‘What’s going on?’ she asked.

‘Nothing.’

Realisation dawned and a wide grin spread across Bella’s face. ‘Is Johnny coming up to get a tree? With you? Are you doing it together?’

Nina shuffled about. ‘Maybe.’

She, Caro and Cynthia erupted into cheers and laughter.

‘Well, that’s fabulous news. It’s definitely the start of something,’ Bella said.

‘I think this whole giving tree might be here to stay too,’ Cynthia replied. ‘With how well it’s done this year, you won’t be able to just forget about it and not do it next year. You’ve signed yourself up for this for many years to come, I think.’

‘Do you really think so?’

She nodded. ‘People keep stopping me in the street to tell me how thankful they are to you and how proud I must be. Which I am. You’ve always been a generous and caring girl, but this has taken it to the next level.’

‘Well I couldn’t have done it without you all, so I’m very grateful.’

Caro rested her hands on top of her bump. ‘It’s been fun. Even if my back aches from bending over wrapping presents for the grotto. But it was lovely to see the kids up there waiting in line all excited and jumping about. Christmas has definitely been extra special this year.’

As the fire crackled in the huge inglenook, Bella let the warmth wash over her. The cottage felt so her own now it was almost as if Evan had never been there. She hadn’t redecorated or even changed her furnishings, but the atmosphere had transformed. It had always felt homely but now it felt like her nest. A safe and cosy sanctuary.

‘Do you really think people will want to keep doing it?’ Bella asked, pulling her mind back to the conversation.

‘Of course they will. Everyone’s loved getting involved.’

The thought that in years to come, people would be carrying on the tradition she’d started filled her with such a strong sense of pride she was sure it radiated from every pore. The parade and Christmas tree on the green were a huge part of Meadowbank life and brought the community together in a spectacular way. Could she hope that the giving tree would one day be a part of village tradition too?

It seemed too much to hope for. But so far, this Christmas had given her far more than she ever imagined it could, and the special day hadn’t even arrived yet.

Chapter 23

‘What about this one?’ asked Nick, holding out the tree for Bella to admire.

‘Hmm.’ She pressed a gloved finger to her lips. ‘What do you think, Freddie?’

Freddie shook his head. ‘Nah, it’s all wonky. Look.’ He pointed to one side of the tree where the branches hadn’t yet dropped from the netting.