Page 151 of Wife After Wife

Florence laughed. “OK, well, it is a fine arse. Just promise me you won’t do anything to stuff this up. You’ve got the chance for a stellar careeranda happy marriage. You shouldn’t let Frankie anywhere near your precious arse again. Ever.”

CHAPTER 47

Harry

May 2010

Harry smiled as Caitlyn tore around the garden after Eliza, Francesca, and Helena, who were shrieking in delight. Eddie was running around in circles, not quite understanding the rules of the game but enjoying it enormously nonetheless.

It was a lazy Sunday afternoon, and Charles, Megan, and their two girls had come over for a barbecue.

“Fourth time lucky, eh, Harry?” said Charles as Caitlyn deftly sidestepped Helena.

Harry knew Charles and Megan remained unconvinced his marriage was a good idea.

“Fifth, if you count my online spouse Anki, she of the wild white hair and pointy breastplate.”

“Honestly,” said Megan, shaking her head. “I still don’t have a good feeling about this, brother dear. But I hope it works out. You deserve a happy ending.”

Out of nowhere, Harry’s conscience prodded him.Do I?

“I just hope all this fame doesn’t change her,” Harry said. “She’s a sweet thing, and I don’t want her ending up like all the other basket cases in TV.”

“The kids love her, don’t they?” said Charles.

“Hardly surprising,” muttered Megan. “She’s still practically one herself.”

“It’s mutual,” said Harry. “She’s so good with them. It’s the first time in her life she’s had a proper family, would you believe? Her background would make your eyes water.”

Caitlyn glanced over at him, and he smiled fondly.

“You’re looking good, Harry,” said Megan. “Is that her influence? Salads instead of pies?”

Harry chuckled. “Caitlyn’s culinary repertoire consists only of spag Bol. But she’s excellent at giving the new housekeeper instructions. Mrs. Downton’s a treasure. You should get a Mrs. D.”

“We won’t be taking on more domestic staff anytime soon,” said Charles glumly. “Looks like a banking bonus desert for the foreseeable. And everyone still hates us. We’ve dropped below drug dealers in the popularity stakes.”

Caitlyn threw up her hands and said, “I surrender! And I declare Eddie the King of the Castle!”

“Yay!” said Eddie, throwing his arms around her knees.

Caitlyn

July 2010

Caitlyn’s star continued to rise. She was about to take on the role of judge in a new talent-spotting program calledRock God. The initial rounds would involve touring the UK auditioning music acts, so she’d be away several nights a week.

The other judges were music producer Leroy Massey and nineties pop sensation Tommy Cultrane. The three were meeting with the production team before it all kicked off next week.

Caitlyn couldn’t help but be aware of Tommy beside her—he wasstill stop-the-bus gorgeous. It would no doubt make the coming months more pleasant, having someone to flirt with, though with the paparazzi taking such an interest in her, she’d have to be on her best behavior. And as if she’d needed reminding, Florence had texted her:Tommy Cultrane!! Could life get any better? Look, but don’t touch!

“So we’re all good with the schedule, people?” asked Simeon, the producer.

They were.

“Cool. Thanks to our lovely Caitlyn, we have a sweet sponsorship deal with Rose Air, who’ll be flying us around the venues. We’ll reconvene in Manchester on Monday. Go, TeamRock God!”

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