Enjoy the JOURNEY

Alice's husband wanted to surprise her - and he succeeded

I've just opened my magazine and I'm about to take a sip of coffee when Steve appears looking flushed.

'Alice,' he says while he shuffles from one foot to the other, reminding me of an impatient child. 'Remember when you said you'd like to do something completely mad on impulse?'

'No,' I reply. 'When was that?"

'It was at your sister's party. When you got rather fond of the gin cocktails being handed around.'

He tries to hide a giggle as I feel myself glow as red as a Sahara sunset. Everyone, including Steve, promised faithfully that the incident would never be mentioned again.

He pauses for dramatic effect before continuing. 'Not only did you say it, but you were adamant. So I've taken you at your word and surprised you.'

I feel my pulse quicken as I wait for the great reveal. Steve has never done anything on impulse, and I'm silently praying it has nothing to do with bungee ropes.

He puffs out his chest. 'I've booked us a holiday - it was too good a deal to resist. The hotel is right on the beach. It looks stunning, and the travel agent highly recommended it. She stayed there last year and said it's one of the nicest places she's ever been.'

I jump up and let out a scream. Mitzy joins in the excitement, barking and chasing around as I hug Steve.

'When are we going?' I say, trying to catch my breath.

He lowers his head and starts to look a bit sheepish.

'Tomorrow. We fly at 8am.'

'Tomorrow?!' My voice rises banshee style. As in...' I quickly calculate, *...19 hours? Don't be ridiculous! What about Mitzy? We'll never get a place at the kennels. And what about work? They need me. Not to mention the packing! What on earth possessed you?'

I flop back down onto the settee, head in hands as Mitzy gives me a gentle lick.