Merry's Christmas Tree Farm was on the outskirts of Michaelmas Bay, a town fifteen miles or so away, but Juliet and her family felt it was well worth the trip, even in such snowy conditions. Besides, it was much milder this morning. Unseasonably warm, according to the radio presenter. The clouds had dissipated, the sun was shining and the snow was already starting to thaw as they drove to the farm at ten that morning. This was where they had purchased their tree every year since Robin Merry, the youngest son of arable farmers, Ashley and Ava Merry, had run the Christmas tree farm.

Robin began it as a sideline when he was a young boy and word of mouth ensured that his popularity had grown, year on year. He sold the trees from one particular field at the entrance to the main farm and a wooden sign went up the moment Merry's Christmas Tree Farm was open for business, usually in the second week of December.

A few years ago, Robin converted a shepherd's hut and made it look like an igloo on the outside. Inside, sheepskin rugs lay on a dark wood floor and in one corner a large cast iron pot containing mulled wine, simmered on a wood burning stove. There was a wooden bench and a small table, plus several large, comfy cushions scattered around the floor, with Christmas-themed curtains at the windows and the front door. It looked more like one of those upmarket glamping places than it did his office-cum-shop, and Juliet was pleased to see it hadn't changed since last year.

'Merry Christmas,' Robin said, beaming at Juliet and her family as they pulled up outside his office and got out of her dad's car. His Santa hat sat lopsided on a shock of hair the colour of golden treacle which framed his ruddy complexion. 'Lovely to see you again, Rosa, Bernard, Zoe and Juliet. The snow's a bit deep today but I've picked out a few trees I thought you might like. If you don't want one of those though, feel free to take a walk around.'

One of the reasons Robin was so popular was that he seemed to have a knack of, not only remembering all his customers by name, but also exactly what they were looking for, even though he only saw many of them once a year, during December.

'Thanks, Robin,' Bernard said. 'Nice to see you too.'

A girl appeared with a tray bearing mugs of mulled wine. She wore a matching Santa hat on her jet-black hair but her complexion was porcelain-white. Her smile was as warm and welcoming as Robin's as she handed out the drinks. 'Merry Christmas. Perfect weather to buy a tree.'

'This is my girlfriend, Raven Starr,' Robin said. 'Her grandparents own Snowflake Inn in Snowflake Cove.'

'I've been there,' Zoe said, taking one of the mugs and smiling at Raven. 'It's a lovely place. Didn't Zachary Thorn do a Christmas Special of his TV show, 'Thorn On Your Side' from there last year?'

'Yep,' Raven said, passing a mug to Juliet. 'He's dating my aunt, Evie Starr. He virtually lives there now.'

'Wow. Lucky Evie. He's gorgeous.' Zoe shot a look at Juliet and winked at Raven. 'Does he have a brother?'

'Afraid not. Are you looking for a boyfriend?'

Zoe shook her head. 'Not me, no. But my sister is.'

Juliet's mouth fell open. 'No, I'm not. A man is the last thing I need right now.'

Raven grinned at Juliet. 'Just a tree then?'

'Yes. But if you know anyone who wants a sister, I've got one going spare.'

'Let me show you the trees I've selected,' Robin said, smiling.

Rosa took the mug Raven offered, but Bernard shook his head. 'Not for me, thank you, Raven. I'm driving and the roads aren't sufficiently gritted. I'd better not take a chance. Better to be safe than sorry.'

'I can make you a coffee, or a hot chocolate if you like.'

'That's very kind. But I'll be fine, thanks.' Bernard smiled at Raven and he and Rosa followed Robin to a row of trees leaning against the fence to his left.

'Looks like you've got more customers,' Zoe said, giving Juliet an odd look as another car came up the drive.

'Excuse me,' Raven said. 'I'd better welcome them while Robin's with your dad, and get some more mulled wine. Want this one?' She held out the mug that Bernard had declined.

'Absolutely,' Zoe said, almost snatching the mug from her and emptying the contents into her own. 'Thanks.'

Raven grinned. 'You're welcome.' She took the empty mug and headed towards the approaching car.

'Oh look,' Zoe said. 'I do believe that's Luke's car. Luke Bow.' She knocked back the contents of her mug as Juliet stared at her.

'Luke Bow?' Juliet struggled to say the name. 'What the hell is he doing here?'

Zoe shook her head as the car pulled up. 'This place is popular. I suppose Luke's here to get a tree, just like we are. But who on earth is that gorgeous man with him?'

Juliet forced herself to look and immediately regretted it.

It may have been twenty years since she had seen that face, but she would recognise it no matter how much time had passed. It may be more muscular, the jaw firmer, the mouth more defined, framed by hair a darker shade of chestnut and expertly cut, but it was him. Broader, taller and far more rugged-looking than he was at eighteen and still oozing sex appeal even from several metres away. He was immaculately and expensively dressed, just as he had been at eighteen. He was helping what must have been the most beautiful woman in the world, get out of the car. She seemed to have got her heel stuck and they were both laughing as he bent down to free it and then she tossed a length of super-shiny mahogany hair over her shoulder as she linked her arm through his and they walked forward.

'I told you not to wear heels,' he said, shaking his head but smiling at the beautiful woman.

Even his voice was the same, but perhaps slightly deeper pitched.

Juliet's chest felt as if it was in a vice and her heart pumped so hard she was certain everyone must be able to hear its thumping beat. The butterflies in her stomach and weakness in her knees were the same as they had been the very first time she had seen him.

He glanced in Juliet's direction and looked away.

And then he shot a look back again.

His mouth opened a fraction.

He stopped in his tracks.

'Juliet?' he said, as if he'd seen a ghost and didn't quite believe it.

Juliet said nothing. She couldn't find her voice. But his eyes looked a richer shade of coffee-brown as she met his stare.

'Well, well,' Luke said. Not that Juliet had even noticed him until he spoke. 'This is a small world.'