“OK,” I say hastily, “don’t bother about him. But everyone whose opinion you respect. They all think you need a break. You’ve been working so hard, for so long…” I lean forward earnestly. “Luke, this is the time to do it. While we’re still young. Before we have children. Just picture it. The two of us, wandering through the world. Seeing amazing sights. Learning from other cultures.”
There’s silence. Luke gazes at the ground, frowning.
“You spoke to Michael,” he says at last. “And he’d really be willing to—”
“He’d be more than willing. He’s bored living in New York with nothing to do except go power walking! Luke, he said even if you don’t go away, you need a long breathing space. You need a proper holiday.”
“A year,” says Luke, rubbing his forehead. “That’s more than a holiday.”
“It could be shorter. Or longer! The point is, we can decide as we go along. We can be free spirits, for once in our lives. No ties, no commitments, nothing weighing us down—”
“Becky, love,” calls Dad from the car. “Are you sure they’ll let you take six suitcases?”
“It’s OK, we’ll just pay the excess baggage—” I turn back to Luke. “Come on. How about it?”
Luke says nothing for a few moments — and my heart sinks. I have a horrible feeling he’s going to revert back to old Luke. Old, workaholic, single-minded, corporate Luke.
Then he looks up — and there’s a wry little smile on his face. “Do I have a choice?”
“No.” I grab his hand in relief. “You don’t.”
We’re going round the world! We’re going to be travelers!
“These last two are very light!” shouts Dad, and waves the cases in the air. “Is there anything in them?”
“No, they’re empty!” I turn to Luke, glowing with delight. “Oh, Luke, it’ll be so great! This is our one chance to have a year of escape. A year of… simplicity. Just us. Nothing else!”
There’s a pause. Luke looks at me, his mouth twitching.
“And we’re taking two great big empty suitcases with us because…”
“Well, you never know,” I explain. “We might pick a few things up along the way. Travelers should always support the local economies—” I break off as Luke starts to laugh.
“What?” I say indignantly. “It’s true!”
“I know.” Luke wipes his eyes. “I know it is. Becky Bloomwood, I love you.”
“I’m Becky Brandon now, remember!” I retort, glancing down at my lovely new ring. “Mrs. Rebecca Brandon.”
But Luke shakes his head. “There’s only one Becky Bloomwood. Never stop being her.” He takes both hands in mine and gazes at me with a strange intensity. “Whatever you do, never stop being Becky Bloomwood.”
“Well… OK,” I say, taken aback. “I won’t.”
“Becky! Luke!” Mum’s voice comes across the lawn. “It’s time to cut the cake! Graham, put on the fairy lights!”
“Right-o!” calls Dad.
“Coming!” I shout back. “Just let me put my garland back on!”
“Let me.” Luke reaches for the garland of pink flowers and puts it on my head with a little smile.
“Do I look stupid?” I say, pulling a face.
“Yes. Very.” He gives me a kiss, then stands up and helps me to my feet. “Come on, Becky B. Your audience is waiting.”
As fairy lights begin to twinkle all around us, we walk back over the dusky grass to the wedding, Luke’s hand clasped firmly around mine.
PRENUPTIAL AGREEMENT
Between Rebecca Bloomwood
and Luke Brandon
22 June 2002
5. JOINT BANK ACCOUNT
5.1 The joint account shall be used for necessary expenditure on household expenses.“Household expenses” shall be defined to include Miù Miù skirts, pairs of shoes, and other items of apparel deemed essential by the Bride.
5.2 The Bride’s decision regarding such expenses shall be final in all cases.
5.3 Questions regarding the joint account shall not be sprung on the Bride by the Groom with no warning, but submitted in writing, with a 24-hour period for reply.
6. SIGNIFICANT DATES
6.1 The Groom shall remember all birthdays and anniversaries, and shall mark said dates with surprise gifts.*
6.2 The Bride shall demonstrate surprise and delight at the Groom’s choices.
7. MARITAL HOME
The Bride shall make the best attempt within her powers to maintain order and tidiness in the marital home.
HOWEVER, failure to abide by this clause shall not be regarded as a breaking of the contract.
8. TRANSPORT
The Groom shall not comment on the Bride’s driving ability.
9. SOCIAL LIFE
9.1 The Bride shall not require the Groom to remember the names and past romantic history of all her friends including those he has never met.
9.2 The Groom shall make every effort to set aside a significant portion of each week for leisure and relaxing activities.
9.3 Shopping shall be defined as a relaxing activity.
*The surprise gifts shall comprise those items marked discreetly by the Bride in catalogues and magazines, to be left around the marital home in the weeks leading up to said dates.