Tom thought he was revealing a huge secret when he told Jan the news. He stood in the kitchen holding Annie’s hand and could hardly stop smiling.
‘Mum, I’ve got a big announcement to make,’ he began.
‘Oh, yes?’ said Jan, pausing in the middle of washing up and throwing her husband Paul a knowing look.
‘Yes.’ He looked at Annie and beamed. ‘I’ve asked Annie to marry me and she’s said yes!’
‘Oh, how wonderful!’ cried Jan, throwing her arms around Annie, and then Tom in quick succession.
‘Well, there’s a surprise,’ Paul said, winking at Jan. ‘Congratulations! I think we should get that bottle of champagne out of the fridge where it’s been waiting for just such an occasion. Get the glasses will you, darling?’
Just then the doorbell rang. ‘That will be my mum!’ Annie said eagerly. ‘She wanted to come round and discuss the wedding with us all. Hope you don’t mind?’
‘Mind?’ said Paul. ‘The more the merrier! Get another glass, please, Jan.’
If Jan had thought Tom was a bubble of excitement, Sylvia looked as though she was going to burst.
‘Isn’t this the most wonderful news!’ she said, hugging everyone in the room. ‘Don’t they make the perfect couple?’
‘Yes,’ smiled Jan.
‘Oh, I can’t wait to start planning the wedding,’ Sylvia beamed. I just wish we could afford to give my Annie the celebration she deserves. But we did have to spend a lot of our savings on fixing our roof in the autumn…’
Jan shot a look at Paul.
This story is from the September 2020 edition of Womans Weekly Fiction Special.
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This story is from the September 2020 edition of Womans Weekly Fiction Special.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
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