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‘I think you’re going to be off your feet for a while, Mr Davies. It doesn’t appear to be broken, but you might want to get it x-rayed just to be sure. I’d say it’s a nasty sprain, but as you’re going to have to get to the hospital for crutches — and maybe a brace — I can give you a referral for radiology.’

‘Damn it! Will I be back on my feet before the big Christmas party? I’m supposed to be on one of the floats.’

‘It could have been a lot worse,’ Liv reassured him. ‘You said you fell down a flight of stairs? A couple of minor bumps and a sprain is a good outcome. You could have been seriously hurt. You should be fine in a few weeks. Just rest up now, and I’m sure we’ll get you carnival fit and ready.’

‘Good. I would have hated to miss that.’ He leaned forward conspiratorially. ‘Not sure if I’m supposed to say too much, but the jive might be featuring on our float this year.’

‘It’s OK, I won’t tell.’ Liv grinned. ‘Is that how you did this? Jiving too much?’

‘No. Tripped over my dog. He’s fine, though.’

‘Glad to hear he’s OK. I like dogs.’ Liv nodded.

‘Me too, usually.’ He laughed. ‘But my doctor visits are less expensive than his!’

Liv tried not to laugh at that, and had to fight to retain some semblance of professionalism. ‘Well, like I said, I don’t think it’s broken, and I’ll wrap it up now. But you’ll need to get some proper crutches. That stick you’re using is really only any good as a temporary measure. And may I suggest that maybe your dog should sleep downstairs, at least for the time being?’

‘Yes, Doctor.’

‘Good.’ Liv wrapped the bandage around his swollen ankle in quick, gentle moves. ‘Now, keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn’t swell any more. If it does, you might need to take the wrapping off.’

‘OK. Thank you.’

‘I’ll write up your notes, and have our receptionist call ahead to the hospital. Hopefully it’ll reduce your waiting time. Make sure to elevate your foot as much as possible, and ice it — but keep the ice packs wrapped in a towel so you don’t damage your skin. If the pain gets too bad, you can use over-the-counter painkillers.’

‘Much appreciated.’ He shook her hand and made his way slowly, and painfully, back to reception.

She hadn’t even finished washing her hands when there was another knock at her door, and Callum slipped into the room.

‘Hi, I thought you could do with this.’ He held up a steaming cup. ‘I hear it’s already been a long morning.’

‘I am so glad to see you.’ She gratefully took the cup and buried her nose in it to inhale the rich, rejuvenating fragrance.

‘Me, or the coffee?’

‘You . . . as the bringer of my coffee?’

‘Oh, so now you’re a comedian.’ He grinned as he stalked her and slid his arms around her waist. ‘I’ve missed you.’

‘It’s only been a couple of days.’ Liv laughed.

‘I know, but it feels like longer though.’ He slipped the coffee from her hand and placed it on the desk.

‘It really does,’ Liv agreed. ‘Between our patients, Sarah, and all the paperwork the commissioners have been asking for, there’s barely been time for anything else.’

‘I’m really sorry.’

‘I wasn’t complaining.’ Liv wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him down to her lips. ‘Just agreeing with you. Still, at least we get to see each other here. And tonight.’

‘About that . . . How annoyed would you be if it wasn’t just us for dinner?’

‘You know I’m always glad to see Sarah.’

‘Not just Sarah,’ he admitted. ‘Jake, Evelyn and Summer too. My sister Kimberly, and a family friend, Nick, who was basically the mastermind for the first Summer’s Christmas fundraiser. And . . . we’ve been invited to Jake’s.’

‘It’s a family thing, then.’ Liv withdrew, already planning her excuses. Obviously she had no place at a meal like that.

‘No, and even if it was, you’d still be invited. There’ll be some ladies from the WI there. Some of our other fundraisers, and probably Millie and whoever else can make it from the surgery.’