Juliet opened the cottage door half an hour or so later, and couldn't believe her eyes. Nor could the rest of her family if their shouts of delight were anything to go by.

Two of the vintage, open top carriages that had been sold with the house were sitting on Mistletoe Row. Each had white and silver ribbon tied all the way around them, but the one in front, had pink roses pinned to the ribbons, and pink rose petals strewn inside. Luckily, there was no breeze today and the predicted snow, had not arrived, so far. The second carriage had two superb grey horses pulling it, but it was the first carriage that took Juliet's breath away. It was pulled by two magnificent white horses but when she looked at them she saw that they had white, sparkly pointed cones tied with ribbon, around their foreheads and lengths of iridescent streamers falling gently from their manes.

Several people on Mistletoe Row had come to their doors to see what was going on, and customers flocked out from The Mistletoe pub, including Dan and his family.

'They may not be unicorns, exactly,' Harrison said. 'But they're trying very hard to be. And I may not be Prince Charming, but I'll spend the rest of my life getting as close to that as I can.' He bent down on one knee in the snow and opened the lid of a tiny, antique box. 'This was my mother's engagement ring. I'll buy you another of your own if you say yes, but in the meantime, will you marry me, Juliet Bell? Will you make me the proudest, happiest man in the world and say you'll be my wife? I know we've only, technically, been on a couple of dates. One twenty years ago and one last night, if that counts as a date. But I've loved you for twenty years and I'll love you till the day I die. And if you think that it's too soon, I'll ask you every day until you finally say yes.'

Juliet's mouth fell open and she stared at him for a second. 'Oh God, Harrison. Of course I'll be your wife. I'll be anything you want as long as I can spend the rest of my life with you.'

'Really?' He beamed at her, got to his feet and slid the ring on her finger.

It fitted perfectly and the magnificent, entwined diamonds sparkled as she marvelled at their beauty.

'Because I do need a new executive assistant, as it happens,' Harrison added.

Juliet burst out laughing. 'Are you offering me the job?'

He shook his head. 'No. But I do want you to be my partner, not just in our personal lives, but in my business, too.'

'Oh for God's sake, man. Just kiss her, will you?' It was Dan's voice and he was out of breath. He'd clearly run from the pub to get a better view.

Harrison looked at Dan and smiled. 'Thanks. I'll do that.' His eyes were filled with love as he smiled at Juliet and pulled her into his arms. 'I love you, Juliet. You are my heart and soul. My Lady of the Lake.'

'And you have made unicorns real. You're my Prince Charming. I love you, Harrison Bow. And this ring is perfect. I don't want another.'

Juliet and Harrison smiled adoringly at each other, and kissed, as everyone, especially Rosa, Bernard, Zoe and Luke clapped and cheered. Even Cinnamon's bark sounded congratulatory.

As if on cue, soft flakes of snow fell gently from the sky, the bells of St Clement's started ringing, and via the open door of the cottage next to number 29, carollers on the radio boomed out, Joy to the World.

 'Oh my days,' Dan said, in the campest voice ever. 'You couldn't make this stuff up. Even the heavens approve, darling. Congratulations and Merry Christmas one and all.'

Juliet was far too busy kissing Harrison to reply.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!