‘I’m glad I did too.’ Ella snuggled in close, feeling safe and content in Roman’s arms. Tilting her face upwards, Roman gazed into her eyes then kissed her so tenderly, it sent shivers down her spine.

A couple of hours later, when Ella walked back through the front door of the flat, Callie was tapping her watch. ‘Where have you been? We need to get ready! Which dress are you going to wear?’ Callie pointed to the two dresses hanging up from the back of the door in the living room.

Ella couldn’t make up her mind. ‘I’m not sure, I’ll have a quick shower and then decide.’ She looked over at Callie who was smiling down at her phone.

‘And what’s that smile for?’ asked Ella, narrowing her eyes.

‘I’ve got a date tonight; well, after he finishes work.’ Callie bit down on her lip.

‘What? Who? You’ve kept this very quiet.’

‘Gianni!’ replied Callie, waiting for Ella’s reaction.

‘Holy Moly! No way! Callie, that’s brilliant.’ Ella’s face lit up with excitement. ‘We can go on double dates.’

‘The first being tonight.’

‘It’s going to be brilliant. Let’s put on some music whilst we get ready,’ suggested Ella. ‘And this afternoon was magical, I’ve got so much to tell you about Dolores and Charlie, it’s just made today extra special.’

‘True love always prevails,’ remarked Callie, opening the door to be greeted by a delivery man who was hiding behind an enormous bouquet of blooms and a long cardboard box.

‘A delivery for Ella Johnson,’ he announced chirpily, handing them over to Callie.

‘It’s for you,’ called Callie.

Ella took the flowers and inhaled the scent. ‘They are gorgeous.’ She opened the white envelope and read the card inside: Good luck for tonight, you are amazing, Roman xx. She clutched the card to her chest. ‘So thoughtful.’

She handed Callie the flowers and looked at the box in wonderment and eagerly began to open it up. Inside the contents were hidden beneath delicate blush-pink tissue paper. Her heart skipped a beat as she unfolded the tissue paper and lifted out the most stunning dress she’d ever laid eyes on.

‘Wow! Look at that!’ exclaimed Callie.

Ella’s eyes were brimming with happy tears as she held it up against her body. The dress was made from a grey shimmery satin, gathered at the waist and floating to her ankles elegantly. The soft scoop neckline looked stunning, sewn with sparkles and sequins that glinted in the light.

Ella was speechless.

‘It’s absolutely perfect, Roman did well,’ Callie said. ‘Just stunning.’

Ella laid the dress back in the box and even though she wasn’t wearing the dress yet, she already felt like a million dollars. Her heart was bursting with happiness.