‘Wow!’ Freddie had exclaimed as they’d all gathered around the table and dug in. It was a little cosier with the two extra places, but Bella was pleased to see that Nick and Freddie hadn’t minded. Nick had chatted with Luke and her dad, praised her mum, which went down a treat, and best of all, he’d continually glanced at her throughout. Freddie had been a credit to him, showing wonderful manners, except for the one time he tried to stick too much food in his mouth, but Luke had done exactly the same thing every year since he’d joined them, so Nick had nothing to be embarrassed about.

The walk to the park had helped them digest some of the breakfast and she’d gone ahead with Freddie while Nick drove over in his truck. They’d talked a bit about school and he was feeling more settled, which was wonderful to know. He held no grudge against Amias who he felt must be unhappy. It was very astute, and she planned on telling Nick later, if they got a moment alone. She hoped more than anything they would.

Seeing him watch her now, she drew her mind back to the present and the choosing of the tree. Walking around so she could assess it from all angles, she said, ‘Yep, I think this is the one. Don’t you, Freddie? I think it’s perfect.’

‘Is it our turn now?’

‘It sure is little man,’ Nick said, and Freddie began punching the air in joy. Like a rocket he rushed around from tree to tree, pulling at the netting and trying to figure out which one would be best. Bella never had any idea until the netting came off and she could see it open up. Freddie seemed to be making decisions based on how they smelled. She stood by Nick’s side, shoulder to shoulder, closer than she would normally stand next to someone, and together they watched him decide.

‘I think he’s enjoying himself.’

‘We’ve never done this before. It’s all new to him.’

Though she didn’t want to spoil the moment, she knew she had to tell him about her visit to Mr Cole. Conscious of her mum’s advice on Wednesday night and Nick and Mr Cole’s silent exchange at the Christmas parade, she said, ‘Have you heard from Mr Cole at all?’

‘No. I haven’t.’

She tensed. If her visit hadn’t worked, there was nothing more she could do. She couldn’t very well go to the police and say, ‘Don’t believe him, he’s a cheating scumbag.’ She supposed she should be lucky Mr Cole hadn’t gone straight to Mrs White but how she wished it had worked.