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By the time she came out, his toes were aching from the cold and he was seriously regretting having put on trainers instead of his warmer boots, but he still wasn’t moving.

‘What are you doing out here?’

‘I’d hoped that you might want to talk.’

‘You’re an arrogant so and so.’ He couldn’t read her expression.

‘Yeah, I know that. But you’re out here too.’

‘Maybe I’ve been called out to a rescue.’

He supposed that could be true, but she wasn’t carrying any of her usual equipment. ‘Maybe,’ he agreed, ‘but I’m hoping the only person you might be minded to rescue right now is me.’

‘Are you in need of rescuing?’

‘No,’ he told her honestly. ‘I think I already got rescued.’ He met her eyes, hoping she’d read what he was feeling.

She sat on the wall next to him. ‘You know I can’t accept your gifts. It’s too much.’

‘I’m not taking them back, Angel. Besides, it’s yours anyway.’

‘I don’t understand.’

‘It’s your money. Bill’s money.’

‘I’m pretty sure I’d know if I had that amount of money stashed away somewhere.’

‘It’s from the videos,’ he explained. ‘You know how some of the videos did really well — especially the ones with Ernie and Ruby?’

‘I know they got quite a lot of views.’

‘They did so well that I set up a separate account for them, so I could keep track of revenue, and make sure that you got your fair share.’

‘My fair share?’ Angela looked confused. ‘But it’s your social media accounts, and you doing all the work.’

‘They’re your animals. Your rescues. You’re the one who does all the hard work — every day. You’re the one making a difference and giving them extra chances in life. I just shot some footage. The money is yours, Angela. Yours and the animals. And you can’t tell me that you don’t need it. That Bill’s doesn’t need it. I’ve seen your misery folder, remember?’

She slipped her hand into his, and he breathed a sigh of relief, glad to be touching her again, even if it was through thick gloves. ‘I still don’t know if I can accept it.’

‘It’s not my money. I set it up promising at least half of everything would be donated to charity. Besides, it’s not really from me. It’s from the animals. I just need your bank account details.’

‘Funny that it’s your bank account, but not your money.’

‘Well, I couldn’t convince Ernie or Ruby to share their bank account.’ He enjoyed her laughter.

‘That’s because they’re smart,’ she teased him, and he relaxed, taking it as encouragement.

‘You’ve spent so long caring for them, maybe it’s about time you let someone look after you.’ He lifted her hand up to brush his lips against her fingers. ‘And if there’s any chance that you’re looking for volunteers for that job, I’m the first in line. Because I meant what I said, Angel. I love you.’

‘Smarmy,’ she complained, but didn’t pull her hand away.

‘I was trying for charming.’

‘You’re doing all right.’ She smiled at him, encouraging him even more.

‘I know I don’t deserve another chance — you already gave me a second chance that I blew completely. But, I figured, if there’s anyone who really, truly understands extra chances, it’s you. Is there any hope you might give me a third chance?’

She stroked his fingers through his gloves, looked up at him and smiled, and he felt his heart soar. ‘I might not have completely ruled it out. But I do have a question. It might sound a bit odd, but it’s something I’d really like to know.’