Caroline's enthusiasm had become infectious. So much so that when the news broke that there was going to be a rise in temperature, Harry was back behind the wheel and heading for the garden centre. Boyed even further by the fact that Beth had sent him a message saying that they were all having a whale of a time, so there was no need for him or mum to hurry back. Which meant that this time when they parked up, not only did he feel free to concentrate on what they were here for, but now that both Malcolm and Caroline knew everything there was to know, he could quite openly show the length's he was prepared to go when it came to Ruth's happiness.

Including a major overhaul of his lifestyle which according to his last medical report had been described as average at best and foolhardy at worst, highlighting the fact that men of his age were more likely to live longer if they gave up their nightly visit to the drink's cabinet in favour of a brisk walk every day, or an hour or so with a spade in their hand. The first of which was on their doorstep and came under the heading of the Norfolk Coastline and the second, by bringing back to life and maintaining the garden which according to Caroline had been wilfully neglected.

Knowing his way around, despite their previous visit being curtailed and armed with a loyalty card which ensured that any large items they bought would be delivered the following day, he and Malcolm headed towards an area where multiple garden buildings and fencing were on display. The fact that his bank balance was going to take a hammering was being far outweighed by the sheer joy on Ruth's face as she and Caroline wandered off to the plant section in search of some roses.

Added to which, the expression I might be some time, unlike the ill-fated Captain Oates, came with the guarantee that when she did return it would be with a good deal more than just a few plants.

'I suggest we have a cup of coffee,' said Malcolm,' once they had picked up a couple of brochures. The implication being that having spent some time with Caroline he now knew that women never did things by halves. Only to change tack once their drinks had arrived when he said, 'you do know that both you and Ruth are incapable of hiding how you feel about each other, don't you.'

Not wanting to admit to having been caught daydreaming, 'we're back to what made me decide to retire but with a twist aren't we?' Harry suggested.

Are we? said Malcolm's expression.

To which Harry eventually responded, 'I can't speak for Ruth, but in my case, guilty as charged.'

Only for Malcolm to back him into a corner, one which required and honest reply, by saying, 'rubbish, you and Ruth have been reading each other's minds for years.'

'You win,' he told the man who was so much more than just a friend now. One who not only had access to his bank account, but had promised on his late mother's life, that if something happened to him, he would look after Ruth.

Not that either of them got the chance to consider why they had reverted to a game of verbal ping pong, because within a few moments of arriving home and unloading the car, Caroline was back in her well what are we waiting for mode. Which by the end of the afternoon, had revealed several stone paths, a particularly large flower bed which had obviously been the focal point of the garden at some time, what had once been a vegetable plot and a perfectly adequate base for the shed which amongst other things was arriving in the morning.

All of which he and Ruth were taking a last look at, or in their speak were taking a turn around the grounds, after Malcolm and Caroline had gone back inside. Not for long in Malcolm's case, as he returned with two mugs of tea and an expression which said take all the time you need. Knowing as he did that the adrenalin rush that had kept Ruth going would eventually bring her to her knees. Before he disappeared again just as quickly.

'I've got the required handkerchief if you need it or I could just kiss you instead,' Harry suggested, aware that the flood gates were about to open.

'I love this garden and I love you to Harry so much and I've never been this happy, but I'm just so bloody tired,' she just about managed.

'Nothing that a long hot bath and a good night's sleep won't cure,' he said, before with a gentleness that would have made the hardest of hearts soften, he wiped away her tears before he kissed her.

.

The sound of the van disappearing up the lane the following morning, heralded the start of what was to be another step forward after an admission by all bar Ruth who was feeling a lot better after a night in Harry's arms, that at best they needed to pace themselves and at worst they had bitten off more than they could chew. Confronted as they were by considerable number of fence panels, the shed which also needed erecting, a wheel barrow, step ladders, planters and what were listed on the invoice as sundry items, a what to tackle first discussion was in progress. Leaving them to it, Ruth had gone back inside to make a restorative hot drink and to search for some painkillers to deal with the various aches and pains which had developed overnight, only to hear a knock on the door.

Not expecting anyone, 'I hope I'm not intruding, but I need to have a word with you both,' said a woman who was about the same age as she was, holding tight to the hand of a small boy who Ruth guessed was Jacob.

'You must be Sally, sorry we missed you the other day. Please come in and I'll give Harry a shout.'

'Jacob's not always this quiet, give him a few moments to get used to you and he'll never stop talking,' she told Harry when Ruth was making the three of them a drink. Malcolm and Caroline having insisted that keep out of the way. 'The thing is and I'll understand if say no, I can't afford to pay for childcare which means that until he's old enough to go to school I'll have to bring him with me.'

Harry's expression said can you cope with this Ruth so soon after Nico? What he said with the intension of buying her some time was, 'why don't we all go outside and you can see what we're planning to do with the garden.'

Where ten minutes later having already told Sally that of course she could bring Jacob with her, Ruth and Sally were watching Harry who was squatting down in front of Jacob, answering whatever question Jacob was asking him about the pile of fencing which was now neatly stacked against the house wall and the box of tools that were yet to be opened.

That Ruth wanted to tell Harry that her love for him in the moment was almost bringing her to tears again, she was keeping for bedtime. Because the only thing that mattered was to tell a mum who was struggling to make ends meet through no fault of her own, that not only were living here permanently but that her two mornings a week were secure.

'I'm so grateful,' said Sally, when Harry dragged himself to his feet and with Jacob tottering beside him was walking towards them. Before adding, 'and don't forget to tell your husband that I'm sure my uncle will be more than happy to give him a hand.'

Husband thought Ruth. A word which from someone who knew nothing about them or their history made all the difference.

.

After lunch and because help was at the end of the phone which meant that they no longer had to worry about their ability to get everything done before Malcolm drove Caroline back to Cambridgeshire, they headed up the lane and took footpath which led down to the beach.

Where for the second time in as many hours they were gifted another positive, this time from Caroline.

'This place is the stuff of dreams,' she told them, along with an expression to suggest that she was thinking back to happier times. Before turning towards them and surprising them by saying, 'I don't have the words to tell you how grateful I am that you've brought me into your lives, other than I wish you both all the happiness in the world.'