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Aiden shook his head, still amused – and slightly weirded out – by their apparent conversations.

‘Sorry, yes. Of course. You’re right.’ She turned to Aiden with a smile. ‘Was there anything else you needed?’

‘Umm, well, I was going to ask if you minded me shooting off a bit earlier today. I want to get to the flower shop before they close.’

‘Planning a night of passion with delightful Deanna?’

‘No. Deanna and I are done.’

‘I’m sorry to hear that.’

‘Don’t be. It was perfectly amicable. Things had just run their course. And tonight’s with someone a lot more special.’

‘Really? Going to tell me who?’

‘Nope.’ He grinned cheerfully.

‘Spoilsport. But yeah, feel free to clear off.’

‘Thanks, boss. Have a good evening.’

‘You too, Aiden.’

It didn’t take him long to cash out the till, walk to the tiny florist’s, and find the perfect bunch he’d been hoping for.

When he got home, he wheeled his bike into the garage – taking care not to scratch the car – and let himself in. He followed the delicious smells to the kitchen and smiled to see the petite blonde-haired woman humming along to the radio as she chopped vegetables, pausing every so often to dance a couple of steps. Her movements were slightly stiff and out of rhythm – but happy, and all the more lovely for it.

He waited until she put down the knife, and swept her up in a big one-armed hug then kissed the top of her head, just like he’d done for years.

‘Hello, love. Good day at work?’ She wiped her hands on the towel flung over her shoulder.

‘Yeah, pretty good, thanks. I got you something.’

‘You shouldn’t have.’

‘I shouldn’t spoil my best girl? You know I’m going to.’ He produced the flowers from behind his back.

‘You are soppy.’ She laughed and took the bouquet, burying her nose amongst the soft pink tulips and sunny daffodils. ‘But thank you.’ She kissed his cheek. ‘Do you want to stick the kettle on while I arrange these?’

‘Sure. Do I smell what I hope I smell?’

‘If you’re hoping for steak and ale pie, you do.’ She filled a vase with water.

‘You’re too good to me.’ He dumped the tea bags into the pot, knowing she’d pull a face if he dared to make tea straight in the mugs like 99 per cent of people did.

‘Says the man bringing me flowers. Is there really no one – no lucky lady – you’d rather be buying them for instead of your decrepit old mum?’

‘No.’ For a second, Mia’s face flashed into his head. ‘At least no one who’d appreciate them. And less of the decrepit, thank you very much.’

‘I don’t know how you’re still single.’ She shook her head at him. ‘You’re a catch, Aiden. And yes, I know I’m biased, but I don’t think I’m that biased.’

‘Guess I got lucky and took after you then.’

She snorted laughter. ‘I know I nag, but I worry. I’d feel a bit better if you had someone to look after you as well as you look after me.’

‘But I haven’t met anyone who cooks as good as you,’ he teased.

‘If that’s the only thing stopping you, find yourself a nice girl and I’ll teach her myself!’