‘Not possible,’ I told her, feeling relieved even though it wouldn’t have impacted on me. ‘Wrong sort of trees and anyway, Ned’s got enough on his plate without worrying about the health and safety aspect of a venture like that.’

‘That’s true,’ Abbie agreed.

‘But at least he’s got you to share the load now David’s retiring, Liza.’ Wren pointed out.

‘Oh,’ I said. ‘He doesn’t need me. He’s more than capable of managing on his own.’

‘And he’s gorgeous to boot,’ Wren giggled.

I had no idea what that had to do with his business skills.

‘Wren!’ said Abbie, shaking her head. ‘You’re practically a married woman.’

‘With twenty twenty vision,’ she laughed. ‘I might be head over heels for Theo, but that doesn’t mean I haven’t got eyes in my head. Ned’s a hunk and a half.’

‘He is a dreamboat,’ smiled Abbie, staring off into the middle distance. ‘And us three aren’t the only ones who think so, are we?’

I didn’t think it was worth pointing out that I hadn’t offered an opinion.

‘Are you talking about Maya?’ I asked.

‘Who else?’ smiled Abbie.

‘I’m not so sure,’ frowned Wren. ‘You know what she’s like. She flirts with everyone!’

‘They would make the perfect couple though, wouldn’t they?’ I sighed. ‘I bet tree sales go through the roof when Maya’s front of house.’

‘No way,’ said Abbie. ‘Not this year anyway. Folk round here are more excited about seeing a Wynter front and centre than Maya’s pretty face. You might not be aware of it, Liza, but your return to Wynter’s Trees has caused quite a stir.’

I hadn’t heard that myself, but it made me feel even worse about keeping my secret. Not only was I going to upset the beach hut crew, I was going to let down the entire population of Wynmouth too.

‘Well, I don’t know about that,’ I said, ‘but you can’t tell me that having someone around who looks as good as Maya isn’t good for business.’

‘No,’ conceded Wren. ‘Perhaps not.’

‘And she’s such a lovely person too,’ Abbie added. ‘She stepped straight in after I’d had my accident, offering to help with my horse. She exercises him and has him stabled on her family farm. I probably wouldn’t have been able to keep him had she not been around.’

‘She’s the whole package all right,’ I said, as a lightbulb moment landed.

Ever since I’d overheard Ned telling David that he was scared he wouldn’t be up to the task of running Wynter’s Trees on his own, I’d been looking for ways to boost Ned’s confidence. Momentarily blinded by my misplaced jealousy of Maya, I hadn’t been able to see the solution which was literally towering over me.