It was approaching 10.30am and so far Ella’s room had been like Chester station at rush hour. ‘It’s like the hokey-cokey in here – one in, one out, shake it all about,’ teased Ella, but secretly she was pleased that everyone was coming to visit. ‘There’s no chance of me getting any rest,’ she joked as Callie walked into the room.

‘Don’t be cheeky!’ replied Callie, hovering at the end of the bed.

‘Here, have this chair, I was waiting until you got here.’ Roman stood and gestured to the chair. ‘I’ve got to get to work. I’m on the late shift tonight, so please drop me a text after your scan and I’ll be back in tomorrow.’

‘Of course, and thanks for all this.’ Ella nodded towards the chocolate and the magazines. ‘Curtesy of Hamish.’ He leant across the bed and kissed her softly on the cheek. ‘And don’t go getting into any more trouble whilst I’m gone.’

‘I’ll do my best.’

Ella knew that Callie’s eyes were firmly fixed on her when Roman left the room. She perched on the end on the bed. ‘What’s going on between you two? I know that look.’

‘What look?’ Ella was trying to play it cool but then beamed.

‘Are you…?’

‘We are going on a date and that is all I’m saying.’

‘Yay! I’m so chuffed for you. Honestly, you make the perfect couple and the way he looks at you! Roman was beside himself last night when he saw the boat sailing off.’ Callie told Ella how he’d hurtled back inside to see if Ella had stayed behind, and when they realised Alex had disappeared, it was all hands on deck. Roman had been blown around by the winds as he’d single-handedly tried to pull the speed boat from the back of the bay, but thankfully the police and the coastguard had turned up. ‘Honestly, Roman was like a superhero, he jumped on to their boat and took over – he was going to save you, no matter what.’

Listening to Callie, Ella felt that magical flip in her stomach. This time it wasn’t one of dread or fear, but the first flush of love. She knew she was falling for Roman more and more by the hour, if that was at all possible.

‘And Flynn gave me this to show you. He passes on his best and said he’ll pop in later with Julia, but look at this.’ Callie delved into her bag and placed the magazine on Ella’s lap. ‘Turn to page sixteen.’ Ella opened up the magazine and, as instructed, turned to page sixteen.