Page 23 of The Best of Times

“It appears that Mrs Wimpole is dealing with the florist, the wine and the outfits.”

“It sounds like everything is in order then,” Paul said. “No need for panic just yet.”

Both Edwin and Anais frowned at him.

“I take it you’ve never organised a wedding before,” Edwin said.

“Thankfully not.”

If looks could kill, poor Paul wouldn’t see the ceremony at this rate.

“We have to deal with food, venue, table decorations, photographer, cars…”

“Oh wait,” Aron said. “I think Granny has booked the Nickleby Hotel for the afterparty.”

Anais cleared her throat. “The reception.”

“That’s right.”

Edwin sighed. “I do wish she would tell us these things. It’s not a problem. We’ve worked with the Nickleby many times. Delightful venue.”

“It was my father’s idea,” Paul said. “He’s a bit of a Dickens boffin.”

Edwin sat up straight. “Is that right? Why don’t we name the tables after a character?”

Aron clapped his hands together. “I like that idea. Paul, can you get a list of all his favourites? How many tables?”

Anais checked her list. “I think twenty.”

“It is very unusual to only have a week to prepare everything,” Edwin said. “Very unusual indeed.”

Aron nodded. “They aren’t your run-of-the-mill couple. Can it be done?”

Anais placed the clipboard down on her lap. “This will be the wedding everyone in this postcode area talks about for years to come,” she said seriously. “Your grandmother deserves nothing less than perfection. We will work tirelessly to achieve that.”

To his surprise, Aron found himself deeply touched by her words. In the few days he’d been home, he had realised how many people in the area loved Granny.

Edwin reached forward and took his wife’s hand.

“You’re right as ever, my love,” he said before turning to Aron. “When Anais and I launched this business, Mrs Wimpole was most supportive. I think our first seven clients came from her recommendation. No matter what she needs, we will prevail. She is a remarkable woman.”

“That she is.”

“Will you be requiring stag and hen parties?” Anais asked.

Aron sat up. “I’m sorry. I’d like to arrange the hen.”

Once again Anais and Edwin appeared frustrated.

“I suppose you’ll be doing the stag as well,” Edwin said to Paul.

“I hadn’t given it much thought,” Paul replied. “I can’t quite see my dad in a lap dancing club. Thank goodness for that. Nah, we’ll have a few people round. Maybe get some food in.”

“Drinks in the lounge? How exciting,” Aron said drolly before turning to Anais. “Anyone would think he’s fearful of any competition.”

“Fearful?” Paul replied. “As if. I simply don’t want to go overboard.”

Aron had every intention of throwing the lot at Granny’s hen do. This was his chance to show her how much he loved her.