‘Let’s get the rest of the stuff up and then I’ll get it out of the loft.’

They danced around, hanging decorations across the ceiling from corner to corner. Tinsel lay on each windowsill and the selection of cuddly Christmas teddies, dancing Santas and singing snowmen that he and Paige had collected every year since Freddie was born were given pride of place in front of the fire. Freddie grabbed his favourite one, a battery-operated bear that read The Night Before Christmas and he snuggled on the sofa with it.

‘Is that one going in your room as usual?’

‘Yeah. He’s my favourite. He reads me to sleep.’

‘Come on then, let’s get this tree out of the loft. Then I’m having a sit-down. I don’t know about you, but my feet are killing me.’

Nick’s foot had only just landed on the bottom step when there was a knock at the door. He opened it and the skin around his eyes tightened as he took in the sight before him. His hand gripped the doorknob for support. This was worse than Seymour Cole. It was worse than the police. Nick shook his head, disbelievingly.

‘Paige.’

‘Mum!’ Freddie’s voice was barely more than a whisper. ‘Mum, you’re back.’

A suitcase stood beside her, battered and bruised from its travels. Nick couldn’t help but stare at it, then up at Paige. Her skin was deeply tanned, and her blonde hair had lightened to streaks of white from the sun. She must have been cold in the long floaty skirt she was wearing. He’d half expected to see sandals on her feet, but they were encased in cowboy boots.

‘Hi, Nick.’ Her voice was softer than he ever remembered it being and he couldn’t help the way his heart melted as Freddie threw himself at her. Her arms wrapped around him, clinging on to him as though she wished she’d never let him go. Could he hope that was how she felt?

Was it possible she was back for good?

Chapter 25

‘I’ve missed you so much, Mum.’ Freddie sobbed into her chest, and she ran her hand through his hair, holding him close.

‘I’ve missed you too, darling.’

Had she? Had she really? Nick knew he should be grateful she was back in time for Christmas, at least he presumed she was staying judging by the suitcase, but he couldn’t stop the anger forcing its way up through his body, pushing through every muscle and bone. He wanted to shout and scream and bellow and swear and challenge her on all the decisions she’d made that meant leaving him and Freddie behind.

‘Can I come in?’

I don’t know, are you staying or are you going to break my boy’s heart again? He forced the words back and stood aside. ‘Sure.’

‘Thanks.’