I look out onto the evening Parisian sky and count my blessings to be here with such fine company. Then I close my eyes and savour this special moment, feeling Jack’s breath on my neck as he gets up and snuggles into me again, his strong arms round my waist from behind.

‘I’ve something to ask you, Charlotte,’ Jack whispers into my ear.

‘What’s wrong?’ I ask, dread swimming in my tummy. ‘Is something wrong?’

I’ve been waiting on the day when he’ll realize my dedication to Matthew was motivated by guilt as much as love and he’ll ask what happened to make me feel that way. He turns me round to face him.

‘Nothing is wrong,’ Jack smiles back at me. ‘It’s the opposite, in fact, because everything is just perfect. Look, I know it’s only been six months since we started dating but so much has happened since then, don’t you think?’

I nod. Yes, it has, I suppose.

Jack is always reflective and dreamy, sentimental even, but tonight he is more emotional than I’ve ever seen him.

‘I’m so madly in love with you, Charlotte,’ he says, ‘more than I think you even know. You’re caring, gentle and you deserve the best that life has to offer. I hope you’ll let me help you to get the very best in life after all you’ve suffered lately.’

I’m just about to crack a joke but I don’t get a chance to as Jack puts his hand in his pocket, takes out a small, black velvet box and opens it to reveal the most exquisite, white gold, solitaire diamond ring that twinkles as it catches the light from the restaurant’s chandeliers.

My hands automatically go up to my face and I lose my breath.

‘Charlotte Jane Taylor, will you marry me?’ he says, shocking me to the very core. I can’t speak. I had absolutely no idea this was coming, and it’s hard to find the words to respond, even if it’s only a simple one-word answer. I’m also aware of the faces of so many other diners who are enjoying their after-dinner drinks in this most romantic setting around us, waiting in anticipation to see what I’m going to say.

I shake my head in disbelief. I try to speak but I almost choke.