‘I don’t deserve you,’ she murmured.

‘Well, I’m afraid you are stuck with me for the rest of our lives. Will you marry me, my darling?’

‘Yes, please!’ She sighed as his lips claimed hers.

When he finally broke off the embrace, he held her away, looking into her eyes. ‘Come on, let’s go and tell the family.’

Jenny was nervous. Suppose they didn’t approve of their youngest son marrying her?

But she need not have worried. They were all delighted.

When all the excitement had settled, Louise Stannard picked up a pad and pen, looking expectantly at Jenny. ‘Now, what kind of wedding do you want?’

Matt laughed and sat beside Jenny, holding her hand. ‘We’re being organized, Jen. Tell mother exactly what you want and she’ll be in her element arranging it.’

‘Would you mind doing it?’ she asked his mother. ‘Only I don’t want my family involved.’

‘I understand that, my dear, and I shall love planning the wedding.’

‘Well …’ She hesitated and looked at Matt, wondering what he would like.

He squeezed her hand. ‘Go ahead, Jen. Whatever you want will be fine with me.’

After smiling her thanks, she turned back to his mother. ‘I would like a quiet wedding with only the immediate family present at the ceremony. I’ll ask Fred to give me away, as he’s been like a father to me.’

‘Excellent idea.’ Louise began to make the first notes. ‘A white dress, of course. And what about bridesmaids?’

‘I’ll ask Ivy’s young daughter.’ Jenny smiled happily. ‘Oh, she’ll just love that! And I’ll ask Edna and David to come as well. I’m sure my friend would love to be a bridesmaid, and we’ll dress them in pink, I think.’

‘Lovely.’ Louise scribbled away. ‘Where shall we hold the reception?’

‘What about the community centre?’ Matt suggested. ‘We can then invite all of Forest Road and everyone from the garage.’

‘That’s just the thing,’ Matt’s father agreed. ‘Plenty of room there, and you can get in caterers for the wedding breakfast, my dear.’

Louise nodded. ‘I know the very people.’

Jenny felt a pang of concern. ‘Can we have plain, wholesome food, Mrs Stannard? My friends aren’t used to haute cuisine. But you know that by working at the centre, don’t you?’

‘I do indeed, and I shall make sure that there is something for everyone.’

‘Erm …’ Jenny still had one doubt. ‘Will you want a separate celebration for your family and friends?’

‘Certainly not!’ John declared, and the rest of the family firmly agreed.

‘That’s all settled, then.’ Gilbert had ordered champagne while they had been talking, and he now handed round glasses. ‘Let’s drink to Jenny and Matt. May you have a long and happy life together.’

After the toast, Louise looked at her list. ‘This will take a while to arrange. When do you intend to get married?’