Two days later, they were sat in the car by the side of the road in silence, staring at the flooded road in front of them.

Dennis was the first to break the silence. "Well, there goes those plans, then."

Jenny smiled and spoke in a teasing voice. "Oh don't pretend you were looking forward to it!"

Dennis smiled and looked at her, but his smile faltered a little when he saw the cut evident on her forehead that still made him feel guilty. "I was, actually. Steve and I have come to a mutual agreement that we may not much like each other, but we don't like other people more."

Jenny laughed at this. "That sounds about right."

"..I'd even go so far as inviting him to be my best man at our wedding."

"We're getting married, then?"

"I hope so."

Jenny bit her lip and turned to Dennis who was by now staring at the steering wheel. "Well, you'll just have to ask me officially then, won't you?"

…

An hour later, they entered the pub, dripping from the rain and in high spirits.

"Jen! I'm glad you're here, Mike and I have some news." Tricia pulled her from Dennis' grip.

Quietening the patrons, Mike grinned widely. "We're getting married!"

As a cheer went up, Jenny turned to look at Dennis, who was unable to stop the disappointed expression on his face. He'd been about to announce the same thing.

…

After congratulating her friends, Jenny approached Dennis who was now stood by the fire. Reaching up, she put a hand to his cheek. "Oh, cheer up. All this means is that we get to keep our news to ourselves a little longer. It just means a few more hidden smiles and keeping the neighbours guessing."

Dennis smiled at this, turning his head to kiss her palm. "I think I can probably live with that."