Freddie nodded, a little subdued compared to how she’d seen him since his mum returned. With a guiding hand from his dad, he walked towards her. She held out her hand for him, and with a final glance at them both, Nick got in his truck and drove away, leaving Bella desperately trying to control her breath.

‘Do you want a hot chocolate before we go, Freddie? It’s a cold day today. They said we might get snow.’

He brightened a little at the prospect of both. ‘Can I have a flake again?’

‘I should think so. We’re going to need lots of energy.’

‘I like your costume, Bella.’

She felt a sudden warmth run up her spine. She’d been so stunned at seeing Nick, she hadn’t thought about what an idiot she looked in her elf costume. Brilliant. He was probably thinking he was well shot of her. The rambling lunatic who dressed up as an elf at every available opportunity. But she couldn’t do anything about it now. After grabbing a drink for Freddie, an unexpected but not unwelcome addition, they began their deliveries.

The first was to Mrs Barnes. It wasn’t strictly on her route, but as she had helped to spark the idea it somehow felt right. Bella exited the car, leaving Freddie in the warm as tiny snowflakes began to fall and she stared at the sky in wonder. Shivering slightly, but unprepared to change out of her outfit, (she wasn’t entirely sure she’d be able to get the leggings and tights off without pulling a muscle), she knocked on the door.

‘Hi, Mrs Barnes, I have two gifts from Santa for Leonie here.’

‘Two?’ Mrs Barnes asked.

‘One’s an extra special gift.’

Bella handed over the small parcel containing pencils and a new pencil case from Freddie. Thinking of Freddie and his kindness filled her heart with love. They’d always come as a package and one she’d accepted whole-heartedly. She knew better than to try and replace his mum, but she had hoped that had hers and Nick’s relationship grown, he would at least have become fond of her.

‘And here’s the other one,’ she declared, handing over the beautifully gift-wrapped box. Stepping back, she willed the tears away.

‘But I don’t know who’s bought them?’

‘That’s the beauty of the tree. Someone has bought this out of love and kindness, but they don’t know who for.’