Tasha looked at Jim who shrugged and whispered in her ear, “A traditionalist.”
“It’s very quick, but as long as you’re happy, sweetheart. I assume this means you will move to America permanently,” said Celia sadly.
“Yes, but it’s only a matter of hours away on a plane and I will come back to see you all in London.” She felt sad and emotional at the finality to her old life and family that marrying Jim would mean.
Jim wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her back onto his lap and held her tightly.
“Is Jim there?” asked Paul.
“Yes, you’re on speaker here, too.”
“Congratulations, Jim. You’ve got yourself a real gem there in my granddaughter. They broke the mould after they made her, but you know that, don’t you?”
“I certainly do and as Tasha said, flights are regular out here and you are all welcome anytime.” He rested his chin on her shoulder, reassuring and assuring her that he meant every word, that he would do just about anything to make this work and to make her happy.
“Am I a bridesmaid and will we have designer dresses? Oh my God, are you getting married in Hollywood? One of those luxury hotels or on the edge of a cliff, oh Tash, this is so cool.” Pippa was suddenly excited at the possibilities of her sister’s marriage and wedding.
Tasha laughed as she imagined Pippa already googling designer bridesmaid’s dresses and five star venues. “We haven’t discussed when or where yet, but as soon as we do you will be the first to know, Pip.”
“Will you tell Mum and Dad?” asked Dan. His question was a fair and valid one but the wobble to his voice suggested her was unsure if it would be wise to involve them in any of this. Plus, he had no doubt in his mind that Jim wouldn’t want either of them anywhere near his home, family, wedding or most importantly Tasha.
Tasha felt Jim stiffen beside her at the mere mention of her parents. “I’m sure they’ll find out eventually, one way or another, but I won’t be contacting them to tell them,” she said a little sadly. Not because she wanted them involved, but because under normal circumstances with normal parents they would be involved.
“Sod ‘em, they don’t deserve to be involved in something good like this, Nat. This is a happy time and they will spoil it, you know they will my darling girl,” said Paul gently, but seriously.
“Yes.” Tasha knew he was absolutely right. The feel of Jim’s arms tightening around her, pulling her closer to him immediately brought comfort and reassurance. “As soon as we have made any decisions I will let you know.”
“Yay!” cried Pippa, excited again.
Tasha laughed and after they had all said goodbye she hung up.
****
They sat on the sofa in front of the TV when Jim said, “Amanda said you wanted to meet up with her for lunch next week.”
She turned to face him and smiled at his arched brow.
“Hmmm.”
“Hmmm, is that it?”
“I don’t know what else you want me to say; yes I have invited Amanda to lunch sometime next week. She and I have had a few chats and shared a couple of laughs and as she is often my connection to you it makes sense to get to know her. Not as well as you do, but there it is.” Tasha could now see that Amanda had been right to be nervous and Sara had been spot on about him not liking it.
He arched his brow further. “I’ve missed the smart mouth, Tasha, but be careful how you play this one, baby,” he warned.
She shrugged, although she felt far from indifferent. “I thought it would be a good idea and if she is going to schedule my stuff I want to trust her for myself, not just because you assure me I can. She was nervous about your reaction to us meeting, you scare her as much as everyone else.” She still felt surprised at the realisation that he scared so many people, not that she couldn’t see his ruthless streak. She could. She’d seen it from day one, but surely his ex-wife would know that along with that streak there was a broader streak that was kind, loving and gentle.
“But not you?”
Tasha was unsure which side of him was asking the question with his flat tone and lack of expression.
“What’s to be scared of? I like you all bossy and crazy.” She laughed a single short laugh, just in case he was genuinely irritated at the idea of the two women meeting up.
“I pay her salary, she’s right to be scared, but I don’t ever want you to really be scared of me,” he said. “I am uncomfortable with you mixing with my ex-wives like this.”
“Because of us comparing notes?” As soon as the question was out she thought of Sara’s comment earlier and could see by the tick in his cheek and the slight stretch of his neck that he didn’t appreciate the comment or the idea of it.
“Do you want to compare notes?”
