Page 60 of The Best of Times

“Yes. It’s a humanist ceremony. It can be done anywhere and I can’t see the residents’ association having a problem with us using the gardens,” Aron replied.

“They wouldn’t dare,” Granny added.

“Now can we get this show on the road?” Aron asked. “We’ve a lot to get through. Granny, maybe we need Edwin and Anais.”

She shuddered. “Only give them simple tasks. I’m doing them a favour really.”

“There is one more question,” the Professor said. “The most important of all, in fact.”

“What is it?” Aron asked, irritably.

The Professor took Granny’s hand. “Is this where you would like to get married, Beatrice?”

She beamed. “I can’t think of anywhere more perfect, my love. Just think, every day of our married life we can look out of the window and be reminded of where it all began.”

Aron glanced at Paul, who appeared to be misty-eyed. His heart melted. Was it too much to hope that they might finally get their act together?

Paul caught his eye and grinned.

Then reality came rushing in like Santa on his sleigh.

“Right then,” Aron said, clapping his hands together. “We’ve got a wedding to organise.”

“We can’t possibly do it in time,” the Professor said.

Aron was still one step ahead of him.

“Granny’s right. We’re going to work Edwin and Anais into the ground,” Aron replied. “By the time they get their arses over here, we’ll have a to-do list that will make them pale.”

The Professor scurried off into the dining room to make the call.

“Paul. You can be notetaker.”

Obediently, Paul got his phone out. “One sec,” he said, sticking his tongue out as he fiddled with the device.

Adorable.

Ugh what am I doing?

“Okay,” Paul said. “Ready when you are.”

He turned to Granny. “Let’s really go for it. We can edit it later.”

She took his hand. “I still want everything cream.”

“Right. Cream umbrellas, cream tarp, cream taffeta for the marquee if used.”

“Slow down,” Paul said.

Aron winked at Granny, who gazed at him with absolute adoration.

“Cream flowers,” she said. “Then pops of pink.”

“Pops of pink,” Paul repeated. “Anything else?”

“Designer rain ponchos. Just in case,” Aron added. “Paul, can you go and get the chairs from the registry office? It’s the least they can do. Take Edwin when he gets here.”

Paul raised an eyebrow. “And what exactly will you be doing while I’m lugging them over this way?”