I look over to mum as we stand in front of the mirrors, washing our hands and tidying up our makeup and hair. "So, tell me what you think." I grin, watching her turn to look at me, taking my hands in hers. "I love him! He's so perfect for you Grace, and the way he looks at you! Oh, every single woman would die for someone to look at her the way he looks at you." "What do you mean?" "Well it's like you're the only person in the room, or in the whole world. He hangs on your every word and it makes my heart melt. I'm so happy for you two, it's clear how much you love you each other." We hug and i relax, even though that i knew my mum would love Dan, i was still a little nervous about my family meeting him for the first time. "I'm so glad that you like him mum, he means a lot to me and i know that he's the one for me." She kisses me on the cheek and we walk back out to the restaurant where Dan is sitting and chatting to my brothers.

We join them back at the table and talk turns to my shop that we had shown them on the way to lunch. "So we're all very excited for your big grand opening Grace, it's all anyone talks about back in the village!" Edwards says, "There's still a fair bit to do but it's getting there, i can't wait till it's open and everything is up and running." I reply, squeezing Dan's hand i turn to him, "Dan's been amazing, he always comes over to help me out with stuff and has really good ideas." I see him grin and wink as he squeezes my hand back. "And in return i'm expecting to always get free cakes and coffee! It will make a change from always going to Starbucks." He jokes and a waiter comes over to give us the bill. Me and Dan go for our money, but mum stops me. "Nope, this is on me, my treat and a congratulations to Grace for the shop and also finding such a wonderful person." "Thank you mum." "Yes, thank you so much but there's no need." Dan says, still getting out his wallet. "No Dan, you don't want to fight this war! She'll win!" Sam jokes, smiling so we let mum pay and all walk back to the flat where they have parked.

"Well it was lovely to meet you Dan, look after my little girl won't you?" Mum hugs Dan goodbye, "Of course i will, and it was great to meet you all too." "Take care Grace, and we'll all see you soon for your shop opening. Love you." Mum kisses and hugs me, "Love you too mum."

We wave them off until the car disappears down the street and I turn to face Dan, "What do you want to do for the rest of the day?" I ask, hugging him and giving him a kiss. "Well, I think that we should start packing." He grins, as our lips part. "What?" "We should start packing for tomorrow." He replies as if the reason why was obvious. "Packing for where? What have you done?" I ask suspiciously, "You'll see...just pack for somewhere hot." He starts walking back to the flat and I run after him, puzzled. "Dan? Tell me where we're going!" But he just winks at me and and starts up the stairs.

I follow him to our room, where he pulls out a suitcase and starts putting his clothes inside, while I stand, still confused. "Come on Grace, its nothing bad, please pack." He walks over to me and kisses me very lightly and suddenly I relax and completely trust him, even though I hate surprises and not being in contorl.

After I have finished, Phil comes home and we end up ordering pizza and watching T.V. on the sofa together. When Dan gets up to go to the toilet I lean over to Phil, "So are you in on Dan's secret too?" But in reply he taps the side if his nose with one finger, "That's for me to know, and you to find out." He smirks, enjoying my discomfort. I hit him with a cushion and cross my arms over my chest. "Awww, Grace. Come on, don't get upset, I swear that you're going to love it." Dan walks back in and gives me hug, even though my arms are still crossed. "Maybe we should go to bed, we have an early start tomorrow." He pulls me up and leads me off to the bedroom where I try to put it all out of mind, but I just can't help wondering what he has planned.

We arrive at the airport at 8 in the morning and while I am still yawning, Dan is fully awake and alert. He looks up at the board of flights and I do the same before I realise that I still have no idea where we are going, so instead I sit down on a chair and close my eyes. "Come on!" I open my eyes to find Dan smiling from ear to ear, with his hand held out towards me. I take it and we walk off to a gate, and stop as we reach the queue of people waiting to get on to the plane.

"Ok, now I can tell you where we are going." He says finally, his eyes twinkling, "I have booked us a week in a five star hotel in...Paris!" My mouth opens and I hug him, jumping up and down. "Oh my God Dan! How long have you been planning this?" "For a while, I thought that you deserve a break away from everything and that it was time for us to have a romantic holiday together." I kiss him and the only reason why I stop is that we are the only ones left to board. "Come honey." He grins, picking up our suitcase.

We board the plane, holding hands and we sit right at the back where I stare out of the window at the clouds floating outside. "I love you Grace and I always will do." He whispers in my ear and I turn round to look at him, "And i love you too, you amazingly wonderful man." I lean in and we kiss tenderly, wrapped in the moment of pure perfection.

And it would go on to be the most breath taking holiday, from the star lit boat tour to the candle light dinners and from the view from the Eiffel Tower to seeing Dan get down on one knee and pour out his heart and pull out the most beautiful ring.

THE END

Thank you for reading Dan and Grace's story! As always I loved writing it and I hope that you liked it as much. Please leave a review or message me if you have any feedback, it really helps me out and gives me confidence to keep on writing!

Thank you again and happy reading!

Lucyxxx