by Lucy Coleman
My eyes are sparkling as I turn to my husband – my husband! ‘The beautiful quintet, the flowers and the service, it was simply magical, Gray.’
His smile lights up his face. ‘That’s all I needed to hear.’
He clasps my hand, then raises it to his mouth. ‘There are a couple of surprises yet to come, but I know they’ll make you happy.’
I can’t stop grinning as he plants a kiss on the back of my hand, before releasing it.
Jeff slides into the driver’s seat, half turning to look at us. ‘Shall we set off on our little mystery tour, then, Mr and Mrs Tolliman-Adams?’
‘Mystery tour?’ I thought we were going to the village hall, which is less than five-minutes away by car.
‘Drive on,’ Gray commands with a grin.
Jeff turns right when we leave the church car park and I’m totally confused. As our journey continues, it feels more as if we’re out on a leisurely afternoon drive through the country lanes, rather than heading for a specific destination. Then I realise what he’s doing.
‘We’ve just gone in a full circle, Gray!’ I declare. ‘What’s going on?’
Jeff pulls back into the church car park and all our guests’ vehicles are still parked up. ‘She’s rumbled us,’ Gray replies, laughing, and Jeff joins in.
As the car pulls to a halt directly in front of the church, I’m curious about where we’re going. There is nothing immediately on the doorstep that will accommodate a wedding party and we surely aren’t walking along the narrow lanes to the village hall on such a bitterly cold day.
‘Do not worry, Immi, all will be revealed,’ Gray says with gusto.
Jeff opens the door and helps me out.
Mystified, I go with the flow. ‘Thank you, Jeff. It was a relaxing little drive and I did enjoy taking the scenic route,’ I muse.
Gray joins me and, holding my hand, he steers me along the path that wends its way around to the rear of St James’s. There are three huge oak trees on this side of the churchyard, and we follow the old lichen-covered path to the rear gate. In front of us is the marina and I’m surprised when we continue walking straight ahead.
‘Are we going to The Bullrush Inn?’ I query, thinking that I’ve discovered their secret plan, even though Sarah and Kurt would be crazy to shut it for the entire afternoon and evening so close to Christmas.
Gray says nothing, but seconds later, instead of going straight on towards the bridge, we take a left turn and then I spot a wreath of greenery, threaded with heather-coloured ribbon and white roses, pinned up on the marina’s office door.
As Gray leads me inside and up the stairs to the viewing gallery, I’m speechless.
‘Surprise!’ Tollie’s voice booms out. Everyone is holding a champagne flute and our guests raise their glasses as he continues. ‘Please join me in wishin’ a very warm welcome to Mr and Mrs Tolliman-Adams!’
In a daze, I glance around, taking in the beautiful decorations and the view out onto the canal from the panoramic windows. It feels as though we’ve stepped into a Christmas wonderland, with garlands of greenery hung from the ceiling. It’s too much to take in all at once. In the background, the music changes and I realise that Gray has created a playlist of some of our favourite seasonal tracks.
Along the wall to one side, a buffet is laid out on a long line of tables covered in white linen tablecloths, and there are tiny silver snowflakes scattered in amongst the plates. Tall, silver candelabra with ivy wrapped around the bases and flickering tapered white candles, add a touch of elegance, as do the small bowls of heather-pink roses adding yet another fragrance to the air.
Gray puts his arm around my shoulders, resting his head against mine.
‘Well, this is the first time my wife has been rendered totally speechless. I guess we did a great job of surprising her!’ This breaks the silence, and everyone begins talking at the same time. I’m surrounded by a sea of smiling faces and I feel a little overwhelmed.
‘I knew you’d love it,’ Gray whispers into my ear. ‘Your hands are cold, my darling. You need warming up.’
Mum and Fisher hurry over to us and at last we can hug properly. ‘Oh, Immi. I can tell by your face how thrilled you are with how everything has turned out,’ Mum says, delighted by my reaction.
‘It’s… beautiful. Stunning. It’s everything I could have dreamt of and more. You’ve all worked so hard, and words aren’t enough to express my thanks.’ A lump rises in my throat as Mum stands back and Fisher closes in.
‘No, you’re beautiful and stunning, Immi. And I have never seen you looking as radiant as you do today.’
As he steps away I can see how choked up he is.
‘Right. Our bride and groom need warming up. What can I get you both?’
‘I’d love a hot chocolate, if it’s not too much trouble.’
‘Me, too,’ Gray adds, and Mum claps her hands together, raising them to her chest as she gazes at us both.
‘I’m so happy for you. Right, let’s get these drinks sorted. Fisher, can you ask Tollie to announce the buffet is open, please? It will give Immi and Gray a little time to relax and um… catch up.’
Fisher gives Mum a little salute, then flashes me a rueful smile before they both walk off in different directions.
‘Catch up?’ I turn to look at Gray.
‘Yes. There’s someone you haven’t had a chance to meet yet.’
Behind us, Tollie raises his voice to be heard up above the general chatter.
‘If I can please have everyone’s attention for a brief moment,’ he asks, and the room quietens. ‘Now that we’re all beginnin’ to warm up a little, please make your way over to the buffet. We can’t have anyone faintin’ from hunger and it’s been a while since breakfast. Enjoy!’ There’s a little ripple of laughter. Tollie looks so proud and happy. I can’t spot Daphne in the crowd, but I know she’s somewhere around.
Gray gently yanks on my hand. ‘This is the last surprise, I promise you.’ He leans into me, his eyes so full of love it melts my heart, but I can see a momentary hesitation. As our lips touch, I close my eyes, savouring the moment. How did Gray know this place had a special meaning for me? Was it Fisher’s idea? I wonder. Even the walls have had a fresh coat of white paint, I notice. That must have taken some organising and I can’t believe how hard they’ve worked to pull this off. It’s incredible.
When I open my eyes, Gray leads me over to the viewing area, where I’ve spent many a lunch break with Fisher sitting on the bank of seats, watching the boats cruising along. Today, garlands of greenery and little bunches of hand-tied roses decorate the handrail in front of the window, making a festive frame for one of my favourite views. It couldn’t be more perfect.
Rona is deep in conversation with someone and as we approach, they draw apart.
‘Immi, my dear.’ She catches hold of my hand, placing an arm around my shoulder to give me a hug. ‘Your fingers are freezing.’
‘Yes, Mum is making us a hot chocolate. It’s all so wonderful, Rona. It seems my wedding planners had a much clearer idea of what I wanted today than I did myself!’ I declare happily.
Her cheeks are glowing and there’s a lightness to her countenance that I haven’t seen before as she turns to the man standing next to her. ‘Using this room was Fisher’s idea and it’s such a unique setting, even if it did take a lot of preparation. Val, Gray and I were only responsible for the finishing touches, but I’m so glad you’re happy with it. And now it’s time to introduce you to Gray’s father, Grayson.’
The man in front of me is tall and distinguished-looking. Gray has the same chin and jaw line, but his eyes and hair are the same colour as Rona’s. Grayson offers me his hand, and we shake, but as we do so he places his other hand over the top of mine and lingers for a second or two.
‘It’s a real pleasure to meet you at last, Immi. That was a lovely service,’ he comments warmly.
This was the last thing I ever expected and I’m not sure what to say to him.
‘It was, wasn’t it? And yet I didn’t really play any part in planning it. That’s down to Gray, Rona and my mum.’
‘Well, they did an awesome job of it!’
‘I can’t argue with that.’ I smile warmly. ‘Hopefully, your stay will be long enough for us to catch up properly, Grayson. And no doubt you will be doing a little sightseeing while you are here.’ I’m guessing, of course, but Rona looks delighted.
‘I’d appreciate that, Immi. Aysbury is a lovely little community and Rona certainly seems happy living here.’ His words are sincere and I’m glad he’s able to be a part of today.
Gray comes in search of me, giving his father an acknowledging smile before grasping my hand in his. ‘Sorry to interrupt, but it’s time to get my wife warmed-up a little,’ he says apologetically. ‘We’ll leave you to enjoy the buffet.’
‘Of course, and I will. It looks very festive indeed.’
Gray leads me out onto the landing to stand next to a radiator.
‘Ah, here you go, guys,’ Mum says, walking up the stairs with two hot chocolates on a tray. ‘This should do the trick.’
‘Thank you. My toes are already showing signs of life again, which is a good start,’ I declare with some relief.
‘I’ll see you back inside, then.’
As soon as Mum is out of earshot, I turn to Gray. ‘What is your father doing here?’ I blurt out, unable to contain myself any longer.
‘My father is the mystery donor I approached. He wasn’t looking for anything in return, especially as he wasn’t aware that we were getting married. Mum decided that it wasn’t her place to share the news, given that I hadn’t mentioned it when the two of us met up.’
‘What made you reach out to him?’
Gray bows his head, staring down at the mug in his hands.
‘Tollie’s situation made me stop and reconsider my actions. After handing out advice to you, I was beginning to feel like a bit of a hypocrite, to be honest. I knew that my mum wanted my father to be here, although she never said as much. It was all last-minute and things are a bit… strained between us, but at least I won’t have any regrets looking back on today. And I knew that it would make you happy, too.’
‘Oh, Gray, I’m so glad you did that; if not for yourself, or for your father, for Rona’s sake.’
‘Hey, Christmas is a time of goodwill to all men, isn’t that what they say? And it felt like the right thing to do. Anyway, let’s finish our drinks and start circulating. It’s time to show off my new wife.’
‘Your forever wife,’ I add with a sense of pride.
As we join the queue to grab some food, it seems like the most natural thing in the world to stand around chatting and it’s wonderful to see everyone having a good time. The viewing gallery isn’t a huge space, but it accommodates forty-one people with ease, while also giving it a cosy feel. There’s just enough space for people to spread out a little, plenty of seating for those who want to enjoy the views, and it’s easy to mingle.
I spot Daphne patrolling the room for empty glasses, tray in hand. I walk over to say thank you, and I give her a brief hug.
‘It’s so good of you to help and much appreciated,’ I acknowledge.
‘Oh, it’s nothing, Immi. I like to keep busy. I can’t keep up with Tollie, right now. He’s talking to some of Gray’s friends, telling them all about you when you first came to live at Aysbury. He says you were a firecracker.’
I shake my head, fearing the worst. ‘No doubt he’ll trot out the tale about when our housekeeper quit, as she soon tired of hearing us arguing all the time. I was so precocious! Tollie and I went for three weeks living under the same roof without talking to each other at one point.’
‘You did? Was the housekeeper someone local?’
‘My mum, Val. I didn’t know she was my mum at the time, obviously.’
Daphne looks shocked. ‘How did you get through it?’
‘Tollie and I both dug in our heels and went on strike. Eventually we didn’t have any clean clothes and I was fed up living on beans on toast, because that was all I could cook for myself. We called a truce and spent several days establishing some house rules and getting everything in order. Together we shared the cleaning and the laundry, Tollie cooked, and I washed up. Mum’s plan worked and Tollie and I learnt a lot about each other at the same time.’
‘It’s funny how things work out, isn’t it? Anyway, can I get you a drink?’
‘I’d love a soft drink, something thirst-quenching, thank you, Daphne. Fruit juice would be great if we have it.’
‘No problem.’ She nods her head, indicating behind me.
‘Oh, hi, Sylvia and Ollie – how are you both?’
Sylvia leans in to give me a hug, and Ollie follows on behind.
‘Thrilled to be here, Immi. What a gorgeous dress – so unusual and perfect for a Christmas wedding. And this is delightful. We feel quite spoilt looking out onto such an incredible view,’ Sylvia enthuses.
I draw them closer to the window. ‘You see where the footbridge ends, on the other side of the towpath? If you scan along until you see the run of tall hedging, the chimney stack rising up behind it is Lock Keeper’s Cottage.’
‘Wow. That’s some location,’ Ollie remarks. ‘We’ve often talked about taking a week to cruise the canals on a narrowboat and this trip has inspired us to finally do something about it.’
‘It has, indeed,’ Sylvia continues. ‘It’s time we stopped talking and booked something. Fisher was just telling us about some of the lovely places to stop off and he’s going to put us in touch with one of the canalboat owners.’
‘I hope you can arrange something. If you do, let us know and we can all meet up. If you fancy an overnight stay to break your journey, we have a guest bedroom.’
Sylvia looks delighted. ‘That would be fun, thank you, Immi.’
Daphne returns with my drink, and I take it from her, introducing Sylvia and Ollie. Fisher joins us and after a few minutes I leave them chatting about the history of the area.
I notice Rona standing all alone, gazing out of the window, and head in her direction.
‘Do you think we’re going to get a white Christmas?’ I ask.
‘Maybe a light dusting, but there’s nothing heavy forecast.’ She falls silent, and I can see that she’s not sure what to say to me.
‘I’m glad Gray invited Grayson.’ I check around, but neither of them is in sight. ‘Did you have any warning of his arrival?’
‘No. Grayson is staying at the Linden Hotel and he travelled to Aysbury by taxi yesterday afternoon to see me. When I answered the door I almost fainted.’ She chuckles. ‘I’m so glad that they can at least talk civilly to each other. It’s a start,’ she concedes.
‘Do you really believe that?’
‘I like to think so, but I really don’t know for sure.’
‘And as for you and Grayson?’ I venture, keeping my voice low.
Her eyes brighten and I can see she’s trying not to get her hopes up, but she can’t hide the optimism leaping up within.
‘I haven’t given up,’ she whispers back at me. ‘He and Gray popped outside to get a little fresh air.’ She smiles knowingly. ‘Hmm, in this weather. So, who knows what will happen next?’
Tollie waves me over to the buffet table. ‘I’m glad for you, Rona. I’d better see what Tollie wants. He really does scrub up well, my granddad.’
‘And he has a little skip back in his step. I’d better top up of some of those plates on the buffet before my men get back,’ she replies happily.
‘Tollie, what’s up?’
‘Fisher and I need to make our speeches at some point and there’s a cake to cut.’
We stand side by side, gazing down at it. It’s a simple, white-iced rectangular cake and there isn’t a bride and groom decoration in sight. On top you would think someone had picked a handful of fresh greenery and laid it out. There’s even a sprig of holly with red berries and yet it’s all made from
icing sugar.
‘This is all so me, isn’t it?’
‘It is that, m’dear. And the church ceremony made me very emotional, indeed. That was a huge surprise, the name thing. It means a lot.’
‘To me, too, Tollie.’
I hear Gray burst out laughing behind me, and Tollie and I turn around to see what’s going on. Gray is standing over in the far corner with some of his friends, Sarah, Kurt, Jude and Jade. An impromptu performance breaks out, as Wham’s ‘Last Christmas’ has just begun playing in the background and they all start to sing along. Gray takes each of the girls by the hand and they spin around when he raises their arms in the air.
Martin and Ursula appear next to me as the whole room begins to erupt. Those who aren’t singing put an arm in the air and begin swaying.
Ursula nods in Abe’s direction. He’s holding Ethel’s hand and as he watches her he’s mesmerised; she has a lovely voice and who would have thought that she’d know every single word?
‘Now this is what I call a good old-fashioned weddin’ celebration,’ Tollie says with great satisfaction. ‘I think it’s time we broke out the bottles of The Bullrush Christmas Brew and some champagne for the ladies, naturally!’ The party, it seems, is only just getting started.
As I glance down at the plain white-gold band gracing my finger next to Grandma’s beautiful engagement ring, I still can’t take it all in. After a year of incredible highs and unforeseen dramas, that’s all behind us now. Is this the rainbow moment after the rainstorm? I wonder. They do say that there is a silver lining inside every cloud.
As I instinctively run my hands down over the waist of my dress, carefully smoothing the folds before I go to join Gray, I can’t help thinking that nothing that has happened leading up to today is a coincidence. All that worry and angst, when really all I had to do was to believe that life has a plan for me and Gray. And looking back, I realise that was obvious from day one.
32
Christmas Surprises Come in All Shapes and Sizes