‘Even though I fainted and now have a giant egg-shaped lump on my head?’ I give him a wry look. ‘That’s not exactly traditional.’

‘Zoe, it’s all going to be perfect. You’re perfect.’

My heart lifts at his words and for a moment my head clears, and the pain disappears. Until I remember… ‘I’m not perfect,’ I murmur. ‘No one is.’

‘Okay, well you’re perfect for me.’

I inhale deeply and push out the knowledge that this isn’t exactly true. I try to focus on the day ahead. To ignore the tiny bead of worry in my chest. Today is a day for fairy tales and happy ever afters. What’s past is past. All that matters is that I’m about to become the person I’ve always wanted to be, with the man I love.

Two

NOW

Serving platters are brought out and laid on the dining table by the waiting staff, who then give us a detailed account of the gourmet finger foods artfully arranged before us.

‘I hope you’re hungry,’ I say, eying up the amazing selection. I thought the view of the forest through the mullioned windows was spectacular, but the sight of this food is just as incredible.

‘I’m starving.’ Madeline’s eyes are wider than the plates. ‘I actually skipped breakfast in preparation for this.’

Celia and I laugh at my sister-in-law’s blissful expression.

The three of us are having a taster lunch at the five-star Regis Hotel where Toby and I got married. It’s a beautifully restored country house just outside Shaftesbury, set on a hillside overlooking ancient woodland. The décor is laid-back luxury and it’s a real treat being here for lunch.

It’s coming up to Toby’s and my ten-year wedding anniversary and we thought it would be lovely to have a party here to celebrate. It’s quite extravagant, but Toby and Nick’s landscaping business is doing really well these days, and he said he wanted to celebrate our life together. We laughed at the cheesiness of that line, but at the same time, it warmed me. Made me feel safe and loved. Celia and Madeline have been helping me organise the party, and today we’re choosing the food.

‘It’s so nice to eat something that I haven’t prepared myself.’ Madeline runs a catering company and offered to do the food for our anniversary, but Toby and I thought it would be a bit mean if she had to work while everyone else was enjoying themselves. She has such a generous nature; we didn’t want to take advantage.

‘I can’t believe we’ve been married ten years already.’ I sigh. ‘It only seems like a couple of years ago.’

‘And what a wonderful ten years it’s been, Zoe.’ Celia pats my hand. ‘I couldn’t have asked for two more perfect daughters-in-law.’