She breathed deeply and looked down at the food. ‘I don’t think anyone’s ever had so strong an effect on me, either. I’d rather take things slowly tonight, though. If you don’t mind.’

He could do that, of course he could. But taking things slowly wouldn’t be his choice. Only, you couldn’t drag your lady love up to bed by the hair, could you? But maybe those cavemen had a point.

After the meal, he helped her clear up then they went to sit in the living room. With the indoor lamps turned low, some skilful outdoor lighting made a fairyland of the courtyard, which distracted him nicely. ‘Who designed your outdoor lighting?’

‘Me.’

‘It’s beautiful. Will you do mine?’

‘When I’m in between books. I save jobs like that for when I’m thinking of a new story. Gentle physical work seems to spark off ideas.’

He put his arm round her. ‘Tell me more about yourself. I want to know everything. What your childhood was like, what your favourite food is, what your plans are for the future, why you became a writer … Every single thing.’

‘If you’ll do the same.’

‘Of course.’ He had to kiss her cheek, it looked so soft. This wasn’t just about passion and wanting her in bed. He wanted her in his life. Permanently. The words popped out before he could stop himself.

‘Will you marry me, Sophie?’

‘What?’

He slid off the couch and went down on one knee. Taking her hand, he said it again, because he wanted so much for it to happen. ‘Will you marry me?’

The hand trembled in his. He looked at it, then at her and raised it to his lips before sitting on the sofa again. ‘Have I upset you?’

‘No. I’m just – astonished.’

‘I am too. I didn’t plan to ask you, it just slipped out. But it’s what I want. Desperately.’

‘Don’t you think we should try living together for a while first?’

‘If you prefer it, we can do that, but I’d prefer to get married.’ He guessed what she must be thinking. ‘Whatever it is between you and me feels so different from the other times, so gentle and right and wonderful, that I want the world to know you’re mine. And I want us to be together all the time.’ He waited.

She gave him a long look, as if searching his very soul, then she took his hands in hers and echoed his gesture by kissing them gently, one after the other. ‘Yes, I will marry you, Jez.’

He hugged her close, letting out a long breath of sheer happiness, then he whirled her to her feet and danced her round the house. ‘This is one time when I’m sorry I’ve given up drinking, because we ought to be toasting our future in the very best champagne.’

‘Sparkling apple juice will do just as well.’

‘In champagne glasses?’

‘Of course.’

He raised his glass to her. ‘I love you.’