The next few days were spent getting over the jet lag and getting the final things ready for Christmas. On the eve of Christmas eve, as my mum liked to call it, Willow decided that we would go for a night out with her friends, which resulted in fancy dress.

'Are you really making me wear this?' I said, holding up the costume. 'No way will our parents let us go out like this.'

'Er yes... everyone's dressing up. Dakota organised the whole thing. Christmas wear was needed, although I think she's wearing a sexy reindeer outfit.'

'Sexy reindeer? Does that even exist?' I raised an eyebrow. 'Can't I just wear my Christmas jumper?'

'Of course not.' She tutted. 'Dakota is a reindeer, Lizzie and I are elves and then you're our Mrs Claus.'

'Right.'

I wasn't the kind of Mrs Claus that you'd have seen on the coca cola advert. It was like another Maria Carey reference. I was wearing an above-the-knee red velvet skater dress with cap sleeves and a sweetheart neckline. The dress had three white pom-poms going down it and was secured with a black belt around the middle. I had a matching santa hat on my head with my curly hair escaping out from underneath. I pulled on some skin-coloured tights and my black riding boots, praying that I wasn't going to freeze outside.

'If I get frostbite then it's your fault.' I told her as I adjusted my hat.

She came out from her walk-in closet and twirled in her elf costume; a strapless green dress with a red and green tutu skirt and a matching hat. She was wearing red and green striped tights and red heels. 'You're hardly going to get frostbite, we'll be inside.' She looked at my outfit and nodded. 'That suits you.'

'It's a bit... short isn't it?'

'No shorter than that leather skirt you were rocking in your music video.' She replied, sticking out her tongue. 'Believe me, there were skimpier costumes than that.'

'I'm hardly surprised.'

She grabbed my phone. 'Come on, pose for a photo and we'll send it to Ed. He'll wish he was already here.' I tried my best to do a sexy pose and my cousin laughed. 'Girl, I can tell you've been to a few photoshoots now. You know how to do the perfect pout and you've got this sexy eye thing going on. You need to teach me the tricks of the trade.'

'Later... when I've had some mulled wine.'

'Er.. we don't have that over here.' Willow said with a laugh. 'Now come on, my dad said if we got ready quick then he'd give us a lift to town.' She threw on a wool trench coat and fastened it up.

'So that's your plan for getting out of the house?' I said with a raised eyebrow.

'Yep. Now go and throw on that long faux fur coat you brought or we're toast.'

I was thankful that the whole of the Red Coat Bar was dressed up when we arrived. It made me feel more comfortable when we took off our jackets and gave them to the man working in the cloakroom.

A red head girl waved at us so we walked over and she hugged Willow and then me. 'Hi Lucy! I'm Lizzie!'

'Nice to meet you and nice outfit.' I replied with a smile, looking at her green dungarees and red and white striped crop top she was wearing underneath. She had over-the-knee socks on, an elf hat and sparkly red pumps like Dorothy's from the Wizard of Oz.

Dakota, who I'd met once before kissed me on the cheek. 'You look gorgeous!'

'And you make reindeers look sexy!' I said with a laugh, looking at her outfit a bit more closely; she had a brown lace-up corset dress with a built-in skater skirt. There was white faux fur around the top of the skirt and she wore faux fur bracelets around her wrists. She had reindeer antlers on her head, and black boots on her feet, but she was missing a red nose.

'To the bar!' She said, pulling me over to the group of Santas at the bar. 'So I heard you're getting pretty famous back home, huh?'

'Yeah, it's pretty crazy.' I said, honestly, as she bought me a drink. 'Thanks.'

'No problem! I've not seen you in ages.' She replied as she paid and pulled me back to the other girls, who were sat on high stools around a high wooden table. I climbed onto the stool, trying my best not to flash the over-sized underwear I'd put on for safety, and took a sip of the 'Mistletoe cocktail' Dakota had bought me. It was seriously scrummy.

'So Willow says you're a musician, Lucy?' Lizzie smiled at me from across the table. 'That's so cool!'

'Liz, she's not just a musician! She's like... famous!' Dakota told her friend.

'You are?' Lizzie grinned. 'That's so cool!'

As if on cue, the Heart Attack intro started blaring through the speakers and I raised both of my eyebrows in surprise at Willow. 'I didn't think it was out over here...'

'It was released on Sunday because I bought it off iTunes.' She admitted, tucking a loose strand of straight hair behind her hair. 'But I guess because you've not done any interviews over here it's not particularly big. I've only seen the video on MTV once.'

'Wait... this is your song?!' Lizzie said, her eyes wide. 'I love this song!'

'So do I!' Dakota smiled, grabbing her friend's hand. 'Come on, let's go and dance!'

The chorus kicked in and I looked at the people dancing to my song and singing along. It was weird... weird but very cool.

'Let's take a selfie.' I said to my cousin with a smile. 'And capture the coolness and weirdness of this photo.'

'Amen to that.' She tapped a topless guy wearing only braces and red velvet santa trousers on the shoulder. 'Could you get a picture of us please?'

'Are you twins?' He said in awe, looking between us.

'Yes.' Willow lied with a flirtacious smile and I had to stifle a laugh.

'Sweet. Pose then ladies.' He said as he was handed my phone. We took a photo stood back to back and then both facing the left, our hands on our hips. 'Awesome!' He said giving us the thumbs up. He handed me back my phone. 'What can I get you to drink?'

'Two Mistletoe cocktails please.' Willow replied, fluttering her eyelashes. And then six-pack Santa disappeared to the bar.

'I can't believe you.' I said, poking my cousin in the ribs. 'You little flirt.'

'He's hot. ' She said, giving me an innocent look. I shook my head and laughed, quickly looking at the photos. We looked pretty good and maybe Willow was right; I'd gotten a lot better at posing for more flattering pictures. I chose my favourite shot and uploaded it onto Instagram.

Out with my girl willowxwills in America and Heart Attack comes on. Weird but so Cool.

Six-pack Santa returned with our drinks and I gave him a quick thank you, winked at Willow and disappeared to the dancefloor to find the other girls and give my cousin some time to work her charm.

'Where's Willow?' Dakota asked as I appeared beside her, cocktail in hand.

'Working the charm.' I replied, subtly pointing to wear she was twirling her long, brunette hair around her finger.

'Oooh he's cute! Nice work Wills.' Lizzie said, clinking her glass against mine.

'Speaking of hot,' Dakota turned to face me, 'you've got a hottie yourself.'

'I have.' I replied, biting my lip to avoid smiling like an idiot.

'Is it the guy from your video?' Lizzie asked, her eyes wide. 'He's tasty.'

'And he knows it. Trust me, he was a complete dick.' I told her, my face serious.

'Liz, do you not read any of the magazines?!' Dakota said, shaking her head. 'Lucy is going out with Ed Sheeran!'

'No way!' She gasped, causing a few people to look our way. 'I don't believe it!' She shook her head and Dakota rolled her eyes beside me.

'Here.' I said, passing her my phone. The wallpaper was a photo of me with Ed at his album launch party a few weeks back. Our arms were around each other and we were happy. My heart ached and I suddenly realised that I missed him.

'That's such a cute picture.' Dakota said, peering over Lizzie's shoulder.

'You are so lucky!' Lizzie said. 'Is he as nice as he seems? His lyrics are just so... cute.'

'He's incredible.' I told her, smiling. 'Absolutely wonderful.'

'There's thousands of girls in the world so jealous of you. I don't usually like redheads but... yeah I'd like to be Ed Sheeran's girlfriend.'

'But you're a red head...' Dakota said, raising an eyebrow at her friend, who I was starting to realise was quite ditsy.

'Oh yeah!'

A familiar into of a song started up and I smiled. 'What's with the coincidental playlist?'

'It's late in the evening

Glass on the side

I've been sat with you

For most of the night

Ignoring everybody here

We wish they would disappear

So maybe we could get down now.'

'It must be weird.' Dakota commented.

'Just a little! But it's okay, I love this song.'

'I don't wanna know

If you're getting ahead of the program

I want you to be mine, lady

To hold your body close

Take another step into the no-man's land

For the longest time lady.'

Dakota grabbed my hand and twirled me around. Lizzie danced running her hands through her hair and I guy grabbed her waist. She danced against him.

'I need you darling

Come on set the tone

If you feel you're falling

Won't you let me know

Oh-Oh-Oh-Ooh-Oh

Oh-Oh-Oh-Ooh-Oh.'

Dakota raised her eyebrows and then smiled at me as we sang along.

'If you love me

Come on, get involved

Feel it rushing through you

From your head to toe

Oh-Oh-Oh-Ooh-Oh

Oh-Oh-Oh-Ooh-Oh.

Sing!

Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh

Louder!

Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh

Sing!

Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh.'

Hands grabbed my hips and I raised my eyebrow, turning around. A guy stood there, in a standard Santa costume, just without the beard. 'Hey, wanna dance?'

'I have a boyfriend.' I replied, bluntly.

'Sweet! You're English!' He grinned. 'Let me guess... boyfriend back home?'

'Yes.'

'Then one little dance won't hurt, surely?'

I turned around for some support but I raised my eyebrows at Dakota kissing a guy dressed as a snowman. What? I turned back to the Santa. 'No, I'm good thanks.'

'But it's a good song and all of your friends are now... taken.' He started trying to rap along and I cringed. 'I already know she's a keeper, Just from this one small act of kindness.'

'It is a good song yes, but you're destroying it.'

'Uh oh, an Ed Sheeran fan!' He said his eyes wide. 'I thought you had better taste than that.'

'I'm not a fan.' I replied, feeling irritated. 'I'm his girlfriend.'

'My fourteen-year-old sister says the same thing.' He chuckled.

'No, really.' I pulled out my phone and showed him my wallpaper.

He looked at it and his eyes widened. 'Is that photoshopped?'

'Of course it's not photoshopped!' I opened up my gallery and flicked through the pictures I had of Ed and I.

'Oh shit, my sister is going to be heartrboken. Friends?' He said with a cocky grin.

'I'm alright thanks.'

'It's snowing!' Willow bounced on me, waking me up and giving me a slight heart attack the next morning.

'I'd hope so with you doing that to me.' I groaned, shoving her off of me and wishing I hadn't decided to share a bed with her the night before, but it had seemed like a good idea after a few too many cocktails. Luckily six-pack Santa's girlfriend had turned up, resulting in a drink being thrown in his face by my wonderful cousin. Then the two of us had sworn off men, spending the rest of the night dancing together. I picked up my phone from the bedside table and looked at the time; 10am. So I'd had seven hours sleep... it would do. I saw that I had a load of Instagram notifications from people favouriting the photo of me with Willow and even commenting on it. Then I realised I had a text from Ed.

Why do you always wear sexy things when I'm not around to see them? That Mrs Claus costume is incredible. Just like you. I miss you beautiful, happy Christmas Eve xxx

'Knew he'd like it.' Willow said, her head over my shoulder and making me jump.

'Alright nosy!' I said, shaking my head at her. 'Right, well I'm up.' I looked out of the window at the snowy landscape. Even the lake opposite the house had been covered with a sheet of ice. The fairylights decorating the houses twinkled, making the snow sparkle as it fell from the sky onto the thick blanket below. 'Come on, let's get some breakfast and then let's get outside! I'm glad I packed my snow boots.'

After breakfast, we showered and dressed and headed straight outside. The cold air hit my face as we walked outside and I pulled the beanie I'd stolen from Ed over my ears to protect them from the -5 degrees celcius temperature. 'It's so pretty.'

'It is.' She smiled. She held up her selfie stick and I laughed. 'Selfie in the snow?'

'Go on then.' We posted for some pictures in the snow on each of our phones and then the fun started. I picked up a snowball and launched it straight into the back of Willow's head.

'Ouch! Bit harsh, Luce!' She laughed, rubbing the back of her head with her gloved hand. Then she was tackled to the ground by a figure dressed in black. 'Argh! Get off!' She yelled as I ran over to tackle the stranger. I shoved him to the ground and Willow gasped. 'Oh, Luce! What are you doing?! That's only Scott!'

'Scott?' I said, confused, getting up off the stranger I'd tackled to the ground.

'Hi.' He said with a groan, trying to sit up.

'Scott lives a few doors down.' Willow explained. 'Scott this is my cousin, Lucy. I'm sorry, she likes to tackle strangers apparently.'

'Sorry.' I apologised, feeling embarrassed.

Scott took his hood down and stood up, running his gloved hand through his light brown hair. 'So you're Wills famous cousin?'

Wills? Only a few people called her that. 'Famous? Well not quite.' I replied, awkwardly. 'I'm sorry I tackled you to the ground. I thought you were-'

'A weirdo? I get that a lot.' He laughed. 'Sorry, I saw you out here and thought I'd join in the fun as everyone else seems to have disappeared for the holidays.' He smiled at Willow with twinkling green eyes.

We spent the rest of the morning playing in the snow with Scott and he joined us for soup and bread for lunch with our family before heading home for the afternoon. I snapped a photo of our snowman and then headed back inside with Willow to get changed into some dry clothes. I threw on some navy Abercrombie sweatpants, a warm, cream jumper and my bootie slippers before knocking on my cousin's door.

'Yep?' She called out, signalling I could go in.

I walked into the room and sat on her bed as she pulled a baggy Hollister hoodie over her tank top. 'So Scott, huh?'

'We're just friends.' She replied, firmly.

'But you knew what I meant.' I teased and her cheeks reddened. 'Spill.'

'There's nothing to spill.' She said, shaking her head.

'How often do you see him?'

'What kind of a question is that?'

'Answer.'

'Almost every day. He's just down the road so it's easy to hang out and watch a movie or grab some food.'

'I see.' I said, pretending to be thoughtful. 'So you're hanging out with a good-looking guy almost every day and you're just friends? Does he have a girlfriend.'

'No.' She said, tying her hair back into a ponytail.

'So why aren't you dating him?'

'You're so annoying. I swear sometimes it's just like having a sister.' She grumbled, launching a pillow. 'Now come on, there's some gingerbread downstairs waiting to be made into a house.'

Our mothers made mulled wine that evening and we sat around the fireplace, drinking it and playing scrabble, before watching The Santa Claus. After our late night, we headed to bed first and I was just getting into bed in my Christmasey pyjamas when Willow knocked on my door. 'I think I like him, but I'm just scared, you know?'

I nodded. I did know. I was still scared to show Ed how much he meant to me incase he turned around and decided he didn't want to be with me anymore. 'I know.' I whispered. 'What some company?'

She nodded and I grabbed the silly stocking with my name on it from my bed post and took it into Willow's room, hanging it on the door next to hers. I climbed into bed beside her and she dimmed the bedside light. 'Do you ever worry that you fall in love with this amazing guy and then he just breaks your heart into a thousand pieces?'

'All the time.' I whispered.

'Do you love Ed?'

I nodded. 'I do and he tells me he loves me too but it doesn't stop me being scared.' I whispered. 'We've still not... you know...'

'You haven't?'

'I'm scared, Wills, just like you. Not just because he might change his mind but because of Rich.' I admitted.

'But he's not Rich, Luce. He's a really good guy, he has to be... he's your soulfinder. She said as she laid down.

I laid down too, looking at her. 'I know, but it still scares me.'

'And that will always be there.' She said with a sigh, squeezing my hand. 'Look at us two. Scared of being in love, despite brought up on Disney films. Guess we need some pixie dust, huh?'

'Let me know when you find some.' I said with a small smile.

'Luce?'

'Yeah?'

'I love you.'

'I love you too.'

I was first to wake up the following day and my heart leapt with excitement; it was Christmas Day! I shook Willow awake and she groaned at me, as I had done at her the day before. 'What is it?' She grumbled.

I climbed out of bed and opened the door, where our two named stockings hung filled with presents. 'He's been!'

'Who's been?'

'Santa!'

'Oh, Lord help me.' She groaned, burying her face in the pillow. 'I forgot that you still do this.'

'It's exciting!'

'I bet you were tracking him in NORAD Santa last night too, weren't you?'

'Of course!' I grinned, throwing the covers off of her.

'It's like living with a five year old.' She mumbled, sitting up. 'Come on then, let's take our stockings downstairs.'

I was surprised to see that our parents were already awake, sat by the fireplace in their pyjamas next to the christmas tree, which was flooded with presents. 'Merry Christmas girls.' They chorused as we approached with our stockings.

'Merry Christmas.' We replied, sitting ourselves on the floor as we did every Christmas.

We didn't wait long before opening our presents and it was funny that lots of the stuff Willow and I recieved from 'Santa' was similar; toiletries, an LED wine glass, a book of cocktail recipes, candles and I had a lot of owl-related gifts include owl handcream, handwarmers, new socks and a cute printed scarf. Then it was time for family presents. I handed my parents a present first, something I hoped they would like. They opened it carefully and smiled at the canvas photo of us altogether when my granddad was alive. It was a favourite photo of mine; we were smiling together in front of Arundel castle. I looked at the picture and my eyes teared up.

'Lucy, it's beautiful.' My mum said, her voice soft.

'Thank you, love.' My dad said, his eyes teary. I pulled them both in for a hug before giving them their next presents; a patterned scarf for my mum because I knew how much she loved them and the Hobbit Trilogy on DVD for my dad. They both thanked me again and I gave my aunt and uncle their presents; toiletries from Temple Spa, which I'd only bought recently as I'd been waiting for my first pay slip to come through. Luckily, it was a pretty hefty sum and I knew the next one would be even better with the royalties from my single.

'These look expensive!' My aunt said to me, raising an eyebrow.

'But they're supposed to be lovely. Real spas use them.' I told her with a smile.

'Thank you, they look nice.' My uncle said with a wink. 'That's what you're trying to say, isn't it Lisa?'

'Thanks love.' My aunt smiled.

I reached under the tree where I'd left Willow's present and I pulled it out carefully. I handed it to her and hoped she would like it. She opened the last package from the giftbag and laughed. 'A signed Ed Sheeran album. Nice one!'

'I'd quite like one of those.' My mum commented from behind me and I shook my head. She was an Ed fangirl and it was weird, just like her obsession with Olly Murs.

She pulled out the next one and I smiled as she carefully opened it, leaving a little pink gift box. She opened it up carefully and gasped at the small silver heart pendant, which had an even smaller gold heart in the middle of it. 'It's gorgeous.' She whispered, pulling out the card. 'Imogen Sheeran? So you've got connections now, huh?' She winked.

'I designed it and Ed's mum made it.' I explained with a smile. 'I was so worried it wouldn't be done in time but she squeezed me in.'

'Oh Luce, it's lovely.' She smiled, her eyes tearing up. She pulled me into a tight hug. 'Thank you.'

'You're welcome.' I replied, laughing when I realised both of our mums were nearly in tears.

'I hope you like mine.' Willow said, reaching under the tree and pulling out some plaid wrapping paper.

I opened it carefully, coming across a box. I opened slowly and gasped as I pulled out a tiny polaroid camera. 'Oh my goodness! Wills, this is perfect!'

'It's very you.' My mum agreed with a smile.

'I didn't get you any polaroids with it.' She apologised. 'But I'm sure they're easy enough to pick up.'

'It's wonderful! Thank you!' I said, pulling her into a hug.

'You'd better have these then.' My mum said, handing me a small package. I opened it up and there were the polaroids. Perfect.

'Coolest present ever!' I grinned with a smile.

Soon there were only five presents left under the tree and I looked at them, curiously. My aunt reached under for two matching presents, quickly checking the label before giving Willow and I one each.

'We put some money altogether for these.' My aunt explained with a smile.

Willow and I shot each other curious looks as we carefully tore off the polka-dot wrapping paper, coming across matching silver boxes. Willow counted us in with a, '1, 2, 3.' The boxes were opened in unison and we squealed; we each had a dainty silver bracelet with a heart in the center. The only thing that made them different was the charm; mine had an L and Willow's had a W. They were adorable. We hugged and kissed our parents, both putting them on each other. Matching bracelets. Like real sisters.

'Lucy, there's one left for you.' My uncle said, passing me the small package on wrapping paper decorated with silver reindeers. I took it from him carefully and looked at the envelope on the top with my name scrawled on it. It wasn't from Ed, was it? Willow nosed over my shoulder as I carefully opened the envelope.

My beautiful girlfriend,

Merry Christmas! I'm sorry I can't be there with you today, I wish I could see your face when you open this! This is just a small something until I see you and can give you your main present.

All my love,

Ed xxx

'What is it?' Willow said, excitedly, from my side.

'I don't know you numpty.' I said with a laugh, carefully tearing off the paper. It revealed a small, light blue box. It wasn't a ring, was it? I hoped not because if it was I was about to give my dad a heart attack. I carefully opened the box and gasped. Inside were two tiny teal-coloured crystal earrings shaped like hearts. They were lovely.

'Another Imogen Sheeran design.' Willow grinned, pointing to the small logo embroidered on the inside of the box.

'They're beautiful.' I whispered, running my finger carefully over one.

'I am so jealous.' Willow sighed. 'Perfect boyfriend, much?'

'What are the last two presents then?' My uncle asked, nodding at the two remaining presents in the wrapping paper.

'Alice, Jack, they're for you.' My aunt replied, picking them up.

My mum read the tag and smiled. 'Oh how thoughtful, Ed's bought us each a present! Isn't that lovely, Jack?'

'We packed them in our case, Ali.' He laughed from beside her. 'I'm surprised you didn't even realise.'

I looked at the wrapped packages in my parent's hands. It couldn't be biscuits and wine like I'd bought for his family. It was completely the wrong shape.

My dad opened his present and grinned like a child. 'The latest Chelsea football shirt! Fantastic!' Ed had beaten my present for my own father. Damn it.

My mum opened her present and held it up. I groaned. 'An Ed Sheeran t-shirt, really?'

'I like the bear on it.' My mum smiled and I face-palmed my hand. 'Oh, there's something else.' She picked up the tiny velvet bag and opened it carefully, pulling out a beaded bracelet made of different shades of red. Another Imogen Sheeran piece I was sure of it. 'Oh this is lovely and my favourite colour!'

He'd done well, my boyfriend. What a suck up.

'Merry Christmas beautiful!' Ed said as I answered the phone whilst waiting for dinner.

'And Merry Christmas to you too.' I replied, stepping into my bedroom to give us some privacy. 'Are you having a nice day?'

'Yeah though I can hardly move. Had our Christmas lunch and now too full for the lovely leftovers my mum has been baking.' He said and I could imagine him lying on the sofa. 'Thank you for my cat Christmas jumper. It made me smile.' I'd given him a present to open, but I was saving the one I hoped was more exciting for when I actually saw him in person.

'And thank you for the earrings. They're beautiful. Your mum has been busy.'

'She has.' He chuckled. 'But she loves it, it's her passion. Did you parents like their gifts?'

'Too much.' I said with a laugh. 'You're lucky we have a strict Christmas jumper policy on Christmas day or the Chelsea shirt and Ed Sheeran top would be on. Please stop encouraging my mum's fangirling. It freaks me out.'

He laughed down the phone. 'I knew she'd like it.'

'It's weird. Soon Olly will be gone and you'll be the new love of her life.' I said with a sigh. 'I hope what I got your parents was okay.'

'Absolutely. The wine has already gone and dad and Matt are making their way through the biscuits.'

'Lucy! Willow! Dinner's nearly ready!' My mum called from downstairs. I heard Willow's bedroom door open and she knocked on my door.

'Coming!' I replied. 'I have to go.' I told Ed, sadly.

'That's okay.' He said and I knew he was smiling. 'Enjoy the rest of the day... I miss you.'

'I miss you too.'

'I love you.' His voice softened on the other end of the line.

'I love you too.'

'And I love you too.' Willow smirked, appearing in the doorway as I hung up the phone.

'Loser.' I said, rolling my eyes. She stood in her snowflake-patterned red jumper, wearing the necklace I had got her and our matching bracelet on her wrist. I'd put on my navy fairisle Christmas jumper with my denim mini skirt and I was wearing Ed's earrings and the bracelet. I grabbed my polaroid camera and the polaroids. 'Dinner awaits.'

'Oh god.' Willow froze on the stairs, holding the edge of her black pleated skirt.

'What is it?' I said, trying to see around her.

'Scott and his family are downstairs.' She whispered, her eyes wide.

'What are they doing here?'

'Your guess is as good as mine. Do I look okay?'

'You look gorgeous as always.' I said with a reassuring smile. 'Want me to go first? She nodded, so I led the way down the stairs and into the living room. 'Dinner smells nice!'

'It definitely does.' My uncle nodded. 'Lucy, Willow, we invited Scott and his family for dinner. They've not been able to get to their family because of the snow.' He explained.

'Hey, Merry Christmas.' Scott said, giving a small wave and shooting a small smile at Willow. He definitely liked her.

Dinner was lovely and I was definitely feeling too stuffed after I'd eaten. I flicked through the photos I'd taken from the past two days and uploaded them to Facebook with the message 'Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!'. Then I chose a picture of Willow and I sat in front of the tree before dinner to upload to my Instagram, Twitter and Facebook pages.

Merry Christmas to you all from Michigan. I hope you're all full of yummy food and are spending time with your families. All my love, Lucy x

I glanced up to the sofa where Scott and Willow were sat and smiled as they sat and talked whilst our parents continued talking and drinking in the dining room. They were a cute couple and they both clearly liked each other, so why were they just friends? I snapped a secret photo and sent it to Ed.

I'm not going mad am I? This guy definitely likes Willow, right? xxx

He replied almost straight away. Absolutely. It's in the way he looks at her xxx

I smiled. Was there a way he looked at me? I flicked through some of the natural, unposed pictures of the two of us and noticed that he was looking at me a lot of the time, the cute smile I loved plastered on his face. I snuck out of the room to join the parents and give them some privacy.

'Luce?'

'Mmmm?' I said, half-asleep as my bedroom door opened.

'Are you awake?'

'I am now.' I whispered.

'Sorry.' She shone the light on her phone and found my bed, sitting on the edge of it.

'You're up late.'

'Scott and his parents only just left.'

'Really?' I squinted at my phone. It was half eleven and my jet-lag was still around. To me it was half four in the morning. I moved over in my bed and she laid on top of the duvet beside me, pulling up the handmade quilt. 'Sooo...'

'We kissed.'

'What? When?' I replied in surprise, looking at her nervous facial expression in the torchlight.

'We were just sat talking in the dining room and we were playing Scrabble and then it just sort of happened.'

'Scrabble; the world's most romantic game.' I joked and she swotted me with her hand.

'Come on, I'm serious.'

'Sorry.' I apologised. 'That's good though, isn't it?'

'Well... yeah.' She said, nervously. 'But scary too. He wants to take me ice-skating tomorrow.'

'Then go for it.' I replied, squeezing her shoulder.

'But you're here to see me.'

'It's one day.' I told her. 'Honestly go for it or you'll regret it.'

'You're right...' She said, sounding thoughtful. 'And we're going away in a few days.'

'Wait... what?' I shot her a puzzled expression and she raised her eyebrows. 'Wills?'

'Forget I said that.'

'I can't forget you said it. Where are we going?'

'Ah, shit, Ed's going to kill me.'

'Wills?'

'We're going to Nashville.'

Willow had been right. I didn't see Ed on the 27th December, which is what he'd told me. Instead, we caught the 11am flight from Detroit to Nashville on the morning of the 28th.

'He's mad at me. I ruined the surprise.' Willow sighed as we boarded our plane.

'I'd have known when we got to the airport anyway. Did he sound mad when you spoke to him?' I asked with a raised eyebrow.

'He sounded like a disappointed parent.' She said, shaking her head. 'And then he asked about Scott and you know the rest...'

'Wait up!' Scott said, appearing with his bottle of water behind us. Ed had invited Scott in the end, after finding out that he and Willow were 'dating.' She was pretty surprised but I knew she was happy about the idea and it meant I'd get some alone time with my boyfriend.

'I'm sure he's fine, don't worry about it.' I said with a smile.

'Ma'am, you're in first class.' The air hostess told me as we reached the door of the plane.

'We are?' Willow said, sounding surprise.

'Yep. Row A seats 3, 4 and 5 are in the first row of first class right in the middle. Didn't they tell you when you booked the tickets?'

'Ed missed out that detail.' Willow whispered to me as we were ushered to our comfy, recliner, leather chairs. Not that it made much of a difference; the flight was shorter than two hours.

'Now I feel bad.' Scott said, sitting down. 'Dude wouldn't let me pay for my ticket and he bought us first class ones.'

Willow sat between us and smiled. 'I don't think he's going to miss that money, Scott.'

'Oh to live a rockstar lifestyle.' I sighed, stretching out my legs. 'Should I get my own private jet when I'm earning enough?'

'Only if you'll come and see me every weekend.'

Ed met us at the airport and I couldn't help but have a Love Actually Moment; I ran towards him and leapt on him, wrapping my legs around his waist and kissing him as he tried not to fall off backwards. He smiled into the kiss and put me down, carefully. 'Did you miss me?'

'Too much.' I replied and he kissed me on the lips again.

'I missed you too.' He said, grabbing my suitcase. He shook Scott's hand and then gave Willow a small hug. 'Nice to see you guys.'

'You should have told us it was first class.' Willow said, folding her arms. I'd have worn something that wasn't from Gap.'

The air in Nashville was warmer than Michigan at around 6 degrees celsius and there was no melting snow on the ground like there had been at Willow's house. A car waited outside for us with its own personal driver and I remembered that Ed didn't drive; in the UK there was no need as he got around easily by cab or the underground. The driver put our suitcases in the trunk of his car and we sat inside, Ed in the front, and caught up about what we'd been up to over Christmas. We all became silent when we turned up a driveway and reached a huge house. My jaw dropped. We couldn't be any further away than Ed's two bed-apartment in Camden.

The driver opened the doors and we climbed out, my cousin and I looking at the building in disbelief.

'This is pretty sweet.' Scott said with a smile.

Only pretty sweet? The house looked about three stories high with large windows and three garages; why did Ed need three when he didn't even drive one? The tour of the inside left me in even more shock than I already was and there was nothing I could say. The front door led to a small landing area with polished, wooden stairs leading to the next floor. There was a large dining room decorated with a mosaic floor and a table which sat six people on comfy, suede chairs. There were built-in shelves decorated with awards, I noticed, that Ed had won. There was a small reception room with a turquoise chaise-longe and a guitar popped up in the corner, a small television built into the wall. Then there was the main living room with comfy cream and orange sofas, a modern-looking fireplace and a widescreen television above it. Part of the polished wooden floor was covered by a fluffy cream rug and the walls were decorated with vinyl records from The Beatles and other cool artists. The silver kitchen was large with a breakfast bar in the middle, using up some of the space and then there was a tucked away study with a desk and a book nook between shelves. Even the two downstairs bathrooms were eccentric.

Upstairs there were four bedrooms, all larger than those at my cousin's house. The three guest bedrooms looked the same; spacious with a double bed decorated with white sheets and cushions, a cream rug, artwork on the wall and then a walk-in closet. Two of the rooms even had their own ensuite. It was like being in a swanky hotel. Then there was Ed's room. It had polished wooden floors and very light grey walls with around five windows looking outside. There was a king-size bed decorated with a navy pinstripe duvet and a large, suede headboard. Yellow cushions were sprinkled aross the bed and there was a comfy-looking suede ottoman at the end of it. A bedside table was each side of the bed, both holding a lamp and there was a dresser pushed against the wall next to a full-length mirror. Then there was the stupidly big walk-in closet, which only had half of it filled with Ed's stuff.

'So this is mental.' I finally said as Ed placed my suitcase in the closet.

'Don't you like it?' He said, trying to read my expression.

'It's incredible.' I said, truthfully. 'It's just so... cool and so different from your Ikea-kitted apartment back in London.'

'Before I met you, I spent most of my time here.' He explained. 'Taylor only lives a few houses away.'

'Does it get lonely?' I asked. The house was incredible, yes, but it was just so... big. I would be lonely and probably a little creeped out being in it by myself.

'It does.' He said, his eyes sad.

I squeezed his hand. 'Shall I unpack?'

'Sounds good.' He smiled, kissing me on the forehead. 'I'll go and make some lunch.'

If my closet was this size, would I be able to fill it? That's what I wondered as I unpacked my suitcase that was far too big for just a few days, but it was the only one I had. Willow and I hadn't know what to pack so I'd packed the staples, like leggings, jeans and jumpers, but I'd also packed some outfits for going out, including sparkly tops, a few tea dresses and the dress I'd worn for Abby's hen party. I hung up most of my clothes, folding my vest tops and jumpers and neatly putting my underwear in a drawer. I looked at the shoe rack, my eyes wide. It was huge. I felt like Carrie in Sex and the City. I only had three pairs of shoes with me. I placed my black riding boots, black shoe boots and the stilettos I'd worn to the album launch which was high but very comfy. Ed had five pairs of shoes on the rack; four different pairs of Air sneakers and then some smart shoes, which must come out out a rare occassion. I hadn't seen these shoes before and he had a load back in Camden too. Did he have more shoes than me? Maybe my boyfriend was more like Carrie than me.

We all had omlettes for lunch and it was crazy just being able to sit at a breakfast bar in the kitchen.

'What are the plans for this afternoon?' I asked Ed when I'd finished. I filled my glass with some more water.

'Scott and I wanted to check out The Hermitage. It's the home of President Andrew Jackson.' Willow said with a smile. 'A bit of US history and all that.'

That's what they want to do in Music City? Really? Ed shot me a playful smile and I raised an eyebrow at him. Stop reading my thoughts.

'Well why don't I get the car to take you there and then Lucy and I will head into town?' Ed suggested.

'Okay, sounds good.' Scott said with a smile. 'Shall we go?' He took Willow's hand and she smiled. It was nice to see my cousin happy.

The walk to town took around thirty minutes, but it was nice looking at the houses and how different they were to the ones back home. All of the ones on Ed's street were big, but I knew that you got a lot more for your money than you did back in England. He held my hand and we spoke about our Christmases and shared funny stories with each other. Soon we were in town and I froze. My late granddad had loved Nashville. I'd seen plenty of photos of it, and the spot we were stood at I recognised. Stood with the river behind us, I could see the Hard Rock Cafe and the red brick buildings. I could see the Ryman Auditorium, home of the Grand Ole Opry. Then there was the Johnny Cash museum.

'There's a photo my my granddad here.' I whispered to Ed. 'Road seems a lot busier now though.'

'Then we'd better get a photo of you here too.' He said with a heartwarming smile. I passed him my phone and stood on the spot my granddad had stood on around fifteen years beforehand. The phone clicked and I looked back at the photo. Could that much change in fifteen years? Apparently so. 'Shall we go to the Johnny Cash museum?'

I smiled at him. 'I think my granddad would like that.'

I'd listened to Johnny Cash a few times with my granddad and I'd seen Walk The Line, but I'd only become really interested since my granddad had passed away, which was sad really. As we walked around, watching video clips and looking at his items, I had goosebumps. He'd had an interesting life, he really had, and he'd been a very talented man. I bought a vintage-looking t-shirt in the store and vowed I would listen to him more often.

'Thank you.' I said to Ed when we got back to his house. I reached up and kissed him softly on the lips and he smiled.

'Am I doing well?'

'Very.'

He pulled me in for another kiss, this time kissing me more passionately than he had done before. I ran my hands through his hair as I kissed him.

'Ahem.'

Both of our cheeks turned pink and we looked over at the source of the noise; Willow. 'Hey, Wills, did you have a good afternoon?'

'We did thank you.' She replied. 'Although I'm now going to be sick.' I rolled my eyes at her and she looked over at Ed. 'So what are the plans for this evening?'

'We're going out.' He said with a crooked smile and I knew he was up to something.

'Dresscode?'

'Casual is fine.'

But casual wasn't fine. Willow apeared in my room ten minutes later in a mustard-coloured knee-length skirt, brown boots and a navy plaid shirt with a belt around it. She looked like she belonged in Nashville. 'Mind if I do my make-up in here?' She said, grabbing the ottoman and pulling it over to the full-length mirror.

'Uhm, go ahead?' I said, as I got changed into a cream long-sleeve lace dress, which fell just above the knee, and added a belt around the middle. I pulled on some tights and took my hair out of its bun before slipping on my shoe boots. 'What do you think?'

'Very cute.' She said, giving me a thumbs up of approval. I crouched over her and sorted out my make-up until I was happy with it. 'All good to go?'

'Yes I am.'

'I'll go check on Scott.' She disappeared out of the room and I pushed the ottoman back to where it belonged.

'You look beautiful.' Ed said appearing topless, his hair damp from the shower. He kissed my forehead as he passed and disappeared into the closet. 'Would you like your other present now?' He said as he exited the wardrobe, pulling on a plain black-tshirt and a shirt over the top.

'I don't mind.' I replied, trying to contain my excitement. He reached into a drawer and pulled out a small package in the same wrapping as the previous one. He handed it to me and I carefully opened the paper, leaving a light blue box a little bigger than the last. I carefully opened the box and gasped. Inside was a necklace. It had a teal-coloured heart in the middle, matching the earrings, which was attached to a silver heart outline. Either side of the heart was a small silver wing outline, which held the pendant to the chain. 'It's beautiful.' I whispered, looking up at him with a smile. 'Thank you.'

'You're welcome.' He smiled, kissing me softly on the lips.

'Can you help me put it on?' I asked as I took it out of the box. He took the necklace carefully from me and moved my hair to one side as he fixed it on and planted a gentle kiss on the back of my neck. 'Would you like yours?' I whispered.

'Sure.'

He seemed grateful for his present; a black watch with orange numbers. It was a Richard Mille watch that cost more than any watch I'd ever bought before, but it was nice and it was smart. Ed thanked me with a few kisses and then we had to head out to dinner. We had dinner at a burger place and I knew why Ed had said casual. People were wearing jeans and baggy jumpers, and they were shooting us odd glances as we ate carefully, trying not to spill anything. The burgers were nice, sure, but I expected something a bit different in Nashville.

'Are you nearly done mate?' Ed asked Scott, checking the time on his new watch.

'Yep.' Scott said, finishing the last of his coca cola. 'Are we in a rush?'

'Sort of.'

'Where are we going?' Willow asked Ed, suspiciously. I gave her a confused look.

'You'll see.'

I couldn't believe where the cab dropped us off. I looked at the building in front of me with its blue awning, decorated with white writing which read, The Bluebird Cafe. I had to be the real Bluebird Cafe, didn't it? The one famous for live performances from new and already famous singer/songwriters? My granddad had spoken about it before, having gone to a lot of performances here and then they started using it on the programme Nashville, which I watched religiously.

'Are we going in or just standing here?' Ed said with a laugh, looking between Willow and I.

'Is this the real one? From the programme?' Willow said, hardly blinking.

'Yes it's the real Bluebird Cafe.' He chuckled. My cousin wasn't good with history of music. She probably wasn't even aware that it was famous before the programme had come along.

'This is so sweet.' Scott said, nodding his head with approval.

'Are you okay?' Ed asked, squeezing my hand.

'Yes!' I squealed. 'This is so cool!' He smiled and we walked up to the door, where there was a long queue. Ed pulled out four tickets and, thankfully, we were able to walk straight in.

The small venue was already buzzing and one act was already onstage when we walked in. Ed grabbed us a table and four chairs and we sat down facing the small stage decorated with fairylights and a neon bird sign above it.

'Hey Ed, so nice to see y'all again.' A waitress said, appearing at our table.

'Hey Clara.' Ed said with a smile.

'I see you've brought some new friends.'

'This is my girlfriend Lucy, her cousin Willow and their friend Scott.' Ed said introducing us.

'Of course, you're the gorgeous Lucy May!' Clara gushed, making my cheeks turn pink. 'I love your song Heart Attack.' She said with a smile. 'And all those covers on your Youtube page are cool too.'

'Thank you.' I replied with a smile.

'Well what can I get y'all?'

'Four bud lights.' Willow answered for all of us.

'I'll bring them right over.'

I looked over with a raised eyebrow. 'Come on, everyone loveds a bud light.'

The evening was chilled and I enjoyed listening to some upcoming country music stars, some with funny songs and some with songs about love and heartbreak. Ed disappeared for a while, coming back with more drinks and a smug smile on his face.

'He's up to something.' I whispered to Willow as she sipped her beer.

'He's always up to something.' She replied. 'You can't ever complain he's too predictable.'

'You're right there.'

I munched on one of the nacho chips in the middle of the table as I applauded the second act of the evening. The host, in his cowboy hat, walked to the front and applauded. 'That was Deena James everybody! Now, I'm afraid our third act didn't turn up this evening, but I've heard we've got a special fill in, so we'll be taking a ten minute break whilst she gets set up.'

'How can you not turn up for your performance at The Bluebird?' I said, shaking my head. 'So many people who have performed here have made it.'

'Lucy May?' I looked up in surprise to see the host standing in front of me. 'Are y'all ready to for your set?'

'My set?' I looked over at Ed and saw a familiar cheeky grin. 'Oh no you didn't.'

'You love it here.' He told me. 'You said your granddad used to come here all the time when he was in Nashville.'

'He did.' I replied, biting my lip. 'But not to perform.'

'Come on Luce, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity.' Willow gave me a reassuring smile and Scott nodded in agreement with her.

I looked at the host with his friendly smile and then back at my companions. They were right. And my granddad would have loved me to perform here. 'Let's do this.'

The crowd cheered as I took my spot after checking the guitar I was borrowing was in-tune for me. I'd chosen a first song, a country music one to cover. I just hoped I could choose four other songs to fill the set. 'Hey, I'm Lucy May.' I said into the microphone, nervously. 'My granddad used to come here a lot when he visited Nashville and he always said how great the acts were that performed. I've heard some great artists tonight and I hope that I live up to your expectations. I'm going to start with a cover, I hope you like it.'

'I hope you never lose your sense of wonder,

You get your fill to eat but always keep that hunger,

May you never take one single breath for granted,

GOD forbid love ever leave you empty handed,

I hope you still feel small when you stand beside the ocean,

Whenever one door closes I hope one more opens,

Promise me that you'll give faith a fighting chance,

And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance.

I hope you dance...I hope you dance.'

My eyes were teary and I bit back the tears as I finished the song I hadn't sang since my granddad's funeral. The crowd cheered and applauded and I shot them a smile. 'Thank you.' I adjusted the microphone stand nervously as I thought of my next song. 'I don't tend to play country music as much as I used to so I'm going back a couple years with these few. I hope you don't mind. I wrote this one when I was eighteen. It's called 'So Small.'' I went into autopilot as I played the intro and I was surprised with how the lyrics flooded straight to me.

'What you got if you ain't got love

the kind that you just want to give away

It's okay to open up

go ahead and let the light shine through

I know it's hard on a rainy day

you want to shut the world out and just be left alone

But don't run out on your faith

Sometimes that mountain you've been climbing is just a grain of sand

What you've been up there searching for

forever is in your hands

When you figure out love is all that matters after all

It sure makes everything else

seem so small.'

The crowd applauded and I smiled, glad they were enjoying the songs I hadn't sung in two or so years.

'It's so easy to get lost inside

a problem that seems so big at the time

it's like a river thats so wide

it swallows you whole

While you sit around thinking about what you can't change

and worrying about all the wrong things

time's flying by

moving so fast

you better make it count 'cause you can't get it back

Sometimes that mountain you've been climbing is just a grain of sand

What you've been up there searching for

forever is in your hands

When you figure out love is all that matters after all

It sure makes everything else

Seem so small

Sometimes that mountain you've been climbing is just a grain of sand

What you've been up there searching for

forever is in your hands

When you figure out love is all that matters after all

It sure makes everything else

Oh it sure makes everything else

Seem so small.'

The set went quick and I forgot how much I enjoyed singing country music songs and just playing the guitar. I'd stopped doing it because I realised that country music wasn't doing as well in the UK as it used to. Even Taylor Swift had dropped her country roots and moved ontop pop. I ended the set with my acoustic version of 'Heart attack' and I was surprised that some people were singing along. It was great. After the final cheers and applause, I put down the guitar and got off the stage.

'Here's your money for this evening.' The host said, handing me a small envelope.

'My money?'

'We charge people on the door to pay the artists.' He explained. 'This is your share.'

'Thank you.' I said, feeling surprised. I opened the envelope and looked at the $450 tucked inside. It was't much, but I didn't mind. Just playing there was enough.

'So what are tomorrow's plans?' I asked Ed as we got into bed that night.

'Well I've got to film the video for Little Things.' He said, kissing my forehead.

I groaned and buried my face in the pillow. 'Can't you just release a different song? One that isn't about my freckles or dimples or sleep talking?'

'But I like it. Because it's about you.' He whispered in my ear, giving me goosebumps.

'Fine.' I turned to face him. 'So does that mean you're busy all day?'

'I'd like it to be that we're busy all day.' He said, planting a kiss on my nose. 'I only agreed to what Leon and the director have planned on one condition.'

'Oh?'

'That you'd be in the video with me.'

'I'm hoping as your love interest?' I said with a playful smile as he pulled me towards him. 'Because otherwise I'm terrible at acting.'

'Me too so it's a good job we won't have to act.'

Being in a music video meant an early start and by 7.30am we were at our first location; Opryland Hotel Gardens. The gardens were in an enclosed biodome and they were beautiful. There were flowers, tropical trees, a river and even waterfalls. There was a small cafe in the gardens, closed for the festive period but opened for the music video. Inside were filming equipment, racks of clothes and mirrors.

'Lucy! Lovely to see you again!' Ed's stylist, Nina, pulled me into a tight hug. We'd met once before, when she had helped me shop and get ready for a Warner Records party before I had been signed.

'Lovely to see you too Nina.' Ed said sarcastically and she shook her head at him.

'I see you all the time.'

A rather camp guy appeared at Nina's side and gave her a nudge. 'Leon wants to start shooting in fifteen minutes. We'd better start working.' He looked at me with a smile. 'I'm Marty, Ed's hair stylist.'

I looked at Ed's scruffy hair and then back at Marty. 'Pleased to meet you.'

Nina grabbed my hand. 'Marty, you show Ed his first outfit and sort out his hair. I'll get Lucy's make-up done.'

My make-up was quite neutral, with different shades of brown and natural-looking lipstick. My hair was left down and natural. All of the clothes chosen were quite neutral and girly, a look that I rarely wore nowadays. My first outfit was a cream lace knee-length skater skirt with a tucked-in denim shirt with some heeled-ankle cowboy boots. Marty finished playing with my hair and gave me a smile. 'Shall we see where they've got to?'

Filming had already started and we found Ed singing to a crowd of excited members of the public. He was halfway through the first chorus when we got there and I smiled at my boyfriend stood on a small platform, playing guitar and singing with a waterfall behind him. He was wearing a plain t-shirt, jeans and sneakers I recognised from his closet. I noticed some of the crowd wearing Ed Sheeran t-shirts, singing along as the cameras moved around, trying to get the best angles. I stood waiting out of shot with Nina and Marty until the song finished and the crowd applauded. Then security guards stepped in and ushered the crowd away, marking off the area with a barrier.

'Oh good, you're ready.' The director said, nodding at me. Ed's guitar was taken from him and Nina passed him a navy shirt, which he buttoned up over his t-shirt, before he came to join me. 'Now all I want for the next shot is for you two to just walk away from the camera holding hands. We'll do it a few times to get the right angle. Just look relaxed and happy and maybe be talking.'

Ed gave him a salute and I bit back a laugh.'Yes, boss.'

The director led us over to where he wanted us to stand and we did as we were told. '3, 2, 1, action!'

We walked along, hand in hand, as instructed and Ed tried to make silly jokes to make me laugh. It worked. Most of the shots that morning were quite short and involved us walking around and talking or sitting down by the river.

'Okay, I'd like to try one more shot before lunch.' The director announced, putting down his coffee. My stomach growled with disagreement. 'Ed, Lucy, you're going to be on the bridge and I want arms around each other, about to kiss but not actually kissing, okay?' He pointed at where he wanted the camera man to stand and we took our place on the bridge. As 'action' was called, Ed slipped his arms around my waist and rested his head on my forehead, making me smile. It was pretty hard not to kiss him though.

The hotel sent lunch to the closed cafe for us and we all tucked into the sandwiches, rolls and fruits sent our way. After half an hour, lunch was over and it was back to the seriousness of filming. Marty put my hair into a loose bun and Nina fixed my make-up whilst the crew headed to the next location with Ed. I changed into an off-the-shoulder cream jumper and denim shorts and then we headed off into the hotel for our next location. They'd hired a suite for an hour, so we didn't have long to get the shots the director wanted. The hour was spend filming snippets of Ed and I cosying up on the sofa, drinking cups of tea and more-almost kissing. By that point I just wanted to kiss him and it was getting annoying. By two o'clock, it was time to stop.

'Okay, the final bit of filming can't happen until tonight so be back here for seven.' Leon told us. He looked at Ed. 'Don't be late.'

Instead of going back to Ed's mansion-house, we headed to the Country Music Hall of Fame, where Willow and Scott were. We met them outside the giant building and my cousin greeted me with a hug.

'How's your day going?' She asked with a smile as we headed inside.

'It's going good. It's a lot more relaxed than making my music video.' I explained as we bought our tickets.

The museum was huge and had belongings of country stars, both old and new scattered around behind display cases. Country music played and I hummed along as I read the information. Ed was chatting to Scott and it was nice they were getting along so well.

'Hey, look!' Willow said, walking over to a cabinet containing clothes from Taylor Swift's Red Tour. 'She didn't wear these when we saw her in London.'

'I think these were just her looks for the American Tour.'

'Yep they were.' Ed said appearing behind me and squeezing my waist.

'Of course, you went on tour with her.' Willow said. 'That's when the rumours started that the two of you were dating.'

I raised an eyebrow and he shook his head. 'Taylor's like a sister to me. That would be totally wrong.' He kissed my forehead. 'I didn't know you'd been to any of Taylor's concerts.'

'Lucy has been to every London show.' Willow grinned and I shot her a death glare. 'What? It's true.'

'Fan, huh?' He teased as my cheeks turned red.

'She influenced my music a little and she's pretty inspirational. Her songs got me through a lot of hard times.' I said, biting my lip. 'And they're pretty damn catchy too.'

'They are.' He agreed with a cheeky smile.

'Please don't tell her this. It's cringey.'

'You can tell her yourself. We've all been invited to her party on New Year's Eve.'

'A Taylor Swift party?!' Willow said, her eyes wide. A few people looked our way and I smiled, awkwardly, at them. 'They always look so epic. Her Fourth of July ones in particular.'

'Yeah, they're pretty epic.' Ed agreed with a smile.

'This is a whole new world to me.' Scott said, shaking his head.

'Yeah, me too.' I admitted to him. Willow had spent her time in America going to parties as a childhood friend of Selena Gomez. She was used to it. I'd tagged along to one in Miami, but other than that, it was a world I didn't know about. But it was pretty damn cool.

After grabbing an early dinner, we made our way back to Opryland Hotel with Scott and Willow, who had decided to join us for moral support. Leon was chatting to the director when we arrived and they both gave us a small wave before ending there conversation.

Leon came over to us when he was finished. 'Have a good break?'

'Yeah.' Ed said with a smile. 'What's the plan for the rest of this shoot then?'

'They're setting up out in the gardens now. It's going to be a scene with some dancing... but not choreographed, just basic slow dancing before you panic.' He explained, running a hand through his hair. 'We had to wait until now because the lighting had to be right and we've got in some extras too.' He looked over my shoulder, spotting my cousin and her boyfriend. 'Did you bring some more extras?'

'Oh, that's just my cousin and her boyfriend. They're staying at Ed's with us.' I explained with a small smile.

He beckoned them over. 'You two fancy being in a music video?'

My cousin's eyebrows shot up. 'Us? Really?'

'Sure.' He said with a shrug. 'We've got enough outfits. Just see Nina and see what she can find in your size.' He turned back to Ed and I. 'You kids better find Nina and Marty. We start in forty-five minutes.'

Nina and Marty were back in the cafe, but this time they had assistants with them, handing out different-coloured dresses and suits to the extras and there were a few hairstylists and make-up artists giving them make-overs.

'Great! You're here!' Nina said, grabbing my hand. 'I've got to make you the belle of the ball, not that you aren't already.'

'Nina, this is Lucy's cousin Willow and this is Scott. Leon's said they can join the extras.' Ed said, introducing my cousin.

'Jaycee!' Nina called and a curvy lady with dark skin and dark hair came over, a big smile on her face.

'Everything okay, Nina?'

'Marty and I need to sort out Lucy. Can you sort out Willow here with an outfit and get her hair and make-up sorted?'

'Of course.' Jaycee said with a smile, grabbing my cousin and whisking her away.

Nina and Marty took me out the back, where a few dresses hung for me in what must have been the staff room. They sat me in a stool and straight away, Nina started to carefully remove the make-up she'd put on me earlier that day, whilst Marty brushed my hair. I felt Marty pin a section on top of my head as Nina grabbed the foundation and started covering my face. I sat as still as I could as my hair was curled and clipped, and make-up was brushed onto my face.

I tried to peer in a mirror, but Nina stopped me. 'Wait until you're completely ready.' She passed me a beautiful cream lace dress and some nude court shoes, before slipping out of the door to find Ed with Marty. I carefully slipped on the dress, glad that it was zippable so that I didn't ruin my hair and make-up. Then I walked over to the mirror. Silvery eyeshadow covered my eyelids, getting darker in the corners and lighter in the middle, giving the effect that my eyes were bigger. Winged eyeliner was also along my lids and there was a little eyeliner on my lower lashline too with some lengthening mascara. I had a pinky lipstick on, which worked well with the blusher. I was an English Rose. My hair had been pinned back into a loose, curled bun with strands hanging down and framing my face. And then there was the dress...

A lace cream skater dress with petticoats underneath to add volume and a v-back, revealing my bare back. There was a bow at the bottom of the v, just before the dress flared out. It was beautiful.

'Well look at you!' Willow said, appearing behind me. She was wearing a one-shoulder, dusky pink prom dress, which fell just above the knee, and silver stilettos. Her hair was worn in a classy french plait over the shoulder that wasn't covered by the dress.

'Me? Look at you! You're looking gorgeous!'

'Not as gorgeous as you.' Willow said, standing beside me. 'It's like we're off to the ball. Just not a real one, sadly.' She pulled the phone out of my bag and snapped some selfies of us together. 'Hey, spin in a circle.' She instructed. I did as I was told and she snapped away. 'Awesome!'

'See, I've been telling you, fifties dresses are the way forward. Flattering, lots of volume and perfect for twirling.'

'You both look fabulous!' Nina said, appearing in the doorway with Marty and clapping her hands together. 'Willow, all the extras are heading over now to get the scene organised.' My cousin hugged me and disappeared with Marty.

'I hope I don't fall over.' I said to her as she dusted a little glitter over my skin.

'I hope so too!'

'At least they can cut and start again.'

'That's true.' Nina said with a smile, standing back to check she was happy with my outfit. 'But they don't want Ed to see you until they've started filming. So that bit, you'll have to walk slowly and carefully... just in case.'

Nina and I walked over the bridge together and she stopped me when we reached a tree, telling me I couldn't go any further. I peered through the gap in the tree and smiled at the site. Strings of fairylights fell from the ceiling like rain and silver lanterns hung over the dancefloor. The crew were moving the extras around, spreading them around the floor and I could see Ed talking to the director on the furthest side from me. A few unlookers watched me from the barrier next to the bridge, taking snaps on their cameras and phones.

'You look lovely, Lucy.' Leon said, coming round the corner. Nina smiled at me and disappeared out of the way. 'Now what we'll do is film you making an entrance through the middle of the dancing couples and reaching Ed. Then if you just start dancing together and we'll see what happens. Okay?'

I sucked in a deep breath. One shot to get it right. No pressure.

'3, 2, 1... action.' I heard the director bellow and then the familiar music for Little Things started. Leon nodded at me and I carefully walked forwards, surprised at how well timed it was; every couple I reached just danced out the way and I smiled as a gap appeared and I could see Ed in his black trousers, smart black shoes, a white shirt with rolled up sleeves, black tie and a black waistcoat. He looked up at me and his eyes lit up and he shot me a smile that made my heart melt.

I am the luckiest guy in the whole world.

I blushed at our private conversation and gave him a shy smile as he reached his hands out for mine, pulling me gently towards him, as 'your hand fits in mine like it's made just for me' sounded. Perfect timing. He moved one hand to my waist and I moved one to his shoulder. We started to move slowly in time to the lyrics. When we reached the chorus, he twirled me around and I smiled at my spinning skirt. And then he sang to me and I could have melted; 'It's you they add up to, I'm in love with you and all these little things.'

Surprisingly, one take was all it took and the director was happy. 'It's a wrap! Nice work everyone!' He said and everyone applauded. Ed swung me around and we had a swoop kiss just like in the films. 'Please tell me someone got that on camera!' The director bellowed and we laughed as Ed put me back on my feet. He kissed my forehead and I smiled up at him.

Leon came over and put his arm around Ed, grinning. ''No Leo, mate, I will never make a soppy music video. It's just not me, man. I'm not soppy.'' Leon said in a silly voice and I assumed he was quoting Ed. 'Bollocks to that.'

'Circumstances have changed...' Ed replied, trying to hold back a smile.

The director came over and shook both of our hands. 'You've been great to work with. You're free to go home.'

The next day, Ed and Scott headed to Nissan Stadium to watch the Tennesee Titans play. Willow and I had been invited to join them, but then Nina had invited us shopping for outfits for Taylor's party and that was the winning choice; a day with the girls. Nina picked us up in her hire car after lunch and she parked downtown, where the main shopping was. There were a few malls, but it was mainly boutique shops. We spent a few hours there, grabbed dinner and then headed home, inviting Nina to get ready at the house for the party the next day.

I woke up early on the 31st December and I wasn't sure why. Ed was sound asleep beside me and the rest of the house was quiet. I got up, dressed in my jeans and an oversized jumper and headed outside, sitting myself by the covered pool with my notebook and the guitar from Ed's dining room. I looked out at the garden in front of me, so far from home. But this was what I wanted, wasn't it? An incredible boyfriend who loved me, my songs being played in the chart, my voice finally being heard. Everything was perfect. Too perfect. It couldn't be long before it all fell apart.