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“I’m sure I can work something out at the shop so I can be there.”

He grins, and it makes him look almost boyish. “I’ll get you a ticket cageside.”

Cageside. That close to the action, I’ll be able to see everything. I found Braehead hard enough to watch at times, and Ryan wasn’t even my boyfriend then. I can’t begin to imagine what it’s going to be like now.

I manage another smile, hoping I look as excited as he does.

It’s Paris, I remind myself. The Eiffel Tower. Fine dining. Romance.

And my boyfriend facing a man who fights dirty.

Innes’s birthday cake has been cut, and everyone round the table has a slice in front of them.

Tonight has gone a great deal better than the last time Ryan was in this house. But I can tell he still doesn’t feel completely at home.

To be fair, Mum has been making a real effort all evening, though possibly too much of one. She keeps asking Ryan questions about MMA as if she’s suddenly become its biggest fan. It’s touching and excruciating in equal measure.

Ryan is making the most of his cake. He’s eating it slowly, savouring every forkful. He even closes his eyes at one point.

“You’re treating that like it’s your last meal,” Innes says.

“Near enough. Fight camp starts tomorrow. That’s the last cake I’ll see for eight weeks.” He points his fork at Innes. “So I’m enjoying it while I can, birthday boy.”

Innes has been buzzing about the fight all evening. It still hasn’t been officially announced, so we’ve all promised to keep it to ourselves, but within these four walls we’ve talked about little else.

“I’ll be honest, Ryan,” Mum says, setting down her fork. “I can’t promise I’ll be able to watch it. But I’ll be hoping you win.”

“Thanks, Kathy. That means a lot.”

“I’ll be watching,” Innes says. “Every single second. My sister’s boyfriend in a world title fight? I can’t believe it. It’s just mad.”

“It is a bit mad,” I say.

Ryan just grins.

I am, of course, still quietly dreading the whole thing. And it’s not like it’s some abstract worry. I know what it’s like to watch someone you love get hurt. My mum is right now feeding my brother his birthday cake because he can’t do it himself. He’ll never be able to do it himself.

I think of what Ryan asked me that night in my flat. Does Innes blame you? It’s been sitting at the back of my mind for weeks now. I keep meaning to have a proper talk with my brother about it, but, well, it never seems like the right time.

And on his birthday? It’s definitely not the right time.

But I wasn’t there for Innes, and now I’m supposed to stand by while Ryan faces a man who beat his last opponent into retirement? I don’t know what else I can do, though. This is Ryan’s job, and it’s my job, as his girlfriend, to support him, right? Even if doing so scares me half to death.

Mum holds out another forkful of cake, and Innes takes it. He swallows, then says, “You know what I think is a scandal? The one member of this family who thinks MMA is two men cuddling angrily gets flown to Paris for a world title fight. Meanwhile, I get to stay home.”

“Hey!” I protest. “I appreciate the sporting side of it more than I used to. And I’m sure we could sort something out so you can come too. Right, Ryan?”

“Aye, of course.”

“I’m only joking,” Innes says. “I’m not going to gatecrash your first holiday together. Or should I say romantic love fest? Anyway, uni will be back by then.”

“Are you sure?” I ask.

“Yes, I’m sure! What about the shop, anyway? You going to leave Emmy in charge while you’re away?”

“Sure, she’ll be in charge, but I’m actually thinking of taking someone on to work with her while I’m in Paris. Things have been going really well—orders are up, and I’m making more money—so it might even be someone I keep on permanently. Then I could take a bit more time off myself.”

“Oh, darling, that’s wonderful,” Mum says.