Seeing the expectant faces watching her and Santa, she used the loudspeaker Hazel had thrust into her hand to launch their first ever Santa’s grotto at Bluebell Park and, of course, the giving tree. She spotted Nina, Johnny lingering by her side. A small fizz of excitement bubbled in the pit of her stomach and without thinking Bella put her hand there, relieved to feel it. It was proof that Evan hadn’t, and couldn’t, ruin this for her.

‘Thank you, everyone, for coming to the launch of Santa’s grotto at our wonderful park.’ She paused for a round of applause to ripple through. ‘Before I let Santa do the honours—’

‘Hi, Santa,’ a number of children chorused, waving at him. Mr Tomlin waved back.

Bella laughed and it echoed through the loudspeaker, making her cringe. God, did she really sound like that when she laughed? It was like a mouse on helium. She moved the speaker a little further from her mouth. ‘I’m sure Santa will be coming to visit you all very soon, children. You’ve all been good this year, haven’t you?’ The children nodded and shouted. ‘Good. I just wanted to let you know about a new initiative we have this year and it’s one that I’m really excited about. It’s called a giving tree and it’s a way for us all to do something neighbourly and generous this season. To give a little bit of love to our friends.’

She looked behind her and motioned to the beautifully decorated tree. Among the red, laminated tags were strings of outdoor fairy lights and green and red baubles. At the top of the tree sat a bright shining star. It was a beautiful symbol of what the season was about. A beacon of why Christmas was important and as it was next to Santa’s grotto, the two complemented each other. Parents who were waiting to take their children in could grab a tag and it helped set the scene perfectly. Bella took a deep breath before continuing with her speech.