‘So, what are you waiting for?’ She glanced out of the window. ‘He’s just about to get in his car. If you run, you can catch him. I’m sure he won’t mind postponing his flight for a few more days while you sort the rest of your mum’s things out.’

‘You know?’

‘Sure. He just told me.’ Ria held out her hands in exasperation. ‘Go on! Go!’

Steph looked at Sonia’s letter and then back at her friend. She could feel a broad grin spread across her face. She hugged Ria. ‘I bloody love you.’

‘You’re saying it to the wrong person,’ said Ria. ‘Now go!’

Steph ran out of the house and almost flew down the path. She could hear a car engine start. She was out on the pavement. ‘Harry!’ she yelled, waving her arms wildly, as his car pulled away from the kerb. ‘Shit! Harry!’ The car moved on down the road. Steph raced out onto the road, watching as the BMW continued away from her.

Then, just as it reached the junction, it stopped. The white reversing lights came on as it retraced its journey, stopping within a few feet of her.

Harry stepped out from the car and looked expectantly at her.

Steph suddenly felt nervous. She took a deep breath. ‘Could you condense those six months into six days?’

Harry walked over to her. ‘It would be my pleasure.’ He enveloped her in his arms as he kissed her.

The letter crumpled as Steph returned the embrace. Life definitely was for the living.

Acknowledgements

Whilst Conmere, Conmere Lake, Con Point Hills and Kendalton are all figments of my imagination, I can only thank the Lake District and its beauty for providing me with the inspiration. I’d thoroughly recommend the Lakes as a holiday destination if you love getting out and about in the countryside. For those of you who are familiar with the area, it’s probably not too difficult to work out roughly where I imagined Conmere Resort Centre to be.

As always, huge thanks to the wonderful HarperCollins team who make my dreams possible – especially to Charlotte Ledger for her immeasurable support and advice throughout my writing career. I would also like to thank my two editors, Emily and Laura, who have worked so hard on my manuscript and pushed me to make it the best book I can.

A shout-out to the NaNoWriMo gang of 2018 who with their support and unflinching encouragement made it possible to write such a huge chunk of the book in one month. Also, to the Strictly Suspense writing group who are always at the other end of the computer for cheer-leading and shoulder-crying.