‘Ooh, well, now you come to mention it, are you sure you wouldn’t mind?’ Bert’s face brightened.

‘Not at all. I’ll be two ticks.’

While Brogan was in the kitchen, Nick managed to glean from Bert that he’d been feeling under the weather for the last couple of days. And though the older man had described it as “just a bit of a cold” that was “nowt to worry about”, Nick couldn’t shake the feeling that it was causing him more discomfort than he was letting on, especially if his hacking cough was anything to go by.

Leaving Bert to enjoy his soup in peace, Brogan took Nell for a quick walk while Nick set to, clearing the path to the cottage and re-filling the coal scuttle before darkness properly settled in.

When they’d done, and had given Nell a good dry with an old towel, Bert insisted they stay for another cup of tea to “warm you through before you head off”. Nick suspected it was more to do with him being reluctant to say goodbye to his company. He couldn’t blame him. Much as Broad View Cottage was in a lovely spot, he guessed if it wasn’t for Ella and Brogan dropping in, Bert could go for days without seeing another soul.

‘So, Bert, Brogan tells me you’ve lived here all your life,’ Nick said, as a way of inviting him to share the stories that Brogan had mentioned.

‘Aye, lad, that I have. I was born here and I dare say I’ll end my days here. Not that I’m grumbling, mind, I’ve got some right happy memories of the place.’

‘I can imagine, and I bet you’ve seen some changes too.’

Bert blew out his cheeks and sat back in his armchair, his hands resting on his stomach. ‘You’re not wrong there. Take the winters, for example. They’re nowt like they used to be. I dare say you think the snow out there’s pretty bad today, but by ’eck, I’ve known a time when it’s been piled right up as high as them windows.’

‘Really?’ said Brogan. ‘That must’ve been something to see.’

‘Oh, aye, it was, but it made for bloomin’ hard work, what with the water freezing, never mind having to use an outside privvy. I tell you what, you didn’t hang around when you needed to go.’ Bert gave a hearty chuckle. Nick was pleased to see his face was animated and the colour had returned to his cheeks.

‘I can believe that,’ said Nick. He glanced across at Brogan, the pair sharing a smile as they nursed their mugs of tea, enjoying Bert’s trip down memory lane.

‘Mind, if the snow wasn’t too bad, we’d still have to walk to school in the village; you know, the one up on the hill? I went to that very one. Took forever, trudging in the snow, but we had a right laugh, me and my brothers and sisters – there were five of us in total – having snowball fights with t’other kids on the way. We were soaked through by the time we got to the school, but you don’t seem to feel the cold when you’re a kid.’ Bert released a contented smile, gazing into the distance. ‘Aye, they were happy times.’

By the time they came to leave it was properly dark outside. Nick was pleased to see Bert seemed much brighter than he had when they’d first arrived.

‘Right, Bert, we’ll see you soon,’ said Brogan, wrapping her scarf around her neck. ‘And don’t forget to keep your door locked while we’ve got unsavoury folk loitering in the area. I’m sure there’s nothing to worry about, but it’s always best to be on the safe side.’

‘Aye, you’re right lass, especially after what happened to poor old Roger Scarth.’ Bert shook his head. ‘Mind, I haven’t seen owt suspicious since I saw that van with the dent in the side the other day. I’m hoping they’ll realise I’ve got nowt worth nicking and not bother coming round again.’

‘Well, you’ve got my mobile number now, as well as Brogan’s, so if you see anything suspicious, or if you need anything, just call, okay?’ said Nick.

‘Will do. And ta very much for popping by, the pair of you. Me and Nell have enjoyed the company, haven’t we lass?’ He stooped to pat the Labrador who gave a quick swish of her tail.

‘Well, I think we can say that was a resounding success,’ said Nick as they drove away, the pale moon casting its ethereal glow over the snow-covered dale.

‘It was, and he definitely looks brighter than when we first arrived. Though I’m a bit worried about his cough.’ Brogan’s brow crumpled. ‘I’ll make sure to check on him every day. And it’s good that he’s still happy to join me for Christmas Day,’ she said, her expression lifting.

Nick glanced across at her. ‘Will any of your family be joining you?’

‘Oh… um, no. My mum’s going to the Canaries with her boyfriend; it’s what they always do.’ She paused. ‘It’s been a while since we spent Christmas day together.’

Even in the dim light, Nick could see her frown had returned.

31

BROGAN

Though Nick had only been staying at Pond Farm for a few days, it felt as if he’d been there for far longer. The house felt somehow more comfortable with him in it, and Maudie too; she’d settled herself in quickly with her and Wilf becoming inseparable; even if she still bestowed on him the odd snooty look, which he didn’t seem to mind. It was as if this was where she and Nick were meant to be; that this set-up, with Brogan, Nick, Wilf and Maudie, was the perfect fit for Pond Farm cottage. Brogan had begun to savour the time she spent with Nick, not wanting to think about how it would be when he found somewhere permanent to live. It made her stomach twist whenever it crossed her mind. His presence had made her realise just how lonely she’d become since her grandparents had passed away. It went without saying that Wilf was a good companion, but it wasn’t as if she could have a conversation with him – well, she supposed shedidactually talk to him, and from the way he tilted his head it was as if he understood her, which was true as far as the words, “biscuit”, “dinner”, “walk” and “treat” were concerned – but it didn’t flow two ways.

If she was honest with herself, Brogan knew it wasn’t just loneliness that made her enjoy Nick’s company as much as she did. It ran way deeper than that. He was getting under her skin, burrowing his way into her heart. Yes, she couldn’t deny it, she was falling for him. Falling hard. And it scared her a little. Scrap that, it scared her a hell of a lot! Especially after what had happened with Archie and how he’d pulled the rug so unceremoniously from under her feet. Since then, she’d kept her heart tucked safely out of harm’s way and kept relationships firmly at arm’s length. But that hadn’t stopped her from yearning to find someone to love and to love her back when she’d let her mind wander in the darkest depths of the night when sleep eluded her. She’d give anything to have someone look at her the way Gabe looked at Anoushka; he adored her and didn’t care who knew it.

Later that evening, Brogan and Nick sat chatting in the living room, discussing everything from keeping an eye on her elderly neighbour, to the feedback they’d already had from people showing an interest in the Christmas Day suggestions – Molly and Lucy had each been in touch with an update. It felt so easy to talk to him. The words just seemed to pour out, which was unusual for Brogan, being the sort of person who usually kept her innermost thoughts to herself and took a long time to get to know someone before she’d even consider sharing such personal stuff.

She told him about her parents, how her dad hadn’t been around much when she’d been growing up and how they had no relationship to speak of now. When she explained about her mum, she noted his eyebrows shoot up when she’d told him about their after school arrangements. ‘I don’t want you to get the wrong impression,’ she said. ‘Looking back, I can see I was quite young to be doing that, but I didn’t feel uncared for or neglected.’

‘But what about Christmas Day. How come you don’t spend it together?’