‘It was the first time he’d told me he loved me. I told him I loved him too, but I’d never said that to anyone before so I got all embarrassed and started saying the names of different bears I also loved. He stopped me and said, “Well, I love you only.” It kind of stuck and, because I felt I needed something to say in return, “I love you always” became my thing.’

Mum nodded. ‘That makes perfect sense now.’

Karen pointed to the gift bag that Scott had left on the floor. ‘What do you think’s in the bag? Bit big for an engagement ring.’

‘Engagement? You don’t think he’d…?’

She shrugged. ‘I don’t know. Coming up to eighteen months together. Birthday. Could be the perfect occasion.’

I looked towards Mum, but she just smiled and looked away. I stared at the sparkly silver bag. ‘No. He wouldn’t. As you say, it’s too big to be an engagement ring.’ But now that she’d planted the thought in my mind, it wouldn’t go away. I tracked back to recent conversations trying to find clues in anything he’d said or done, but there was nothing to suggest a proposal was on the cards.

I felt stupidly nervous when Scott reappeared. He gave Drew his pint, topped up our glasses with the prosecco, then raised a toast. ‘To my gorgeous girlfriend, Jemma. Happy twenty-eighth birthday! I’m sorry I missed the meal but I’ve bought a pretty special gift that will hopefully make up for it.’ He handed me the gift bag. ‘Happy birthday.’

I knew what was in there immediately. I’d handled too many bears over the years not to recognise the feel of them, even encased in a bag. The exciting part was what sort he’d have chosen. Old? New? Artist? I gently peeled back the sticky tape and peered inside, grinning.

‘What is it?’ Karen asked.

‘A bear.’

‘A real one?’ Drew asked.

‘Ha ha.’ I reached my hands into the bag and carefully lifted him out. ‘Oh my God! Scott! He’s one of Mum’s!’

Drew frowned and looked at Mum, then me. ‘Scott’s given you one of your mum’s teddies? Why?’

‘Not literally one of Mum’s bears. It’s a Ju-Sea Bear. Remember I told you Mum designs them? This is one of her designs. He’s absolutely gorgeous, Mum. Thank you so much, Scott. I love him.’

Checking the table wasn’t wet, I sat him down. He was a traditional-looking bear, about 35cm high when seated, wearing a really cute waistcoat, the front of which was made out of small grey and blue patchwork diamonds.

‘What’s his name?’ Karen asked. Mum gave all the bears a name. Karen and I had named several over the years when Mum was stuck for inspiration.