A Reunion at Mulberry Lane. Rosie Clarke

have most of mine, Rose. Get some nice chocolates for yourself, though.’

      ‘I like a big box to hand round,’ Rose said. ‘Peggy is coming up for Christmas and I’ve asked if they will all come to tea on Boxing Day – you don’t mind, do you?’

      ‘Of course, I don’t,’ Tom said and grinned. ‘I love Peggy and Able and the terrible twins…’

      ‘You shouldn’t call them that, Tom. I’m sure they’re all grown up and not terrible at all now.’

      ‘Peggy still calls them that,’ Tom said, unrepentant. ‘That girl is a handful – she could teach our Jenny a few tricks, and that’s sayin’ something. Freddie was always a loving little boy, but I dare say he stands up for himself these days.’

      ‘Well, we’ll see soon enough,’ Rose said and giggled at his expression. ‘I’d better dish the dinner up – and then we could have an early night if you like?’

      ‘I was thinking…’ he said, looking at her in a way that made her heart catch. ‘I can’t afford it yet – but perhaps next year when Jackie is a bit older, we might go for a holiday abroad – France or Jersey or somewhere…’

      ‘Oh, Tom, I don’t know,’ Rose looked at him doubtfully. ‘Think of all the folk that got killed in plane crashes last month – the paper said a hundred and forty-two…’

      ‘It sounds a lot,’ Tom agreed, ‘but thousands travel safely all the time. I reckon it would be fun going somewhere like that…’

      ‘Yes, it might,’ she agreed and looked at him in wonder. ‘I’d never thought of it, Tom. If we could afford a holiday – why don’t we go down to Cornwall? Have a little cottage near the beach for the kids?’ She looked thoughtful. ‘Wouldn’t you rather save any spare money for your house than squander it on a foreign holiday?’

      ‘Would you rather do that?’ He smiled at her and kissed her. ‘Yes, I think you’re right – but you always are, my beautiful, sensible, gorgeous wife.’

      Tom smiled contentedly as he followed her into the kitchen and admired the sway of her hips. No wonder other men lusted after his wife, but she was all his – and she loved him. He was a fool to be jealous because there was no need.