“Fox, I can’t believe you’re getting married. When did this happen? And you didn’t tell me?” Emma grinned. Oh for… whatever’s sake.
“Did he propose or did you?” Baronetess Daniels asked. “Do tell, dear, I so enjoy a good bit of gossip.”
Was I doing this? Apparently so.
“He proposed on the phone. Very modern.”
“Oh.” Baronetess or not, she looked most amused. “You youngsters and your technology.”
“And he’s moving in,” Emma stated.
“Well, I want him here, and he’ll need to find a job, and then…”
“You do realise we can arrange for him to move in before you get married, if that’s something that would make things easier for the two of you. The rules can be amended.” I wasn’t even sure who was speaking.
Could they now? My head was swimming. Could we just get back on track here?
“We want you happy,” someone added.
“This place can be rather bleak on your own. I think we can all agree that Mr Riley having a live in companion here, is long overdue.”
“It is,” I agreed. Perhaps it was.
“Moving on.” Mr Faulkner cleared his throat, “We also have the issue of young Bailey Butcher.”
I sighed. Because yes. I was the headmaster. Which clearly didn’t mean anything in front of this board of people who obviously were here to torment me.
“Yes,” I said sternly. “Young Bailey Butcher.”
“He’s asked about legally changing his name to Fairweather. We need to bring that up as well. Is that something we go along with or turn down?”
Here we went. And I picked up the papers in front of me and tapped them against the table top. Put them back down.
“And on that note…” I started.
Well. I might as well finish this chaotic mess I’d started.
“We need to talk,” I said when Noah picked up the phone. Once again we were in bed, and he’d not shaved, and all I wanted to do was reach out and touch his face. Have him hug me.
“We do. I have so many questions.”
“I have so many things I need to ask you too. I’ve made a list.”
“Did Mum text you?”
“She did.” I beamed. I couldn’t help it, because I felt…damn it. I felt so happy I could burst.
“You do realise they have booked into the pub. Three nights, and then they’re doing Loch Lomond and going on some tour.”
“Yup.” I was a bit apprehensive about it all, but…hell. Yes.
“And Mum will have a complete plan for our wedding.”
“Will she now?” I had to laugh.
“I may have…asked for help. She may have…gone overboard.”
“I expected nothing less, Noah. I haven’t got a clue. Do you want a church blessing?”
