It hadn’t escaped her notice that his hands were still on her upper arms, holding her as if he didn’t want to let go. It was undeniable that there was something special between them, and it hurt anew that they couldn’t explore it.

‘You go and sit in the car,’ Nick said, finally releasing her. ‘I’ll get Freddie. How many presents have you got left to deliver?’

‘Quite a few I’m afraid.’

She stepped into his truck and as well as having the heater on, he’d also brought two hot water bottles. She grabbed one and held it close to her as she watched him carry Freddie over the snow and deposit him in the driver’s seat. Once he’d shuffled over, Bella pulled the blanket around him again and put one Nick had brought on his lap. Freddie handed back her coat and she quickly exchanged it for one of the hot water bottles. He cuddled it close, warming his hands and body on it.

Christmas music played from the radio and as stupid as it was, for a moment, Bella didn’t want to be anywhere else, even though her hands and toes stung as they warmed up. Nick transferred the last of the presents to the back of the truck and even grabbed Bella’s handbag, keys and phone, which she’d completely forgotten about.

When Nick climbed back in, he pulled out a flask and two cups, filling them with homemade hot chocolate. ‘Here you go, mate. This’ll warm you up. It’s not as good as the Bluebell Park stuff but it’s better than nothing.’

Freddie blew the drink and sipped it while Nick poured another one and handed it to Bella. ‘No whipped cream or marshmallows, I’m afraid.’

‘Did you talk to Mum?’ Freddie asked, his face suddenly solemn.

Nick matched his tone. ‘I did.’

Bella stared out of the window pretending to watch the trees, feeling awkward.

‘And is she—’

‘We’ll talk about it later, son, okay?’ Freddie nodded and Nick turned to her. ‘Where’s our first stop then?’

Finally regaining some feeling in her fingers, she found her list and read out the address.

‘We’re going to have to leave your car here. I don’t think we’ll get it out even if I can start it and it’s getting dark now. They’ve said it’s going to snow all night.’

‘Can we build a snowman tomorrow, Dad?’ Freddie asked, bouncing in his seat.

‘Definitely, mate. Definitely.’

If only she could join them. Paige would do that now. The perfect family scene. Bella turned away, hoping Nick hadn’t seen the tears spring in her eyes.

‘Are you okay, Bella?’

‘Fine,’ she replied, focusing on the rattling sleigh bells playing from the radio. ‘Shall we get going?’