Page 116 of Melted Hearts
I melted then and kissed him before we were allowed.
* * *
At the reception there was more music and drinking, food – we’d opted to not go for a formal sit down meal, so it was a buffet instead. Seph was in his element, sitting as close as he could to the rack of barbecued ribs and eyeing anyone who went remotely near. He hadn’t brought a plus one, which I’d found odd, because it was rare for him to attend and event on his own.
“You good?”
He looked up at me, barbecue sauce smeared at the side of his mouth. “Very. I’ve decided to quit law and become Jack’s apprentice chef.”
“Really?” We both knew that was bullshit.
“I then have a really good excuse to eat and get fat.”
I shook my head. “We both know that’s never going to happen. How come you’re on your own?”
“Wanted people to get used to it because I’m not bringing anyone to Max and Vic’s wedding.”
“Why’s that?”
He shrugged. “Might meet someone there. You never know.” His long arm reached out and took another rib. “Where’s your husband?”
I looked around the room. “He’s over there with – is that Ms Egalldottir?”
Seph peered over. “That’s the woman you’re buying your house off?”
I didn’t respond. I was halfway across the party hall before Liam turned round and saw me.
“Sophie!” Ms Egalldottir said in her accented English. “I’m so happy for you both! And so pleased with myself!”
I looked at Liam who was frowning. He grabbed my hand, not in a friendly, affectionate way, but in a please-don’t-react-like-I-think-you-will way.
“Why’s that? You know, you’re more than welcome to visit the house when we’ve furnished it. Sit in your spot in the garden.”
She beamed, looking from Liam to me.
“The deeds were sent over yesterday. Everything has completed and it’s yours. I left messages with your solicitor but she said you were busy with the wedding. I just had to come – I knew when I did some research on you both that I’d be able to matchmake you both and look at you now! Properly married!” She rubbed her hands together with glee.
Stark. Raving. Mad.
I looked at Liam. “What the fuck?” I mouthed the words.
“It turns out that Ms Egalldottir wasn’t interested in selling to a couple, she just wanted to get us together.”
She smiled. “And it worked, didn’t it? You’re properly married. I knew it!”
“There was no clause about it only being bought by a couple that were married?” I looked from Liam to her.
She shook her head. “Of course not. That would be silly. But when the agent told me about you both and I did a bit of research I thought it would be a wonderful thing to get two single young people together and I was right.” She looked about the room. I saw her eyes land on my barbecue sauce covered friend. “Is he single? I should try to matchmake him next.”
“He’s most definitely single. Please, work your magic…”
She tootled off towards Seph. I stayed with Liam.
“Seriously?”
His expression turned from irritated disbelief to sheer amusement, then he started laughing.
“It appears so. We’ve been had. By a lunatic widow.” I was taken in his arms. “We should send her a gift to say thank you.”
And then I laughed as my husband dipped me in his arms and we started to argue about what present to send.
The End
