Unable to put off the inevitable any longer, I return to our table and sit myself back down.

‘Are you all right, kitten?’ Dom reaches across the table and gives my hand a reassuring squeeze. ‘We can go back to your apartment now if you’re tired.’

‘No, no. I’m fine. Think I’m just a bit full.’

‘If you’re sure?’

‘I’m sure.’

‘OK, then.’ He signals something to one of the waiting staff, then focuses his attention on me. ‘You still eating that?’

‘I am. But I’m not sure I can finish it. Want a taste?’

‘Thought you’d never ask.’ He leans over and takes a forkful of my dessert. ‘Wow, that’s chocolatey. The chestnut complements it really well. Ah, here we are…’

He acknowledges the arrival of two waiting staff at our table: one who places a flute of champagne in front of each of us; the other, a plate of home-made confectionery with the words ‘Will you marry me? (2.0)’ piped onto it with chocolate. Before I can even register what’s going on, the waiting staff have disappeared, and Dom’s out of his seat and on one knee on the floor.

‘Kitten, I’m so happy you’re still in love with me, because I can’t imagine how crushed I would have been if you’d said you weren’t. We were set the ultimate test this year. It did break us temporarily, but now I feel we’ll wind up stronger together. All I want in my future is you: in sickness and health, til death do us part. Will you marry me?’

It’s my turn to respond and I’m so dumbstruck by what’s just happened, I have no idea how to reply. Dom’s beaming up at me lovingly, arms extended, holding an open ring box, which I note with interest doesn’t contain the same ring I returned to him earlier this year – the diamond is about twice the size.

‘So, Lex, what do you say?’ Dom prompts me. ‘Can we resume our future together?’

I take a deep shaky breath and glance around me anxiously. Thankfully, as our table is situated in a narrow alcove of the conservatory-style dining room, and the table along from us has been vacated, there’s no one within hearing distance.

‘I… err… gosh, Dom, this is a bit out of nowhere.’

His smile wavers slightly. ‘I know it’s a surprise, and I wondered myself whether I should do this so soon. But I figured as we were engaged before, we should pick up where we left off. I so badly want to marry you, kitten.’

I bite my bottom lip nervously, my eyes starting to sting from the horribly conflicting mix of emotions at play. ‘I get it, Dom. I really do. This is all so lovely, and that ring is incredible. It’s just that… we haven’t actually discussed any of the issues that broke us up. Sure, we’ve both had time to take in my diagnosis and settle our emotions over it, but does that mean we’ll be able to pick up where we left off before all that?’