The two of them raced downstairs and Freddie rushed to pull on his trainers and grab his coat. Nick opened the front door, letting in a cold, icy blast as he pulled on his own coat. ‘Hey, sorry we’re running late.’

‘I don’t think you are,’ Bella replied, checking her watch. ‘I might be a little early. I’m always early for things. Just one of those people.’

‘We’re almost ready. Freddie, have you got your hat, scarf and gloves?’

‘Yes, Dad.’ Freddie joined her and placed his hand inside Bella’s, walking down the path and chatting about the things they’d done that day.

He wanted to find it heart-warming and to smile, but a sharp pain stabbed inside, pushing away the warmth the scene brought. Paige should have been the one holding Freddie’s hand, taking him to the Christmas parade. She should be here with her son. So many times he’d done things with Freddie wishing she was there. He knew Bella would never try and take her place, and he loved that Freddie liked her so much, but at times it still made him angry that Paige had left Freddie as easily as she’d left him. But he had to push those thoughts from his mind before they ruined his evening. He couldn’t undo what Paige had done, but he could look to the future.

They made their way to the green to see the nativity scene in place and the large Christmas tree beside it. The duck pond stood quiet and empty beside it although some of the ducks had taken refuge by the manger. It had all but frozen over the other day, and the ducks hunkered down under the rushes. The village Christmas tree still stood in darkness, but some of the decorations sparkled in the light from the old Victorian-style streetlamps and the moon and stars shone brightly above them. It was a cloudless night, and no doubt a frost would glitter the streets by morning.

‘Do you mind if we stand near my folks?’ Bella asked. ‘I mean, you might want to stand near yours.’

‘I’ll catch up with them later if they’re here. They don’t always come to watch.’

‘They don’t? Why not?’

‘They’re not bothered about this sort of thing. They think Christmas is a bit over-commercialised.’

‘Oh.’ She raised her eyebrows in surprise.