Page 38 of From Best Friend to Bride
“I’d rather marry her myself than subject her to a lifetime of you,” she shot back. “What did she do to deserve such a punishment? Are you bullying her by making her marry you?”
Yeah. Right.
Because anyone could just bully Deli into doing something.
“What was the last time you saw anyone bully Delilah?” I said dryly. “Nana wants her to get married, Deli told her shehad a secret boyfriend, and so we had to come clean about our relationship.”
“Your relationship.”
“Yes, our relationship.”
Mel blinked. “What, that you’re just friends?”
Damn it. “Don’t tell Deli you didn’t believe me. She’s been dying for someone to not believe us.”
“Then I’ll text her right now,” she said. “Now, explain it properly, you insane idiot.”
“He probably would if you didn’t insult him.” Her boyfriend, Henry, walked into the kitchen after her and nodded towards me.
“It’s his fault!”
“It’s not my fault,” I replied and sipped my tea. “You asked me a question, and I answered it. You can’t blame me if you didn’t like the answer.”
“You’re trying to take my Delilah away from me!”
Since when was my best friendherDelilah?
Henry laid his hands on her shoulders and looked at me. “What’s going on? What’s Deli done this time?”
Man, Deli would be so pissed if she was here and heard everyone automatically assuming it was her fault.
Well, it was her bloody fault.
“I’m proposing to Deli and we’re getting married,” I explained.
He paused for a moment, then tilted his head to one side before nodding. “I wondered when you two would finally get your shit together.”
“Thank you.”
“Don’t side with this scoundrel!” Mel shrugged his hands off and pointed at me. “It’s not real! You’re not dating!”
I raised my eyebrows. “How do you know that? You’ve been in Devon for the last month. We could be dating.”
“Frederick!” she snapped. “You’re faking it! How could you scam her into a marriage with you? Are you that desperate?”
“Hey!” I put down my mug. “How is this my fault?Shewas the one who told Nana she had a secret boyfriend.I’mmerely being a good best friend and helping her out.”
“Granny’s going to have a fit when she finds out about this. I’m going to tell her right now!” She shoved off the kitchen island and stormed towards the door.
“Go ahead,” I called. “She already knows. She talked it over with us last week.”
Mel froze. “She didwhat? Clearly, she’s going senile.”
“Mel…”
“No.” She crossed her arms over her chest. “Deli deserves a chance at happiness, not whatever cockamamie bullshit marriage you’re cooking up. She’s too good for you, do you hear me?”
I stared lazily at my sister. “I’m the earl, you know. I’m quite a catch. I’m tall, I’m rich, and I’m good-looking. Plus, I have a big-arse house.” I motioned around, pausing when I caught sight of a familiar silhouette in the doorway. “And, Deli… Well, I suppose she’s passably attractive.”
