“Here.” Hannah held out a couple of crutches.

“For me?” He smiled. “You shouldn’t’ve. Didn’t know it was my birthday. But they ain‘t wrapped.”

“Be like that and I’ll take them away again.”

“No, please, I love them.” He chuckled. “Just what I always wanted.”

“Well, you’re healing quick, and I think a little light exercise won’t be too bad for you. Just so long as you don’t try leaping around quite yet.”

He shook his head. “Never even considered it.”

“No, course not.”

They laughed together, easy in each other’s company.

“So I'm being given the run of the place?” he asked, moving himself forward so his legs hung off the edge of the bed.

“There’s not much of a place to run, but some fresh air might put some colour in your cheeks.” She leaned forward, doing up the shirt she’d given him to wear. “But you have to keep warm. I've got one of Ben’s old coats out for you – the sleeves might be a bit short, but it’ll do.”

He grinned at her. “And I’m grateful. You know that.”

She blushed and turned away. “Well, a body has to be helpful.” Going to the fire she picked up his boots. “Good job you didn’t lose these in the river,” she said, giving herself a moment by brushing imaginary dust off them. “Ben’s would never’ve fit you. He had small feet. Almost dainty.”

“Don’t think that word’s ever been used to describe me,” he said, knowing exactly what she was doing. “So, you planning on hugging them to death, or do I get to put them on?”

Hannah glared at him. “I’ll have you know it took me ages to get them soft. The leather had soaked up a load of water, and when they dried they were stiff as … well, I thought I might have to throw them out.” She held them out. “I worked hard on these.”

“And they look shiny.” He glanced down at his stocking feet. “’Cept I’m thinking I need help getting them on.”

She smiled. “That I can manage.”

“Ben, come on!” Jonah shouted from the doorway. “We’ve built a snowman, but we need you to help finish him off!”

“I'm coming fa