Page 61 of Duchess Material

“Yes, certainly. I mean gay weddings are the wild west,” Patrick answered.

Natalie was chuffed. “I love you. I would be honoured.”

“And Paul, you’ll be in the wedding, too, I hope?” Patrick asked.

“Sure, sure. I am happy to be in it.”

“What about me?” Kiersten asked. “I get the shaft?”

“I mean, you can be involved. There is room for everyone. American weddings are lawless in the best way,” George gushed.

Lucy looked understandably quiet in the moment, graciously offering her congratulations. Winston did as well. George ignored them both, rudely and noticeably. Awkward!

When things got around to Winston, he was noticeably flustered.

He chuckled nervously. “Well, two weddings in one year. How do I follow up? I think I am most grateful for my family this year—both biological and chosen. And my fur kids, of course. And for Lucy who is… she’s wonderful and I am happy to have her by my side.”

She blushed. George looked ready to flip a table.

“For next year? I am looking forward to all the big events and having Lucy there with me. It’s nice to have a partner. I’m simple.” It was endearing. He loved Lucy.

Lucy looked nervous. “Well, I’m not family—”

Patrick said sweetly, “Neither am I yet. Go on! You must be grateful and excited about something.”

Lucy’s voice was quiet. “You’re too sweet. Um… I’m grateful for everyone who was supportive. I fully expected to be cast aside. I would have understood it, but you all are wonderful. Um… and for next year… I think I am excited about all the events, too. And Winston and our dogs.”

“Your dogs?” George scoffed.

Lucy shifted nervously and looked at her plate.

Winston set his jaw. “Yes, they are our dogs. We live together. We have dogs.”

“You’ve barely been with her. It’s ridiculous and—”

“George,” Patrick said, sternly, “if you bring this territorial, straight energy in here, you’re about to ruin things.”

“I’m sorry but Winston is shoving her in my face!” George declared. “This has to be getting back at me, doesn’t it?”

Patrick shrugged. “Technically, I just shoved it in her face.”

Winston’s voice came in hot. “I have been into Lucy since forever. I’d be ashamed to admit how long. I never acted on it… until after you two were long broken up. You left her, Georgie. You don’t own her! Stop being a dickhead.”

“Winston,” Rita groaned.

“No, Mum. He’s being a prick!”

“There is a code—”

Patrick looked unimpressed. “Among possessive, toxic straight people. Lucy, I am happy for you. I am grateful for your grace. It takes strength and compassion to let things go.”

“Thank you,” Lucy squeaked.

“So, this isn’t about winning?” George asked.

Natalie sat her fork down decidedly. “No, George. It’s about being in love with someone and having them love you back.”

Irritated, Robbie said, “Let it go. George, this is unbecoming of a person of your age—”

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