Page 37 of Forever Mr Black

I don’t envy him. I’d imagine Mum’s on his case twenty-four/seven, but I’m with her on this one. “It’s better to be safe than sorry.”

Martin silently sips his water, looking like a man who knows he’s fighting a losing battle.

“This is a lovely place,” Mum says, glancing around the garden.

“Lovely,” Martin agrees.

She scoots forward to the edge of her seat and lowers her voice. “You’ll be set for life.”

“Mum!” I grimace at her reference to Art’s wealth. “I love Art.”

“I know that. I didn’t mean anything by it, love, but you’ve got to see it from our perspective.”

“We just want the best for you.” Martin takes a drink of water and puts it back down on the arm of the chair. “I’ve looked after you since your mum and I got together. I know we’ve had our little ups and downs, and I know I can never replace your dad, but … well, I see you as my daughter too. All I’ve ever wanted is for you to be happy and for you to be with someone who deserves you. Just like your dad would have wanted.”

Tears well in my eyes at the unexpected emotional speech from my stepdad. I lean down and give him a hug.

“I think that scare made him soft,” Mum says, but the thickness in her voice tells me it’s got her too.

“Thanks, Martin.” I give him a squeeze. “I am happy.”

“Oh … and here’s the man himself,” Mum cries.

As I straighten, a hand rests in between my shoulder blades and glides down my spine to rest on my knickers-free arse. I warned him to keep his hands to himself. He’s pushing the boundaries.

“Sue, how wonderful to see you.” Art places a kiss on her cheek. “And what a beautiful dress.”

Mum blushes and waves a hand, tittering like a schoolgirl. “Oh … you’re too kind.”

Bloody charmer.

Art shakes hands with Martin. “It’s great to see you. Sophie told me what happened. You look well. How are you feeling?”

“As fit as a dog.” Martin smiles. “The doctors told me it was a warning sign, which I need to take notice of. Anyway, less talk of that today. Congratulations to the both of you.”

Art smiles and brazenly squeezes my buttock. “Thank you.”

I smile back, relieved my parents can’t see me being felt up. He’s pushing it.

Mum beams. “Barbara seems just as pleased about the whole thing as we are.”

“Yes, I think she’d given up hope and never dreamt I’d find someone as wonderful as your daughter.”

His hand remains on my backside, and he doesn’t look at me. I blush. He’s definitely Mr Charming tonight.

Mum presses her lips together and nods. “How lovely.”

“So?” Martin expectantly looks from me to Art. “Have you decided on a date for the big day?”

“December,” Art announces.

Martin looks perplexed. “Next December?”

“No, this December,” Art replies smoothly.

Mum’s eyes widen. I can almost feel her blood pressure rising as she throws me an accusatory look. “That soon! You could have told me, Sophie love. I need to get an outfit sorted.”

“I didn’t tell you because we haven’t found a venue yet. It’s such short notice. If we can’t find anywhere, we’ll have to push the date back.”

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