Total pages in book: 121
Estimated words: 119548 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 598(@200wpm)___ 478(@250wpm)___ 398(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 119548 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 598(@200wpm)___ 478(@250wpm)___ 398(@300wpm)
“Mother, was it really necessary to put it like that?”
She fluttered her eyelashes at me. “I’m sorry, is there another way I’m supposed to put it?”
“Well, I…”
“I’m of the opinion that this is a stupid idea. Marriage is not child’s play. This isn’t exchanging a daisy ring in the back garden—it’s a legal vow to be together until death do you part.” She got to her feet and smoothed out her trousers. “But as I just said, I respect your choices. I may not agree with it, but I will support you and the choices you make.”
I peered over at Deli. She was fiddling with her thumbs, her gaze fixed firmly on them.
“I just sincerely hope you do not regret them one day in the future,” Mum said softly. “For as much as I would love the two of you to truly be in a relationship, I value your friendship far more than anything uncertain. So, I will stand by your sides and play along if it’s your sincerest wish.”
“Thank you, Aunt Vi,” Deli said. “To be honest, I don’t know if this is the right thing to do, and I’m afraid we will regret it, but when I saw Nana’s face today…” She briefly trailed off and shrugged a shoulder. “Besides, Fred does give really good foot massages, so it could be worse.”
Mum’s lips twitched into a small smile. “I wouldn’t know, darling. You’re the only one he ever gives them to.”
“She bullies me if I don’t,” I said, rolling my shoulders. “It makes my life easier if she’s in a good mood.”
“Look at that,” Mum said, eyeing us both with scepticism. “You’re more of a married couple than some people who have been together for twenty years.”
Deli shivered. “And the nightmare fuel just keeps on coming.”
9
* * *
FRED
“Fred, Granny’s lost her marbles.” My sister burst into the kitchen and slammed her hands on the table. “What’s this codswallop about you proposing to Deli?”
I paused mid-stir of my tea. “It’s not codswallop.”
“What do you mean, it’s not codswallop? In what universe are you proposing to Deli?”
“This universe. I’m going to propose to her soon. Would you like some tea?”
Amelia stared at me as I pressed the teabag against the side of my mug. “Would I like some tea? Right after you said you’re proposing to Deli? Are you fucking insane?”
“I don’t know what you’re so het up about,” I said, disposing of the teabag. “I thought you’d be excited to have her as your sister-in-law.”
“I’d rather marry her myself than subject her to a lifetime of you,” she shot back. “What did she do to deserve such a punishment? Are you bullying her by making her marry you?”
Yeah. Right.
Because anyone could just bully Deli into doing something.
“What was the last time you saw anyone bully Delilah?” I said dryly. “Nana wants her to get married, Deli told her she had a secret boyfriend, and so we had to come clean about our relationship.”
“Your relationship.”
“Yes, our relationship.”
Mel blinked. “What, that you’re just friends?”
Damn it. “Don’t tell Deli you didn’t believe me. She’s been dying for someone to not believe us.”
“Then I’ll text her right now,” she said. “Now, explain it properly, you insane idiot.”
“He probably would if you didn’t insult him.” Her boyfriend, Henry, walked into the kitchen after her and nodded towards me.
“It’s his fault!”
“It’s not my fault,” I replied and sipped my tea. “You asked me a question, and I answered it. You can’t blame me if you didn’t like the answer.”
“You’re trying to take my Delilah away from me!”
Since when was my best friend her Delilah?
Henry laid his hands on her shoulders and looked at me. “What’s going on? What’s Deli done this time?”
Man, Deli would be so pissed if she was here and heard everyone automatically assuming it was her fault.
Well, it was her bloody fault.
“I’m proposing to Deli and we’re getting married,” I explained.
He paused for a moment, then tilted his head to one side before nodding. “I wondered when you two would finally get your shit together.”
“Thank you.”
“Don’t side with this scoundrel!” Mel shrugged his hands off and pointed at me. “It’s not real! You’re not dating!”
I raised my eyebrows. “How do you know that? You’ve been in Devon for the last month. We could be dating.”
“Frederick!” she snapped. “You’re faking it! How could you scam her into a marriage with you? Are you that desperate?”
“Hey!” I put down my mug. “How is this my fault? She was the one who told Nana she had a secret boyfriend. I’m merely being a good best friend and helping her out.”
“Granny’s going to have a fit when she finds out about this. I’m going to tell her right now!” She shoved off the kitchen island and stormed towards the door.
“Go ahead,” I called. “She already knows. She talked it over with us last week.”