‘It is.’ She summoned courage enough to look at him and an understanding passed between them. As the moment grew awkward, she muttered a quick goodbye and dived into the car. Caro drove away, almost breathless from laughing and Bella stared straight ahead. ‘Don’t. Say. A. Word.’

‘I wouldn’t dare,’ Caro squealed, like a pig being chased in its pen. ‘But I have to say that’s probably my favourite embarrassing memory of yours now.’

‘Oh shush!’

‘Poor boy,’ Cynthia added from the front seat. ‘He was absolutely terrified.’

Caro pressed a hand to her side. ‘Oh God, I’m getting a stitch.’

‘But isn’t he handsome when he’s surprised,’ Cynthia continued. ‘When his eyes go that wide you can really see how blue they are. And he’s even better-looking with all that grass and mud washed off him. I quite like him dirty as well though. A bit rough and ready and—’

‘Mum!’ Caro and Bella shouted in horror.

‘Stop it!’ Caro yelped. ‘I’ve got to calm down before this baby makes an early arrival.’

Bella could still feel the mortification pulsing through her veins as they drove to the nearest train station, but at least it had taken the edge off her heartache for a second.

Once on the train, her crazy mum unpacked some pastries and Bella settled back and watched the scenery pass by.

‘Where are we going then?’

Bella had an idea but hadn’t heard for sure because every time an announcement was made her mum and sister shoved their hands over her ears and started shouting. Bella hadn’t wanted to ruin their surprise.

‘We’re going to London,’ Cynthia said while Caro nodded along excitedly.

Bella allowed a smile to fill her. Every year the three of them made a trip to London to do some special Christmas shopping. In reality, by the time they normally went in early December, they’d already bought their presents. Getting them online and delivered to your door was far less stressful than battling through crowds desperately trying to get things before they sold out. Their trip to London was always more about looking at the pretty lights, soaking up the special Christmassy atmosphere you could only find in the city, and people-watching. They might grab one or two things, but ultimately the trip was about the three of them spending time together. They’d drink too much, giggle too much and get in people’s way as they stopped outside wonderfully decorated windows.

What would today be like? Bella wondered. Would it have any of the magic it had before?

‘We don’t normally do this for ages though. Will there be any decorations up yet?’