The Secret Diary Of A First Time FOF; Part One

Posted on Apr 25, 2019 by TanGental

This is entirely fiction. Completely. Utterly. Except for any true bits

April 22nd: Weekend takes something of an unexpected turn when we, the First Of Her Name and I are called into the garden. First Born in tears, boyfriend grinning manically and Male Heir looking like he’s found out who his father really is.

First Of Her Name insists I ‘do something’ while she milks the concerned mother bit. I’m about to suggest ‘pub’ to the men when First Born wails and waves hand at us.

I assume that means approval of the Pub option and am heading for garden gate when I’m called back.

‘I’m engaged.’ Seems the waving thing is to display this bit of grit that’s been embedded in a gold band. Make approving noises until it’s apparent First Of Her Name is now in tears.

Offer sympathy and am belaboured about head. ‘Why didn’t you tell me?’

When I admit I didn’t know it was coming, belabouring shifts to boyfriend (now upgraded to The Fiancé). ‘Why didn’t you ask permission?’

He points at me. ‘He said not to. He couldn’t keep it secret.’

Belabouring returns to its original target, viz me when the Male Heir confesses he knew. Oddly belabouring continues about my person while he is forgiven his trespasses.

First Born whispers to First Of Her Name and they go indoors. Through the french doors we mere males watch as a flip-chart and spreadsheet are magicked from somewhere and marker pens uncapped.

Many emotions compete: none of them are especially worthy. Hands rest on my shoulder. Fiance and Male Heir ease me away, like I’ve been staring at a car smash and I should know better. In unison they say: ‘Pub’.

On our way it occurs I am now Father Of The Fiancéd. A FOF. That actually feels quite good.

Male Heir ruins moment. ‘You’ll soon be an In Law.’ I exchange a look with the Fiance. I think we both know who is going to be the Lesser of Two I-Ls.

About TanGental

My name is Geoff Le Pard. Once I was a lawyer; now I am a writer. I've published several books: a four book series following Harry Spittle as he grows from hapless student to hapless partner in a London law firm; four others in different genres; a book of poetry; four anthologies of short fiction; and a memoir of my mother. I have several more in the pipeline. I have been blogging regularly since 2014, on topic as diverse as: poetry based on famous poems; memories from my life; my garden; my dog; a whole variety of short fiction; my attempts at baking and food; travel and the consequent disasters; theatre, film and book reviews; and the occasional thought piece. Mostly it is whatever takes my fancy. I avoid politics, mostly, and religion, always. I don't mean to upset anyone but if I do, well, sorry and I suggest you go elsewhere. These are my thoughts and no one else is to blame. If you want to nab anything I post, please acknowledge where it came from.
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41 Responses to The Secret Diary Of A First Time FOF; Part One

  1. Darlene says:
    Apr 25, 2019 at 1:23 pm

    Congratulations to all!! Happy days ahead. xo

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  2. Violet Lentz says:
    Apr 25, 2019 at 2:00 pm

    Congrat’s to all!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  3. tidalscribe says:
    Apr 25, 2019 at 2:32 pm

    October, daughter and boyfriend were visiting ( daughter has already told us HE doesn’t believe in marriage but wants house and baby, I suggested no pressure, don’t spoil a good relationship, there’s no time to find another man if you want a baby! ) They are getting ready to go out, she is in the bath, I am in the garden with muddy hands, husband calls me to the back door. Boyfriend is standing there with whiskey and chocolates asking for our daughter’s hand! We then waited and waited, birthdays passed … it was Xmas Day before we heard he had proposed to her!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  4. bereavedandbeingasingleparent says:
    Apr 25, 2019 at 3:09 pm

    On the chance that the true bits are the obvious ones, then congratulations. If not then it’s great writing.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  5. Mary Smith says:
    Apr 25, 2019 at 3:55 pm

    Congratulations to all – and good luck. I expect it is going to involve a lot of planning.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  6. John W. Howell says:
    Apr 25, 2019 at 4:37 pm

    Congratulations are in order. I hope you have set aside enough cattle and goats for a respectable dowery. Loved the writing, Geoff.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  7. Ritu says:
    Apr 25, 2019 at 7:54 pm

    Aw😍 congratulations to You all!! FOF!!!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  8. thecontentedcrafter says:
    Apr 25, 2019 at 8:31 pm

    Great retelling of the event! 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  9. JT Twissel says:
    Apr 25, 2019 at 9:22 pm

    Lol! Let the festivities begin!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  10. willowdot21 says:
    Apr 25, 2019 at 10:19 pm

    I remember this happy event being mentioned 💜 has your wallet been warned . Congratulations again 💜

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  11. shelleywilson72 says:
    Apr 26, 2019 at 7:50 am

    Congratulations! xxx

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  12. Norah says:
    Apr 26, 2019 at 11:41 am

    Congratulations! I hope you enjoyed the outing to the pub. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  13. Pam Lazos says:
    Apr 27, 2019 at 2:15 pm

    Oh Geoff, it’s hard to think of a way to have more fun sitting in front of a computer than by reading your blogs. You are one of a kind. Many congrats on the soon-to-be-acquisition of a son-in-law. What great joy a family expansion is, and oh! the many more tales there will be to come. Lucky us! :0)

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  14. Elizabeth says:
    Apr 28, 2019 at 9:24 pm

    I am sure that your continuing chronicle of this episode in your life will continue to amuse and amaze. Especially when you have to remortgage your house to pay for a “simple wedding.”

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  15. samfiftysomething says:
    May 23, 2019 at 9:14 am

    Oh I have a lot to catch up on! I’ll put the kettle on!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

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