Echoes of Grace

by Caragh Bell

  ‘You’re like my perfect woman,’ said Tyler in admiration.

  The reception was held in a hall with stone walls and a marble tiled floor. The ceiling had low wooden beams and the lack of windows gave it a dark medieval feel. On each round table was a tall candelabra with five long white candles, a starched white cloth and flowers strewn all over the silver cutlery.

  Aurora checked the list of tables and found her name, right next to Joe’s, Tyler’s and Laura’s. Val’s was there too as Colin was sitting with the wedding party at the main table. To her relief, James’ name was right at the bottom. She was happy for Laura’s sake. She knew her sister needed as many allies around her as possible. She had seen the glares from Tara throughout the day and how Christian pretended that Laura didn’t exist. She understood the frustration her stepsister was feeling – in a few weeks she would be Christian’s wife, yet she was a nobody at his son’s wedding.

  ‘Hey,’ greeted Tyler as she took a seat. ‘You were awesome at the church.’

  ‘You were very good,’ agreed Joe. ‘The hairs stood up on my neck.’

  Aurora blushed. ‘It was a lovely ceremony.’

  ‘Yeah, until Sienna screamed and said ‘Shit!’ when Helen wouldn’t let her go to the vestry.’ Joe smirked. ‘That kid has serious potential.’

  Smiling waiters filled their glasses with ice-cold water. Tyler took some grissini from the basket on the table and chomped loudly.

  Laura arrived and sat down. A whiff of cigarette smoke followed and Aurora wrinkled her nose. ‘Are you smoking again?’ she hissed.

  Laura shrugged. ‘Only when I’m stressed and, boy, am I stressed today.’ She took a sip of water and made a face. ‘Have we been served any alcohol yet?’

  Tyler shook his head. ‘I was thinking the same thing myself. Wow, we’re totally made for each other.’

  She scowled and turned back to Aurora. ‘So, off I went for a pee and who did I meet coming out of the cubicle?’

  ‘Oh, no.’

  ‘Oh, no, is right. She just stared at me like I was a piece of poo on the ground and swept by.’

  ‘Who now?’ asked Joe innocently.

  Laura sighed. ‘Luca’s mother. The worst thing was that the last the time we met face to face, all I was wearing was a pair of Louboutins.’

  Joe moved closer. ‘Go on,’ he encouraged.

  Laura related her tale and Joe clapped his hands. ‘You were starkers? Wonderful.’

  Tyler scratched his head. ‘What’s the deal with Tara? I don’t get it. Why were you naked at Luca’s place?’

  Aurora filled him in and his eyes widened. ‘You’ve got to be kidding me. Laura and Christian?’

  ‘Shhhh!’ Laura glared at him. ‘It’s the forbidden subject at this moment in time. Luca doesn’t want it mentioned.’

  ‘But he’s so old,’ said Tyler in disbelief. ‘Are you crazy?’

  James appeared and took the available seat next to Aurora. He winked and took a long sip of water.

  ‘How did the photo shoot go?’ she asked.

  ‘Very well. Sienna tried to jump in the canal at one stage but otherwise it was fine.’

  The waiters started to fill the wine goblets. Tyler took an enormous gulp and held out his glass for a refill straight away. He kept staring at Laura incredulously.

  ‘I can’t wait to dance,’ said Aurora, sipping the ice-cold Sancerre. ‘Now that my gig is over, I want to relax.’

  ‘Has Harry heard you sing?’ asked James, breaking a breadstick in two. ‘You should audition for Broadway.’

  ‘Oh stop it,’ she said blushing. ‘You’re just biased.’

  ‘I’m not,’ he protested. ‘You’re world class, Borealis. Put yourself out there. I mean it.’

  ‘Well, I thought that Disney song was awesome,’ said Tyler. ‘“Let It Go”?’

  Aurora smiled. ‘Sienna seemed to enjoy it at least.’

  Tyler laughed. ‘I thought she’d lose it when you started to sing. That kid’s obsessed with Frozen.’

  ‘I think we’re all aware of that fact by now,’ said Laura drily. ‘She watches it on Luca’s iPad a million times a day.’

  The last remaining seat at the table was eventually filled by Val. He asked for a beer and waved at the other occupants of the table.

  ‘Where were you?’ asked Joe.

  ‘Oh, FaceTiming Britney,’ he replied. ‘Colin wanted to make sure she saw our faces before bedtime to avoid abandonment issues.’

  Laura snorted. ‘Did she appreciate the gesture?’

  Val shrugged. ‘I barely got near the screen with Colin baby-talking and telling her about the ceremony.’ He threw his eyes to heaven. ‘Britney now knows about your lovely voice, Aurora. Oh, and Mike the organist, everyone’s choice of style and, crucially, how Colin got to walk up an aisle.’ He laughed. ‘He emphasised how it was such a wonderful experience and at least he got to do it ‘once’ in his lifetime.’

  ‘Oh, just marry him and be done with it,’ said Laura.

  ‘All in good time,’ said Val.

  The crowd quietened down as the wedding party arrived.

  Craig took the microphone and tapped it for attention. ‘Hello, everybody,’ he said. ‘If you would all raise your glasses for the bride and groom: Mr. and Mrs. Jacob!’

  Lots of cheering ensued as Luca walked in with Lydia trailing behind. Her veil had been removed and her long hair flowed down her back. She waved at random people as she passed, her eyes sparkling. When they reached the head table, Luca took her in his arms and kissed her.

  ‘Oh, get a room,’ said Tyler, shielding his eyes.

  ‘Judging by the state of Lydia’s dress and hair, I’d say they have already,’ said Joe.

  Aurora gazed at the happy couple. You could see how much they loved one another, it was as plain as day. It was like they couldn’t get enough of each other.

  ‘Hey, cheer up,’ said James. ‘You look all wistful.’

  ‘Imagine being loved like that,’ she said, without turning around. ‘I’d love someone to look at me like Luca looks at Lydia.’

  ‘No regrets about Debussy then?’

  ‘Ugh, don’t joke about that.’

  A waiter placed a plate of roasted artichoke covered with parmesan in front of her.

  ‘What the fuck is that?’ asked Tyler in horror.

  ‘It’s an artichoke,’ said Laura. ‘Eat it. You’ll enjoy it.’

  ‘No way,’ he said, shaking his head vehemently. ‘I got standards. What’s a guy gotta do for a goddamn hotdog in this place?’

  Seán Kelly’s speech was short but packed a punch. He talked about Lydia’s childhood and made light of her flight to Paris all those years ago. Then he talked about Sienna and how she had changed their lives. Lydia’s eyes were shining with tears by the end of it.

  ‘I love you, Daddy,’ she said, blowing him a kiss.

  Colin stood up next. ‘I know it’s not traditional for a cousin to say a few words, but I’m no ordinary cousin.’

  ‘You can say that again!’ Molly laughed loudly.

  Joe activated his camera app immediately. ‘Judging by the amount of Prosecco he’s had, this should be great material to mortify him with at the Christmas party.’

  ‘You’re bad,’ said Laura.

  Colin turned to Lydia and Luca. ‘I’ve been there since the start: back when Lydia was practically married to Dominic. Remember him? The hunky doctor? The guy she cheated on with Luca?’

  Lydia’s eyes almost popped out of her head.

  ‘Is he pissed?’ whispered Helen in alarm to Seán.

  Seán stared straight ahead, unable to respond.

  ‘And, of course, there was Luca’s first wife, Charlotte. She lied and stuff, but I don’t blame her really. He did cheat on her and, let’s face it, he should never have married her in the first place.’

  The French cousins looked at each other, unsure if they quite understood what he was saying. Nana Peggy, Lydia’s grandmother, looked thoroughly disappr
oving and shook her head at her husband Jack. ‘Loose cannon,’ she mouthed with pursed lips.

  ‘Then, when she found out she was pregnant, it was me who helped her through it. The first scan, the vomiting in the first trimester, the constant bolstering up over the weight gain . . .’ He fanned his face. ‘When Luca was delayed in London that night she went into labour, it was me in the delivery suite when Sienna was being born. I’ve seen parts of Lydia no one else has.’ He paused. ‘Well, except Luca and her beautician. And Dominic.’

  Ollie guffawed loudly while Lydia hid her face in her hands.

  ‘I mean, I feel like I’m part of this marriage. It makes me so happy to be here today. It is the perfect dénouement to a crazy emotional roller-coaster ride. And so . . .’ He raised his glass.

  Molly clapped madly. ‘Best speech ever!’

  ‘Thank you, Molly,’ said Colin. ‘So . . . if you could all raise your glasses. To Luca and Lydia!’

  ‘Luca and Lydia!’

  Luca got to his feet. ‘Thanks, Colin,’ he said, amused. ‘It’s pretty hard to follow that.’

  Aurora gazed at him. ‘Isn’t he just gorgeous?’ she whispered to the table.

  Tyler nodded in agreement. ‘He’s The Jacob,’ he said simply.

  ‘I think Borealis has a crush on the groom,’ said James in mock horror. ‘What’s he got that we don’t?’

  Laura laughed. ‘Don’t get us started, boys.’

  ‘I guess all I want to say is this is the greatest day. Lydia is the woman I want to be with forever.’

  Aurora watched him intently.

  ‘As Colin said already, we’ve had a crazy journey but now everything’s as it should be.’ He stroked Lydia’s cheek. ‘She has given me so much: love, laughs and of course, my baby Sienna. I’ve never been happier.’

  Tara wiped a tear away. Standing there, he reminded her of a young Christian. Back when they were in love and full of hope. Oh, how she hoped this marriage would be successful! She didn’t want Luca to experience the pain she had felt along the way.

  ‘The only thing that saddens me is the fact that my grandmother Mimi isn’t here.’ His face tightened. ‘Marcheline was really special to me. When she died, I didn’t think I’d ever get over it. Then Sienna was born and I realised that life goes on. Tu me manques, Mimi. Je ne t’oublierai jamais.’ He raised his glass and the French cousins stood up as a mark of respect. Christian nodded in solidarity. He wished his mother was there too.

  Nana Peggy groaned. ‘That American speaks gobbledegook. What in the name of God did he just say?’

  Ollie shrugged. ‘My French consists of saying that I play tennis and asking where the tourist office is.’

  ‘He said he misses her and will never forget her,’ explained Molly. ‘He was mad about her by all accounts.’

  ‘So, thanks to the bridesmaids, you guys were awesome.’ Luca held up his glass.

  Colin stood up and bowed. ‘We know,’ he said smiling.

  Samantha waved amiably. ‘Thank you!’ she called.

  ‘So, to finish, I’ve got to say thanks to my parents, Christian and Tara. You guys have always been there for me and I appreciate it.’

  Laura kept her eyes cast down.

  ‘And to my wife . . .’

  Everyone cheered.

  ‘Lydia Jacob!’

  More cheering.

  ‘I love you.’ He pulled her up and kissed her again, moulding her body to his. Sienna laughed and pointed from her high chair. ‘Mama, Daddy!’

  Craig took the microphone and cleared his throat. ‘So, if you two are ready, the best man still has to speak.’

  Luca smiled and tore himself away from Lydia. ‘Knock yourself out, buddy.’

  The DJ was an Italian man of around forty with gold jewellery and a purple silk shirt. The hotel had recommended him and he had promised to stick to the playlist Lydia had made.

  ‘I wonder if his decks double up as a karaoke machine,’ mused Colin.

  ‘Please, God, no!’ prayed Molly.

  The DJ, who had limited English, gestured for Craig to announce the first dance. All the tables had been cleared and the dancefloor was empty except for Mini Seán and Sienna chasing each other. Sarah had tried in vain to stop her son from running around, but Nana Peggy had bought him a Coke on the sly, and he was as high as a kite.

  ‘Right, can we have the Jacobs on the floor, please,’ said Craig.

  Luca took Lydia’s hand and pulled her reluctantly into the centre of the room. She hated being the centre of attention and was dreading the first dance.

  ‘What song did they pick?’ asked Joe. ‘Imagine if it was some hard-core techno.’

  ‘Or some gangsta rap,’ added Ollie with a smirk.

  ‘It’s neither of those,’ said Molly who was in the know. ‘Luca chose “She” by Charles Aznavour. Partly because it’s a fab song and partly because his Frenchy accent will make the Parisian cousins feel at home.’

  ‘Those Parisians look quite happy to me,’ said Joe. ‘Did you see all the empty wine bottles on the table after the meal?’

  The opening bars of the song played and Luca pulled Lydia close.

  ‘You can do this,’ he whispered in her ear. ‘Remember how we danced at Sam’s and Craig’s wedding?’

  She relaxed in his strong arms and they whirled around. Sienna danced like a fairy around them and eventually Luca picked her up and they moved as a threesome.

  ‘Now, more couples on the floor! Let’s fill this place up with love!’ said Craig.

  Aurora looked around and her eyes locked with James. He got up slowly and walked towards her. For a moment, her breath caught in her throat. He held out his hand and she gravitated towards him. Then, just as he reached her, Laura stepped in and took his arm. ‘You need to dance with me, brother mine. I have to save face.’

  James laughed and followed her onto the dance floor. Aurora’s face dropped and she turned around desperately. Joe was dancing with Molly and all the other couples were together.

  ‘Want to dance?’ Tyler appeared behind her, his shirt hanging out of his pants and a bottle of beer in his hand.

  Aurora smiled gratefully. ‘I would love to dance with you.’

  He deposited the beer on a table and led her out onto the marble floor and placed his hand on her waist. Surprisingly, he had great rhythm and within seconds they were gliding around the room. Her long golden dress swished as she moved and tendrils of hair escaped from her chignon and trailed down her neck.

  Over Tyler’s shoulder, she could see the bride and groom. Sienna had been deposited on Nana Peggy’s lap, who couldn’t dance after her hip replacement. Luca was whispering something in Lydia’s ear and they both laughed softly. Val and Colin were moving at an impressive pace, Colin holding his ‘dance space’ like his idol, Patrick Swayze.

  Then she saw Tara, sitting in the corner drinking a glass of white wine. Her red hair shone in the disco lights. Christian had disappeared, just in case he was asked to dance with his ex-wife. Inevitably Aurora’s gaze moved to Laura who was joking with James. Her loud laughter was forced. Aurora knew it, but others didn’t. She could see her trying so hard to look unscathed and nonchalant. Every so often, she would glance around looking for Christian.

  James looked over at Aurora. Tyler was talking and she was laughing. He whirled her around like a little doll, narrowly avoiding Colin and Val. Her cheeks were rosy and her body shimmered in the gold dress. Any minute now and the large chignon on her head would fall down, freeing her mane of hair from its constraints.

  The song ended and Laura bolted. Aurora watched her retrieve a box of Marlboro Lights from her clutch as she exited the room.

  ‘Thank you, Tyler,’ she said, kissing his cheek lightly. ‘You’re a wonderful dancer.’

  ‘You’re so pretty,’ he said blushing. ‘You positive you don’t wanna hook up later?’

  She patted his arm. ‘I’m quite all right. Thank you ever so much for the offer.’

  ‘Well,
if you change your mind . . .’

  Chapter Thirty-eight

  Two hours later, Colin was sipping a Mai Tai and gushing about Britney to Nana Peggy. ‘She’s just special, you know? Her little bark is so melodious and her presence is all-encompassing.’

  ‘She’s a dog, Colin,’ said the old lady briskly. ‘It would more in your line to get married. Focus on getting that Valentine boy to propose.’

  Colin put his head in his hands and wailed. ‘Oh, Nana, it’s all I do! I leave bridal magazines around the house, brochures for honeymoons with amazing special offers and I only buy ring doughnuts as a treat. Ring doughnuts.’

  ‘He’d want a good kick up the backside. Will I have a word?’

  Colin shook his head dolefully. ‘Val will not be bullied. It’s what I love most about him.’ He started to wail again.

  ‘Now, now. It will all work out. He’s a lucky boy to have you.’

  ‘Do you think I don’t know that?’

  Molly took the microphone and called for everyone’s attention. ‘Everyone on the dancefloor!’ she yelled.

  The theme tune to The Fresh Prince of Bel Air began to play and she started to rap.

  ‘Awesome!’ shouted Tyler, jumping up and singing along.

  Soon the dancefloor was full of people trying to rap and pretending they knew the words. At the end, the DJ went straight into ‘It’s Not Unusual’ by Tom Jones and everyone started doing the Carlton dance. Even Mini Seán was trying to emulate the iconic dance from the hit TV show.

  Craig appeared with his shirt out and his cravat around his head. ‘This wedding is mental,’ he said, wiping perspiration from his brow.

  ‘Where’s Sam?’ asked Colin.

  ‘Gone to bed. She’s really sick with food poisoning.’ Craig took a swig of his beer. ‘Sandra, her mum, is up with her now. I offered to stay with her but she insisted that I party on for Luca’s sake.’

  ‘How noble of you,’ said Nana Peggy with narrowed eyes.

  The DJ changed the disc and ‘Jump Around’by House of Pain came on.

  ‘Tune!’ shouted Craig, waving his hands over his head and heading back out onto the dancefloor.