Page 128 of Duchess Material

“We decided to avoid the dodgy parents—for everyone’s benefit—and just enjoy the moment,” Winston said.

“And throw caution to the wind, as we are wont to do.” Lucy’s smile was infectious.

“Well, congratulations.” Sheena tearfully hugged and kissed Lucy. “God, you look so beautiful. What is this?”

Lucy rattled on about her dress as Gerry gave his brother a tight handshake and pulled him in for a hug. He patted Winston on the arm and said, “Couldn’t be happier for you, brother.”

“I appreciate it. We didn’t do this as a slight. We just… we didn’t want to wait or let on that we would have rather eloped. We assumed if we just did it that it would work out.”

“You are correct. Mum would have tried to talk you out of it.”

“Dad went ballistic. Her father would have ruined it, too. We decided to take that out of the equation.”

“I commend you, given what ours has been. So stressful. You could have told me!”

“Wasn’t the surprise worth it, though?” Lucy asked.

“I suppose.”

“Winston planned all of this,” Lucy said. “All of it.”

“I had Nat’s help. But I wanted you to have a lovely day, darling.” Winston rubbed Lucy’s back.

“And now that I am here, I am.” Lucy gave him another kiss.

It felt so good. Winston could have kissed her all day.

The party continued, everyone chatting now. The registrar was just one of the family now. Eventually, the rest of their party arrived. Winston’s mother and Bruno stared, dumbfounded at the rest of them. Rita instantly knew what was happening.

“No! You didn’t!”

“What?” Bruno asked.

“Are you getting married?” Nina asked.

“Lucy and I decided that the path of least resistance was to wed in private and without any interlopers who might drown out the happiness of the day,” Winston said. “So, surprise, we’re getting married right here, right now. Nathan is going to marry us.”

The registrar raised his hand.

Bruno, choked up, hugged them. “That’s great. Congratulations to you both.”

“Yes. Thank you for inviting us. I would have killed you. Her mother still might, I suspect.” Rita gave them each a hug and a kiss.

Lucy shrugged. “She will get over it, or she won’t. It’s about us and we couldn’t imagine not having you here.”

“You’re too sweet and we are too fortunate. Winston, you know better, but it’s okay.”

“I know you want me to be happy and that you know Lucy makes me happy.”

“Oh, she does. I am grateful for her. I’ve told you that. Still, my baby is all grown up and I’ve had no time to prepare mentally.”

“You’ve had nearly thirty-three years, mi amor,” Bruno said. “C’mon, c’mon. It’s all very exciting. They’re in love. We can understand.”

Rita beamed at Bruno and then back at Winston. “We can. And this is a beautiful wedding already. Intimate and lovely.”

“Shall we?” Natalie said. “I’m the impromptu coordinator and you’re all taking orders.”

“Yes, Squadron Leader!” Gerry gave a weak salute.

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