‘That’s fine. Do you need new wills or something?’
‘Yes, we do,’ Jack said. It wasn’t a lie. They would need new wills after they were married, but they weren’t going to worry about that tomorrow.
‘I thought you said you wanted me to help with prepping for the party?’
‘Oh, we need that too.’ Jack grinned. ‘We’re going to fully exploit you while you’re here. Make you work for your supper.’Don’t get carried away. She might smell a rat.
‘There’s just one thing about this appointment,’ Em said. ‘Do you think you could dress up a bit? I don’t think they’ll appreciate it if we turn up in joggers.’
‘What sort of solicitor cares what their clients are wearing?’ Lucy looked suspicious. Em might have just screwed this up.
Jack tried to rescue the situation. ‘Well, they’re a bit old-fashioned. It’s not like Birmingham.’
‘I thought Devon was all laid back and casual.’
‘Not for everything.’ Em said.
‘So, meeting a new client level of smart?’
‘Yes, exactly,’ Em said.
‘Good job I packed a dress then.’
Lucy’s phone buzzed.
‘Ooh, it’s Harry. I need to take this,’ she said, excusing herself.
‘That went well,’ Jack whispered to Em.
‘Yes, I don’t think we told a single lie.’
‘No, you were very good. Too good. I’ll have to bear that in mind in future.’
52
‘Will I do?’ Em walked into the middle of the living room in the flat and did a twirl in her vintage dress.
‘You look gorgeous,’ said Jack. He frowned.
‘Everything ok?’ Surely he liked her outfit.
‘Your dress seems oddly familiar, that’s all.’
‘It was your grandmother’s. Your mother’s loaned it to me.’
Jack raised his eyebrows. ‘You’re honoured. Kate and I were never allowed to so much as touch it.’
‘Old, borrowed and blue all in one. And this is my something new.’ Em picked up the faux fur shawl she’d bought to go with it. ‘Lucy will be suspicious as soon as she sees me dressed like this.’
‘It won’t matter. We’re going to tell her as soon as she arrives. Is my tie straight?’
‘Not quite.’ Em adjusted it. ‘There. Perfect. She smoothed the lapels down on his jacket.’
He kissed her. ‘I’m so happy we’re doing this.’
‘So am I. I can’t believe it’s finally happening.’ As soon as she’d put on the dress this morning, Em had felt all the stress and anxiety evaporate. Everything felt right at last.
There was a knock on the door. ‘Ready?’ Jack said.