‘No. You did something very much more important.’

‘What? What could be more important than fame and fortune?’ She spoke lightly but she really didn’t know what he could be talking about.

‘As I said before, you cured me of writer’s block. When you came into my life I’d got jaded and cynical and you – well, you showed me that there were still sweet, pure things.’ He kissed the top of her head.

Tears clogged the back of Laura’s throat and she waited until they’d gone before saying, ‘That makes me sound like an organic pudding, if I may say so.’

He laughed, hugging her close. ‘Oh God, you’re so adorable. When I’m being soppy and sentimental, you’re sharp, like a drop of lemon juice.’

‘OK, now I’m an organic lemon pudding.’

He suddenly paused, gazing at her, an earnest look on his face. ‘Darling, have I made it clear to you how much I love you? That I want to spend the rest of my life with you?’

‘Not exactly, no.’ Her heart fluttered.

‘Well, what do you need me to say?’

She laughed, bolder now, her heart singing with joy. How could she have forgotten how much she loved being in his company, teasing him? ‘Dermot Flynn, I am not going to put words into your mouth. You have your own silver tongue to help you.’

‘Laura Horsley, I do solemnly declare—’

‘I think that’s plagiarism.’

‘Don’t care. I do solemnly declare that I have never loved anyone as much as I love you. And that I will love you until the Mountains of Mourne stop going down to the sea or some other very unlikely geological event takes place. And I want to take you home to Ireland and keep you safe by my side for ever. And the little ones, when they come along. I’ll keep them safe too. What do you say?’

Laura’s insides were melting. ‘Did you ask me a question?’

‘No. I just wanted your general opinion of what I just said.’

‘Apart from the plagiarism?’

‘Apart from that.’

‘I think they most be the most beautiful words you’ve ever invented.’

He seemed pleased. ‘And to think I just said them off the top of my head.’

Laura put her hand up to the top of his head and pushed her fingers into his curls. ‘I expect our children will have curly hair.’

‘That’s all right. Curly-haired children are my favourite kind.’

They had just snaked their bodies so there was as little space between them as possible when they heard movement overhead.

‘You’d better go back upstairs,’ said Laura. ‘Otherwise we’ll never be able to face my parents over the All-Bran.’

Epilogue

Epilogue

‘Are you sure you’re all right carrying that bag?’ asked Dermot as they prepared to set off.