Bella realised everyone was watching her. She hadn’t really been talking to them, more thinking out loud, but at least she hadn’t rambled on incoherently like she did in front of Nick.

‘You’re going to have to tell him soon,’ Cynthia said. ‘Even if it comes to nothing, I’m sure he’d want to know you did that for him.’

‘I don’t want to make things weird, or for him to think I was interfering.’

‘I’m sure he won’t. He’s a good lad. I like Nick.’

‘More than Evan,’ Caro added, and Bella started.

‘Really?’

‘I don’t mean that horribly. We all thought he was nice enough, but he never fully threw himself into our family, did he?’

‘No, he didn’t.’ Having already realised this herself, Bella chose not to dwell.

The time she was spending with Freddie and Nick was more fulfilling than she ever remembered feeling with Evan. Their relationship had become somewhat empty. She supposed they were so busy getting through the day-to-day she hadn’t taken a step back and really seen what was in front of her. The way Evan had spoken to her at their meeting still hurt, but she had to admit some of the things he’d said were true. Over a month had gone by, and the excitement of Christmas and the school Christmas play next week had replaced the last remnants of hurt. Now she was left with only bruised memories that were gradually being traded up for happier ones.

Cynthia finished wrapping a present and handed it to Bella to add the tag. They were working the same way she, Nick and Freddie did at the park, and as much as she loved her girl time, she couldn’t wait for Saturday and the chance to see him again. This time, they’d be spending the whole day together and he’d be throwing himself into her family’s life.

Her mum sat back with a mince pie and a glass of red wine. ‘I was surprised Nick and Freddie are joining us on Saturday. I always thought he was more reserved than that, but I like the way he’s taking us as we are. What do you think Freddie would like to eat for breakfast?’

Bella smiled. Her mum was so warm and nurturing. ‘I’m sure Freddie will eat whatever you make. Your pancakes are always a winner.’

‘Then I’ll make extra. No stingy portions at your house.’

‘I’m going to have the biggest fry-up imaginable,’ Caro declared.

Nina picked up another mince pie. ‘Stop it, you’re making me jealous. And hungry.’

‘You can come too if you like.’

‘That’s okay. I’m already volunteering that day.’ She began fiddling with the silver case her mince pie had come in, and the way she averted her eyes told Bella there was more to the refusal than first met the eye.