“I can’t believe you talked me into this,” Sophie said.

“To be honest, I’m still amazed that I was able to convince you.”

We were just beyond the loading zone on the tarmac below a gorgeous summer’s day walking towards the plane, packs strapped to our backs. My legs were uncharacteristically shaky but I knew I had to put on a brave face for Sophie, otherwise she would turn on her heels and run back to the safety of the hangar.

“I must be insane,” she muttered to me, a wide smile plastered on her face as we passed a line of photographers ready with their cameras. They jostled each other behind the rope, calling our names. I gave them a little wave but kept on striding onwards; if we stopped the forward momentum it would only give Sophie the chance to change her mind. Once we were in the plane I was sure everything would be fine and her nerves might settle down.

“Really, it’s your own fault for organising this little event. You knew I would want to do it.”

“Yeah but I didn’t expect you to rope me in too.”

“Ah, you’ll love it. You were fine with the training jumps.”

She blew out a large breath. “But this will be the first time I’ve ever jumped out a plane for real.”

Jeremy greeted us with a broad smile, bouncing on his heels, as we arrived at the small gutted out plane. There were no proper seats except up front for the pilot and co-pilot. For us there were metal benches running along the inside. The plane’s only purpose was for jumps like these. Get enough altitude then let the cargo drop, I thought with a wry smile.

“Oh, God. I don’t think I can do this.”

“You can, my love. It’s just nerves. You’ll be fine once we’re in the air, away from that lot,” I said, looking over my shoulder. “Just remember it’s for a good cause. For Louisa and all those children with leukaemia. Remember your training and you’ll have nothing to worry about. Besides, I’m going to be right there with you. I won’t let anything happen to you, ok? Neither will Jeremy.”

“I can promise you that,” he said, and gave her shoulder a squeeze. “Strapped to me you’re in safe hands.”

She nodded and climbed into the piston-powered plane. Jeremy turned to me and we shared a look. “And you, are you ready?”

“Born ready,” I replied.

He gave me a swift wink then climbed in to join Sophie.

The plane climbed to 12,000ft and I got the nod from the instructor supervising the skydive then moved to the door, the wind already whipping at my face. I griped the metal edges and faced inwards to look directly at Sophie as Jeremy motioned her forward, inch by inch. She was sandwiched between us, strapped to him but looking at me, eyes wide, never breaking her gaze.

I gave her my biggest smile ever and leaned in to kiss her.

“I love you, Sophie Mortimer. Will you marry me?”

Her mouth dropped open and I took a split second to register the complete and utter shock on her face, which I hoped took her mind off what she was about to do just a tiny bit. Then I released my grip, propelling myself backwards into nothingness. Praying her answer would be yes. Trusting that she wouldn’t let me fall.

I lost sight of them as I tumbled through the air but knew Jeremy would be right behind me with Sophie in tandem. For a second I thought I heard her screaming and spun myself around, locating them not too far away. Through the thin air I gradually swam towards them, closing the gap, and hooked my hand into Jeremy’s, all the while trying to judge her reaction. But Sophie was too busy screaming, laughing and yelling, her hands over her mouth, as all three of us descended. It was an amazing sight to see, and I think I fell in love with her all over again.

We broke apart, and I watched as Jeremy spun her around a few times, then motioned for her to spread her arms wide away from her mouth and check her gauge. Before her training kicked in she looked over to find me and she nodded; at least I thought it was a nod. Before I could decide for sure Jeremy pulled their cord.

I waited a beat longer before I pulled mine, dropping a few more seconds; I wanted to be the first on the ground, ready to see her reaction coming down. It wasn’t long after that I touched down near the drop zone and spotted where Charlotte was waiting, the pre-arranged huge sign all laid out on the grass ready for Sophie to see.

“Did she say yes?” Charlotte screamed at me as I detached my pack and ran to where Jeremy was guiding them down.

“I don’t know yet!” I yelled back, smiling.

Sophie’s hands were back covering her mouth as I watched her come into focus, scanning the ground and my message: SOPHIE, WILL YOU MARRY ME?

Jeremy skilfully eased her down, bang on target. Bullseye.

He released her and immediately I pulled out the ring I’d had tucked away in one of my pockets and went down on one knee. I had no idea how I managed to stay upright for so long; my legs were the consistency of jelly, like they’d been on my first jump. And it was all due to the woman before me.

“Oh my God. Oh my God.”

I caught my breath as I gazed up at her. She was bouncing on cloud nine, unable to contain the emotion that was running through her.

“Sophie,” I said again, trying to hold my tears at bay and say the words one more time. Third time the charm, counting the sign that was… “Will you marry me?”

“Yes, you lunatic!” she squealed. In an instant I was up and had her in my arms, kissing her like there was no tomorrow.

Charlotte and Jeremy came close, clapping as we broke apart. Charlotte shared her congratulations and then gave Sophie a huge hug while Jeremy slapped me on the back.

“Dude, she was screaming yes practically all the way down. I thought she was going to bust my eardrum when she saw the sign!”

“Oh you big baby, you were screaming too,” Sophie said from behind Jeremy and nudged him.

“Screaming with laughter, yes,” he said laughing again.

I claimed my bride to be, wrapping my arms around her. “So did you like it?”

A slow but steady smile spread her lips wide and she nodded apprehensively. “Yes… when can we do it again?”

My mum had been right; I’d definitely found my match, my one and only soul mate. The one that made me forget all common sense and yet grounded me effortlessly. The one that I needed more than anything in this world.

Forever may she reign in my heart.