‘Slowly.’

‘How’s Charlie?’

‘He’s back to his usual grumpy self again, so much better. Doctor Johnson is with him now.’

When they finished eating, they washed up the dishes together and Nicole walked him to the door.