by Claire Frost
Tom reappeared, his damp hair sticking to his head, but within five minutes, he’d dressed, smoothed down his locks then ruffed them up with a bit of wax and was ready to go.
‘Shall we?’ He smiled at Jess and strode out of the room and down the stairs.
They were greeted by both the children and Hannah licking their plates clean of chocolate cake and giggling.
‘Right, we’ll leave you to it, Han,’ Jess laughed. ‘No, don’t get up to kiss me, any of you, I don’t want chocolatey fingers all over me. I’ll just blow kisses from here. Twins, be good for Hannah, please.’
‘We always are, we love Hannah,’ Lily replied, placing sticky arms round Hannah’s neck. ‘What is that funny smell?’ She sniffed, wrinkling her nose. ‘Anyway, byeeeee!’
‘Glad they can’t wait to get rid of us,’ Jess laughed as she and Tom made for the door.
‘Eight going on eighteen,’ he nodded. ‘Oh well, I’d rather they couldn’t wait for us to leave than have them throwing themselves screaming at our legs like they used to do when they were little.’
* * *
By the time they got to Rio’s via the pub an hour and a half later, Jess was feeling decidedly tipsy. ‘Bagsy having the carbonara,’ she said before they’d even opened their menus.
‘How many times do I have to say, we can both have the same thing!’ Tom laughed.
‘And how many times do I have to say that’s just not true. It’s such a waste when couples do that. If you have the chilli prawn linguine I’ll swap you a bit, but don’t even think I’m going half and half with you.’
‘God, it’s so long since we’ve been here, isn’t it? Back in the day I’d eat that linguine about once a week.’
‘Back in the day before kids, mortgage payments and the joys of being self-employed, you mean? True, but although we may not have spicy king prawns anymore, we do have two smart, funny children, several hundred thousand pounds of debt and all the worry that goes with owning a business – what’s not to love!’
‘Cheers to that!’ Tom smiled. ‘Although let’s hope that some of those worries around Save The Date are starting to diminish now.’
‘Yep, fingers crossed, although we’re not out of the woods yet. I still can’t believe how much free stuff we’re being given for the wedding. So far we’ve had brands offering flowers, shoes, a cake, cheese, wedding favours, table decorations, even a photo booth, for god’s sake. I’m beginning to wish I’d not booked the bloody venue already and Hannah hadn’t forked out for her dress. Brands are literally showering us with stuff, and all they want in return is a mention on social media – it’s crazy-amazing!’
‘Or just crazy,’ Tom grimaced. ‘What’s wrong with a simple but low-cost wedding where you’re not beholden to anyone for social media posts or mentions?’
‘But we’d be ridiculous not to cash in when we’re being offered everything for free,’ Jess argued. ‘As I said to Hannah, it costs nothing for us to put up a quick Instagram post mentioning the beautiful flowers – we would be shouting about the wedding across our social channels anyway, so adding a #gifted isn’t going to make any difference.’
‘So Hannah was worried about all the extras too?’ Tom raised an eyebrow.
‘Not after I’d reassured her, no. God, Tom, you could be more supportive! This is my best friend getting married and I want to make her day as special as possible.’
‘Special? Well, I guess marrying a stranger is pretty “special”,’ he replied.
Jess chose not to rise to the bait. ‘It’s my job to make it special in every way for her, and if that means taking a few freebies then I’m more than up for that. A balloon company has even suggested they create an archway in our colour scheme, which is amazing, although I’m not quite sure what the colour scheme is yet. I was thinking pale pink and baby blue, maybe?’
‘Won’t that look like one of those baby showers where they reveal the sex of the baby? I’ve been talking to a woman in Boston about a commission and she said she needed to move our Skype chat to next week because she had to go to a baby shower yesterday. I had no idea what she was talking about – I had to look it up online. There was me picturing she was having some kind of baby-friendly bathroom installed, and it turned out to be a party for a very pregnant woman who would probably rather be lying down than entertaining a load of squawking guests high on cupcakes. Of course I had to be polite, though, because she’s high up in a big US conglomerate who are thinking about commissioning me to paint some artwork for the reception of their new building in Boston. I mean if I got that, it could be the start of something really big, you know, Jess?’
She smiled. ‘That’s great. But I do know what you mean about pink and blue. Maybe we should say red and white for the balloons just to be safe?’
‘Did you even listen to what I just said? And shouldn’t it be Hannah deciding the colour scheme – it’s her wedding, after all?’ Tom stared at her and Jess shook herself back to the moment.
‘Of course I listened to what you were saying, I’m just a bit distracted at the moment. But that commission would be amazing, and if they’re a big US company they’ll pay good money. When will they let you know whether you’ve got it?’
‘God, it really is all about money with you, Jess, isn’t it? Between that and the wedding, there’s no room for me or the kids. It’s like you’re trying to live through Hannah and make sure she has the perfect wedding because you didn’t get the chance to do that for your own big day.’
‘Tom! No, that’s not true—’
‘Isn’t it? Well, that’s what it feels like. We were so young and didn’t have much cash so we had to make do with what our parents could pay for. So now you’re living out your dream on Hannah’s day.’
‘There’s nothing wrong with trying to give Hannah the perfect day,’ she protested.
‘What, because our wedding day wasn’t perfect?’
‘I didn’t say that, and I don’t know where you’ve got that idea from at all. Though I’m sure both of us would have wanted less “input” from our parents and more of someone actually asking us for our opinions.’
‘No, not really. Because it never mattered to me about the details, Jess, it was all about wanting us to say our vows in front of our friends and family. I couldn’t have cared less if there were no flowers or cake or seating plan. That was enough for me. You were enough for me. I’m sorry if that wasn’t the case for you. I know you’ve always thought my mother was too demanding about what she wanted at our wedding, but she could see how much there was to do and was just trying to help.’
‘You’re turning this all around and twisting what I was saying,’ Jess protested. ‘But give me one woman who doesn’t dream of the perfect wedding day.’
‘Hannah didn’t seem to care that much before you planted the idea of freebies in her head.’
‘You don’t understand, Tom! I can see how much there is to do and I’m helping. I just want what’s best for Hannah.’
‘No, you don’t, you just want what’s best for your company,’ Tom replied quietly.
Jess opened her mouth and then shut it again. She took a glug of her wine and twirled a large forkful of pasta into her mouth. Her carbonara had cooled and the sauce now had a glue-like consistency that at least prevented her from speaking for several minutes. It didn’t stop tears from smarting her eyes, but she blinked them back and stared determinedly at her plate and concentrated on chewing.
Soon after, Tom signalled to their waiter for the bill and within minutes they were back out on the pavement. It had started to spit with rain and the light breeze had gathered momentum into uncomfortable gusts.
‘Jess, I’m sorry. Let’s just forget that conversation, yeah? We were having such a nice evening before then.’
‘No, it’s good to know what you really think,’ she said tonelessly.
‘Jess, I—Come on, let’s grab this black cab and get out of the rain.’
Jess didn’t allow herself
to speak during the journey home. She was worried that if she opened her mouth, she wouldn’t be able to control what came out of it and all her jumbled thoughts about Tom, their family and their jobs might come spilling out. He kept glancing at her as if he was about to speak himself but then thought better of it. She knew that he’d be kicking himself for souring the evening, but would be glad, deep down, that he’d said his piece. Tom was principled like that.
If only he was as principled when it came to helping round the house, looking after the kids and bringing in half the household’s finances, Jess thought bitterly.
She could read his thoughts without him speaking, but she hoped to god he couldn’t discern hers right now.
‘Jess, Tank, did you have a lovely time? You’re back earlier than I thought you would be; you should have stayed for another drink!’ Hannah said when they walked in the front door a few minutes later. ‘And don’t worry, the kids were as good as gold. They taught me the dance moves to that Little Mix song, and in return I showed them the Macarena, so a good time was had by all.’
‘Thanks so much, Han,’ Tom smiled. ‘You’re a star.’
‘My pleasure, really, plus I’ve opened a bottle of that Shiraz of yours I like so much. It’s still early, why don’t you help me drink it before I order a taxi in a bit? Unless you want an early night both of you?’ She grinned. ‘In which case, I’ll just get an Uber now…’
‘No, it’s fine,’ both Jess and Tom said immediately. ‘Although I might go and check on the twins. You both have some more wine though,’ Tom added. He headed upstairs and Jess immediately made a beeline for the cupboard, located another glass and poured herself a generous serving of Shiraz.
‘Is he okay?’ Hannah asked as they made their way into the lounge.
‘Yeah, he’s just a bit tired. And not used to drinking so much on a Friday night.’ Jess forced a smile.
‘That’s what happens when you’re happily settled down with gorgeous kids, a gorgeous house – and, of course, a gorgeous wife!’ Hannah laughed. ‘I can’t believe it will be not just your tenth wedding anniversary, but your twentieth anniversary of being together next year,’ she added dreamily.
‘It’s not all rose petals on the bed, Han, believe me,’ Jess replied.
‘Yeah, but you know each other inside out and have grown up together. There are no terrible surprises waiting round the corner. I’m marrying someone I’ve never even met, for god’s sake!’
‘But think of all the things you’re going to learn about your Toby-to-be; all that discovering what you both like – and not just in the bedroom! – all that possibility and excitement that’s to come.’
‘What if I don’t like what I learn? You and Tom know each other, like really know each other, and make the other happy every day because you know each other.’
‘I wouldn’t say every day. Also, don’t forget that, because we do know each other so well, there are no surprises, no spontaneity. Back when we were teenagers it was all sneaking into bedrooms when our parents were asleep, and all the firsts. But now we’ve done it all – marriage, kids, jobs, house; all the things you’re supposed to do – it can all be a bit, well, boring.’ Jess suddenly wondered if she’d been a little too honest, although the way she was feeling at the moment, what she’d said was pretty tame all things considered.
‘Ah, J, that’s the wine talking! You always did get a bit maudlin on red wine. Seriously, you and Tom are #couplegoals and I won’t hear anything to the contrary. Especially when I’m about to embark on my own romantic adventure, I need to know that happily ever afters can come true.’
‘Don’t listen to me going on, of course you’ll get your happy ending with Toby. He’s a good sort and he’s as much up for this adventure as you are, I promise.’
‘That’s more like the Jess I know and love.’ Hannah smiled. ‘Although, to be fair, you’re usually telling me to be careful, asking whether I should really be jumping out of a plane into the unknown or consoling me that no man is worth getting so upset over!’
‘How times have changed. In just a few weeks you’re going to make me so proud when you walk down that aisle, Han. And that will be just the start of your romantic adventure! But before that we have your hen night next weekend, and boy am I looking forward to that!’
‘So am I, I think!’ Hannah laughed. ‘And at least I know there’s one hen party game we won’t be playing.’
‘What’s that?’
‘Mr and Mrs – you’re hardly going to ask poor Toby what my favourite sex position is when the most he knows about me is that I like chip shop sausages!’
SAVE THE DATE
Find out more about our blind-daters with a difference…
It’s been a few weeks since we last posted the letters from our bride and groom to be, but we’ve been hard at work getting everything in place for their wedding – which is in just a few weeks’ time #excited! So are Hannah and Toby, our Save The Date #marriedatfirstswipe daters, feeling just as excited? Read on to find out. And if you want to have your own romantic adventure, subscribe to Save The Date and download our app to meet hundreds of people looking for long-term love.
Over to Hannah and Toby…
Dear Hannah
I enjoyed reading your last letter – do you think the geniuses at Save The Date matched us on our love of fried English foods? Hopefully, we’re compatible in lots of other ways, too, but at least we know we’re never going to disagree on what takeaway we should have on a Friday night. Here are my answers to this week’s fiendishly difficult questions…
When were you last drunk?
At my stag do last weekend. I’m guessing you want to know what happened, but not what HAPPENED? Well, that’s fine by me (though stag dos in your mid-thirties are definitely different from those you go on in your mid-twenties, believe me). Having already visited many of the major European stag destinations, my mates decided we should go somewhere a bit different, so we went to… Scotland! Despite living in the north of England, it seemed to take us just as long to reach our destination of Perth as it would have Prague. However, though Prague may have the Charles Bridge and the Staropramen Brewery, what it doesn’t have is a mini Highland Games course and a whisky-tasting tour. Or my dad, my sister (who wasn’t letting the fact she is a woman rule her out of an opportunity to humiliate me with her many anecdotes about when we were kids) and twelve of my best mates. Everyone was determined to beat me at tossing the caber, hurling the haggis and welly wangin’, as I believe the various races were called. Suffice it to say that despite it being my party, I wasn’t allowed to win anything.
What’s the most awkward question anyone’s ever asked you?
This one?! And there was THAT question that my mates asked on my stag do (although they did at least wait till my dad had gone to bed), but I told them that what happens at the end of our wedding day is between us, and that it’s just another thing for us to figure out together. I guess I just wanted you to know that I’m nervous too, in case you are? Anyway, moving on…
What are you most looking forward to about married life?
The thing I’m most looking forward to is learning a little more about you every day. You sound like one of the most interesting people I’ve never met, if that isn’t weird to say. You seem to have lots of stories and anecdotes, and I can’t wait to hear more of these and find out not only who you are, but what actually makes you who you are. Oh god, that sounds a bit pretentious doesn’t it?
I think what I’m trying to say is that I’m excited for us to get to know each other properly.
Not long now.
Toby x
Dear Toby
I loved finding out from your last letter that I am the sausage to your chips (is it just me or does that sound rude?). I’m still finding it hard to know exactly what to say in my letters, as I want to say everything and nothing at the same time! Everything, because I want you to have a good picture of what makes me ‘me’ before you stand in front of a
ll the people you care about and declare that you will marry me. And nothing because I want us to get to know each other more naturally when we do meet. But as there’s no rule book for a blind-date marriage, let’s just be glad that Save The Date have given us questions we have to answer (although they are definitely getting harder each week!).
When were you last drunk?
I had my hen do at the weekend, so then! It was good fun. I invited my mum, but thankfully she politely declined – although she did secretly tell my best friend she would pick up the tab for our drinks, which was very nice of her. However, my friend had to halve the actual total then halve it again so Mum didn’t think we were all complete alcoholics! Eight of us spent the weekend in a cottage in the Lake District where we drank lots of wine, ate lots of food, went for some gorgeous walks to blow away those hangovers, and even went climbing inside a mine, which was amazing – think rope bridges, rock climbing and a spectacular view at the end, and you get the picture. My bezzie organised it, even though there was no way she was going to put on a harness and start clambering around underground herself – which is just another reason why I love her! Between everything else going on at the moment, spending time with a group of women who constantly inspire me and support me was exactly what I needed. Lying on the sofa in our pyjamas reminiscing about all my different adventures with each of them really brought it home how much I need these women around me. I might not see some of them that often as they live in different counties or even countries, but that’s what social media and WhatsApp are for, right?
What’s the most awkward question anyone’s ever asked you?
Oh god, cringe! The actual answer is not for public consumption, but don’t worry, I have plenty of other awkward moments to draw on. Most recently, there was the time a lovely old lady gave up her seat on the bus for me because she thought I was pregnant. I had to spend the rest of the journey making up answers to her questions about when my baby was due because I was too British to tell her I’d just eaten a large bowl of pasta and my tummy was in fact a food baby not a human baby.