Chapter 27: Saturday 26th September.
The day of the wedding dawned.
As my radio clicked on at 7 am I was already awake recalling the events that had led to this very important day of my life.
No one would have thought at this time last year I would be getting married today.
I thought about the promotion that had brought me to Edinburgh.
That postcard in a newsagent’s window, which led me to this flat and my first introductions to Marcie, Rachel, Debbie, Lynda and Aleesha.
I recalled the first time Tracey met Rachel and our weekends of passion together.
I reflected on my unfaithful night of lust with Debbie and how it caused Lynda to assault me at the shopping centre - where I first met Sandy and Charlie.
I remembered my many nights watching ‘Diamonds’ and how I fell in love with Debbie before becoming engaged to Tracey after she discovered evidence of my night of adultery with Debbie.
I thought about the engagement ring, which led to a regretful night of passion with Melanie and how Sarah had bailed me out so that Tracey wouldn’t suspect anything.
I deeply regretted the tragic deaths of Aleesha and Tracey and smiled at how my plan to adopt Debbie had worked out so well not only for Debbie, Tony, Catherine and, also thanks to Sarah, for me.
I remembered how I raised Jaclyn, like a phoenix, out of the gutter and made her into someone Marcie was proud to call daughter.
When I had seen the postcard in the newsagent’s window I remember saying to myself “this move to the capital may stand me in good stead later in life.”
I didn’t know then how right I would be.
After I showered and dressed I met Marcie at the breakfast table, around 8 o’clock, where I filled a bowl with cereal.
“So, today’s the big day?” she smiled.
“It sure is,” I replied munching my breakfast whilst looking out of the window to check the weather, “Sure looks like it’s going to be perfect.”
“I hope it’s perfect in more ways than one.” Marcie smiled as I laid my empty bowl onto the table.
“Marcie,” I motioned for her to stand and gathering her into my embrace I began tearfully.
“We’ll never be able to thank you enough for all you’ve done for me and Debbie and we’ll always be grateful for the love, support, help and advice you’ve given us.
We really deeply appreciate all that you’ve done for us.”
“Nonsense,” Marcie replied equally as solemn, “I’ll never forget it was you who brought my baby back to me. I’ll always be eternally grateful to you for that.”
“If Debbie ever has any doubts in the years ahead of my undying love for her”, I continued, “I hope she knows she can confide in you and you know you can talk to me anytime about anything – anything at all.”
“I hope,” she whispered, “you’ll both come to me whenever you need any motherly advice in the future.”
At that moment the door clicked open as Rachel breezed in wearing her skin-tight faded jeans and her light blue figure-hugging tee shirt and I smiled as I recalled Tracey’s ‘Miss treasure chest’ phrase.
“Good morning,” Rachel called sitting in her usual chair and poured cereal into a bowl, “what a glorious day for a wedding.”
“Marcie, regardless of the vows I make later today I promise I will always respect you and value your opinion and will always love you.”
We kissed and hugged for a few minutes before I reluctantly forced myself to release her.
I moved around past Marcie’s chair saying “My darling Rachel.”
Rachel stood and hugged me equally tightly while finishing what was in her mouth.
“Rachel I will always be grateful to you because when I needed your friendship and understanding you were always there for me.”
“I’m very glad to have been there in your hour of need.” She replied. “Every time I sing ‘Abandon Ship’ I shall be thinking of you for the strength you gave me when I needed it most.”
“It will be ‘our’ song,” I whispered, “as I will be thinking of you also for all that you have done for me.”
“I hope you and Melanie and ‘Diamonds’ know you all have a friend for life in me and I wish you every success for the years ahead.”
We hugged and kissed for a few minutes until I reluctantly forced myself from her powerful embrace.
I was aware whilst hugging Rachel that Jaclyn had entered the room and hovered expectantly at the opposite end of the table – I could not disappoint her.
“Jaclyn - my phoenix.” I gathered her into my arms to embrace her.
“There will always be a very special place in my heart for you and if you ever need my help you know I will always be there for you.”
“I know,” Jaclyn sobbed, “ I will always be grateful I asked you to help me because heaven knows where I would be if it weren’t for you.
You alone lifted me up when I was down asking for nothing in return.
All I have today is because of you and I’ll never be able to thank you enough for all that you have done for me.”
I hugged Jaclyn for a few minutes while Marcie and Rachel looked on with tears filling their eyes.
I decided to move my left hand from Jaclyn’s side and beckoned Marcie and Rachel to join us in a group hug slipping my left hand around Marcie’s shoulders.
With all four heads meeting in a huddle I sighed.
“Please guys, please promise me that you will take care of yourselves and each other and always look out for one another and Lynda and Debbie and me.”
Each gave me their solemn oath they would comply with my request and I kissed Marcie, Rachel and Jaclyn on their foreheads.
“This isn’t goodbye, guys, we’ll see you all later for a lot more kissing and hugging – I hope.”
We all laughed.
Regaining my previous composure I sighed. “And if I don’t get a move on I’m going to miss it.
How are you lot getting to Glasgow?”
“Oh, don’t worry about us,” Marcie smiled, “we will be there.”
I kissed and hugged Marcie, Rachel, and Jaclyn again thanking them for caring for me before I made my exit stopping at Lynda’s door.
“Hello.” Lynda moaned sleepily.
“Hi, it’s me,” I called, “I just wanted to say goodbye.”
There was a pause before the door opened and a bleary-eyed Lynda, with her gown held loosely around her, emerged.
As she lifted her arms to hug me the gown fell open displaying her many charms, but neither of us noticed she was naked, as we wished each other well.
“Lynda,” I hugged her tightly so as to avoid her nakedness causing us any embarrassment, “I couldn’t leave without saying goodbye to you.
I wanted to thank you for all that you have done for me and for Debbie. You have kept all our biggest secrets secret and against all odds you never wavered and for that we are both very grateful.”
“I am very glad”, Lynda replied, “to have been there for you in your hour of need and you have some secrets of mine that I trust you will keep forever.” Lynda winked an emerald green eye as she said this.
I gave her my solemn oath to keep all her secrets safe then we hugged for several minutes. Covering my eyes with my right hand I bade her farewell while she adjusted her robe.
Returning to my room to retrieve my jacket I took a long look at this room, which played such a vital part of my life.
As I switched my alarm off I lifted ‘Ted’ and kissed him remembering the night Debbie had given him to me.
Several ghostly images from the previous months came to mind as I recalled Tracey’s naked athletic body by the window bathed in sunshine on her first visit.
Tracey and Rachel falling out of the bed with a thud and I could almost hear both of them giggling.
‘Suzy’ from across the street peering in at me before I met Jaclyn and the comfort Rachel had given me when I needed it most following Tr
acey’s tragic accident.
I was going to miss this room as it had played such a vital role in my life.
Most of my clothes were already in a suitcase in the trunk of my car so all I had to come back for was my stereo and a few small items but they provided me with an excuse to visit, with Debbie, if there were any problems.
My plans were proceeding to schedule as I set off for Glasgow and hid my car in a back street behind the reception hotel.
I then walked the 10-minute journey to Dad’s house.
At 09:30.
I joined Dad while he read the morning paper at the dining room table, because - as he put it - he was out of everybody’s way.
I agreed with him as Mum and the entire family scurried frantically checking that everything was going according to plan.
I assumed Debbie and Catherine were doing the same as frequent phone calls were being exchanged to monitor progress.
At 10:30.
Sarah drove up in her father’s car to ferry my sisters to Tony’s house.
She announced Marcie, Jaclyn and Lynda were helping Debbie to get dressed and were on hand to help the bridesmaids.
I took the opportunity of thanking Sarah again for all she had done for me, and wished her well for the future.
I could tell today was going to be a very emotional day for everyone.
12:05.
John arrived to confirm his role of best man.
He was still annoyed at me for my behaviour on the telephone and wasted no time telling everyone, who would listen, how angry he had been that day.
13:30.
We all changed into our suits.
We had originally decided on kilts, which we all loathed, but were wearing at Tracey’s insistence. Now John and I were wearing Tuxedos with white jackets while Paul, as official pageboy, was still resigned to wearing his kilt.
Paul refused to put on his kilt saying it was ‘sissy’ but a few menacing words from Mum persuaded him to wear it.
14:00.
John drove Dad, Mum, Paul and me to the church where we mingled with the guests and greeted those who arrived – a few were Tony’s relatives we didn’t know, but they were welcomed.
14:15.
Rachel, Melanie and ‘Diamonds’ entourage arrived, announcing that everything was set up and all systems were ‘go’ at the hotel.
14:25.
Gerard Kelly drove up with Nicola Braid and Sandy Brown and were welcomed.
Sandy, wearing a brightly coloured waistcoat, had been transformed into a very respectable gentleman.
I hugged Gerard and Nicola thanking them for all their help in the past and they promised to look after Sandy and keep in touch.
14:35.
Andy Baird turned up and thanked me for his promotion and again he apologised for making us enemies.
I did not expect to see him, but he too was made very welcome.
14:50.
I breathed a silent sigh of relief as a white Rolls Royce drew up and Marcie, Jaclyn, Lynda and Catherine emerged from it – I kissed each one of them as they alighted.
As the Rolls Royce returned to Tony’s to collect the bridesmaids this was my cue to take position in the front pew beside John and Paul to nervously await the imminent arrival of the bridesmaids and Bride.
We asked Paul several times that day to check he still had the wedding rings and he produced them several times, from his sporran, to assure us he kept them safe.
The following fifteen minutes seemed like an eternity as I anxiously fidgeted with a hymn sheet, a mass book and my suit.
There was minor panic when Mum pointed out that Mrs. Graham, the church organist was missing. Angel and Melanie remedied the situation playing a very cleverly composed version of ‘Baby - You’re an Angel’ until Mrs. Graham turned up 15 minutes later.
Father Brennan tried to relieve my nervousness by saying;
“It’s a woman’s prerogative to be late.” he didn’t help by constantly looking at his watch.
“You did tell her it was a three o’clock kick-off?
She does know it is today?
Maybe they’ve stopped off for some shopping on the way?”
I suspected he was just trying to wind me up as he recounted several times when brides had been late – or not turned up at all.
15:05.
Melanie and Angel were in their element as they entertained the congregation as we eagerly awaited the arrival of the bride for several minutes before expertly playing ‘the wedding march’.
Everyone rose and gazed in awe at the four bridesmaids dressed in pink hooped dresses as they preceded Debbie as she came slowly down the aisle on Tony’s arm - everyone that is except me.
I was shaking like a leaf and felt decidedly unsteady on my feet as John whispered, “Hey brother, she’s beautiful.”
I stared in trepidation ahead of me at Father Brennan who stood in front of the altar smiling.
I thought I would surely faint when Debbie, on Tony’s arm, stopped at my shoulder whispering. “Hi.”
Beautiful was only one of a million words I could think of to describe my bride as she beamed her angelic, radiant, nervous, smile at me.
Debbie was dressed in an assortment, of white satin, taffeta, and lace - so white it would shame any snowflake. In her right hand she held a bouquet of red, white and yellow flowers – reminiscent of the multicoloured flora when we last saw Tracey - and on her head, holding a whisper of a veil in place sparkled Rachel’s diamond tiara.
“Hi princess,” I whispered, “You look absolutely stunning. I love you.”
Through her veil I could see her crystal-blue eyes sparkle brighter than her tiara as they filled with tears of happiness.
“I love you.” she whispered as she lowered her right hand from Tony’s arm. She passed her bouquet behind her to Sarah while Tony raised her veil and kissed her lightly on both cheeks, while tearfully whispering how beautiful she was.
Debbie held my hand at every opportunity throughout the ceremony, which seemed to last hours until we eventually emerged into the brilliant afternoon sunshine as husband and wife to a constant barrage of clicking cameras for half an hour.
It seemed everyone wanted his or her picture taken with us.
We pretended not to mind as we complied with every suggested pose until I announced; “If nobody minds, I’m getting hungry.
Do you mind if we go and get something to eat?”
On the way to the reception Debbie’s sparkling eyes overflowed with tears of happiness.
Cradling her in my arms, we repeated our declarations of undying love until we reached the hotel, oblivious to the smiling eyes of the driver who remarked that we were only acting naturally.
As each guest arrived at the reception we greeted him or her at the door before they made their way to their tables, which caused a minor problem as we had deliberately split up each group in order to get strangers talking.
Debbie and I took our place at the door between our parents, and as each guest was announced we would say where we knew them.
The family were myself, Debbie, Mum, Dad, Tony, Catherine, John and his partner Liz, Paul, Aileen and her partner Iain, Michelle and Stephen, Louise and Kenneth.
Our flatmates – Marcie Willis, Rachel Rabinowicz, Jaclyn Bradley and Lynda MacGregor were there, and Lynda’s partner, a strange-looking, multi-tattooed youth named ‘spider’, turned up.
‘Diamonds’ consisted of Melanie Davison, Angel Quinn and Brendan Walters, Heather Quinn and Roddy Thompson, Karen Quinn and Andrew Lannie and Susanna McCreadie with David somebody.
From Hunters warehouse came Sarah Nicholson, Julia Dempster with partner Gary, Maureen Sinclair with husband Rab, Norma MacLean with boyfriend Sean, Jean Robertson, Margaret Hillman, Andy Baird, and Tom Beveridge with Colette Hawkins.
From Debbie’s bank came Sandra MacVittie and partner Paul, Julie Rankin, Stewart MacDonald, Gordon Smith, and Evelyn Johnston.
Not forgetting Gerard Kelly with Ni
cola Braid, Sandy Brown and Father Brennan.
There were, in all, fifty people as expected.
We left a few empty places if Tony or Catherine’s relations turned up, but they all declined to attend the reception.
Once we had all settled down to our meal, expertly served by the hotel staff, it became apparent that a heated argument was brewing between Tom Beveridge and Melanie that almost marred the happy gathering.
We found out then that Tom and Melanie were once lovers and had an affair before she met Rachel. The basis of their split came about when Melanie, after a night of passion, noticed an item of jewellery, a diamond bracelet, had vanished and she accused Tom of theft.
Tom denied all knowledge of it and was forcibly sent packing from the penthouse, the romance and Melanie’s life.
It wasn’t until a few weeks later when Rosetta, Melanie’s house-keeper, found the bracelet down the back of the settee Melanie realised her wrongful accusation and although she was now with Rachel she tried to make amends.
Tom had since moved from his flat and hadn’t received Melanie’s letter of apology.
Once all the facts of the mix-up were explained Melanie offered to repay Tom for her accusation by inviting him out to a reconciliation drink but Rachel put a stop to it, as she was not pleased.
She probably figured that it could re-kindle any flame of passion between them and, understandably, ruin her relationship with Melanie and ‘Diamonds’.
Apart from that minor incident the meal was devoured fairly quickly before the speeches began and much to the annoyance of the hotel’s usher Dad spoke first.
“Ladies and Gentlemen,” the usher announced,
“Pray silence for the Father of your Groom.”
Everyone was silent as Dad stood and surveyed the assembly.
“Some months ago,” he began, “when I first heard my number two son was getting married I wrote a speech to tell you how wonderful he is but it was nonsense and I quickly ripped it up.” We all laughed.
“Then I sat down and wrote one telling how much we all love him and hope he’ll have all the happiness in the world for the future – that was nonsense and I ripped that one up also.” More laughter.
Taking Mum’s hand he continued,
“I started to write of all the happy days his mother and I have had in the hope that he’ll experience the same joys that we had.
Now, that was a good speech, I read it over and over for two days correcting it and editing it, until I eventually realised that was also nonsense and tossed it into the bin with the other two.”
There was loud laughter as Mum pulled her hand away from Dad’s.
“It took me quite a while before I began to write about all the funny things that had happened to me on my wedding day.”
He again looked fondly at Mum before continuing, “but it ended up in the bin also.”
“I wrote pages and pages of notes to tell you all about the things that young Brian got up to, like the time he scraped the side of a van I once had with a stone.
Come to think of it, did I give you a clip around the ear for that?”
“Often.” I laughed.
“I could tell you of the time he ended up with sun-stroke at Ayr beach, but that ended up in the bin too because I didn’t want to embarrass him.”
“Thanks Dad.” I laughed in mock embarrassment.
“Then I wrote a speech that was perfect, except it went on for hours, because it was my other five speeches rolled into one.
Gradually I whittled it down until there was nothing left and I threw it away when I thought this wedding was cancelled two months ago.”
“Brian,” he sighed turning to me, “what I wanted to say in those speeches and couldn’t was throughout the good times and the bad times your mother and I have loved you very much and wish you and Debbie as much happiness for your future as we have had.
Debbie’s a fantastic girl who doesn’t need me to tell her how wonderful you are and we hope that in thirty years time you’ll still be as happy together as we are today.”
He took Mum’s hand again as he continued.
“If you have a son, and one day he scratches the side of your car with a rock, don’t be too hard on him as you’ll probably find it was me who gave it to him.”
“Please raise your glasses to toast Brian and Debbie.
May they have long life and happiness and many children with rocks in their hands.
To Debbie and Brian. The Bride and Groom.”
After the toast it was the best man’s turn to speak, I alerted the usher, during the applause, to introduce him.
“Ladies and Gentlemen, pray silence for your Best Man.”
After reading a few telegrams and the traditional toast to the bridesmaids, he continued with “Ladies and gentlemen, friends and family. I really don’t know what to say on an occasion such as this.
I met Debbie at three o’clock this afternoon and know absolutely nothing about her, but if she is more than willing to put up with my wee brother, then that’s good enough for me.
I hope they will have many happy years together with all the health, wealth, and happiness that they deserve because if anybody has the determination to make it - it is these two.
So raise your glasses and join me in a toast to Brian and Debbie. The Bride and Groom.”
The usher looked at me during the toast as I indicated who was next.
“Ladies and Gentlemen, your attention please for the Father of your Bride.”
A great hush came upon the assembly as Tony clutching Catherine’s hand, rose slowly to his feet.
“Good afternoon,” he began tearfully, “Catherine and I have two regrets today.
One is that our little girl we brought up for twenty-seven years can’t be here to share this special day with us and secondly we didn’t know Debbie years ago.”
“Debbie is the sweetest child God ever put on this earth and it’s only through her that we survived the tragedy of a few months ago when we thought our lives were over.
We pray that none of you experience the pain we felt a few weeks ago when we lost our only reason for living.
Thanks to Brian we discovered Debbie who alone helped to soothe the pain and made us realise that life, no matter how painful, still goes on regardless.”
“Like your song says ‘Debbie, you ARE an angel’ and because you were there when we needed you we will always be here if you ever need us.
We pray that all Brian and Debbie’s dreams come true and they will always love one another forever and have a long and prosperous life together.”
“Please raise your glasses to toast Debbie and Brian, your Bride and Groom.”
“You now Sir?” The usher whispered apprehensively to me and I nodded as he announced. “Now Ladies and gentlemen please pray silence for your Bridegroom.”
I was almost on my feet while Dad laughed.
“We can pray for his silence, but I doubt we will get it.”
During the laughter Debbie grabbing my arm asked, “Brian, can I say something first?”
“Sure princess.” I replied as she took my hand and stood while I sat down again.
“Ladies and gentlemen, family and friends.” Debbie began nervously and clearly.
“I must give a special tribute to a very special person who isn’t here today but in other ways she’s all around us today.”
“My entire life, up until now, has been one long tragedy right from the moment I was born.
I just wandered around from day to day for twenty-two years in constant fear of everything that went on inside me and around me until Tracey brought me to life by showing me the kind of love and friendship I couldn’t get from anyone else.”
“I will always be eternally grateful to Marcie, Rachel, Lynda and, more recently, Jaclyn for looking after me and teaching me so much about life and I’ll always love you for your help and friendship over the years when I needed it most.
Without you, guys, I would
n’t be the person I am today.
But, it was Tracey who showed me a different kind of friendship and taught me how to live and it’s only through her tragedy of a few months ago that Brian taught me how to love the life she had shown me.”
“Brian, I’ll always be here whenever you need me beside you in everything you do. Throughout the good times and any other times I will always love you today, tomorrow and forever.”
“Tony and Catherine, I will always try to make you so proud of me.
You have given me so much these past few weeks and the only way I can ever repay you is to always give you the care and love that you, so rightly, deserve.”
“Our Friend, Rachel once wrote a song to show me that she cared.
That song is number 1 in the charts today because everyone, who has lost someone precious, can relate to it.
I hope whenever you hear it you will join me in saying a prayer for someone far greater than I will ever be - Tracey, You’re truly an angel.
Please raise your glasses to toast a ‘true’ angel.
To Tracey, may God bless you and keep you, and Aleesha and all our absent friends.”
Many people toasted “Tracey, God bless you,” some added “Absent friends” then applause broke out as Debbie, in tears, kissed Tony and Catherine.
The usher nodded in my direction whispering “You now, sir?”
“Might as well.” I sighed as he announced. “Ladies and Gentlemen – your attention please for your Bridegroom.”
I staggered slowly to my feet and scanned the applauding faces to make sure my plans were going like clockwork. I smiled when I noticed ‘Diamonds’ had disappeared, so taking Debbie’s hand I tearfully began.
“Ladies and gentlemen, family and friends.
As many of you know I am a man of very few words.”
“If only that were true,” Dad called out as laughter again filled the air.
“Today has got to be the most fantastic day of my entire life.
It comes at the end of a truly interesting six months for me, which started when I moved from here to Edinburgh - known affectionately by us as ‘The Far East’.
I couldn’t have imagined then that today I’d be standing here making a speech at my own wedding reception.”
“This past year I learned a lot about myself personally and the people around me and my friends, believe me, I couldn’t have made it without all of you.”
“To my family - I can only express my undying gratitude for sticking by me throughout the good times and the tragedies. Thank-you all.
I will make you as proud of me as I am of every one of you.
And if there are any scrapes on my car I’ll know who to suspect.”
I pointed and winked at Dad.
“To my work-mates, especially my ‘guardian angel’ Sarah.
I know I have put you through a lot of worry these past few months, but we are only here today because you never lost faith in me.
To you Sarah, I will be eternally grateful, and like the adding machine once said, I knew I could always count on you.”
More laughter as I blew Sarah a kiss.
“To the most fantastic group of girls we’ve ever met, we must show our appreciation for putting up with us these past few months.
After a shaky start we have managed to weather the storms and without the friendship and love of Marcie, Rachel, Lynda, Jaclyn and sadly not forgetting Aleesha, we would not have made it without you.
Thanks guys, you know we love you and we always will.”
“Debbie, you became my best friend.
I give you today my undying love and friendship, and pray that you will always be beside me in everything I ever do.
All I have is yours, and all that I hope to achieve will only be for you.
My past, however, belonged to Tracey, without whom I would never have discovered an angel such as Debbie.
We will always cherish her memory, and we hope to fulfil all her dreams.
God bless you Tracey, wherever you are.”
“To anybody we haven’t mentioned, we appreciate you coming here today to share this happy day with us and we hope you’ll all be as happy tomorrow as we are today.”
“Lastly, but by no means least, are a group of young ladies who are not only number one in the pop charts, but will always be number one in our hearts.
They say ‘Diamonds are a girl’s best friend’, well, no man could wish for better friends than these girls.
Please join us in giving a warm welcome to our friends Rachel, Angel, Heather, Karen, Melanie and Susanna - the fantastic, incredible, sensational ‘DIAMONDS.’”
Right on cue the curtain to the stage opened and amid thunderous applause ‘Diamonds’ began the now familiar introduction to ‘Baby - You’re an Angel’.
“Brian, I love you.” Debbie whispered as she was led to the centre of the dance-floor. Throughout the song we repeated – “I love you” several times.
From that moment onwards with the tension off us at last we danced and sang the night away. During each dance I thanked each of the girls who contributed to this happy day. Sarah, Marcie, Lynda, Mum, Catherine, Jaclyn, Sandra, Nicola and anybody else who crossed my path – while Debbie danced with John, Dad, Tony, Sandy, Gerard and several others.
Mr. and Mrs. Hunter, the chairman and wife made a surprise appearance to wish us well. I introduced them to Sarah who purposely sat them at the table of his employees ensuring they would all remain on their best behaviour.
Another surprise guest was Mr. and Mrs. MacLaughlin, Debbie’s former bank manager from Edinburgh. He surprised Debbie by announcing that he had a word with his colleagues in Glasgow and secured a job in a local branch if she wanted it.
It would have been the perfect end to an already perfect day, but I still had one surprise up my sleeve - Sarah’s present.
By 11:00 p.m. Bridesmaids and Debbie had changed into their party frocks – their dresses being loaded into the trunk of Dad’s car. Debbie changed into the frock she wore for Sandra’s birthday party reminding me of that magical night when I first told her of my love for her – Rachel’s tiara still glistened as it had done all that evening.
John and I then went upstairs to change out of our Tuxedos, which Dad had to return to the hire shop on Monday, when I spirited Debbie’s suitcase to my car helped again by Sarah.
I mingled with guests for a few minutes until I got a ‘thumbs-up’ signal from Sarah that my car was at the front door and sneaking to the rear of the stage I had a word with the drummer, Karen.
“You’d better tell Melanie.” Karen smiled as my plan was relayed, so I told Melanie before I stood behind Rachel until ‘Abandon ship’ finished.
Rachel was about to introduce the next song when Melanie played the introduction to ‘Baby - You’re an Angel’ again.
“What the hell are you doing?” she hissed at Melanie before she realised I was behind her.
“I have a special request,” I whispered placing my hands around her waist from behind laying my head onto her shoulder.
“Rachel,” I asked, “will you promise me something?”
“For you Brian, anything.” she sighed.
“Rachel would you promise me that as famous as ‘Diamonds’ become you will call in on Debbie any time you’re passing through”.
With tears in her dark eyes she gave her solemn oath.
By the end of the first chorus I had kissed Rachel and each ‘Diamond’ before hugging Marcie, Lynda, Jaclyn, Mum and Catherine.
Prising a surprised Debbie from Tony and Sandy, I whispered,
“Now princess, we’re going to make a run for it.”
“Where?” she asked as we both hugged Sarah.
“A little place I know not far from here.” I replied, as Sarah returned my keys to me.
We bowed to the assembly and ran out the door.
“Where are we going?” Debbie laughed as we sped from the car park, “I thought we were staying in the honey
moon suite?”
“We were,” I assured her as she waved at the dozen or so shocked faces who followed us to the car park, “I’ve got one more surprise for you.”
“Oh, Brian,” she sighed as I drove, “this is the happiest day of my life.
I love you and I know I’ll always love you as much as I do now.”
“I’ll always love you too Debbie.” I sighed pulling into the driveway of a four-bedroom house just round the corner from Tony’s house.
“Whose house is this?” Debbie asked gazing at the dark windows.
“It’s yours.” I informed her.
“Mine?” she squealed in delight.
“All yours,” I smiled, “there’s not much in it at the moment, but it’s home.”
“A home of my own.” Debbie sobbed as I opened the car door and amid the rustling of her dress, she got out to stare in astonishment at the house. “It’s perfect?” she wept.
Debbie stood transfixed as I quickly grabbed her suitcase from the rear seat and my case from the trunk, and placed them together at the front door, turning to her with my arms outstretched, I smiled and said, “Welcome home, princess.”
Rushing into my arms we kissed tenderly for a few moments before I carried her over the threshold and deposited her in the darkened hallway, kissing her again before going out to bring in our cases.
“Sarah organised this,” I informed her, “She spotted this house for sale a few weeks ago and made all the preliminary enquiries about it and with the help of Rachel and her colleagues - we bought it.”
We spent the next twenty minutes exploring each bare room, each of us dreaming of what they would look like with furniture installed, before we slowly climbed the stairs to inspect the four bedrooms.
“I said it didn’t have much.” I whispered apologetically for turning down the splendour of the hotel honeymoon suite in favour of this cold, bare house.
“No, It is perfect,” she sobbed as we opened the last door to the largest bedroom.
The only piece of furniture in the whole house was a large double bed in this room, with blankets upon it, a large bottle of champagne with two glasses, and a larger box of chocolates.
There was also a packet of aspirins on the pillow.
I stood at the door as Debbie walked to the edge of the bed, removed the items from the pillow, laying them carefully onto the uncarpeted floor.
She read a note attached to the chocolates.
“AS THE ADDING MACHINE ONCE SAID...’ All my love forever, Sarah.”
Diamonds by Brian Ritchie Page 39