Page 59 of Merrily Ever After
‘No complaints so far.’ His eyes blazed as his hands reached further down my back. ‘Although I think we’re going to have to get more bathroom storage in the next house.’
I gave him a guilty look; the bathroom cabinet was bulging with new products since my evening with Cesca and Fliss. ‘Sorry, blame my hair and beauty consultants. They’ve insisted I start a proper beauty regime before the big day.’
‘Regime?’ He looked horrified. ‘You mean there’s more to looking good than a shower and a shave?’
I giggled. ‘I know! Apparently, my flannel and bar of carbolic soap just didn’t cut it. Anyway, to answer your question, I’ll sit on the sofa. And you sit here, at my feet.’ I tapped the footstool.
‘Yes, m’lady.’ He pretended to tug his forelock and sat down.
‘Here’s the polish.’ I handed him the dark red nail varnish. ‘But first you have to separate the toes, so the paint doesn’t come off and smudge on the others.’
He gave me a quizzical look as I pointed to the roll of kitchen paper.
‘It’s times like these when I’m glad I’m a man,’ said Cole.
‘Oh no, this is all part of the fun,’ I protested, lifting my leg, and settling my foot on his thigh. ‘The preparation, the WhatsApp chats about outfits, the tights or no tights conversation, the who’s drinking and who’s driving debate?’
‘And is anyone driving?’ He looked sceptical.
‘Nope. Now grab that kitchen roll and I’ll talk you through it.’
He wove tissue paper between each toe, carefully following my instructions.
When Nell had broached the subject of a hen party, I’d point-blank refused. But that day in the market a few weeks ago when a mother and daughter had come to Nell’s stall had stayed with me. The daughter had said something about celebrating every moment, big or small. And so Nell had got her wish and tonight was the night. The two ofthem had really stuck with me, their relationship, their bond. It wasn’t something I’d had myself, but maybe I would in the future, with a daughter or my own, and in the meantime, I had my work cut out, earning a place in the heart of my stepdaughter. If only I hadn’t heard her make that wish to Santa, I’d feel a thousand times better about marrying her father.
Cole unscrewed the lid of the nail polish and carefully scraped off the excess inside the neck of the bottle. I felt such a huge rush of love for him that it made me feel dizzy. What was going on in Lydia’s house? I wondered. Had Freya said something to her mum? Had Harley? Maybe Cole knew and didn’t want to say anything? I couldn’t hold back, I needed to know.
‘Is everything OK with the kids? And Lydia?’ I asked, keeping my voice neutral.
He looked up warily. ‘As far as I know. Why?’
I shrugged. ‘That day we got engaged, Freya was talking about Lydia being sad if she didn’t come to the wedding. I just wondered if anything has been said.’
Cole bent over my foot, carefully applying red paint to my big toe, and chuckled. ‘Lydia will not be sad, I promise.’
‘Must be weird for her though,’ I continued. ‘Her husband marrying someone else.’
He gave me a curious look. ‘Ex-husband. And she was the one who instigated our separation. A long time ago.’
My heart thudded. I knew I was playing with fire, but I couldn’t help myself. ‘So if she hadn’t, do you think you’d still be married? All living together, one happy family?’
Cole sat back, replaced the lid on the nail polish and took my hand. ‘What’s going on here?’
‘Nothing, I … I just …’ I felt my throat tighten and the words got stuck in my throat. ‘Nothing.’
‘I love you,’ he said, his eyes creased with concern. ‘You captured my heart from the day I met you. Nobody else comes close. Have I done anything to make you doubt me?’
I shook my head and managed a smile.
‘We’ve both got a past, we’ve both been on a journey which has brought us to today. And I’m right where I want to be.’
‘Me too,’ I agreed.
He reached forward and brought his mouth to mine, kissing my worries away.
‘Good.’ He grinned at me and picked up the nail polish again. ‘Now can I please get on with my job. I’m gettingBasic Instinctvibes looking at you from this angle and it’s torture knowing I can’t do anything about it.’
‘Keep your eyes on the job please, Mr Robinson,’ I said, laughing.
