Page 117 of In the Same Boat

He opens the box revealing a solitaire ring that pings light in all directions. It’s gorgeous, I can’t believe it’s mine – I can’t believehe’smine.

Everyone around us applauds while the barman pours our drinks. Okay, I don’t understand why he was staring at me; he was in on it.

He slides the ring onto my finger, and it fits perfectly. I mean, I would have said yes even if he’d guessed wrong, but it’s nice to be able to put it straight on. I never want to take it off again.

He stands, so I stand too, throwing myself into his arms so that we can kiss. It really feels like sealing the deal, now that we’ve locked lips.

When we sit back down, I can’t help but admire my ring.

‘It’s perfect,’ I tell him.

‘That’s a relief,’ he replies.

‘Did you ask Mum? For help with the ring or for permission to propose?’ I ask curiously.

‘Neither,’ he says with a chuckle. ‘Was I supposed to ask permission?’

‘No, of course not,’ I tell him. ‘Does your dad know?’

He shakes his head.

‘I thought we could surprise them.’

‘Let’s go,’ I squeak, throwing back my champagne. ‘I can’t wait to tell them.’

‘They are expecting us,’ he tells me. ‘In fact, they invited us over, so they’re not even suspicious.’

‘I might just, like, move my hand around wildly, grab things, high-five people – see how long it takes them to notice this huge rock,’ I joke.

He laughs.

‘My dad being my dad, I’m not sure he’d notice if your hand was on fire, but it’s worth a shot with your mum,’ he replies.

He pays the bill while I text Mum that we’re on our way, without giving anything away because I can’t wait to see the look on her face when she finds out. We walk back to the car hand in hand, and I spend the drive to Mum and Hank’s house trying to act normal, which is difficult because I can’t stop looking at my ring.

Mum and Hank live together now, in a house that is the perfect size for the two of them. It’s safe to say they’re loving life together as much as Nico and I are. I know, we might not have gone about it the right way, but I suppose we all knew what was best for each other back when we met.

When we arrive, the front door opens before we knock. Mum is there, glowing suspiciously. How does she know? How could she possibly know?

Behind her, Hank appears with a tea towel over one shoulder and a huge grin on his face.

‘You’re late,’ Mum says.

‘It’s been an eventful evening,’ Nico tells her.

‘I’ll say,’ Mum replies. ‘We’re engaged!’

She holds out her hand, showing her ring. I can’t help but laugh.

‘What?’ she says. ‘What’s so funny?’

‘I… I’m engaged too,’ I confess.

‘Bloody hell, lad, you dark horse,’ Hank says, slapping his son on the back.

‘Says you,’ Nico tells him. ‘I had no idea. I wanted to surprise you all.’

‘Same,’ Hank replies.