After delivering the final present, Nick pulled up in front of their cottages. Paige waited at the front door, smiling as Freddie bounded up to her, but before she ushered him inside, she shot a look at Bella that could only be described as hostile. Bella ignored her and waved goodbye to Freddie.

‘Thanks for saving me,’ she said to Nick. ‘You saved Christmas, actually.’

He chuckled. ‘I wouldn’t go that far, but it was fun. I enjoyed it.’

She knew she should get out of the car, but it felt too much of a wrench. He was leaning towards her, one hand on the wheel, and she wanted him to inch forward and kiss her again. Just one last time. Just so she could imprint it on her memory and always remember what it was like. What might have been. The air smelled of sweet hot chocolate and his earthy, spicy scent and she dropped her eyes to her bag where shiny red wrapping paper poked out through the gap.

‘I’ve got something for you and Freddie.’ She reached into her bag and pulled out two presents.

‘For us?’ Nick asked, startled.

‘The one for you was requested on the giving tree.’

‘What?’ She nodded. ‘Did Freddie …?’

She wasn’t about to break the confidence, and when she told him so, her reply was all the confirmation he needed. ‘And I thought Freddie deserved something for helping. He’s been brilliant. I’m afraid I didn’t get anything for Paige. I’d got these before she came back. I’m sorry. I hope she won’t mind.’ He didn’t say anything, only nodded. With shaking fingers, she handed them over. ‘I hope you like them.’

‘I’m sure we will. Thank you.’ He spoke so quietly it was as if the words were an effort to get out and she didn’t know what to make of it.

‘Merry Christmas, Nick,’ she whispered, and climbed out of the car, forcing herself not to look back.

Inside her cottage, she leaned against the wall and let her bag fall from her hand. She flicked on the living-room lights and made her way to the Christmas tree. The lights twinkled against the dark sky outside, reflecting off the baubles and decorations around them. Her house smelled of pine, and she took a deep breath in. Hopefully next year would be better and this messy, difficult Christmas forgotten.