Page 24 of For Love or Money
‘Whereas you, as we all know, fall in love every five minutes.’
Peter laughed. ‘Yes, I’m a hopeless romantic. Always have been.’
‘That’s one way of putting it,’ Stella said, rolling her eyes.
It was true. He had fallen in love easily and often. At least, he had been convinced it was love at the time. Now he wasn’t so sure. He had been besotted with countless women. Those three little words had tripped off his tongue so many times. But now he suspected that his honest answer to the question ‘have you ever been in love’ would be the same as Stella’s – only once.
‘I was a lousy husband in my first marriage,’ he said. ‘But I’m older and wiser now, and I’ll do better this time. I promise.’
‘I’ll hold you to that.’ She gave him a quick peck on the lips.
‘So, what do you want to do today?’
‘I thought we could go for a walk on the beach later. It’s so nice out. But first I want to make a few calls, try and scare up some work.’
‘You don’t need to work. I’ve got oodles of money – more than enough for both of us.’
‘I don’t want to be a freeloader, Peter.’
‘It’s not freeloading if you’re married.’
‘We’re not married yet.’
‘That’s only a matter of time. Besides, we’ve got a wedding to plan. I’m told that’s a full-time job in itself.’
‘It doesn’t have to be,’ Stella said with a mischievous grin. ‘We could elope.’ Her eyes danced merrily.
‘Run away together like a pair of star-crossed lovers? I’m a bit old for that – and not in shape for running anywhere.’
‘Well, youaremarrying a penniless girl from the wrong side of the tracks,’ Stella said playfully. ‘I’m sure your family will heartily disapprove.’
‘All the more reason to do this properly.’ Peter already knew his sons weren’t exactly overjoyed about the news of his engagement. ‘I’m not having some hole-and-corner affair. A big fuck-off wedding will show them we mean business.’
‘Aren’t I the one who’s supposed to be hankering after the big fairy-tale wedding?’
‘And you’re not?’
‘I guess I’m just not that kind of girl.’
He frowned. ‘You don’t really want to run off; do you?’
Stella bit her lip, her expression serious. ‘Are you offering?’
‘Seriously?’ He was shocked to realise she meant it.
‘I could do without the fuss.’
He caught the slight panic behind her eyes. ‘Don’t worry, we can keep it private and low-key. Just family and close friends. We could even do it here in the house.’
‘Okay, that sounds good – as long as it doesn’t get out of hand.’ She climbed off his lap. ‘But I do need to work, Peter. I don’t want to be financially dependent on anyone.’
He saw that this was a battle he wasn’t going to win. ‘Fine. But there’s no point in looking for anything until we get back from France, is there?’
‘No, I guess you’re right. It can wait. Besides, I do have some savings. I can afford to take a break.’
‘Good. You’ve earned one.’
‘There’s some bircher muesli I made last night in the fridge,’ she said, heading for the door. ‘I’m going to jump in the shower. And then we can start making some lists.’
