‘Because they love each other,’ Trish said matter-of-factly. ‘You don’t love Paige and you haven’t been in love with her for ages. Don’t you think I’ve noticed that recently you’ve finally gotten over some of the pain she caused you? You’ve been getting back to your old self, and I mean the old self before things started to go wrong with your marriage. Not just before she upped and left. You’ve been so happy. And I hate to be the one to say it, Nick, but I’m not sure Paige really loves you either.’

Nick looked up but didn’t know what to say. Deep down her knew that was true, but all he could think about was his lovely boy and that he deserved an easy life. A life where his mum and dad lived at the same address, and he wasn’t having to swap between houses.

‘And what about Bella?’ Len asked with uncharacteristic gentleness.

‘What about her?’ Nick’s voice rang with a defensive edge. ‘I’m sorry, mate. But do you not think I’ve thought about her all the time? We were at the start of something special and now I’m going to have to give it up. You should have seen the pain in her eyes when she saw Paige had come back. And did you know she’d gone to see Mr Cole for me?’

‘She’s pretty special,’ said Len.

Trish sipped her wine. ‘I heard from Caro she caught him with another woman and threatened to tell if he didn’t drop the charges.’

‘Bella?’ Nick asked startled. ‘Bella did that? For me?’

‘Of course she did. She’s been falling in love with you, Nick. You and Freddie. She probably did it in a nice way, but Caro would know.’

‘At the very least, she’s definitely got a soft spot for you, mate,’ said Len. ‘She wouldn’t have kissed you if she hadn’t.’

‘I’d say it’s more than that.’

The kiss had meant so much to him, but love? Could he hope it was something so strong? Nick sat dumbstruck trying to take everything in. He’d known something was growing between them but for her to do something like that for him … It was more than anyone had ever done. She loved her job and could have got into a lot of trouble. She’d risked so much … for him.

‘Poor woman,’ whispered Trish and Nick felt wretched. ‘Just because Paige is back and wants to be a family doesn’t mean you have to go running back to her. Dinner in ten minutes, Peter,’ she called out to the living room. ‘You can eat in there as a special treat.’

‘Trish, it’s not that easy. Freddie—’