By the end of the morning, Serena hadn't been able to set aside Jason's news completely. It had taken her totally unaware, and she hated not being prepared. She also couldn't help thinking it would be all so different if it was Elinor's …No! She couldn't go there – she had to stay strong for the sake of the hospital. She wondered what role she would be expected to have. Right now the young couple did not really seem to want her at all. And the girl must have parents… Maybe there wouldn't be a place for her in that child's life – and did she even want one?

She had to try and focus on something else, so she put her mind to finding the perfect Valentine's day present for Bernie. Finally, she had the ghost of an idea…She just had to nip out for a moment, to a toy shop. When she got back, she stopped by the hospital shop, where she'd spotted red and white usb keys earlier, and purchased one. Then she went on the internet and downloaded what she wanted. Hopefully she'd found the right words.

Now Bernie had sent the text, she wished she hadn't – she wasn't ready. She racked her brains for a gift idea. A bottle of Shiraz? Too lambda. Same went for roses or cupcakes, or jewellery. And then, while she was in theatre, she got a brainwave. Once back in her office, she bought what she needed on line, and stopped by the hospital shop to buy a usb key – they were all red and white, it would have to do…

Luckily, she finished a little earlier than Serena, and she had time to go to the supermarket, where she bought French food, as a reminder of their happy sunny days in Provence. Armed with scallops à la crème, fish soup and macaroons, she detoured by the wine shop for shiraz and champagne and went home to wait for Serena.

Serena slipped her gift into her handbag and shut off her computer. Then she took a deep breath, put her coat on and walked to her car – now or never …She nipped into the supermarket to buy white wine – she knew Bernie preferred white to red – and champagne, and macaroons – she remembered how many they'd both eaten in the south of France …

When Serena rang the bell, Bernie started. She felt ridiculous – both expectant and terrified, as if were their first date, and could be their last…

They grinned at each other tentatively and exchanged awkward kisses. Once they'd settled on the couch, they both took out small parcels from their pockets and exchanged gifts. At the same time, they discovered a red and white usb key… With Bernie's key was a tiny old-fashioned black Singer sewing machine, doll-house size. While Bernie was fingering the small object in puzzlement, Serena took out her tablet and plugged her key in. When she saw what was on it, she grinned and looked at Bernie. The latter returned the grin, and said: "I know, I know – not my fault if you've got naff taste in music and in movies…but at least now you can bring your favourite movie with you wherever you go." And she showed Serena two movie tickets: "I hope you realise what a sacrifice I'll be making for you – to sit through two hours of this mushy nonsense…"

"It's not mushy! It's …Classic! You know you secretly like disco too…"

"Me? Never!" Bernie handed Serena the two tickets for "Mamma Mia 2", with a folded A4 sheet and went to fetch her own tablet. When she saw the title of the film on the key, she felt a lump in her throat and understood the gift. Serena silently pushed another sheet of paper towards her. Bernie unfolded it and read silently:

"How do you solve a problem like Bernie?/ How do you catch a cloud and pin it down? /How do you find a word that means Bernie? /

Many a thing you know you'd like to tell her / Many a thing she ought to understand/ But how do you make her stay/ And listen to all you say / How do you keep a wave upon the sand/ Oh, how do you solve a problem like Bernie? /How do you hold a moonbeam in your hand?

When I'm with her I'm confused / Out of focus and bemused / And I never know exactly where I am/ Unpredictable as weather / She's a darling! She's a demon! She's a lamb!

She'd outpester any pest / Drive a hornet from its nest / She could throw a whirling dervish out of whirl / She is gentle! She is wild! /She's a riddle! She's a child! / She's a headache! She's an angel!/ She's a girl!

She's my girl …"

Then she lifted her eyes towards Serena: "You remembered…"

"Yes …Your favourite movie…I still can't see you as Maria von Trapp, though, but…"

"Thank you – that is …the most thoughtful gift I've ever had. Thank you. ..Will you …Will you read yours? And ..You can listen at the same time – 49 minutes from the beginning of the soundtrack…"

Serena looked at the sheet of paper in her hand: "I don't wanna talk/ About the things we've gone through/ Though it's hurting me/ Now it's history/ I've played all my cards/ And that's what you've done too/ Nothing more to say/ No more ace to play/

I was in your arms/ Thinking I belonged there/ I figured it made sense/ Building me a fence/ Building me a home/ Thinking I'd be strong there/ But I was a fool /Playing by the rules/The gods may throw a dice/Their minds as cold as ice/And someone way down here/Loses someone dear/ The winner takes it all/ The loser has to fall/ It's simple and it's plain/ Why should I complain? / Somewhere deep inside/You must know I miss you/But what can I say/ /The judges will decide/ The likes of me abide/ The game is on again/ A lover or a friend /A big thing or a small /The winner takes it all/I don't wanna talk / Cos it makes me feel sad

I apologize / If it makes you feel bad/ Seeing me so tense/ No self-confidence /But you see/ /The game is on again/ A lover or a friend/ A big thing or a small/ The winner takes it all

I want to break the rules – I want US to take it all…"

When she finished reading, Serena had tears in her eyes. She held her arms towards Bernie, and Bernie sank into them. This was not a night for talking – this was a night for love and tenderness. Anything else could wait till morning.