She settled Alfie in his bed in the kitchen, grabbed her smartest beige winter coat, and headed swiftly down the stairs, not wanting to keep him waiting.

‘Wow, you look gorgeous,’ he said, beaming, offering the bouquet at the same time as leaning in to kiss her.

He smelt divine, even better than the flowers. ‘Thank you so much, they are just beautiful.’ The blooms were white, cream, and a delicate soft pink with roses, carnations and some others she didn’t know the names of, with sprigs of green foliage that set them off perfectly.

‘Your carriage awaits.’ And he motioned to the jeep with a smile, bringing them both back down to earth in a lovely way. This was all rather fabulous, but they could be themselves too.

It was a twenty-minute drive north to the coastal village of Bamburgh. They passed through a couple of country villages, along winding lanes with farmland each side of the road, though it was too dark to make out much en route. Arriving in Bamburgh they passed the impressive stone castle lit up and set on the rocks above the dunes which marked the start of the village.

Lights were strung along the main street, highlighting cottages, a hotel, and small shops. In the centre of the village was a green with an area of grass and established trees, which had been lit with white lights. As they parked, she spotted a family of wooden reindeer, made of twined willow and fairy lights and all different sizes, in the middle. It looked like some mini magical forest.

‘Oh, wow, isn’t that just so pretty?’ she commented to Max.

‘Cute, isn’t it?’

It was cold as they stepped out of the vehicle, one of those crisp winter nights that would bring frost. She snuggled into her coat and took Max’s hand as they walked to the Saltwater Bistro. Max held open the door for her in a gentlemanly fashion, which was rather nice.

There was a central hall which had a large pine Christmas tree decorated with big silver and blue baubles and silver tinsel. It looked fabulous and festive in a coastal kind of way, which fitted perfectly with the restaurant, which was themed with sea and sky colours of blues, greys, and creams. A waiter came across and took Emma’s coat and led them to their table for two, asking what they would like to drink.

‘Oh, I’d like a gin and tonic, please,’ Emma said. That seemed a lovely drink to start with, and a treat.

‘Coke for me, please, pint.’ Max added, ‘Driving,’ for Emma’s benefit. ‘Though I will stretch to a nice glass of wine with the meal. We’ll order that later though, thanks.’