Opposites Attract

Stars And Moon Part Four

"No, you can keep that," she passed him his cup back, smiling sweetly then turned to Penelope and Grandma. "How was the shopping trip?"

"Wonderful, we saw the lights of London, had tea at the Ritz, shopped at Harrods and then Carnaby Street, and we took Grandma to see her first pantomime."

"It was so much fun, all the children in the audience were shouting at the stage and singing along to the songs. I can't wait for one of these boys to provide me with great grandchildren that I can take."

Selene felt John's arm tighten briefly around her waist, an obvious warning to be careful what she said next, anything was potential ammunition for Grandma Tracy.

"Well now I'm very sorry I had to turn down your invite, I used to love the pantomime when I was a child, but definitely count me in next time."

"Oh, that's right, you two had a night away. Was it enjoyable? Did you like your early gift?" Penelope smiled as she sipped her tea. Where the cup and saucer had come from was a complete mystery.

John's forehead landed on Selene's shoulder with a thump.

"You two went away?" Grandma zeroed in like a heat seeking missile. "Let me see this gift then."

Selene glanced over her shoulder at John. He heaved a deep sigh of resignation, knowing what was to come but unable to avoid it. He unwrapped one arm from around her waist and lifted her arm to point her hand in his Grandma's direction.

Grandma blinked. There was a moment of silence. She blinked again. And then she moved, grabbing Selene's hand and yanking it closer, almost dragging her off John's lap.

"Is that what I think it is?"

"Oh! Oh, I'm so sorry, I thought you'd ordered a necklace or something," Penelope blushed delicately, because she did everything with utter class, even begging forgiveness, something that Selene envied her for.

"It's fine, we were going to tell everyone later tonight after dinner," Selene reassured her. Honestly it was easier to just get it over with.

"IS THIS WHAT I THINK IT IS?" Grandma demanded to know. "John?"

He nodded. "Yes, I asked Selene to marry me."

"And she actually agreed?"

"Should I be insulted by that?" John asked mildly.

"Of course I said yes, he's worth changing my mind for."

"Well, obviously," Grandma sniffed. "He's my grandson, they are all perfect."

"They are," Selene agreed.

"Tell me everything about the proposal, I need to know," Grandma's eyes glowed with excitement and happiness. "Tell me he did it right?"

Selene smiled. "He did it perfectly."

"Details," Penelope insisted.

"Yeah, John, details," Scott grinned evilly.

"Don't hold out on us, bro," Virgil added. "You never did tell us last night."

"Don't make me do this," John's voice was muffled where his face was buried in her neck.

"Best to get it over with, love." She kissed the top of his head. He groaned pitifully in response but lifted his head.

"What do you want to know?"

"When did this happen?" Grandma started the interrogation.

"Winter Solstice, three days ago."

"Where? You weren't up in Five were you?" Virgil wanted to know.