“You were worth it.” Nicky smiles, a bit sheepishly. “Though it took another couple of months before you said yes to getting married.”
“I just wanted to be sure youwere sure.” I slip my hand into his. “I’m so lucky.”
Mandy makes gagging noises in the background. “Mum, you’re drunk. Pat, you’re drooling. Nicky, you’re insane to want to join this family.”
Nicky starts laughing properly, and I grip his hand more tightly. “There was a time I thought I couldn’t do this, you know?”
“Patrick, I know….”
“But I can,” I persist. “And God, I really want to.”
“Despite the snoring?” Mandy mutters.
It’s Nicky’s turn to roll his eyes. “Mandy, I have to break it to you. I know about the snoring already.”
Mum’s growing even pinker. I tug at Nicky’s hand. “Let’s not wait for the car. If I promise to leave off this damned bowtie in public, do you want to walk down there together, right now?”
“I do,” he replies, his face deadpan.