‘I can’t help but think that it would have made him the happiest man to see you wear this ring.’

Lily felt the tears press against the back of her eyelids and hastily blinked before one could escape. ‘Do you think he can see us?’ she whispered hopefully.

Henry sighed. ‘I have no idea, but I’d like to think so,’ he said, pressing a kiss to the top of her head. They stayed like that until the desire to try on the ring became too much.

She pulled out of his embrace and gave him the box, smiling. He gently eased the ring from his case and Lily didn’t even mind that his hands trembled a little as he took her finger.

‘I promise never to leave you again,’ he said, looking her square in the eye. ‘To love you with every single beat of my heart. To spend every single day from now on reminding you how wonderful and amazing you are, and thanking my lucky stars that you said yes. Hawke’s Cove is where we will live, but Lily, you are my home, my sanctuary, my safe haven.’

He was about to slide the ring onto her finger when she stopped him. For a second, she saw the moment of concern, almost fear, flash in his eyes. And she thought she knew why, which was why she halted his progress.

‘Henry, Blake and Hawke’s Cove, V, Malie and Zo all gave me a safe space to land when I was hurt. It was more than I could have asked for and everything I thought I wanted. But from the moment I met you, you challenged me. Drove me mad sometimes,’ she said with a smile, remembering just half a dozen of the times she had wanted to murder him. ‘But you showed me what I couldn’t see from the others. That I had been hiding. From the world, from myself even. But you also showed me how strong I was and how deserving – and for some reason that was hard for me. You broke through walls I didn’t even know I had, dug me out of holes I didn’t realize I was in. And I love you for that. I love you for showing me the woman you see me to be, when I couldn’t see it for myself. I will spend every day loving you – the incredible man I see in you. You’ve shown me I don’t have to do it all by myself. That it’s better, easier and infinitely more enjoyable to do it with … not just someone, but with you. Hawke’s Cove is where my family and friends are – now at least – but you are my true home.’

The love shining in his eyes was a wonder. No more doubt, no fear, no concern. But pure belief in each other’s love … it was a power she never knew had existed.