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She clearly has no social life to speak of – what’s that about?

She’s not even gay. Or maybe she’s confused. Either way, do I want to be an experiment? Nope.

I have Zack and Freya to worry about. I don’t have the time or inclination for a relationship.

She’s emotionally unavailable.

She would probably break my heart.

She folded up the piece of paper and tucked it into the pen pot. Yes, that would do it. She needed to remind herself of all the reasons why pining for someone who was clearly wrong for her was a bad idea.

“Hello, Lotts, you OK?” Zack popped his head around the door.

“Yes, love. I’m fine and dandy. You and Tom doing OK? We’re going to be stuck in mediaeval times until at least tomorrow.” Lottie walked over and gave him a squeeze.

“Yeah, I figured. I remember finding it really exciting when this sort of thing happened when we were kids.” He dropped a kiss on Lottie’s head, having long since grown taller than her.

“I remember that, too. Even Freya found it exciting. I doubt she feels that way now.” Lottie rolled her eyes.

“Don’t be so sure,” said Zack with a grin. “I think I saw her playing outside in the snow with one of the guests’ kids earlier.”

“Really?” Lottie was surprised.

“Maybe she’s softening with age,” suggested Zack.

“I do hope so,” said Lottie, although part of her loved how spiky and feisty her youngest child was.

“Anyway, I was wondering if we’re still doing the Christmas Eve walk tomorrow morning?” Zack looked at Lottie with hopeful eyes and her heart melted.

“Of course, darling.” She hugged him all over again. It had started that Christmas Eve the first year they’d lived at the castle, walking through the forest that sat on one side of the loch. It had become a tradition.

He beamed. “Good. It’s a shame Hannah’s going home tomorrow, or she could come, too.” He winked.

Lottie pursed her lips. “Oh, do be quiet. She’s just a guest. Although as it happens, she’s having to stay over Christmas due to some, er, complications at home.”

“Just a guest my arse,” said Zack. “Tom happened to glance out of the bedroom window when he was closing the curtains last night. He reckons he saw you and her huddled in the castle porch in a very suspicious way.”

Lottie rolled her eyes. “Can nothing ever be secret here?”

“Nope,” he said. “You should invite her.”

“No. The Christmas Eve walk is just for us.” Lottie offered him a bite of her tablet.

“Oh nice, I haven’t had this in too long,” he exclaimed. “OK, maybe not the walk, but what are her plans for Christmas Day? Maybe she could join us?”

Lottie pursed her lips. “Maybe.”

Recipe: Scottish Tablet

Grease and line a 20x20cm baking tin with greaseproof paper.

Put 900g of caster sugar and 250mls of full fat milk in a large saucepan on a gentle heat. Stir gently until the sugar has dissolved.

Add 110g of butter to the pan and let it melt.

Now, add a tin of condensed milk (usually 397g) and mix well.

Increase the heat and stir throughout while the mixture boils.