Page 91 of How Do I Tell You?

Victoria could feel the whole wedding party – consisting of Kath and Jake; Albie, Joti and their twin girls; Mandy and Steve; Orla and Mr Winkler; Ray and Marcus; Danny and Philip; and Gina, Jerico’s sister – willing her to get her vows right as the jovial vicar commenced the declarations.

Then, with the words ‘You may kiss the bride’ and a resounding cheer from the congregation, Mr and Mrs Pigeons began to write their very own love story.

June 2024

Victoria opened her eyes and kissed her husband softly on the lips. ‘Happy anniversary, Mr Pigeons.’

‘Right back at you, Mrs Pigeons.’

‘Fourteen years – how did that happen?’ Vic propped herself up onto her elbow and looked at her handsome beau.

‘I don’t know, but I’m so glad that I married a rich and famous artist.’ He kissed her nose. ‘Right. Breakfast in bed for my little butterfly, and even better news is that, as it’s Sunday, not only am I going to spoil you rotten, but we have a day off from your gallery.’

Jerico got out of bed, stretched noisily and opened the French windows at the end of the long, elegant room. The mesmerising sound of river birds, the swish of trees and a gentle breeze filtered in.

Then the tranquillity was broken by the sound of loud barking and panicked scrabbling against the bedroom door.

‘Oh God, here they come, the household cavalry.’ Jerico tutted as he opened the bedroom door and two lively mongrels came barrelling in, leapt onto the bed and proceeded to coverVictoria with wet doggy kisses. ‘Monica, Fat Frank the Second, get off your mother – that’s my job!’

Victoria laughed loudly. ‘Maybe having a dysfunctional family isn’t so bad after all.’

Jerico stood in the doorway in all his glorious nakedness. ‘My darling girl, I wouldn’t have it any other way.’

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