Of course, it’s Valentine’s Day. Ever since our big chat about having to make more time for each other Liam’s been putting in a lot of effort. He’s hardly picked up his game controller to play FIFA, not if I’m home, and instead he’s been cooking, planning and proactive – he’s been present and keen. Wanting to talk about my day, asking how I’m feeling and whether we should book a weekend away for the two of us.

He is all in.

Days like today are a reminder that it’s nice to wake up loved and wanted. It’s nice to have someone there to care for you.

I hear Liam on the stairs seconds before he pops his head around the door. He’s already dressed. Completely ready in a suit – the fitted green one he knows is my favourite because it brings out the swirly brown of his eyes, with his dark hair swooped up to perfection.

‘Breakfast,’ he grins, walking in with a wooden tray – the smell of his familiar aftershave subtly drifting in with him. Funny how a smell can instantly give you an attack of the senses. Suddenly switching parts of you on that were fast asleep mere moments before.

‘You’ve gone all out,’ I grin, aware how much I fancy him in this moment and thankful that he’s gone to the extra effort.

‘I couldn’t have you feeling we didn’t celebrate,’ Liam says, putting the tray down on my lap before his finger gently lifts up my chin for a kiss. Our lips cushion together in the familiar way they have for years.

His eyes glimmer and shine as they smile back at my own.

‘Thank you,’ I smile, looking down at his offering. ‘Oh wow!’ He really has gone all out. Come to think of it, I’ve no idea where he’s dug this wooden tray out from, but on top of one of the ‘best’ plates he’s stacked six mini pancakes into a tower. He’s then spooned coconut yoghurt and drizzled maple syrup over the top along with blueberries and delicate flowers that have been perfectly placed in the cascading liquid that drips down the tower’s sides. A little jar has been filled with tiny vibrant flowers that add another pop of colour to the tray. It’s the most stunning breakfast in bed I’ve ever had – not that I’ve been offered many. ‘Did you have a Pinterest board to guide you?’

‘Might’ve googled for a bit of inspiration,’ he laughs. ‘Coffee art needs a bit of work though,’ he adds, his nose twitching at the turquoise mug that holds the results of his efforts. It’s not exactly barista level, but I can clearly see where he’s tried to create a heart shape.