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‘Lara . . . I love having you here. I truly couldn’t have organized all of this here at the farm without you. And you’ve helped so much with Will. You’re not just here as his guardian, away from work – you’re a friend. His reading is really coming along, and he’s so fond of you! We all are. Both are,’ I correct myself. I don’t want to make things difficult between her and Luke, but anyone can see they care about each other. ‘And there’s plenty of space for you to work from here. Any of the rooms.’

‘Thank you,’ she says, and I wrap my arms around her and hug her, feeling protective. If I’m right, and she is developing feelings for Luke – well, even if he feels the same, he’s still with Scarlett. I’d hate to see Lara hurt.

‘Why don’t we go through the list again and check we’ve done everything for opening day?’ I suggest.

‘Actually, I really should pop home just to check on things there,’ she says. ‘It’s been a while since I’ve spent any time there, other than to sleep. The neighbours will think I’ve deserted the place, a bit like Tom did!’

I put the kettle on as I watch her leave; I’m still worried that she’s feeling pushed out. Luke is too much of a gentleman to do anything unethical, I know; I’m sure that he and Lara both know nothing more will come of how they feel as long as he and Scarlett are a couple. It’s a shame, because I do think Scarlett has him wrapped around her little finger.

I make a fresh pot of tea and take steaming mugs of it out on a tray for Luke, Scarlett and Horse.

‘Come here, my baby girl,’ I hear Scarlett trying again with Dinky. ‘Won’t be long and you’ll be away from these horrid hairy puppies. You’ve completely forgotten all about me.’

But instead of going to her owner, Dinky comes trotting out of the barn to greet me with a little jump and her tail wagging. As I approach the entrance, I can see Scarlett sitting on a straw bale while Luke checks the lights. He’s put in uplighters and somehow even created an effect with snowflakes of light falling against the big back wall.

Scarlett is scanning the barn. I hang back to listen for a moment, wondering if she’s making plans for what she’ll rip out next.

‘Are we nearly done here now?’ she whines. ‘I could do with a bath and a drink.’

‘There’s plenty to do still. It’s nice hanging out in here, with the puppies and Delilah.’

‘But I’m sure it doesn’t have to all be done by you,’ says Scarlett in a sulky voice. ‘And as for the donkey,’ she adds with a sniff.

‘I’m here as a willing volunteer, Scarlett, not being kept against my will. I’m actually loving it. And the puppies still need a lot of care. I’m not leaving them.’

‘Oh, good God, those misfits!’ I hear her say. ‘And could this be any more . . .’

‘Fun?’ Luke cuts in.

‘I was thinking tacky!’

I frown. That stings.

‘It’s fun, Scarlett. It’s not about viewers, content. Getting in professionals to style and dress the place. It’s just about . . . making a living. And memories. You know, that moment, here one minute and gone before you know it. It’s about taking time to remember those times and the people. Pressing the pause button for a while.’

‘This is all going to take some sorting out. I hardly know where to begin. Good job John Louis is going to come and sort it all out.’

‘Who?’

‘John Louis. The designer. He’s got like a zillion followers on TikTok, look! I told you about him.’

‘I can’t look now, I’m trying to hang a lantern. You could help me,’ he suggests.

She sighs.

‘I don’t know why we’re here! I thought we agreed you’d come here to get whatsherface to move out.’

‘Gwen. Her name is Gwen. And I’ve told you, it can’t happen.’

‘And I told you we need to be in by Christmas.’

‘And you will be. It’s not going to happen any sooner. Christmas Eve. Midday. These things happen. It’s been agreed. It won’t change. You can’t get it all your own way!’

‘Are they arguing?’ asks Will, sliding up beside me. His cheeks are pink from the cold outdoors and running around in the forest.

‘Maybe,’ I murmur, unable to decide whether I should lie or tell him the truth. ‘I think,’ I say in a whisper, ‘they may be having what’s called a difference of opinion.’

‘Doesn’t Scarlett like it here at the farm?’ He looks up at me.