Page 55 of It's Now or Never

‘That’s all I’ve ever wanted,’ said Alex. ‘Me and you, Jen, it’s going to be absolutely great.’ He kissed me long and hard to a rousing cheer from the bowls club crowd, before we pulled apart, laughing. ‘Hey, look at Gramps, he’s waltzing around that floor like he’s Anton du Beke.’

As other people stood up to join the bride and groom in the dancing, Alex turned to me. ‘So is it official, can I call you my girlfriend/partner/love-of-my life/future wife?’ he asked.

‘All four, preferably.’

‘Good because I want you to know, Jen, that I love you with all my heart.’

His words sent a squidgy, oozing sensation trickling through my veins. I didn’t need to think about it. I’d been fighting my feelings for far too long, but not for a single moment longer.

‘I love you too, Alex.’

‘Brilliant, and about bloody time,’ he said, those twinkling eyes of his gently chastising me. He kissed me on the lips, sending delicious ripples of delight to every part of my body, and I swayed into his embrace. ‘In that case, would you please give me the honour of this dance?’ he asked, holding out his hand to me.

‘I’d be absolutely delighted,’ I said with a wide smile as my future husband led me out onto the dance floor.