My cheeks redden at that. Every word he says, I treasure them more than any wedding vow. They're honest and sincere and unwavering and for my ears only. I don't need the rest of the world to know how much he loves me (even if I do like to flaunt it about).

Precious jewel, eh?

I want to continue being cheeky, but I'm crying. It takes me a few seconds to realise why my tears are damp and nose stuffy.

"Don't want to," I whisper. But we both know the truth. I'll grow old and die before him. "I don't ever want to leave you, Ewan."