They couldn’t be any more different to his own parents who put their tree up on Christmas Eve, somewhat begrudgingly, and took it down on New Year’s Eve. On Christmas Day they always went to a restaurant in Witchbury and they’d never joined Nick and Freddie at the pub on Christmas Eve when the whole village descended and sang Christmas carols together. Come to think of it, Paige had never enjoyed having a singsong either. She didn’t have a great singing voice and used to get embarrassed. Nick didn’t have a great singing voice either. Neither did Dean, the landlord, or half the village, but that didn’t stop them all having a good time.

Normally Nick would see his parents on Boxing Day but only for a short buffet lunch. Freddie would be overtired from the excitement and his parents found it hard to cope with his short temper and selective hearing. He could imagine Bella spent almost every minute of the festive period with her family. The Moores were a tightknit unit. The type he’d always hoped he’d have with Paige and Freddie.

‘Tell me more about this giving tree then,’ he said to brighten the mood.

‘I know it’s a bit of an unusual idea and I’m a bit nervous some people aren’t going to like it.’

‘I’m sure everyone will love it.’

‘I really hope so. It just embodies the spirit of Christmas. You see, the tree’s a bit like a Christmas tree where you can take a tag and buy something for someone in need—’

‘Probably cheeky blighters asking for the latest toy because they don’t want to buy it themselves,’ came a deep voice from over Nick’s shoulder. Both Bella and Nick spun but Nick already knew who it was.

‘Afternoon, Mr Cole,’ Nick said through gritted teeth. He didn’t agree with the sentiment and seeing Bella blush made him feel protective towards her. ‘I don’t think people will take advantage. Most people aren’t like that.’

‘They will, you just watch them. This whole thing is nonsense.’ With one last parting shot, Mr Cole strode away. ‘You mark my words, Miss Moore. You’ll have people asking for flat-screen TVs and Xboxes before you can say Merry Christmas. People should work hard to help themselves, not rely on charity. Some people need to pick themselves up by their bootstraps and just get on with things.’

When he’d gone, Nick cleared his throat. ‘Wow, that’s quite a point of view.’

‘It is.’ Bella’s confidence had faded, and her shoulders slumped.

‘I’m sure no one else thinks like that.’ She glanced up at him, reassured, and he offered a smile in return. ‘So we just take a tag and then bring the present here?’