Page 59 of The Best of Times

“I thought we said half an hour?” Aron whispered. “I’ve been back about five minutes.”

“Dad wasn’t home so I figured he’d be round here. What am I supposed to do? Sit on my own counting down the time?”

Aron pulled him inside.

“For your information, your father stayed the night here. I’ve just been treated to his naked arse as he fled upstairs to get dressed.”

“What?”

Aron shuddered. “Come on. We’re in the shit, big-time.”

Before he could turn, Paul stole a kiss.

“Sorry. I’m powerless to resist.”

“Please try,” Aron replied. “I have a thumping headache and an interrogation from my grandmother is not on my to-do list for today.”

They went into the kitchen. Granny stared into space, seemingly deep in thought.

“Would the museums still be closed?” she mused.

They heard footsteps and in came a, thankfully, fully clothed Professor.

“Yes, dear. They will,” he said.

The twinkle in his eye was both endearing and nauseating. Still, they were being far more honest than he and Paul were. Perhaps a little too honest.

“Okay,” Aron said. “We still have a celebrant, all the outfits and about twelve business hours to get this together. Now think.”

They sat around the table in silence. Only Parkin’s snores could be heard.

“I suppose Club C is out of the question?” the Professor asked.

“I am not getting married in a nightclub, Philip. That’s a firm no.”

“Sod it,” Paul said. “Let’s ask the King for a portion of Hyde Park.”

Granny chuckled. “They’re never in residence at the Palace for Christmas anyway. He might go for it.”

Suddenly it struck him. Aron leapt off his chair.

“I’ve got it,” he cried out. “I know the perfect place.”

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

Everyone stared at him.

“Are you going to share it with the group?” Granny said. She had an edge to her tone that warned there was only one answer to that question.

“We can have it in the front gardens,” he announced proudly.

All three opened their mouths to say something then stopped. He was relieved that it was an idea for consideration at least. Now he’d verbalised it, he was convinced this to be the perfect solution.

“What if it rains?” Granny said.

“We’ll hire a reserve marquee,” Aron fired back. “In fact, we put it up then take it down if the weather is good. That will protect everything.

“Is it allowed?” Paul asked.