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‘Whereas mine was a proper manly one.’ Jake poked his tongue out, making Summer giggle even harder. Evelyn watched as they laughed and teased each other, and said a silent prayer of thanks to whoever it was who sent Jake into her life. It had only been a few weeks since he’d convinced her to go on a date with him, and he had somehow easily slipped into their lives like he was supposed to be there.

Though she’d initially worried about how he and Summer would get along – and introducing a “friend” after a couple of dates, Jake had reassured her every step of the way. He already knew Summer, and made it very clear he understood they came together, as part of a package deal he seemed only too happy to welcome into his life. Summer adored him, and he appeared to adore her, making extra effort to arrange some outings for both of them.

Some, but not all. Evelyn bit her bottom lip remembering the last very adult-only date where Jake had easily tucked his arm around her shoulders, pulling her close, while they shared popcorn and kisses and failed miserably to watch even half of the movie they’d gone to see.

‘Come on.’ Linda held her hand out to her granddaughter. ‘Let’s you and me give your mum and Jake some peace and quiet.’

‘But Nanny …’ Summer’s bottom lip immediately popped out, threatening a bout of full-blown stubborn temper.

‘But nothing, young lady.’ Linda wasn’t going to stand for any nonsense. ‘Come on. I’ll let you pick something to watch on TV.’

‘Whatever I want?’

Linda sighed. ‘Yes, whatever you want.’

Summer jumped down from the table. ‘I’ll get Sing-Along Frozen.’ She raced into the living room.

‘Oh good.’ Linda deadpanned, following. ‘I don’t think I’ve seen that in at least four whole days.’

‘Thank you, Mum.’ Evelyn shot her a grateful smile as she stood, firmly closing the kitchen door behind them.

‘Hi.’ Jake’s strong arms slipped around her waist.

‘Hello.’ She melted into his kiss.

‘I’ve been waiting to do that pretty much since I got here.’ He grinned. ‘Summer’s great, but can you please try and beat her to the door next time? It’s been driving me mad that I couldn’t kiss you hello properly.’

‘You shouldn’t have told her you were bringing dessert. Brockle cakes are her new favourite thing.’

‘Oh, so you’re saying I deserved this torture?’ He raised an eyebrow. ‘You do know your daughter has told me you’re ticklish?’ He wiggled his fingers threateningly.

‘No, I didn’t, but please don’t.’ She stepped out of his embrace and produced a folded paper from the kitchen drawer. ‘I wanted to give you this. Sorry it’s late, but now I’m working, I can do this.’

Jake furrowed his brow as he unfolded the cheque. ‘£775? I don’t understand.’

‘You wouldn’t tell me what Tilly’s bill was after the snakebite, so I called my old vet, and your colleague who provided the antivenom, and took the average. You’ll tell me if it’s more?’

‘No I bloody won’t.’ Jake tore it in half and slammed it onto the worktop. ‘I told you at the time you could cover the cost of the supplies and you’ve done that.’

‘But I owe you the money,’ Evelyn protested. She was proud, and wanted to pay her way.

‘What type of boyfriend would I be if I charged you?’

‘Boyfriend?’ Evelyn stared at him, the heat taken out of her pride.

‘Well, we’re dating aren’t we? What else would you call me?’ He gave her a smile that melted away the rest of her arguments, and stepped towards her.

‘Absolutely wonderful. Handsome. Adorable. Sexy.’

‘I think I like that last one the best.’ He held his arms open to her.

She stepped into them, looked up at him and placed a kiss on his lips, before becoming more serious. ‘There’s something I want to ask you.’

‘Anything.’ Jake shrugged easily, apparently happy to offer her the world. Which made her decision even easier.

But she still licked her lips nervously. ‘I was wondering what you’re doing Friday.’

‘This Friday?’ Confusion clouded his eyes. ‘I thought we were taking Summer to the new Disney thing.’