The Single Mums’ Picnic Club: A perfectly uplifting beach-read for 2018!. Jennifer Joyce

we’ve managed to get hold of Ellie’s dad, and he’s confirmed that he asked you to pick up Ellie and Leo. He meant to call, but it slipped his mind.’ He shrugged, while Katie smiled tightly. Her hands would slip around Jack’s throat later… ‘So, Miss Baxter is going to bring Leo here in a moment to save you going over to her classroom at the other end of the playground. Hopefully that rain has stopped by now…’ He peered out of the window and pulled a face. It was still pouring down. ‘Have you got everything ready, Ellie? You’ll need to put your hood up.’

      Leo soon arrived in the reception class, so after Katie had ensured all the children were bundled up, they made a dash for it. She managed to keep the little ones entertained until Jack arrived an hour later, apologising profusely for the blunder.

      ‘I felt like a criminal as I sat on that tiny chair.’ Katie jutted her chin in the air with indignation, but her fingers were no longer itching to circle around her neighbour’s neck. ‘I’m sure that teacher thought I was a child-snatcher.’

      ‘I’m sure he didn’t but let me make it up to you.’ Jack handed Leo his coat. ‘Let me take you for a drink? To say thank you for watching the kids, and for my screw up.’

      ‘You don’t have to do that.’ Katie crouched to help Ellie zip up her coat. ‘I’m just returning the favour after the boiler repair. You saved me a fortune and prevented us turning into human ice pops.’

      ‘I insist. When are you free?’

      Katie slipped Ellie’s hat on. They were only going next door, but it was still pouring with rain.

      ‘The kids are staying with their dad on Friday night…’

      ‘Great.’ Jack clapped his hands together. ‘My lot will be with their mum, so that’s perfect. I’ll pick you up at seven?’