Ella had to admit, discovering Charlie was Charlotte had totally knocked her socks off. She was never expecting that in a million years. Dolores was looking radiant and her whole face was lit up with happiness. The moment Ella had set eyes on Charlie, she was even more intrigued by their story.

‘We are going to sail you across to The Lakehouse and get you settled, then Roman and I have a few last-minute preparations to take care of, ready for this evening.’

Ella noticed Charlie slip her hands into Dolores’ as they ambled along the jetty towards the boat. Roman held out his hand and helped them step on board. ‘If you would like to take a seat at the table over there.’ Roman had laid a white crisp cloth over the table with an ice bucket in the middle with a bottle of champagne chilling. ‘You ladies relax and enjoy yourselves.’

‘I can’t believe we are going back to The Lakehouse.’ Charlie placed her hands on her heart. ‘It really is a trip down memory lane.’

Roman and Ella hugged as the ladies made their way over to the table. Roman gently pulled away and held Ella’s hands in his. ‘All this, it’s made me think, that life is too short.’ He took a breath and looked lovingly at Ella. ‘After what happened to me and to you, Ella, I never thought I’d find happiness again but…’ He took Ella’s hand. ‘I have, and this,’ he nodded towards Dolores and Charlie, ‘makes me so happy seeing them here, finally together. My only assumption is, they couldn’t be together because of the times they lived in back then?’

‘I’m not sure, but I’m going to go and find out.’ Ella stood on her tiptoes and kissed Roman softly on the lips. ‘And just for the record, I’m the happiest I’ve ever been.’ She hugged him again before turning to look at Dolores and Charlie, who were in deep conversation. For a second Ella watched them; they were so at ease with each other, it was like they’d never been apart. Ella knew that they’d written to each other for all those years, but they still had a whole lifetime to catch up on.

As the boat set off across the water, Dolores popped the cork on the champagne bottle and poured everyone a glass. ‘I feel like I’m in the middle of the most romantic love story ever. Tell me everything, I want to know everything!’ Ella said.

Dolores looked towards Charlie and squeezed her hand.