A month later, the children’s faces shone with delight as they unwrapped the presents that Mel had bought them. A book on how to look after ponies for Tessa and a model tractor for Callum, identical to the one they had at the farm, both sure-fire winners. Luke’s grin widened when he saw what she’d bought. She’d listened to him when he’d talked to her about the children. Really listened. She’d made these choices herself and they were absolutely perfect. Exactly what he would have chosen if she’d asked him what they would like.

‘Cool,’ the children said in unison, making Mel and Luke laugh. Callum started opening the plastic packaging, to free his bright-blue tractor, while Tessa flicked through her book, studying the pages and calling out at the pictures. ‘Look at this one, Dad,’ she said, excited. ‘This is my favourite colour. Dappled grey, isn’t it lovely?’

Luke threw Mel a glance and mouthed ‘thank you’. She gave him the thumbs up and his heart swelled with love. She really cares, he thought, and that alone lifted his spirits. If she was willing to try, then they could make this work. This was the best possible start to the day.

‘Say thank you,’ Luke prompted as his children studied their presents. ‘That was so thoughtful of you, Mel,’ he said. ‘Wasn’t it, kids?’

‘Thank you! Thank you!’ they both shouted, their gifts clasped tightly in their hands.

They were standing in the small lounge in Mel’s apartment, nobody sure what happened next until Luke took charge. That’s my role, isn’t it? Head of the family. A role he wasn’t allowed to have at the farm, because Ted had to be in control, everybody tiptoeing round him as if he was an unexploded bomb. Luke felt his resolve harden and he knew that his decision to move out was for the best.

‘So… Greenwood Centre, kids?’

His question was received with whoops of delight. They’d only been once before, but it had been a big hit with the kids and they had chattered on about it for weeks after the event. Luke grinned at Mel. He’d warned her to wear casual clothes that she didn’t mind getting a bit grubby and was pleased to see the jeans and fleece, which weren’t her usual style of dress and looked brand new. As did her white trainers. He’d winced when he’d first seen them, knowing that they’d be a few shades grubbier by the end of the day. Still, they’d wash, he reassured himself. And they were only a pair of trainers. They bundled into Luke’s car and set off while Luke explained to Mel where they were going.

‘It’s not far. Between Bangor and Caernarfon. Brilliant place for kids.’

‘So, what is it exactly? You didn’t really explain. Did I get the dress code right?’ She sounded a little anxious.

‘You’ll be fine. It’s all outdoors, but it’s quite physical, so even though it’s a little chilly today, you’ll soon get warmed up.’ She still looked unsure. ‘Honestly, I think you’ll love it. It’s an eco theme park. Loads of rides and activities for the kids. Beautiful views all around and the kids just run themselves ragged.’

Mel smiled at him. ‘So, we do that as well, do we? Run around?’

Luke put his hand over hers. ‘You do as much or as little as you want. If you want to go on the go-karts, you can. There’s a brilliant roller coaster. Mega slides, where you sit on these trays. Then there’s this climbing frame thing up the hillside with nets and ladders and tunnels. Unfortunately, I’m too big for that. Got a bit stuck last time, and felt like a right idiot, so I won’t be doing that again. Kids love it, though, so we can sit that one out, have a breather. And it’s right next to the ice cream shop.’

Mel laughed, eyes sparkling with excitement. ‘I can’t wait. Sounds like great fun.’

He let out a quiet sigh. He’d been hoping she’d say that. He supposed this was quite a big test today; the first time she’d met the kids and the first time they’d all been out together. He couldn’t pretend he wasn’t nervous. He’d been awake half the night, wondering if he was being too ambitious, if it was too soon, hoping that the weather would be fine. So many variables that needed to come together to make this a happy day out.

It wasn’t that he didn’t miss Anna. He’d always miss her, and his memories of her and the time they had together were ingrained in him. But this connection he had with Mel was completely different. There was a level of passion he’d never experienced before, not even with Anna, a sexual attraction that he couldn’t seem to resist. After a year of grieving, she’d awoken him. Given him back his life, almost. Yes, it was as big as that. And she was so kind and interested in him and his family, which showed in her choice of presents for the children.

He glanced at her now, her beautiful profile, the healthy glow of her skin, hair as dark as a raven. However you looked at it, she was one hell of a woman, in control of her own destiny, running a successful consultancy business. And he wanted her. Right here, right now, he wanted her in his life more than anything because she made things better, she made him laugh, made him forget his sorrow and helped him to look forwards rather than back. She was full of ambition and plans; places she wanted to go, things she wanted to achieve and there was no doubt she was wringing every ounce of pleasure out of her life. He wanted to be like her and when he was with her, the joie de vivre rubbed off on him.

The weather had decided to be kind, only a few fluffy clouds dotting the brilliant blue sky and a gentle breeze shivering through the leaves. The park was set in a large patch of woodland and although there were lots of families there, the way the paths meandered through the trees meant it didn’t feel too crowded, the rides hidden round corners, in little clearings, picnic tables dotted everywhere.

‘Go-karts next!’ Callum shouted after they emerged from the boat ride round a swampy track.

‘Race you,’ Tessa yelled and sprinted off, Callum at her heels. Luke caught hold of Mel’s hand.

‘Thanks for the presents,’ he said.

Mel grinned. ‘Thank God I got it right. I can’t tell you how long it took me to choose those. I’ve not had much experience with kids and I was so worried I’d get it horribly wrong.’

‘You’re a star, Mel.’ He pulled her to him and kissed her, smoothed her hair back from her face. ‘It’s going to take a little time, though. Let them get used to the idea of a new woman in our lives. Like I said, we’ve just got to take it slow.’

Mel pulled a face and laughed. ‘Patience is not one of my virtues, Luke. You must have worked that one out.’

He kissed her again. ‘Sometimes you have no choice,’ he said, teasing.

She pushed him away. ‘You know, this is killing me. Seeing you twice a week isn’t enough. I can’t wait till you move to Bangor.’

‘Another month, and it should all be sorted. You were right about the bigger house. The four bedrooms gives us a spare room for guests and it’s not that much more expensive. As the agent said, in terms of an investment, it’s much better value.’

She looked at him from under her lashes. ‘And room to expand the family.’

He gazed at her then, lost for words. This relationship was hurtling along at a hundred miles an hour and the more he told himself he needed to slow down, the more things seemed to speed up.

What’s she saying? She wants a long-term relationship with me… and a baby?

He hadn’t given the possibility of a baby any thought, which had been stupid. Why wouldn’t Mel want kids? Just because the opportunity hadn’t arisen for her yet, didn’t mean it wasn’t something she wanted.

Another baby. Well, well, well.

He pulled her to him, his hand resting on her waist as they walked towards the go-karts, feeling excited and unsettled at the same time. What about Tessa and Callum? They’d had so many changes in their lives over the last year, would it be fair to expand the family? Or would it give a new focus, something to bind them all together? Christ, this needs a bit of careful thought. But a seed of excitement had been planted in his chest, spreading a warmth around his heart.

Another child.

It didn’t feel like a bad idea. More like a new beginning.