Bill’s torso crumpled. “She’s on the phone to…”
Before Bill could finish, Grace flew into the room. “I’m so glad you’re back,” she said, jiggling with excitement. “Because, boy, do I have a surprise for you.” She gestured to the dining table. “You’re both going to want to sit for this.”
Recognising her expression, my stomach sank. Grace had a glint in her eyes; the same kind Mum had when she meddled in our wedding plans.
“What have you done?” Leo asked.
“You, Tess,” Grace said. “Will be especially pleased.”
I doubted that very much.
Grace’s flustering continued. “In fact, I need to sit down myself.”
As we all sat, I felt as wary as Leo looked and, while Grace took a moment to compose herself, I took Leo’s hand. Coping with my own mum was bad enough, the last thing I needed was Grace’s interference too.
“Now, I’ve just got off the phone to Reverend Joseph.”
Leo cocked his head. “Reverend who…?”
As Grace put a hand up to silence her son, I cringed, knowing full well what she was about to tell us.
“At none other than Saint Oswald’s church.”
“Oh, Lordy,” I said, wishing I’d been wrong.
“Oh, Lordy, indeed,” Grace replied, with a smile. “And…” She paused, to gather herself for a second time, while I held my breath and willed her not to say it. “He’s only agreed to officiate over your wedding.”
My grip on Leo’s hand tightened.
“He’s done what?” Leo asked.
Again, Grace put up her hand to quieten her son. “I know. I was surprised too.”
Surprisedwas not the word running through my head. Nor Leo’s and Bill’s, going off their faces.
“I’d always assumed you had to be a regular mass goer to get married in church,” Grace said. “I only rang on the off-chance. Not that the good news stops there.”
“You mean there’s more?” Leo said.
I couldn’t believe he had to ask. Leo should have known from experience that when it came to mothers and weddings there was always something else.
“Oh, yes. Reverend Joseph has also agreed to oversee your Instruction.”
“Our what?” Leo asked.
“And let us consider how we may spur one another toward love and good deeds,” Grace said, with a flourish. “Hebrews, chapter 10, Verses 24-25.”
I stared at the woman, dumbfounded.
“It’s like a Marriage Preparation course,” Grace said. She paused, as if waiting for Leo’s reaction. Her eyes narrowed at her son’s less than enthusiastic demeanour. “I thought you’d be pleased. After all, courses like this are an opportunity for you to demonstrate your commitment.”
Bill shook his head.
“Isn’t that what the wedding ceremony’s for?” Leo asked.
“Yes, but…” Dismissing her son, Grace turned her attention to me. She smiled. “What do you think, Tess?”
My response took longer than I would have liked, never mind Grace. And while her eyes widened in increased anticipation, I felt my cheeks redden as I tried to come up with the right words. “I think it’s kind of you to consider us like this, Grace,” I, at last, said. “And Reverend Joseph’s offer is certainly something to–”
