Page 108 of Something Borrowed

“Just peachy.”

“Have you done anything towards my and Stan’s wedding yet?”

Other than shagging the groom last night? I think I’ve said it out loud for a wild second, but he remains serene, so I manufacture a fake grin. “Not yet. I’ve been arranging Leo and Richard’s wedding, obviously.”

He grimaces at the bright yellow ribbons. “My choices will be much less gaudy. I can’t imagine what Richard is thinking.”

I grit my teeth. Richard insisted on the ribbons, saying the bright colour reminded him of Leo. “Well, I think it’s pretty.”

“That doesn’t surprise me.”

I put my diary down on one of the chairs. “I’m afraid I’m at work at the moment. Maybe we could discuss this at another time?”

Which will be never.

He hums, tracing his finger over a sunflower. It leaves a trail of pollen on his fingertip, and he rubs it off. “I just want the absolute best for Stanley.”

Before I can respond, a voice sounds from behind us. “What a lovely sentiment. Just what a father likes to hear.”

I breathe out a sigh of relief when I see Stan’s dad standing there. His suit is a little creased, his hair is wild, and there’s a piece of paper with musical notes scribbled on it peeping out of his pocket. The sight of him immediately grounds me. “You look nice,” I say.

He grunts. “You’re more full of horseshit than a tractor’s trailer.”

“Okay, you look nice for you.”

He laughs. “Thank you, Rafferty.” He turns to Bennett, and his voice cools a little. “I don’t want to keep you, Bennett. I just need a word with Rafferty.”

Bennett directs a chilly smile at him. “I look forward to discussing marriage with you.”

“Goodness, that’s a bit forward. I’m already tied down in matrimony, and Rowena won’t even share her KitKats, let alone her husband.”

I bite my lip to hide a smile, but Bennett just shrugs and walks away.

We watch him go, and then Edward tuts. “That man has a very spiteful side to him.”

“Really?” I raise my eyebrows. “What makes you say that? I thought you liked him?”

“I warned Stan about him a while back.”

“Did you come to rescue me?” I say lightly.

He gives me the wide, warm smile that creases his eyes. I love it because it reminds me of Stan. Smiling is always a rare occasion with my parents due to all their Botox, and I like that Edward’s eyes show a life full of laughter and contentment.

“And if I did?” he asks.

I shake my head. “You and Rowena have been doing it for most of my life.”

He turns and extends his arm for me. I tuck mine with his, and we wander up the aisle.

“We look like two grooms,” I observe.

“You would probably have made a very good husband. I wouldn’t have had to clean my study, and our parties would always have been well-organised.”

“That’s not much competition. I remember the panic when Rowena forgot Vinnie’s christening. She must have been the only mother in church that day wearing slippers and a curler hanging from her hair.”

He chuckles and then pauses, making me look at him. “It’s been one of the great honours of my life to have been given the chance to look after you, Raff. You were an unexpected and very welcome addition to our lives. I’m very proud of you, my boy.”

I swallow hard, my eyes stinging. “Thank you.”

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