He had a few hours left alone with her, and his stomach knotted at the thought. If he could bring himself to be bold enough, he’d make his move later. He’d been thinking about it for a while, and now seemed like the right time to ask her the big question, before it was too late and the opportunity passed.

Sarah had been chatting all the way back to George’s house, but she’d noticed he seemed very quiet. As they pulled up outside, she went to get out of the van, but George stopped her, telling her to wait.

She turned to look at him and saw he was staring straight ahead with his hands gripping the steering wheel. ‘What is it, George?’

‘I … er … I don’t want you and Tommy to go back home,’ he answered.

‘It’s been lovely staying with you and your mum, and I’m not sure I want to go home either. I know Tommy will miss you, but there’s no reason for us to stay now.’

‘There is …’ George said, and slowly twisted himself around to take her hand in his.

‘What are you doing, George?’ Sarah asked as she laughed uncomfortably. From the look in George’s eyes, she had the impression that he was about to become romantic.

‘Would you really prefer to be here, you and Tommy?’

‘Well … yes, I suppose. It’s great for Tommy to have a loving family around him, and your mum is so nice to us both, but it’s not our home, George.’

‘It could be, Sarah, if you want it to be.’

‘It can’t, George. It’s not fair on you to be turfed out of your room, and I’m sure your mum would like her peace and quiet back.’

‘Sarah, can’t you see what I’m getting at? Gawd …’ George took a long breath, then blurted, ‘Marry me?’

Sarah sat stunned and speechless. She knew George liked her, he’d told her before that he loved her, but she hadn’t been expecting a marriage proposal.

‘I know that wasn’t very romantic, but if you say you’ll be my wife, I’ll do it again and properly, down on one knee with a ring.’

Sarah’s mind was racing. She hadn’t misheard him the first time, he’d just confirmed it. She thought maybe he was larking around, but one look into his eyes told her he was serious. She liked George as a person, but he didn’t give her butterflies like Roger did. All the same, she didn’t want to hurt him and searched for the right words to let him down gently.

‘I know it’s a bit of a bolt out of the blue, Sarah, so perhaps you want some time to think about it?’