Page 7 of Snow Falls Over Starry Cove

‘And when you get back, things will be better, I promise.’

He’s not budging on this one. In truth, he never does. I’m always the one making the sacrifices. It’s a good thing that he finds ways to make it up to me.

‘OK,’ I reluctantly agree, curious to see how exactly he’s going to manage that. Because things aren’t looking too sparkly at the moment between us.

‘Brilliant! And, oh! don’t forget the fitting before you leave.’

I choke on my tea as I sit up from the settee. ‘Fitting? What fitting?’

Another sigh. ‘The fitting for your engagement gown.’

And there it is. Good old Audrey has sneaked all the way in again.

‘I already have an engagement gown.’

‘That may well be, but I’ll bet you it’s not a Stone design, is it?’

I flinch. ‘No, but—’

‘For Christ’s sake, Emmie. You see? Everyone who counts will be there and you’re showing up with something from Primark?’

‘I am not!’ I gasp. ‘I have a beautiful dress, thank you very much!’

‘But it’s not one of Mum’s.’

‘I don’t like your mum’s clothes,’ I blurt before I can stop myself.

An appalled silence follows.

I sigh. ‘Look, I’m sorry. But they’re just not me.’

‘You mean they’re classy and elegant.’

Ooh, how dare he! ‘No, I mean ostentatious.’

‘But that’s the Stone look.’

‘Exactly, Stephen. It’s notmylook. You’re not marrying your mother, for Christ’s sake. Not royalty who follows suffocating protocol. If I wanted that I’d have married a prince.’

‘I resent your tone.’

‘Now who’s being thin-skinned?’

Another groan, followed by: ‘Tell you what. If you promise to go easy on us, I promise to spend two entire weeks with you in Cornwall this summer, how’s that?’

Now that catches me off guard. ‘Really?’

‘Of course. Anything for you, sweetie. You choose. Anywhere you want. Book the poshest hotel, everything you want. Deal?’

Now I recognise my man. ‘Deal! And… thank you.’

‘So we’re good?’

‘Yes. But I’m still not wearing your mum’s gowns.’

‘One day at a time. Just concentrate on the payback.’

‘I am.’

Two entire weeks in Starry Cove! Stephen has come through again, and just in the nick of time, with a corner kick!

‘Right. Listen, I’ve got to make a few calls to the governors, so I’m going to have to ring off now, but you let me know when you get back, OK?’

‘Stephen, it’s not for another week, I just told you that.’

‘Right, yes. OK, then. Talk soon.’

And before I can get a word in edgeways, he rings off.

I sigh. The perks of sleeping with the boss.

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