Page 38 of Forever Mr Black

I can feel Art’s eyes boring into me. I don’t look at him and take a sip of champagne. I know he’s got his heart set on getting married in December, but the reality is, he might have to reconsider if we can’t find a venue in such a short space of time. He’ll have to be flexible. Something he’s not too keen on.

“Well, I say, seize the day,” Martin says. “If that heart-attack scare made me realise anything, it’s that life’s too short.”

Art gives my buttock a firm squeeze. “I couldn’t agree more, Martin.”

He’s definitely pushing it.

I frown. “I don’t want to get married just anywhere that’s got availability. I want it to be special.”

“What colour scheme are you going for, love?” Mum asks thoughtfully. “I want to make sure I complement it with my outfit.” She scans the garden. “Actually, I might have a word with Barbara. We don’t want to arrive, wearing similar outfits, do we?”

Martin sips his water. “Have you got any venues in mind?”

We haven’t even looked properly.

I sigh. “No.”

“Well …” Art begins and steals a glance at me. “The hotel could be perfect.”

“What? Gladstone Country Manor?” Mum asks.

What the …

“It’s not just a hotel,” Martin says. “It’s a country manor house. It would be a beautiful venue. Sophie should know; she’s organised enough weddings there.”

“Oh, yes, it is a lovely setting.” Mum nods approvingly. “What a good idea. It would be perfect, such a beautiful building.”

Art smiles, avoiding my gaze.

I take a sip of champagne to occupy my mouth from saying something I’ll regret. I’m not stupid. Getting married at the hotel is the quickest and simplest way for him to get what he wants—us married by the end of the year. We haven’t discussed this at all. He hasn’t even bothered to ask me how I’d feel about getting married there. My grip on my glass tightens. He’s just trying to railroad his way through our special day, too, like he does with everything else. I’m furious.

“Art, darling,” Barbara calls from the kitchen. “Could you come and help me with something, please? Sue, Martin, Sophie, there’s more food, if you’d like some.”

“Duty calls.” Art presses a kiss to my cheek, and I don’t look at him.

“It would be rude not to.” Mum puts her glass of wine down and gets out of her seat.

They all disappear off in the direction of the house with Mum’s voice ringing in my ears as she warns Martin to be sensible with his food choices.

Thirteen

Igrab a champagne flute from the tray of a passing waiter and take a hefty gulp, quietly seething. Why the hell does he think he can make that decision for us both without discussing it with me first? I’ll take it up with him tonight. I can’t have it out with him at our bloody engagement party. For now, I’ll have to park it.

“You’re looking sexy in black, Mrs Black-To-Be,” Lucy says cheerily, appearing beside me.

I force a smile. “Thanks.” My eyes slide to her. “How are things with you and Big Steve? Better than the last time we spoke, I take it?”

Her cheeks turn pink, and she takes a sip of rosé. “Is it that obvious?”

“That you’ve had sex? Yes.”

She chews the corner of her mouth. “Well, in my defence, it had been a while. I took your advice and talked to him.”

“And?”

“And it was like I’d thought. He didn’t want to rush things or push me. I think he was relieved when I finally broached the subject. He admitted to me afterwards that he was … well, you know, struggling too.”

Her blue eyes sparkle as she glances over to where Art and Big Steve are deep in conversation.

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