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‘And we’ve got some ornaments,’ I say, looking at the fat knitted robins and donkeys the knitting circle made. ‘I’ll make a generous donation.’ I look at Horse solemnly, then smile. I can’t stop smiling today.

We look at the cut trees leaning against the barn wall. Just the two left, but one of them looks magnificent. It’s just the right size. Horse picks it up and shakes it out to show off its branches.

‘How would this suit you, madam?’ he jokes. ‘It’s got a lovely full middle.’ He laughs and says, ‘A bit like me,’ putting his hand to his stomach.

‘It’s tall like you, too,’ I say. ‘With lots of bushy branches.’ And he rubs his silver beard. ‘I love it. It’s perfect.’

I step towards him, lean in and kiss him, softly and gently. Then I look up at him, drinking in the way he looks at me, making me feel special. Like falling into a deep, thick duvet and hoping to never find your way out.

‘I feel sorry for the last little tree,’ I say, glancing at it.

‘If I’m honest, it’s not a looker,’ says Horse. ‘That one was – well, a bit of a mistake. It got knocked down when I was cutting a bigger one. Thought I’d better bring it in anyway. But I’m not surprised it hasn’t had any takers.’

We both look at it with sympathy. Then Horse says, ‘Right, if you bring the ornaments, I’ll carry the tree in.’

He pulls his thick gloves from his pocket and puts them on. Then he picks the tree up and carries it out, and I scoop up the knitted ornaments and follow him.

As we step out into the yard, I hear a car revving its way up the drive. My heart sinks, hoping it’s not Scarlett back again to make another scene. But this car is driving much more carefully and steadily, avoiding the potholes and staying in a low gear over the snowy drive.

We stand and watch. Lara and Luke, followed by Will, pick up the puppies. The car, full of presents and cases and two fed-up-looking children in the back, comes to a standstill.

‘Hi,’ says a man, getting out of the car. ‘Look, this is a bit of a long shot. But the holiday cottage at a hotel we were going to for Christmas and New Year has just cancelled on us. Double booking, apparently.’

‘Oh, I’m sorry,’ I say. ‘But actually, we don’t have any room here . . .’

‘No, no. I’m not looking for room in the stable, although it looks very comfy,’ he says, smiling. ‘We’re heading home instead. Besides, it’s not really the weather to be driving. But it’s a bit of a let down for the children. We’ve got decorations and lights up at home, obviously, but no tree. Didn’t see the point as we weren’t going to be there. But, I saw the signs as we drove past. Do you have any left?’

Horse and I look at each other and smile.

‘Of course,’ I say.

‘Take this one,’ says Horse.

‘It’s gorgeous!’ says the wife, getting out of the car. ‘Are you sure?’

‘Yes, it’s the last one. Have it,’ I say.

‘How much do we owe you?’

I shake my head.

‘It’s yours. No one else is going to be buying Christmas trees today.’

‘That’s really kind of you,’ she says.

‘How about I help you put it on the roof bars?’ offers Horse, looking at the packed car.

‘That would be great,’ says the man.

‘That’s a tree sorted,’ smiles his wife.

‘And have you got anything for lunch?’ I say.

‘It’ll be freezer surprise,’ she says wryly.

‘Well, as it happens, I have a table booked at the Giddy Goose,’ I say. ‘You’re welcome to it. They do a lovely roast dinner. I’ve paid a deposit; you would just have to pay the rest. It’s a table for two, but I’m sure you’ll squeeze round it.’

She looks at me, astonished.