Beth giggled and went eagerly into Jerome’s arms and he took her to the gate of the field. Forgetting that he was a stranger to her, Beth held on to Jerome’s neck. Mags wound the window down and could hear her giggling as he told a tale about the rabbit being at work, finding food for his young – acting out the part as the story unfolded. ‘And when he has something, he will do a hop, skip and a jump.’ With this, Jerome turned and said, ‘Shall we do a hop, skip and a jump back into the car?’

Beth giggled out loud as Jerome did just that, shaking her as he did so.

‘Oh, dear Jerome, you had better pray that a car doesn’t come along. They will think you an idiot, hopping around.’ But although she said this, Mags got out of the car and did the same. All three then had a fit of the giggles.

‘Oh dear.’ Jerome held Beth away from him. ‘I think we made her laugh too much.’ Drops of liquid leaked from the leg of Beth’s nappy.

‘I’m sorry, Jerome, I – I—’

‘Don’t be silly. It’s quiet normal, and when I did my stint on the children’s ward, I had far more than that on me, I can tell you. Pass me her blanket and a dry nappy.’

Mags placed the blanket down and went to take Beth, but Jerome didn’t pass her over. Instead he’d already removed the soggy nappy and laid Beth down, to pin another one expertly in place.

Mags watched in amazement, because Jerome was one of the only men she knew who would do this, although Montel would have, and she’d seen him do so for Sibbie and Billy many a time . . . She paused her thoughts there. I can’t believe how naturally I referred to Montel in my mind! And without feeling any pain. A little guilt entered her at this, but as Jerome was calling to her to take Beth from him, Mags didn’t pay it much attention.

‘I need to go myself now – all this hop, skipping and jumping!’

It all seemed so natural, as if they were a family. Yes, that’s it. I feel so at home with Jerome. It does feel as if he has completed our family. Warmth flooded through her.

‘Hey, that’s a beautiful smile. What have I done to deserve that?’ Jerome was getting back into the car.

‘Oh, just being you.’

He held her gaze. ‘Please may I kiss you, Mags?’

She leaned over Beth and offered him her lips. ‘Yes. You deserve one.’

It was no more than a friendly kiss, and yet Mags knew it impacted upon Jerome as it did on her. As their lips parted, they looked deep into each other’s eyes.

‘Oh, look, I think Beth wants a kiss, too.’

Beth surprised Mags then, by kissing Jerome and putting her arms around his neck. In the last few minutes it had been as if Jerome was her father.