Page 33 of Lime Tree Hill

Your loving grandfather,

Norman.”

Luka folded the letter and returned it to the envelope. “Wow. The guy didn’t ask for much, did he? Judging by your shit creek comment, I take it the wedding’s all go?”

“I’d decided against it when I was in London. Seeing Liz and Ally settled and happy, I felt guilty about living a lie. But Chris Stone’s been flashing a wad of cash under Tayla’s nose. Imagine having that jerk set up shop in my backyard. And, his offer’s a low one.”

“I don’t blame you. But a fake marriage?” Luka took a can of beer from the six-pack in front of him and pulled the tab. He swigged. “Mind you, I can see the appeal. If you have to marry a stranger, you’ll never tire of that view over the breakfast table.”

“Piss off.” Mitch chuckled. “It’s a calculated business strategy, not a lust match. And Tayla’s hardly a stranger.”

“If you say so.” Luka shook his head. “Norman, wherever he is, must be clapping his hands in glee. But what will Prue say?”

“Who knows? She doesn’t want kids, did I tell you? ‘Not now, not ever, Mitchel.’ That’s what she said the day we split.”

“Didn’t you discuss it before your engagement?” Luka had never warmed to Prue, and while he kept his opinion mostly to himself, his body language spoke volumes.

“We did. I got the impression we were on the same page. Looking back, we weren’t even in the same book.”

“And now Tayla holds the solution, does she? Have you sorted a prenup?”

“Not yet.”

Luka grinned. “You sure as hell don’t sweat the small stuff, do you, mate?”

“Yeah, well, the last time I dotted the i’s and crossed the t’s, the love of my life cheated on me. Who knew threesomes were her thing?”

Luka sipped his beer. “I’m sorry, but Prue was never the love of your life, and you know it. Nice enough girl, but…”

Mitch shrugged. Luka had a point, but that didn’t mean their breakup had hurt any less.

“Are you sure you know what you’re doing?” Luka continued.

“Nope. Norman always called me impulsive. Seems he was more intuitive than I gave him credit for. And just because Tayla’s beautiful doesn’t mean she’ll be easy to live with.”

“She’s got a kind smile.”

“Yeah, I may have seen it once or twice. Anyway, are you on board?”

Luka huffed out a sigh. “When and where?”

“Sunday of next week, Petrie Bay. And we have to look the part. Imagine what Mum and the girls will say if we don’t have any decent wedding photos.”

“So you’re shouting me a new suit?”

Mitch chuckled. “Not in this lifetime.”

“Come on. We need to match.” Luka grabbed the TV remote and turned up the volume. “Right, enough wedding talk. The haka’s starting soon.”

Mitch sat on the sofa next to him and grabbed the chips. “Ella came to see me today.”

“No way.” Luka hit mute. “What the hell did she want?”

“A glass of wine and a shoulder to cry on under the pretense of advice. Chris is in one of his moods again. He thinks she’s having an affair.”

“Two words. Be very careful.”

Mitch laughed. “That’s three.”

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