Page 20 of Paper Roses

I take a deep breath and set aside the breakfast tray. “Yes, let’s do it.”

I go to get out of bed and she grabs my hand. “Just be careful,” she whispers.

I frown at her. “You just did a wholeBraveheartspeech about it being above the law and a foregone conclusion, which by the way, I’ve recorded to play back for my solicitor when I’m arrested on charges of fraud.”

She grimaces. “Not aboutthat.” She hesitates and I brace because it’s rare to see her so cautious. “I like Jed, but be very careful with him.”

“He’dneverhurt me,” I say in astonishment. “He’s the gentlest man I’ve ever known.”

“Be careful with your heart, lovely.” She offers me a crooked smile. “It’s going to be very hard to be married to someone who you’re in love with but who doesn’t love you back.” I flinch and she makes a distressed sound and reaches out to hug me. I inhale the scent of roses that clings to her. It’s a curiously innocent smell. “I’m sorry,” she mutters. “I had to say it because I love you so much, and I don’t want you to be sad.”

“How did you know?”

She kisses my cheek and pulls back, holding tight to my hand. “Sweetie, it’s very obvious.”

“Tohim?” I croak.

She shakes her head immediately, and I relax although I still feel hot with embarrassment. “No, of course not. Jed’s one of those blokes who can’t see what he doesn’t want to see.”

“And he doesn’t want to see my feelings?” I say, more for my own sake than hers.

“I don’t think he does,” she whispers. “He cares for you, sweetie. That was very obvious when I spoke to him before, butfrom what you’ve said he’s still in love with his husband.” I sigh and she pulls me into another hug. “I’m sorry,” she whispers. “I’ve never said anything before, because I didn’t think you’d get hurt by a one-sided affection, but the situation is different now.”

“Tell me again,” I request. “I need it.”

“Oh, Artie.” Her eyes glisten and her voice takes on the tiniest hint of a quiver. “He will never love you, sweetie, because he doesn’t see you like that. So, let him help you and get your home back. And then you can get on with your life and meet someone who will love you for who you are. You’re the best man I’ve ever known—kind, clever and justlovely. There is someone for you, but it’s not Jed Walker.”

Her words sting, and that’s how I know I needed that dose of reality. It’s been impossible to be with Jed over the last few weeks and not fall more in love with him. But my ultimate nightmare is for him to realise my feelings. I couldn’t abide pity and sympathetic kindness from him.

I nod and offer her a tiny smile. “This is the best marital pep talk I’veeverheard. Next time maybe you should try auditioning for the Spanish Inquisition and cut out the middleman.”

She chuckles and pinches one of my croissants. “Let’s get you fake married and start you on the path to becoming someone’s bitch.”

“Daisy!”

“Too soon?”

“Probably.”

By the time the taxi pulls up at Chelsea Old Town Hall my nerves are out of control again. I rub my belly, peering at the stepsleading up to the beautiful late Victorian building. “Oh god,” I groan.

Daisy pats my shoulder. “Let’s just get it done and out of the way.”

“Blimey, and they say romance is dead,” the cabbie says cheerfully.

Daisy snorts and I offer the cabbie a weak smile before scanning the steps again. Groups of people are waiting there dressed in bright clothes, wearing hats and smiley expressions. Through the open window of the cab, I hear excited chatter and laughter. Even the weather is cooperating with my fake wedding, as the sun is out, and the sky is blue.

“I can’t see him anywhere,” I say, searching the crowd. “Maybe he’s had a change of heart.”

“Don’t be silly.” Daisy grabs my chin and turns my face.

And there’s Jed. He’s leaning against a pillar, his hands in the pockets of his expensive grey three-piece suit. It’s the one I love that clings to his wide shoulders and long legs with a subtle check in the costly fabric. It makes his eyes look very green.

I swallow hard and look down at myself. I can’t afford hand tailoring like him, but my own navy suit isn’t too shabby. Daisy insisted on a new pink tie to celebrate the occasion.

“Oh, you look bloody gorgeous as usual,” Daisy says. She adjusts her hot-pink fascinator. “Never mind you, anyway. More importantly, how do I look?”

I snort. “Beautiful,” I say, offering her an affectionate look. She’s bright and bold, as usual, wearing a scarlet-coloured long silk dress and pink platform heels. I grab her hand. “I just want to say thank you.”

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