Page 37 of From Best Friend to Bride
“Sorry.” Mum cleared her throat, then clapped her hands together and put on the fakest smile known to man. “You’re getting married? That’s wonderful news, kids!”
“Never mind,” Deli said. “You’re a terrible actress, Aunt Vi.”
“Yes, dear, that’s why I never went into theatre.” Mum sighed heavily and sat on the sofa opposite us. “I don’t know why you’re shocked by my lack of surprise. I mean, you’re lying on the sofa while he massages your feet, Deli, darling. Anyone would walk in here and think you were a couple.”
“Most of the village thinks we’re a couple even without this,” I pointed out.
“Well, they’ll all be thrilled that you’re going to be one, however short-lived it may be.”
Deli narrowed her eyes, looking between me and mum. “Did you tell her the truth?”
I whistled and turned my gaze elsewhere.
“Frederick!”
Mum held up her hands. “Calm down, Delilah. He warned me this was going to happen. Now, as much as I am a crew member of the FreDeli ship—”
“Not you as well,” Deli grumbled, and I bit back a laugh at the irritation on her face.
“—I respect your choices,” Mum continued. “I would love for you both to get married for real, but you’re both adults perfectly capable of making your own stupid decision to get fake married to lie to a dying woman.”
“Mother, was it really necessary to put it like that?”
She fluttered her eyelashes at me. “I’m sorry, is there another way I’m supposed to put it?”
“Well, I…”
“I’m of the opinion that this is a stupid idea. Marriage is not child’s play. This isn’t exchanging a daisy ring in the back garden—it’s a legal vow to be together until death do you part.” She got to her feet and smoothed out her trousers. “But as I just said, I respect your choices. I may not agree with it, but I will support you and the choices you make.”
I peered over at Deli. She was fiddling with her thumbs, her gaze fixed firmly on them.
“I just sincerely hope you do not regret them one day in the future,” Mum said softly. “For as much as I would love the two of you to truly be in a relationship, I value your friendship far more than anything uncertain. So, I will stand by your sides and play along if it’s your sincerest wish.”
“Thank you, Aunt Vi,” Deli said. “To be honest, I don’t know if this is the right thing to do, and I’m afraid we will regret it, but when I saw Nana’s face today…” She briefly trailed off and shrugged a shoulder. “Besides, Fred does give really good foot massages, so it could be worse.”
Mum’s lips twitched into a small smile. “I wouldn’t know, darling. You’re the only one he ever gives them to.”
“She bullies me if I don’t,” I said, rolling my shoulders. “It makes my life easier if she’s in a good mood.”
“Look at that,” Mum said, eyeing us both with scepticism. “You’re more of a married couple than some people who have been together for twenty years.”
Deli shivered. “And the nightmare fuel just keeps on coming.”
9
FRED
“Fred, Granny’s lost her marbles.” My sister burst into the kitchen and slammed her hands on the table. “What’s this codswallop about you proposing to Deli?”
I paused mid-stir of my tea. “It’s not codswallop.”
“What do you mean, it’s not codswallop? In what universe are you proposing to Deli?”
“This universe. I’m going to propose to her soon. Would you like some tea?”
Amelia stared at me as I pressed the teabag against the side of my mug. “Would I like some tea? Right after you said you’re proposing to Deli? Are you fucking insane?”
“I don’t know what you’re so het up about,” I said, disposing of the teabag. “I thought you’d be excited to have her as your sister-in-law.”
