05/11/2025

Tom and Helen wonder if Mick will help out with cover at Bridge Farm. After some initial hesitation, and having established he doesn’t need farming expertise, Mick says he’ll give it a try. What are neighbours for? Once in the packhouse Mick finds it all a bit daunting. It’s draughty, and there’s a lot of veg boxes to shift. However, he does a good job and Tom gives Helen a glowing report. When Tom offers Mick the cash for today, Mick refuses. He’s sorry but this work isn’t for him. Having assured him there are no hard feelings Tom gives Helen the bad news. They’re back to square one.

Carly finishes work early, and Chris invites her over to watch fireworks in the garden with Martha. Carly arrives with a gift for Martha. They’re both happy their friendship isn’t proving awkward – they agree what they had was a long time ago. There’s a moment, and Chris apologises for flirting. Carly’s cool with it. They’re enjoying the fireworks with Martha when the wind catches the homemade firework stand and it topples, sending firework sparks shooting in their direction. Carly jumps in front of Martha and no-one is harmed. Afterwards they have a debrief, Chris having taken Martha back to Alice. Chris feels a fool and like a rotten dad, but Carly assures him he’s the opposite. There’s enough to fret about in life without worrying about something that didn’t happen. They share some wine and Chris thanks her for her quick thinking. The time is right for a kiss.