She thought of past Christmases with Alex and knew he and Fliss had been right to worry about Grady – and Mac. They’d been right, too, that Laurel would be unable to get over the past. She slipped away to her room to make Christmas calls to them both and was relieved to discover that Alex was back with Vonnie. Sheepishly, he made an admission. ‘I think my dramatic declaration of love at the Christmas Fair did come from jealousy. It was you getting back with your first love.’ Laurel felt as if her heart had broken in two. First love. Had Alex always known – even before Laurel herself?

Fliss was much easier. She just said, ‘Happy holidays! Don’t think I’ve forgotten your promise to come see me in the New Year.’ Then she put the call on speaker so she could introduce Laurel to her girlfriend Chantana and they could all chat.

Comforted by mending fences with two people who’d been important in her life, Laurel pinned on a smile and went downstairs to join the kitchen chaos as they all prepared the kind of Christmas dinner where they’d be expected to eat at least three times as much as needed, wear a silly hat and pull crackers.

Laurel laughed at the cracker jokes and drank wine, not betraying for a moment the regrets revolving in her head alongside Grady’s last words. It was her. It was her. Her whose heart was too small for forgiveness, who’d assumed the stance of a heroine sacrificing her man for his sake … because any alternative was too hard for her.

It was her who couldn’t be happy and she’d hurt Grady horribly along the way.

Groaning that they’d eaten too much, after dinner everyone cleared up then set off to walk through the village – even Rea, with Daisy holding her hand. They saw a few villagers, wearing new scarves and hats, kicking through the crispy snow that a hard frost had preserved, walking dogs or carrying gifts.

‘Hello, Rea!’ called several, sounding delighted to see her. ‘Merry Christmas!’

Belatedly, Laurel recognised the kind hearts of people living in Middledip. Enquiries as to Rea’s well-being had not been ill-willed sticky beaking, but genuine wishes to know.

They took Daybreak her Christmas parsnips and drank cups of glühwein with Gabe and Bertie.

Then Daisy wanted to take Rea to see the entry into Christmas Street. ‘They didn’t win but no one really cared,’ she said. ‘Honestly, Mum, it’s just totally bling.’

Rea’s eyes widened anxiously, but then she smiled and said, ‘OK.’

Everyone went quiet and Laurel was sure Daisy and Terri, like her, were trying not to cry at valiant Rea’s bravery while Rea, duly impressed by Christmas Street, took loads of pictures on her phone.