Thirty minutes later, after applying her make-up, she curled her hair and pinned the top layer, allowing the curls to cascade loosely around her face before slipping on the dress. Ella stood in front of the long mirror and smiled at her own reflection, knowing in the last few months she’d come a long way and that it was all thanks to Callie, Roman and the community of Heartcross who had welcomed her with open arms. Her skin looked radiant and her eyes sparkled as she checked her appearance one last time and stepped out into the living room, where Callie was waiting for her.

‘Oh my God, look at you.’ Callie eyed her approvingly. ‘That dress is beautiful. You look stunning.’

‘Thank you, and you do too.’ Ella air kissed Callie, then they both gave a little shimmy in their dresses.

‘Are we ready to get this show on the road?’ asked Callie, picking up her bag. ‘There’s a limo picking us up and Roman is meeting us at the boat.’

Ella couldn’t wait to see him and thank him for her dress. Hearing the doorbell ring, Ella looked out at the limo through the window. ‘It’s here.’ She felt flutters of excitement as she lifted up her dress and carefully walked down the stairwell. At the bottom of the stairs she was greeted by a chauffeur wearing a uniform and a cap. He opened the car door before holding out his hand to help Ella step into the limo.

Travelling in style, it only took five minutes to reach the jetty, and the boat was already waiting for them as Ella stepped out of the limo and gasped. Seeing Roman, Ella felt her skin ripple with goose bumps. His suit was exquisitely cut, sharp and well fitted, his satin lapels were perfect alongside his bow tie and he was wearing the most gorgeous smile. Walking towards him, Ella began to feel nervous and as soon as she reached him, he held out his hands and took hers in his. ‘You look stunning,’ he whispered, kissing her on her cheek.

‘Thank you and so do you.’ Her heart was thumping so hard, she let out a long calming breath. ‘I love my dress, you have impeccable taste.’

The paparazzi were gathered at the side of the boat and everyone posed for photographs before stepping on to it. Flynn had hired another captain to sail the boat so Roman could sit back and actually enjoy the crossing. Ella held his hand the whole time whilst everyone chatted amongst themselves.