‘I was in Leamington and they have the best-stocked charity shops there. Don’t worry, I’ve washed it all. I wanted to replace the top you tore when you were mending the henhouse but I got a bit carried away. It was nice to have someone to buy for and at those prices…’ Maggie was aware she was doing a justification dance so she stopped. ‘Anyway, it’s all yours if it fits.’

Tom eyed the stack of things he’d brought down. ‘Even the Adidas sweats?’

‘Yes, whatever they are,’ said Maggie, with a chuckle. ‘The lady behind the counter picked out things she said her grandson would wear. He’s into labels.’

Tom’s grin was fixed. ‘Brilliant. Thanks, Maggie.’ He paused between mouthfuls and a look passed between them.

‘Come on, eat up before it gets cold,’ said Maggie, breaking eye contact and marvelling at the warm glow inside her fuelled by Tom’s gratitude.

*

While Tom’s original clothes were in the washing machine Maggie set about making the cake she’d planned to bake before Tom arrived. ‘What shall I do?’ asked Tom, looking about as if seeking inspiration.

‘I can show you how to make a lemon drizzle cake if you like?’

He snorted a laugh but on seeing Maggie’s serious expression he pouted as he appeared to consider her offer. ‘Sure, why not?’

She opened a drawer and handed him a clean apron, which she had to tie for him.

He looked down at the dancing sheep on the front. ‘You must never ever tell anyone about this.’

She tried to keep a straight face. ‘My lips are sealed.’

He was a good student and he listened while she walked him through the process. ‘Why don’t you have a recipe?’

‘Don’t need one,’ said Maggie, tapping the side of her head and smearing flour on her temple.

Tom smiled at her. ‘Can you write it out for me?’

Maggie gave him a sideways look. ‘You’re going to bake on your own at home?’

He shrugged. ‘You never know. I might.’ He gave the contents of the bowl a good beating as instructed.

Before long they were sat back with their respective drinks waiting for the kitchen timer to ping.

‘You should be proud of what you did birthing those lambs this morning,’ she said, taking a sip of the tea he’d made her.

‘Nah. I panicked. I was useless until you came and told me what to do.’

‘You’d have worked it out.’

‘I doubt it. I was scared.’ His head dropped to his chest and Maggie waited a moment. He was lost in the no man’s land between the child he was and the man he so longed to be. There was something more than stuck lambs going on. If he wanted to tell her, he would. She’d not go forcing it out of him.