The Mills & Boon Sparkling Christmas Collection

‘Whoa there.’ She heard Ben’s deep voice, vaguely aware of his arms reaching to catch her just as her legs gave way.

A few moments later Ben’s face came into focus. She was surprised to find herself sitting on the floor, Ben beside her. She shook her head.

‘Oh God, what happened?’

‘It’s okay – just take it easy. You fainted, but only for a second.’

Eva remained on the floor, feeling herself supported by one of Ben’s legs as he crouched beside her. He was studying her, concern etched on his face. ‘Eva, what happened to your finger?’

‘What? Oh, I cut it earlier,’ she mumbled vaguely. Ben exchanged a look with Heather.

‘Can I take a look at it?’ Ben gently unwound the dressing she’d applied earlier and she saw him flinch as he examined her finger. ‘That’s going to need a couple of stitches. I’m taking you to hospital.’

Eva shook her head, which only made her feel more dizzy. ‘No way, I’m fine. I’ve just got a cold. I’m not leaving Jamie … or the guests.’ Eva attempted to stand but her legs had other ideas. Jamie came over and sat beside her.

‘I’m fine, Mum, honest. You look a lot worse than me.’

‘Thanks.’ Eva turned to him with a watery smile.

‘I think what he’s trying to say is you need a bit of looking after yourself,’ Heather told her. ‘I’ll stay here and get Jamie sorted and then I’m going to stay the night.’

‘You can’t do that,’ Eva protested.

‘I’ve already arranged everything with Douglas. I’ll look after Jamie and be here for the guests if they need anything. I’ll take the third guest room – it’ll be like a mini-break for me.’ She smiled but her expression left no room for disagreement.

‘Jamie, will you be okay? I won’t be long.’ Eva’s eyes rested on her son.

‘Don’t worry about me, Mum.’ He came over looking a bit sheepish and cuddled into her.

‘I must look bad to get a hug,’ she joked feebly.

Heather ushered Jamie upstairs as Ben helped Eva with her jacket. She was aware how tender he was being but somehow that made her feel worse. She longed to let him wrap his arms around her but something stopped her and she felt herself tense as his arm guided her out to the car.

The drive to the hospital took longer because of the rain. Eva glanced over to Ben, his hands gripping the wheel as he concentrated on driving. His jaw was shadowed by stubble and he looked tired. Eva didn’t know why Ben had gone to London but it didn’t seem to matter any more. She surrendered herself to the warmth and comfort of the car, almost disappointed when they finally arrived at the hospital car park. Ben swung the car into a space, pulling hard on the handbrake.

The rain still fell as they crossed the tarmac and walked through the sliding doors into the brightly lit, sterile hospital world of the hospital. Eva gave her details to the receptionist and they made their way to the waiting room. As Eva sat on one of the plastic chairs Ben went over to the drinks machine and dug in his pocket for change. He brought over a polystyrene cup and handed it to Eva.

‘Try and drink this – it’s sweet tea.’

‘Thanks.’

He sat down close beside her and Eva fought the urge to lean in to him. Longing and apprehension fought within her and fear won.

‘Are you okay?’ he asked, taking her hand in his.

She nodded. ‘Just a bit groggy.’

‘Sounds like you’ve had an eventful few days.’

‘Yeah, you could say that.’ The morning she’d woken with him now felt like a lifetime away. ‘I’m sorry … for all of this.’ She waved a hand distractedly in the air.

He frowned. ‘You don’t need to apologize, Eva.’ They both stared absently at the television screen mounted on the wall, and Eva felt restless, impatient to get home.

‘I hope this doesn’t take long. I need to get back for Jamie and the guests.’

‘Try to relax. Heather’s with Jamie and I’m here for you. I can help you with anything –’

‘I don’t need anyone’s help.’ Her words sounded harsher than she meant but his concern was confusing her, making her feel defensive. ‘I’m sorry – I just mean I can manage on my own.’ Ben turned to her, his hand tightening over hers.

‘You got my text? I didn’t have time to contact you again –’

‘You don’t have to tell me your movements,’ she said, ignoring the hurt look in his eyes. Despite everything she felt for Ben, right now she felt vulnerable and hated it. Not knowing where Jamie had been had brought so many fears to the surface. She was tired and her finger throbbed. ‘I’m sorry, I … I’m tired, that’s all,’ she apologized just as a nurse appeared and called her name.

Chapter Fourteen

‘Well, that was hard work,’ puffed Heather, collapsing dramatically onto Ben’s leather sofa. ‘I thought for a moment there, we weren’t going to do it.’

‘I’m not sure how we did but thanks for helping me.’ Eva was perched on the opposite sofa, catching her breath. Somehow, they had managed to lift Ben’s two sofas from the hall, angling them back and forth through the doorway until finally they were back in the living room. The process had involved a fair amount of sweating and swearing.

‘How’s your finger now?’

Eva held it up. ‘Dissolving. Well, the stitches are anyway.’ Eva had been given two stitches at the hospital and Ben had driven her home, a horrible silence settling over them. In one way there was so much to say but the air between them felt so tense, neither of them seemed capable of finding the right thing to say. Ben had driven with a grim determination as if sensing Eva’s need to get home to Jamie. She had thanked him and said goodnight and found Heather waiting for her.

Eva had gone straight to see Jamie and had sat watching him sleeping until she could hardly keep her own eyes open. After a good night’s sleep and a couple of strong painkillers Eva was feeling better by the next morning and well enough to attend to her guests. Everything had gone smoothly with their stay and they had checked out on Wednesday morning seemingly none the wiser to the drama that had unfolded on Monday night. Even Dr Hargreaves bid farewell with a smile.

‘Is Jamie okay after his ordeal?’ Heather asked now.

‘He’s right as rain – you know what kids are like. I don’t know what I would have done without you that night.’

‘It wasn’t only me.’ Heather shot her a meaningful look, which Eva ignored. ‘Have you seen Ben?’

‘Er, not since that night,’ Eva answered lightly.

‘I hope you’re not avoiding him.’

‘Why would I do that?’

‘You tell me. I sense you’re holding back in some way and I can only imagine what’s going on inside that head of yours.’

‘I’ve been busy, that’s all. I wanted to get this room finished.’

Heather stood up casting her a sceptical look. ‘And it looks wonderful, it really does, but you should speak to him. And soon.’

‘I will.’

‘Good because he really is heavenly,’ Heather gushed. ‘Did you see the way he looked at you?’

Eva smiled despite herself. ‘An incurable romantic, aren’t you?’

‘All the time I’ve known you, you’ve worked so hard, Eva. I just think it’s time you did something for yourself. It is all right for you to have a life you know,’ Heather said picking up her bag. ‘Talk to him, that’s all I’m saying. Now, I need to go and collect some children from somewhere.’

Eva shook her head in wonder. ‘I don’t know how you keep track.’

Eva waved Heather off and Ben’s house fell silent. Eva was alone with her thoughts. Did she have a chance of real happiness? She didn’t think so, because now she knew there could be no future for her and Ben.

She’d had a terrible, sleepless night thinking until her head hurt. The conclusion she had reached, sometime around three in the morning, wasn’t one she was happy with but she saw no other way. Her body might want Ben but she’d been unable to reconcile her physical longing with her jumbled thoughts.

She picked up a cloth and spray and started to give the windows a good clean, finding herself mulling over everything again.

Although no harm had come to Jamie, Eva had felt genuine fear for the time he was missing. All the years she had coped, dealing with all the highs and lows of bringing up a child on her own but in that moment when fear had gripped her, she had wanted to run to Ben. Instinctively she had wanted to go to him and for him to somehow make it better. She had felt unable to cope – and admitting she needed Ben wasn’t something that sat comfortably with her; in fact it terrified her.

She thought of the life she had with Jamie. He was the single most important thing in her life. She knew in some ways she had created a bubble for her and Jamie, a place where she felt safe. That had meant keeping Jamie close, focusing on her business and now she realized it also meant not letting anyone in because she never wanted to rely on someone who might not always be there. She didn’t have the luxury of making a mistake, not when she had her son to look after.

She had let Ben infiltrate her safe nest, imagined what life could be like with him, little scenarios playing out in her head. Family occasions, school concerts, and sports days – all those things she had got through by herself. She had let herself get carried away.

Eva shook her head, rubbing hard at a streak that had appeared on the window, feeling angry with herself. She had put herself before Jamie. For those few hours she hadn’t made him her priority and now she was paying the price. Somehow she had lost control of things – feeling unwell, cutting her finger, putting Jamie in danger. The sequence of events all led back to her letting Ben in.

Things had moved too fast. She had given in to her desire too quickly and guilt was eating her up from the inside. Being with Ben had affected her judgement and she had let her guard down. But now she knew what she had to do. She needed to go back to the life she had before Ben.

She stood back, content to see the windows now gleaming, and then pulled out her phone to check the time. Jamie had football after school so there was no rush. She took a long look around the room. With the sofas now in place, the room was finished and she hoped with all her heart Ben liked it.

The room had changed beyond recognition since the MacKenzies lived here and Eva hoped it would be filled with life and happiness again one day. Like all families they’d had their ups and downs but they’d been strong and loving and always there for each other. And wasn’t that what everyone wanted after all? It was certainly all she had ever wanted.

She wasn’t surprised when she heard the key in the door. Maybe in some ways she’d been hoping for Ben to come home so they could have the conversation she knew they had to have. Ignoring her pounding heart she told herself she was doing the right thing. She squared her shoulders, attempting a brightness she didn’t feel, and by the time Ben appeared at the living room door, her smile was in place.

***

Ben guessed Eva had been avoiding him. He understood how difficult it had been for her the night Jamie went missing and had instinctively given her space and time to work things through in her own mind. Today he couldn’t wait any longer; he had to see her. Her hair was held up messily with a clasp and she was wearing her dungarees that he loved so much. She greeted him with a smile but wouldn’t meet his eyes and his heart sank.

‘So, do you like it?’ she asked in an overbright voice, her arm sweeping around the room. Ben hadn’t stepped in the room for days even though he’d known she was close to finishing. Now he was staggered by the transformation, amazed how it had changed from an empty, lifeless space into a beautiful room. She had even managed to make his cold austere furniture look right somehow. Every detail had been thought of from the newly varnished floorboards to the freshly painted cornicing detail.

For a moment he was lost for words. He knew how much effort this must have taken and she had done it for him. And yet the tension from her was tangible and he knew this moment wasn’t how either of them imagined it was going to be.

‘It’s incredible. I can hardly believe you did all this by yourself.’

She at least managed a small smile in response but still avoided his gaze. ‘Do you like the colours?’

‘They’re great.’

‘I wanted something neutral but not wishy-washy. So I chose this mid-tone browny grey, which warms up the room and makes it feel cosy.’ She was talking quickly, moving around the room. ‘I painted it right to the ceiling to give the room height and you’ll see I did the woodwork a paler shade but in the same palette. I think white would have been too stark.’

Ben nodded as she continued, watching her closely.

‘I’ve put a rug down, with touches of blue in it, and I made you a floating shelf in the recess so you can put some of your books on it …’

‘Eva, stop.’

She turned, finally looking at him. ‘What is it?’

‘The room is lovely. Truly, it’s amazing what you’ve done. Thank you.’

‘You’re welcome.’ She looked down, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.

‘Can we talk now?’

‘Um, sure.’

‘I want to tell you why I went away.’

‘I’ve said already, you don’t need to.’

‘I do. Please – sit with me.’ He took hold of her hand and gently pulled her down beside him on the sofa, keeping hold of her hand. ‘I went back to my house near London, where I grew up.’

‘I didn’t know you still had another home.’

‘I hadn’t told you about it – but only because it’s something I haven’t wanted to deal with.’ She met his eyes with a quizzical look.

‘After my mother moved into the care home, I didn’t know what to do with the house. After a while I rented it out –’

‘Really, you don’t have to explain …’

‘Please, Eva. Just hear me out. The tenants renting the house moved out so it’s been lying empty. I got a phone call to say the house had been broken into.’ He glanced down at Eva’s hand, took a deep breath.

‘The day I took my mother out of the house for the last time was the hardest day I’ve ever had to go through. I haven’t been back to the house for years – I haven’t been able to face it. But when I got the phone call I knew I had to deal with it. And I knew I could face it because of you.’

A small crease appeared on her forehead. ‘Why because of me?’

‘Because of the way you make me feel – like I could face anything.’

Eva stared at him for a moment then dropped her gaze, letting him continue.

‘When I came here, I wasn’t sure about anything any more. Arriving without Samantha I thought … I thought I’d be devastated. It didn’t take me long to work out what we had wasn’t much – just a mutually convenient relationship. The last thing I expected was to meet someone who could make me feel like you do. At first I didn’t know how to handle it. I couldn’t believe I could fall in love so quickly. But with you, everything feels right. You’re beautiful, caring, and strong – you make me happy. We haven’t known each other long but the time we’ve had together has meant more to me than I’ve ever known with anyone else. I’m so in love with you, Eva.’

Eva’s head was down and Ben couldn’t see her face and after a moment she slipped her hand out of his. She stood up and took a few steps away from him, creating a space between them. With her eyes still lowered to the floor she shook her head slightly.

‘I can’t do this – you and me. It’s too difficult,’ she said eventually.

Ben rose from the sofa and walked over to her. ‘Difficult how?’

‘I’m not saying I don’t have feelings for you because I do. What happened between us has been amazing – the night we had was amazing. But don’t you see? I put myself first and changed things. When Jamie went missing it was because I let my guard down.’

Ben frowned. ‘Bad things happen, Eva. You can’t control everything.’

She shook her head, a strand of hair falling from her clasp. ‘That moment I thought something terrible had happened, I was on my own. I’ve learnt to be self-reliant and I can’t change that now. Maybe I over-reacted when I didn’t know where Jamie was but that’s what you do when you’re alone. It’s down to me. Not anyone else.’

‘Eva, I can only imagine how hard it’s been for you on your own. But I think we have something special –’

‘Maybe we do, but I can’t take that risk. Do you know how frightened I was after Paul died? When I didn’t know where Jamie was I felt that fear again – I won’t put myself in that position again.’

‘How do you think Jamie would feel knowing you sacrificed your own happiness for him?’

She rounded on him, her eyes flashing with anger. ‘Don’t you dare bring him into this!’

Ben stepped back, holding his hands up in surrender. ‘I’m sorry – I would never tell you how to bring up your son.’ He ran a hand through his hair and when he spoke his voice was low and gentle. ‘You do an incredible job, Eva, and I respect that. I was only trying to make the point it’s impossible for you to protect him all the time. Life is full of risks but those risks are how he will learn and make him the man he will become. I’ll never be Jamie’s father but I can care. You and Jamie are a family and it would mean everything to me to be part of that family, Eva. Would you give us that chance – to be a family?’

Ben tensed, waiting for her to say something. She was looking at him and her eyes glistened with unshed tears. She took a breath as if composing herself and gave him a sad smile.

‘I’m sorry, Ben. I … I can’t commit to us. I need things to stay as they are.’ She lifted her hand and tenderly brushed his cheek and then turned and left. Ben stood, fists clenched by his sides, staring at the front door as if willing it to open and for Eva to walk back in.

As he turned, something caught his eye on the mantelpiece that he hadn’t noticed before. Beautifully mounted in a silver gilt frame was a photograph of Ben and his parents on the beach. It must have been taken the year before his dad died, their last family holiday. He hadn’t seen the photo for years but it had been one of the few things he had taken from his mother’s house. Eva must have found it in the box he had given her.

He stood motionless, staring at it. He could hardly bring himself to touch it and when he did, his hand was shaking. Knowing Eva had done this for him just made seeing her walk out a whole lot more difficult. Ben knew he had fallen deeply in love with Eva but hadn’t managed to find a way of telling her without frightening her.

He could see how hard she had worked to get the life she had and the last thing he wanted was to come and mess it up for her. He shook his head in frustration, not knowing how he could carry on living here and not be with her.

Chapter Fifteen

Eva sipped a glass of hot water and lemon, reminding herself it was supposed to be good for her. What had that article said? Rejuvenating, cleansing, healing. She definitely needed some of that. She tried not to think of her usual silky-smooth morning coffee. Things that tasted delicious weren’t necessarily good for you she thought savagely, enduring a few more sips before sloshing the rest down the sink. Next was a vitamin pill, anything to try to make her feel better.

Although not usually inclined to spend much time in front of a mirror, this morning Eva had studied her reflection and it hadn’t made for happy viewing. How had she managed to go from glowing to drab in such a short space of time? she wondered bleakly. Everything about her looked and felt dull. Her body felt as if it had gone into some sort of meltdown the past few days.

At night she was unable to sleep, her body restless and her mind racing. During the day she tried to keep busy, finding anything to keep herself occupied. Cupboards were sorted, drawers emptied, floors scrubbed but still she couldn’t banish thoughts of Ben from her mind. She knew she had made the right decision, so why then did it feel so bad?

She told herself it was all about looking forward. Making a few plans, focusing on other things – such as becoming pet-friendly. She’d been doing some reading and researching. The good news was that allowing dogs would certainly open up a new market and potentially generate more income. Families took their dogs on holiday and not many other guest houses in the area allowed pets so that would give her an advantage.

But there were plenty of issues to consider – she’d need to think about insurance, possible damage to property, and she’d have to provide food, bowls, and towels. And the house would have to be kept meticulously clean in case of dog hairs. She’d revisited the idea of opening in winter and had even found herself speculating exactly what Greg Ritchie’s ‘investment opportunities’ were.

In the hall she called up to Jamie as she wrapped a scarf around her neck. Maybe she could do more decorating, she thought, put an advert in the local paper. But they were all just ideas, thoughts going nowhere. Eva felt as if reality had shifted in some way and now she wasn’t sure what she wanted any more. Time and time again she reminded herself she’d managed just fine before Ben and she could do it again.

‘I’m ready, Mum.’ Jamie’s voice broke into her thoughts and she turned to him with a bright smile.

‘Good. I’ll just get Hamish sorted in his basket. We won’t be too long.’

It was the first day of the school Christmas holiday and having persuaded Jamie a visit to Edinburgh’s natural history museum would be useful for his project on ancient Egypt next term, Eva had arranged to meet Sarah and her mother in the museum café. Eva had talked with Sarah on the phone and exchanged a few texts, glad they were slowly returning to how they used to be.

Eva locked the front door listening to Jamie mutter mutinously that he’d better not see anyone he knew at the museum. Eva turned and spotted Ben bundling a holdall into the boot of his car. She kept her head down, feeling pathetic for doing so. She would learn to block the feelings, to deal with seeing him – they were neighbours after all – she just wasn’t quite there yet. Oh God, now he was coming over to them.

‘How’re you doing, Jamie?’ Ben waved to Jamie who was settling himself in the front seat.

‘Yeah, good.’ Jamie smiled back.

‘These are for you,’ Ben said to Jamie handing him a boxed set of Star War films. ‘All the original ones. I know how hard you’ve been working on your maths and thought you could give yourself a treat and watch these over the holidays.’

‘Brilliant, thanks, Ben!’

He switched his gaze to Eva who was standing by the open car door, frozen to the spot. ‘Hi, Eva. How are you?’

He looked tired and unshaven and so gorgeous that Eva felt her body betray her and she inhaled sharply.

‘Great, yes … fine.’ She’d been aiming for casual and confident but somehow her voice came out weirdly high.

‘I wanted to check you still have a set of keys for my house?’

‘Oh, yes. Sorry, I should have given them back to you.’

‘No, it’s fine. I’m heading down south for a bit – I don’t want to leave the house in London empty over the holidays.’ He ran a hand along his jagged jawline, looking distracted. ‘Would you mind holding on to them – just in case something happens while I’m away?’

‘Oh, yes … of course.’

‘I know you’re more than capable of handling anything.’ A ghost of a smile appeared on his lips. ‘Take care of yourself, Eva.’

‘You too.’

She took a deep breath and climbed into the car. Just because he looked tired didn’t mean she should worry about him making that long journey. He would be fine, she told herself, glancing at the clock on the dashboard and pulling out of the driveway.

They had plenty of time so she decided to take the coastal road, driving through the pretty fishing villages of Crail and Anstruther while Christmas songs played on the radio. They had just driven over the forth road bridge when Jamie surprised her.

‘You know, Mum, I really like Ben.’

Her hands tightened on the wheel but she kept her voice casual. ‘He’s been a great help with your maths.’

‘And he’s taught me how to move all the pieces on a chess board.’

‘That’s good,’ Eva replied evenly.

‘I liked when he came to our house. When’s he going to come for dinner again?’

Eva swallowed. ‘Oh, I’m not sure. He’s probably busy at the university.’

‘But I can still go and ask him stuff?’

‘Of course, I’m sure he wouldn’t mind that.’ Eva frowned, wondering if Jamie had picked up on anything.

‘We’ve started algebra at school,’ he told her sounding miserable.

‘Well, don’t worry. I can always help you.’

He made a face, looking doubtful.

‘What? We’ll be able to work it out between us.’

‘Mum, you can’t google it. I need someone to, like, actually explain it properly. It’s good when Ben helps – I just sort of understand it more.’

In all her own turmoil she hadn’t stopped to think just how much Jamie and Ben had connected. She had been trying to protect Jamie and didn’t feel good about her son missing Ben. Jamie clearly loved having Ben in their lives and she couldn’t deny he’d been a great role model for her son. She felt her shoulders slump, dismayed that trying to do the right thing seemed so wrong at times.

When they arrived in Edinburgh, parking was a bit of a nightmare but eventually Eva found a space on the outskirts of the centre. They got to Princes Street twenty minutes later, Eva enjoying the views of the castle and the bustling Christmas shoppers while Jamie complained about the distance they had to walk. Entering the museum they passed through the grand central hall, Eva pointing to portraits of famous Scottish doctors while Jamie showed more interest in the stuffed animals and dinosaur skeleton. They found Sarah and Helen already seated at a table in the café.

‘Hi, Mum.’ Eva bent and kissed her powdery cheek and eyed Jamie to do the same. Eva slipped off her coat and scarf, giving Sarah a double take. Her clothes were still very Sarah-esque but she wore pretty pearl drop earrings and looked softer somehow. She stood to embrace Eva and turned to Jamie.

‘Would you like to come and help me get the drinks?’ she asked him sounding a tad awkward.

‘Er, yeah,’ Jamie responded.

The role of aunt wasn’t one Sarah slipped into naturally but Eva could see she was trying and appreciated the effort.

‘Mum, usual for you?’

‘Yes please, darling.’

‘Eva?’

‘I’ll have a cappuccino please,’ Eva answered, all intentions for a decaf-skinny abandoned. She smiled across at her mother who she felt scrutinize her.

‘How are you, darling?’ Helen asked.

‘I’m fine, Mum.’

‘You look a bit … peaky.’

Eva straightened herself and smoothed down her hair as if that would make a difference but for once couldn’t argue with her mother’s appraisal.

‘I’m all right – had a couple of bad night sleeps, that’s all.’

Tilting her head to the side, Helen regarded her.

‘You know, there’s a wonderful spa I go to. I could book us in for a day after Christmas … we could go together and make a day of it, have a few treatments.’ Eva’s excuse was on the tip of her tongue but she stopped herself. Thinking of how far she and Sarah had come recently, maybe it was time to try and improve relations with her mum and after all, a few spa treatments might not go amiss.

‘That sounds really nice, thanks, Mum.’ Eva was rewarded with a beatific smile.

‘How is Jamie getting on at school?’

Ignoring what she knew was a reference to his academic progress, Eva deliberately focused instead on what mattered to her.

‘He’s great. Making plenty of friends, playing sports. He seems to have settled really well at high school.’

‘And how’s he doing in all his subjects? It’s important he makes a good start in first year.’

‘Of course, and he’s doing fine, Mum,’ Eva reassured her. It had been a bittersweet moment when Jamie had come home proudly declaring his mark to be one of the highest in the class maths test. Clearly Ben was a good teacher but then that didn’t surprise Eva. She looked over at Jamie now standing in the queue with Sarah, something he said making her laugh. Eva returned her focus back to Helen. Unlike her own pallor, her mother’s appearance held an undeniable radiance that Eva assumed was thanks to George.

Sarah and Eva had talked on the phone, Sarah explaining that she and Helen had discussed their ‘new situation’ as she described it. Eva hadn’t asked for the details, feeling it was between Sarah and her mother. As long as they were both happy, that was enough for her. Sarah had made the decision to go to Holland in the New Year for a couple of weeks to see how things went and Eva was thrilled for her and hoped it all worked out with Jon.

‘Sarah told me she’s going to Holland in the New Year,’ she mentioned now.

Helen nodded graciously, as if she was giving the idea her blessing. ‘I think it’s the right thing for her to do and I’m sure it will all work out the way it’s meant to.’

‘And you? You’ll be all right here without her? You know that I can come and help you with anything or you could come to St Andrews.’

‘I know, darling. Thank you but I’ll be fine.’ A faint blush rose in her cheeks. ‘You know about … George?’

‘Yes. And I’m happy for you, Mum.’

Her mother smiled, managing to look demure but slightly uncomfortable at the same time. ‘I wondered if you and Jamie might like to meet him over Christmas – if that would be all right with you?’

Eva nodded. ‘Sure, that’s a good idea.’

‘Oh and another thing.’ Helen paused. ‘I haven’t chosen my kitchen tiles yet and was hoping that maybe you could help me choose?’

‘Of course! I’d be really happy to do that with you, Mum.’ This was a day for surprises.

‘Sarah told me how lovely your house is looking and I know you’ve always had a good eye for colour and design.’ Coming from her mother, that was tantamount to high praise and Eva smiled at her just as Jamie arrived with a tray, everything on it almost sliding off in his hurry to get to the table.