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‘Thanks.’

He climbed out of the car. Kelly gave him a thumbs up, then snapped at him to shut the door before the car filled up with snow. As she drove off, he stood on the street outside Charlotte’s house, snow pattering around him. A couple of doors down, an animated reindeer made out of wire and Christmas lights bobbed its head up and down, the tinkling of Jingle Bells just audible. Jacob walked up to the bottom of Charlotte’s path and stood there for a long time, trying to drum up the courage to take a few more steps and knock on her door.

He waited. He was starting to get covered in snow. There was a little covered porch which looked far warmer than the street, yet still his legs wouldn’t move. He tried, but nothing would happen. His body felt frozen solid.

He was still standing there a couple of minutes later when he saw the lights of a car moving slowly up the street. He turned to stare as the driver’s side window was wound down, and Kelly leaned out, eyes wide with frustration.

‘Do I literally have to push you up to the front door? If you don’t get a move on, you’re going to get buried. Hurry up!’

Jacob took a deep breath. ‘All right.’

‘Go!’

Kelly wound the window up. Just as she pulled off, she beeped the horn loud enough to make Jacob jump. Feet crunching in the snow, he found himself inside Charlotte’s gate. Turning back, he saw Kelly’s car drive off up the street.

His feet had left deep impressions in snow that was now a couple of inches deep. If he just turned and walked away, it would look like someone had come here and waited, watching the house. It might freak Charlotte out. He … had … to move.

Walking in feet cast in lead—but possibly also affected by frostbite—he hauled himself the last few paces to the front door. There was a bell, but he could pretend he didn’t see it, give a light knock, tell Kelly he’d tried. She hadn’t answered, that was all. At least he’d made an effort. She wouldn’t listen to him anyway; James’s lies would have spread like untamed weeds. She would slam the door in his face, call the police. Mark would show up and put the cuffs on him for real. He would—

A shadow appeared behind the frosted glass. Jacob, one hand still raised as though he was ready to knock, held his breath as the door handle clicked and the door slowly opened. Light flooded out, momentarily dazzling him. Then he saw Charlotte standing there, wearing fluffy pyjamas and a thick woollen dressing gown.

‘Hello, Jacob,’ she said, giving him a soft smile.

He wanted to melt, but there was little chance of that with the weather being so cold. Even if he could defrost a little. He opened his mouth, sucked in a breath, and managed to say, ‘I haven’t knocked yet.’

‘I know. Kelly sent me a message to say you were standing outside my house, freezing to death.’

‘She … sent you a message?’

‘Of course. She’s my best friend. She wasn’t going to let someone knock on my door so late without warning me.’ She smiled. ‘I was watching you from the window upstairs. You’re completely covered in snow. Do you want to come in?’

‘Yes, please.’

She stepped back, letting him come into the porch. He closed the door, and immediately the heat of the room started to thaw him out. She helped him take off his coat, then with an amused smile she reached up and brushed snow off the top of his head.

‘I wasn’t sure how long you were going to stay out there,’ she said.

‘Probably forever. Or until death, whichever came first.’

Charlotte gave a little laugh, putting a hand over her mouth. Her eyes lit up, pretty lashes flickering. Life was perfect: if Jacob could have frozen this moment forever.

‘I have something to tell you,’ he said.

Charlotte nodded. ‘I know. You can give me the short version, though. Kelly had you on speakerphone while you were in the car.’

He could only gasp. ‘What … I … you mean…?’

‘I heard everything.’ Her eyes narrowed, and her cheeks dimpled. ‘I’ll be having a word with her tomorrow about her calling me an airhead, but otherwise I get it.’

‘I can’t believe….’

‘She wanted to make sure you told the truth, and you did.’

‘But….’

‘Jacob … she’s my best friend.’ She reached out a hand. Her palm felt warm and soft. His were starting to thaw, his fingers bright red, blood rushing in, making the tendons ache. ‘Come on,’ she said. ‘I made hot chocolate. And you need to meet my dog. He’s a good judge of character. He’ll either be your new best friend, or he’ll try to rip your face off.’

Jacob could only nod. Very slowly, he allowed himself to smile.