Page 23 of Be More Lucy

Jack took the ring out of the box, gently took her left hand and slid it onto her ring finger.

‘It fits perfectly. Thank you so much.’

‘Emily Gillespie, will you still marry me?’

‘Yes, Jack Carver. I still will,’ she said, kissing him again.

‘I’m absolutely starving now.’ Em snuggled up to Jack.

‘It’s your fault. You keep distracting me.’

‘Get back in the kitchen, husband-to-be.’

‘Where I belong?’

‘I wouldn’t say that. But you are particularly talented in there.’

‘Only in the kitchen?’ He asked, kissing her again. He got out of bed, put on his dressing gown and blew her another kiss as he walked out the door.

Em picked up her phone and took a quick photo of her new ring, then sent it to Lucy, with the caption ‘Lucky me!’

Lucy called her straight away. ‘Is that the one you were lusting after?’

‘Yep - Jack spotted me looking at it in the gallery when we were dropping off some pictures a few weeks ago.’

‘Nice that he pays attention. It’s beautiful. No regrets then?’

‘Absolutely none. How are you? I feel guilty rubbing it in after what happened with Adam.’

‘I’m ok. He had the cheek to text me today asking for his whip back. I’m tempted to drop it off at his house.’

‘You’re not going to, are you?’ Em was horrified.

‘No, I’ve got more important things to do. I’m off to the beauticians. I’ve got a date tomorrow.’

‘Already?’

‘Yep. There’s no point hanging about. Life is far too short. I’m giving online dating one last try.’

Jack and Em were back at the dining table tucking into the main course now - venison steaks, perfectly cooked by Jack, with a red wine jus and several vegetable accompaniments.

‘How did you have time to make all this?’

‘Messrs Marks and Spencer might have helped with the veg.’ Jack poured her another glass of wine. ‘So when are we going to get married?’

‘ It would be lovely to have some of our wedding photos in your meadow.’

‘Yes, it would. Though we’ll have to remain fully dressed this time.’

Em blushed.

‘Early summer then. I don’t want to have to wait for you until next August.’ Jack said.

‘How about late May? I could have a bouquet of peonies then.’

‘Perfect. That gives us eight months to get organised.’ He gathered up their now empty plates. ‘Ready for dessert?’

‘Definitely.’ Em followed him into the kitchen, pulled him close to her and gave him a kiss.

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