Page 97 of Be More Lucy

Em took a deep breath. ‘Yes.’

Jack went into the hall.

‘Why are we wearing suits on a Saturday morning?’ Mark asked as he walked into the flat. ‘Hi, Em. You’re all dressed up, too.’

Mark narrowed his eyes. ‘Anyone would think we’re going to a wedding.’

‘Would they?’ Jack said with an innocent expression on his face.

‘Yes, they would. Are we?’

‘Possibly,’ Jack grinned.

‘Oh, come on. Really? You devious pair.’

Jack handed Mark the ring box. ‘Look after those, will you? Lucy will be here in a minute.’

‘Does Hannah mind us borrowing you for the morning?’ Em asked.

‘No. She’s in Spain.’ Mark was interrupted by another knock at the door. ‘I’ll explain later.’

So Hannah couldn’t be bothered to turn up for their wedding either. Charming.

Jack opened the front door, and Lucy marched in. ’This had better be good, Emily Gillespie. I hate getting dressed to the nines at this hour on a Saturday. Oh, Mark, you’re here.’ She seemed taken aback.

‘Lovely to see you too,’ he said, equally on edge.

Lucy regained her composure. She looked him up and down. ‘A red shirt. An interesting choice. It goes with your eyes. Are you ok?’

‘Late night flight. Not much sleep.’ Mark suddenly seemed on edge.

Em interrupted, worried Lucy might start sniping at him again. ‘Are we ready to go?’

‘You’re eager to get to the solicitors,’ Lucy said. ‘This all feels very odd.’ She narrowed her eyes. ‘That frock is rather over the top for a visit to a sign a will.’

‘Work it out, Luce,’ said Mark. ‘I managed to guess.’

‘I’ve got a headache, and my brain shuts down on a Saturday morning when I’ve had a busy week. Will someone please put me out of misery?’

‘We’re off to Barnstaple registry office,’ Em said.

‘But you aren’t getting married till next year.’

Em could see the penny drop as soon as Lucy finished the sentence.

‘Oh my god!’ She ran excitedly towards Em and hugged her. Then she backed away and stared at Em’s waistline. ‘Are you pregnant?’

‘It must be the cut of the dress,’ she said, smoothing it over her stomach.

‘I’m sorry, I didn’t mean it like that. You look absolutely amazing. I just wondered why the sudden change of plan.’

‘We got fed up of all the grief with the wedding arrangements,’ Jack said. ‘We wanted a quiet ceremony.’

‘Followed by a party tonight. Clever.’ Lucy nodded in approval.

‘Will you two be our witnesses?’ Em asked.

‘It’s a bit late for saying no,’ Mark laughed.

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