Over My Dead Body

The woman looked to be in her eighties, with a full head of silvery-white hair. She shuffled towards the altar. Two women seated beside her hastened forward to lend a hand. ‘Nana.’ Tristan hurried over to help as well. He looked concerned. ‘Take it easy, Nana.’ Her great-grandmother swung her cane and struck him on his shin. ‘You scoundrel!’ Her voice was a little phlegmy. ‘You are a Valentine!’ She had to pause to catch her breath after every sentence. ‘We Valentines don’t have illegitimate children!’ The octogenarian’s harsh tone made everyone think she was about to let Tristan have it. Everyone’s jaw dropped at her next sentence. ‘Her baby bump’s not showing yet. There’s still time to arrange a wedding. It has to happen pronto! My great-grandchild must be born in wedlock!’ ‘Grandma!’ Ms O’Sullivan was quick to object. She darted me a scornful look. ‘This woman is so much older than Tristan. And she’s a divorcee.’ She spat out that last word like it meant ‘leper.’ ‘We can’t allow som