‘It feels like Christmas to me,’ added Isla, taking her first glass of champagne from the waiter.

As they set off, the rain could be heard thrashing down on the roof of the boat but that didn’t dampen anyone’s spirits; they couldn’t wait for their evening to start. Ella ducked with each thunderous boom, causing everyone to laugh. She knew it was silly but she couldn’t help it.

Very soon The Lakehouse was in sight, and on the whole the crossing had been a little bumpy but nothing too scary. As Roman steered the boat in to calmer waters, Ella gasped; there were lights guiding the boat along the riverbank and the weeping willows sparkled in multiple colours.

‘You’ve not seen anything yet.’ Roman looked over his shoulder and Ella joined him at the helm. ‘Look, what do you think?’

‘I think it’s the most romantic thing I’ve seen in a long, long time.’ The restaurant looked like a magical wonderland. The lights were draped across the front of the restaurant, giving it very much a Christmas feel, and there were roaring fire pits burning under huge canopies. Despite the wind and the rain, the whole place looked magnificent.

‘We are going for the full dress rehearsal tonight, aren’t we? I’m surprised the rain doesn’t put the fires out,’ remarked Ella, thinking how dramatic yet beautiful it all looked.

‘I think it’s artificial flames just for effect, but on the night, there will be a red carpet trailing all the way up the jetty to the entrance,’ added Callie. ‘The left-hand side of the bay will be cordoned off for the paparazzi and the TV cameras, whilst the guests can line up on the right-hand side where they can say hello, shake hands with the stars etc. on the way into the restaurant.’

‘It’s all coming together!’ Ella felt a tiny thrill of excitement. If it felt as spectacular as this on the night, it would definitely be a night to remember.

After cutting the engine, Roman pulled on his waterproofs before he ventured outside and secured the boat. Within seconds he was back on the boat and drenched. ‘It’s a short walk to the restaurant but it’s brutal out there. Don’t put your umbrellas up because they won’t last two minutes in this wind. Here…’ Roman handed out ponchos. ‘You can dispose of them once inside.’

Everyone was grateful and even though it was only a short walk across the jetty, they really were likely going to get soaked.

Just as they were about to make a run for it, Roman stopped Ella. ‘I forgot to say, there was a man asking after you on the last crossing.’

‘Really, for me? Did he give you his name or why he wanted me?’

Roman shook his head. ‘Maybe it’s something to do with the event? He’s waiting inside for you.’