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I look at her and nod slowly. I still have to work all this out. How I’m going to make ends meet until Christmas comes round again next year and I can sell more trees.

‘It’s not easy, but we muddle through. We must also remember to enjoy the journey.’ She sits back and smiles at me. ‘Don’t worry. The contracts won’t get sent. I’ll email to say you’ve pulled out of the sale.’

‘Thank you – thank you so much. And I’m so sorry to cut into your Christmas party.’

‘Don’t worry, there’s only so much I can take of charades around the coffee machine anyway! Besides, I want to get off and spend some time at home.’

‘I’m sorry we lied to get in, too.’

Ms Harding stands.

‘I think, in your position, I’d have probably done the same. I’d do anything for my little boy. Sounds like you will, too. It’s what we mums do, isn’t it?’

I nod, barely able to speak.

She bends to the keyboard and types out a message, sends it and then turns off her computer and the desk light over it.

‘All sorted. Now, go and have a lovely Christmas.’

‘We will. We really will,’ I say. ‘Thank you.’

I shake her hand before making my way back downstairs, where I catch Horse’s eye. He raises a questioning eyebrow at me, and I give a little nod back. He smiles, then hands his mince pie and mulled wine over to the older solicitor, thanking him for the interesting conversation and invitation to join the local Gilbert and Sullivan Society.

‘Ah, Ms Harding,’ says the older solicitor, as she descends the stairs behind me. ‘There you are. I was just coming to find you. You work far too hard. You know the rules, no working after hours . . . especially at Christmas! Come and have a drink.’

‘Actually, Mr Stanley – if you don’t mind – I’m going to go home and spend the evening on the sofa with my little boy, watching a film and eating chocolates,’ she says.

He looks at her approvingly.

‘I can’t think of anything more perfect. Mrs Stanley and I loved time with the family. Go! And no work,’ he says, laughing. ‘Here, take some of these chocolates with you. Mrs Stanley will tell you that you’re doing me a favour.’

He’s piling chocolates into her hands as we all file out the door.

‘Goodbye, and merry Christmas. Enjoy your time off!’ I tell her. Something tickles my nose; I rub it. It’s snowing a little harder now.

‘And you. Enjoy your time in your home,’ she says with a smile.

Chapter 39

‘We’ve done it,’ I say quietly as we slide onto the bike. Gentle snowflakes fall around us as Horse starts the engine. ‘We’ve got Christmas Tree Farm back.’

The bike moves forward and I put my arms around him, leaning into his back, riding through the light snow, this time keeping my eyes wide open. I’m wishing I could stay close to Horse like this forever.

Back at the farm, he brings the bike to a standstill and I climb off.

‘Thank you,’ I say, pulling off my helmet. He cuts the engine.

‘That was a bold, brave thing to do, Gwen,’ he tells me. ‘You did it. You’ve given Will a place to feel he has roots, whatever happens from here. We’ll all feel a part of this place, wherever we are. You’re an amazing woman.’

I don’t have a chance to reply, because there’s the roar of a familiar vehicle coming up the drive: Scarlett. She pulls round into the yard at speed, knocking over another of my hand-painted robin signs, and slams to a halt. By now, Luke has stepped out into the yard to meet us.

‘We did it!’ I tell him. ‘Horse was amazing.’ We both turn to look as Scarlett storms out of the car, slamming the door behind her.

‘I’m so sorry, Luke,’ I whisper.

‘You go in. Tell Will and Lara the good news,’ he says in a low voice, his eyes on Scarlett as she stalks towards us.

‘I want a word!’ she shrieks.