Page 99 of A Secret Cornish Wish
‘It’s like us, isn’t it?’ I tell him. ‘The Mermaids of St Felix.’
‘I thought you were called the Misfit Mermaids?’ Rosie pipes up.
‘We were, darling,’ Eddie says. ‘In fact, we always will be – won’t we, Frankie?’
I nod.
‘But that’s not the only reason why that little detail is so important,’ Eddie continues.
‘Oh my goodness, is that our restaurant?’ Dexter is hurrying over towards us.
‘Tell you later,’ Eddie whispers to me. ‘It is!’ he says to Dexter, holding up the painting for him to see. ‘Isn’t it wonderful?’
Dexter kisses me on each cheek and says hello to Rosie. Then he examines the painting. ‘This is superb, Frankie,’ he says. ‘Why aren’t you doing this professionally?’
I blush. ‘Stop, please. It’s not that good. It’s just a hobby and I don’t even do it that often.’
‘Au contraire!’ Dexter says. ‘It’s magnificent. You must stop doing whatever it is you do up in Bonnie Scotland and take up painting as a profession immediately!’
‘Ha, the chance would be a fine thing,’ I say, playing along. I assume Dexter is being his usual exuberant self. ‘I don’t think it would quite pay the bills, though.’
‘Frankie, I’m serious, darling,’ Dexter says, actually sounding serious for once. He’s lowered his voice and he puts his hand on my arm. ‘You have a talent. You must do something with it. Listen, I know a couple of people. I’ll put in a word for you.’
‘Thank you,’ I reply lightly, sure that this will be the last I hear on the subject. ‘I won’t give up my job just yet, though, if you don’t mind. I’m really pleased you both like the painting, but enough about me – let’s talk about you two. You’re both looking very smart this evening. Is something going on we don’t know about? This place is set out like it’s a wedding we’re attending, not a fortieth birthday party, with you two in fancy suits and the flowers on the tables and everything.’
Eddie smiles secretively at Dexter. ‘Shall we tell her?’
Dexter nods.
‘It’s not just a party for my fortieth,’ Eddie whispers. ‘We’re going to be getting married tonight too.’
‘What?’ I exclaim loudly. ‘Sorry,’ I whisper hurriedly. ‘You’re getting married? That’s amazing news.’
‘Isn’t it the best?’ Eddie says, his eyes shining with joy. ‘We didn’t want to make a big fuss about it, because some people are still a bit funny about gay weddings. So we thought we’d get all our nearest and dearest together on the pretence of my birthday, and surprise everybody.’
‘Wow, I can’t believe it. This is incredible, Eddie. It’s what you always wanted.’
Eddie nods. ‘When they changed the law, I couldn’t wait to propose to Dexter. Funny thing was, he was planning on doing exactly the same thing on the same night – we both had rings in little boxes tucked inside our jackets.’
‘How lovely,’ I say, smiling at them both. ‘I’m so pleased I’m going to be here to witness it.’
‘We’re going to tell everyone in a little while,’ Dexter says. ‘Keep it a secret for now, won’t you.’
‘My lips are sealed.’
‘About what, Mum?’ Rosie has returned from her examination of the rest of the gift table.
‘See you later,’ Dexter says, as Eddie props my painting up in pride of place along with the other gifts. ‘Eddie, some more people have just arrived. You’d best go see them.’
Eddie blows me a kiss, and then he and Dexter hurry across the dance floor to greet their guests.
‘Eddie and Dexter are getting married tonight,’ I tell Rosie. ‘It’s a secret, for now anyway. We mustn’t say anything.’
‘Why is it a secret?’ Rosie asks.
‘I think they wanted to surprise everyone. And some people are still a bit funny about gay weddings.’
‘Why? Isn’t that what you’re supposed to do if you love someone – get married?’
