“Well good luck getting it. Mum’s already got a dozen hats and three mother-of-the bride outfits to choose from.”
“Don’t exaggerate.”
Sal raised an eyebrow.
“Honestly,” I said. “Mum will be fine.”
“Where is everyone, by the way?” Leo asked, glancing around the room.
“Ryan’s out collecting dinner.” Sal poured the tea and handed out the mugs.
Out of all the Cavendish get-togethers, I enjoyed Sal’s the most. Unlike me, who found hosting stressful, and Mum, who preferred a more formal affair, Sal took a relaxed approach to her afternoon. Stuck in the kitchen all week thanks to her cake-making business, the last thing my sister wanted was to slave over the cooker come the weekend.
“And Mum and Dad are running late. Something to do with a rogue parrot in the garden,” Sal carried on. “It belongs to one of the neighbours. He’s coaxing it down from their tree as we speak.”
“And India?” I asked, sipping my tea.
As if on cue, my eleven-year-old-but-acts-like-a-teenager niece entered the room. “Doctor Sanders,” she said. “If you don’t mind.”
I took in her seriousness, along with the white coat she wore, complete with pens poking out from its chest pocket. Her typically unruly blonde hair was scraped back into a neat ponytail and a pair of glass-free, black-framed spectacles balanced on the end of her nose. “Where’s your stethoscope?” I asked.
She flashed me a look. “I’m notthatkind of doctor.”
“Really?” I put my cup to my lips and lowered my voice. “Probably for the best with that bedside manner.”
“India’s toying with the idea of becoming a scientist,” Sal said. “She’s trying to get a feel for the job before deciding.”
“That makes sense,” Leo said, giving the girl an encouraging smile. “Thetry before you buyapproach.”
India’s expression softened. “I knew you’d understand.” She turned to Sal. “If you need me, I’ll be in my room doing science stuff.” She got herself a glass of water, turned, and headed back upstairs.
The front door sounded as it opened and closed. “It’s only me,” Ryan called out. He entered the room laden with brown paper carry bags. “I hope you’re all hungry?”
“Starving,” I said. “What are we having?”
“Chinese.” Ryan plonked the bags of food on the kitchen counter, while Sal grabbed a stack of plates from the cupboard. She handed them straight to me so I could start laying the table.
“What’sthat?” Ryan asked. As I paused in my actions, he nodded to my engagement ring, shock written all over his face.
Sal chuckled as she got together the required cutlery.
“Beautiful, isn’t it?” I said. “It belonged to Leo’s grandmother.”
Ryan’s eyes widened further as he took my hand. “That stone’s huge.” He turned his attention to Leo. “What did your granddad do for a living?”
Sal continued to laugh. “Bet you’re glad I don’t want one.”
“You can say that again. That must have cost a fortune.” Ryan smiled. “When did all this happen?” He took the plates I held and put them to one side, before pulling me into a bear hug. “Congratulations, Tess.” He turned to Leo, shaking his hand. “You’re brave, aren’t you? Knowing what these Cavendish sisters are like.”
Leo laughed, while Sal grabbed a tea towel and threw it at Ryan. “Watch it,” she said.
Ryan turned serious. “Does Patricia know?”
I shook my head. “What is it with you two and Mum?”
“Not yet,” Leo said to Ryan. “Although I might have discussed it with Ed.”
News to me, I stared at Leo. “When?”
