“Nicole Ann Baxter, will you do me the great honour of marrying me?”
“Yes, of course!” she exclaimed, without hesitation.
He took her hand in his and delicately slipped the ring on her finger.
She hugged him tight and kissed him. She buried her face in his neck, desperately trying to swallow the lump in her throat. Tears of joy threatened to overwhelm her at any moment. “Congratulations!” they were both covered in hugs and kisses.
“This calls for Champagne!” Evette popped open a bottle of bubbly and filled everyone's glasses.
“A toast,” John said, raising his glass. “To love and new beginnings.”
“To love!”
Chapter 25
“Ev! Where are you? Call me back as soon as possible, please!” Nicole left her umpteenth voicemail on her sister's mobile phone.
She'd been trying to contact her all morning, as she really needed her sister's moral support. It was the afternoon of William's wedding and she didn't relish the prospect of attending the wedding by herself. Evette had promised to help her but she'd mysteriously slipped out of the apartment earlier that morning and hadn't answered her phone since.
Nicole still hadn't met William or his bride. There had been terrible snow storms in New York and his original flight had been grounded for days. He'd finally gotten a seat on the midnight flight from JFK.
They'd arranged to meet at the hotel, just hours before the wedding. Nicole was inexplicably nervous. She desperately wanted the wedding to go perfectly and so far it wasn't looking good.
She put the final touches to her hair and makeup and took one last glance at herself in the mirror. Her lilac trouser suit complemented her colouring and figure perfectly and she'd styled her hair into a sleek bob. She adjusted the rose which was attached to her lapel and sprayed herself liberally with Coco Mademoiselle.
“Hello,” she answered the phone on its first ring, silently praying that it was her sister.
“Taxi for Nicole Baxter,” said the voice on the other end of the line.
“Ok, I'll be down in a minute.”
She carefully folded the precious wedding dress and made her way downstairs.
Thank God it's not raining, she thought as she climbed into the taxi.
“The Blarney Park Hotel and Towers,” she instructed the driver.
She checked her phone a million times on the way to the hotel.
“It'll never ring if you keep checking it,” the taxi driver said cheerfully, watching her in his mirror.
Nicole forced herself to smile.
Deep breaths, deep breaths. This will all be over in a few hours.
“Ev! Finally!” Nicole exclaimed. “Where are on earth have you been?”
“I'm at the hotel.”
“What are you doing at the hotel?”
“I thought we'd arranged to meet there.”
“We must have our wires crossed. Anyway, never mind. I'm on my way in a taxi now. I'll be there in ten minutes.”
“Ok, see you soon. I'm in the bridal suite. William's here already,” and with that she promptly hung up the phone, not giving her sister a chance to respond.
William's not supposed to arrive for an hour and why hasn't he called me? I’m his wedding planner, not Ev. This day just gets better and better, Nicole sighed to herself.
“Happy New Year to you, love,” the taxi driver said as he pulled up outside the hotel.
“Same to you,” Nicole said curtly, hauling herself out of the taxi.
The hotel was already buzzing with New Year revellers. It was packed with people and there was loud music blaring from the bar.
I could do with a drink right now, she thought longingly, as she gathered the wedding dress in her arms and walked past reception to the elevator.
She straightened her shoulders and put on her happiest face. It wouldn't be professional to let the client know how anxious and stressed she was feeling.
She took a deep breath and knocked on the door of the bridal suite. Evette immediately opened the door and beamed at her.
“Hi, sis,” she enveloped her sister in a big hug.
“Hi, Ev.”
Nicole was beginning to feel more and more confused. She walked past her sister into the beautiful room, which had panoramic views of the castle and its surrounding hills and valleys.
“Where's William?” Nicole asked, as she placed the wedding dress on the bed.
“I'm right here,” came a man's voice behind her, which sounded surprisingly familiar.
She swung around and gasped.
“Paul, what on earth are you doing here? Is everything ok? Are mom and dad alright?”
“Everyone's fine,” Paul soothed.
“Where's William?” she repeated, still not fully grasping the situation.
“I'm William, darling,” Paul smiled.
“What?” Nicole looked from Paul to Evette in utter bewilderment. She sat down on the edge of the bed, trying to comprehend what was happening.
“This is your wedding, Nic. There is no William. Paul was William all along. I only found out last week, on Christmas Day,” Evette expained.
“I was hoping she wouldn't reveal my big secret,” Paul smiled.
“It was difficult to keep it a secret,” Evette grinned. “I almost told you a million times this week.”
Relief and understanding finally dawned on Nicole and a huge smile spread across her face.
“I knew there was something going on. You've both been acting very mysteriously all week.”
Paul and Evette smiled indulgently at her.
“I think you need a drink sis.”
“Yes, please,” Nicole agreed, “a strong cup of tea with lots of sugar.”
“Coming right up.” Evette scurried away to fill the kettle.
“How were you so sure that I'd say yes?” Nicole teased Paul.
“It was a risk I was willing to take. My biggest worry was that you wouldn't agree to marry me, but when you accepted my proposal last week I knew everything would turn out well. After all, you arranged the whole wedding yourself.”
“You are too clever, Dr. Schofield,” Nicole wagged her finger at him. “This is my wedding dress?”
“Of course, it's all for you.”
***~~~***
“Are you nervous, darling?” John Baxter smiled at his daughter as they stood at the entrance to the church.
“I’m nervous and happy, Dad, so very happy.”
“I'm proud of you, darling.”
“I'm proud of me too,” she smiled as she took his proffered arm.
Nicole walked slowly up the aisle, returning the smiles of her family and friends who filled the little church. Paul stood near the altar, and this time he turned to watch his beautiful bride. He took her hand from her father and held it tight.
“I love you,” he whispered, gazing adoringly into her eyes.
She was overcome with love and relief. She stood beside the man she loved with all her heart, truly knowing that he loved her wholeheartedly in return.
“Do, you, Nicole Ann Baxter, take this man, Paul Michael Schofield, to be your lawfully wedded husband?” the priest asked.
“I do.”
“Do you, Paul Michael Schofield, take this woman, Nicole Ann Baxter, to be your lawfully wedded husband?”
Paul gazed lovingly into his bride's eyes and without hesitation answered, “I do.”
###
About the Author
Joanne Clancy is a writer from Cork, Ireland. She is an avid reader, an obsessive writer and a tea fiend!
She is the author of Unforgettable Embrace and Unfaithfully Yours, both of which were in the top thirty most downloaded books, in the category of Contemporary Romance, during January 2012.
Her third book, My Love, was in the top three most downloaded books, in the category of Love and Relationships, during February 2012.
Joanne is currently working on her next book which will be available during Summe
r 2012.
Joanne Clancy’s latest release, The Wedding Day, is now on sale.
Connect with Joanne Clancy
Amazon: http://www. amazon.com/author/joanneclancy
Blog: http://www.joanneclancy.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JoanneC_2009
Books by Joanne Clancy
Unfaithfully Yours
by Joanne Clancy
5 stars ~ Lacey Dearie ~
The story really got me emotionally involved - I'd find myself saying to my husband, "You'll never guess what this total scumbag's up to now!" while he was trying to read his own book, like it was someone we both knew!
5 stars ~ Nat ~
The writing is vibrant and pacy and carried me along. I found myself becoming involved in the story and excited to find out what would happen next. I found the book to be very entertaining while at the same time making me think about how fragile our personal relationships can be.
4 stars ~ James ~
"Unfaithfully Yours" is a riveting read, full of intrigue and suspense. I loved it and I can't wait to read more of Joanne Clancy's books.
Synopsis
Four scorned women, one adulterous man and the price he has to pay for their revenge. Heaven has no rage like love to hatred turned, nor hell a fury like a woman scorned.
"Heaven has no rage like love to hatred turned/ Nor hell a fury like a woman scorned." By William Congreve in The Mourning Bride of 1697.
Shona Morgan is in love with a married man. She finally realises that her married lover, Mark McNamara, is never going to leave his wife for her. Heartbroken, she resolves to break up with him and try to move on with her life.
Jackie Fitzpatrick seems to have it all; a loving husband and two beautiful children. However, she can’t escape the sneaking feeling that there’s more to life and embarks on an illicit affair, but at what cost?
Penelope Garrett has had enough of being treated badly by the men in her life and is determined to seek revenge when her latest boyfriend lets her down.
Rebecca McNamara thinks she has the perfect marriage but when she discovers her husband’s dark secrets her idyllic life comes crashing down around her.
Four scorned women, one adulterous man and the price he has to pay for their revenge. Heaven has no rage like love to hatred turned, nor hell a fury like a woman scorned.
"Heaven has no rage like love to hatred turned/ Nor hell a fury like a woman scorned." By William Congreve in The Mourning Bride of 1697.
Unforgettable Embrace
By Joanne Clancy
Reviews
Top 30 most downloaded book in Contemporary Romance during January 2012.
4 stars ~ Glen ~
A really refreshing writer, very easy to read. I love the little twists that make it hard to put down. I have to say I really enjoyed it, looking forward to the next book.
4 stars ~ Gigglesilly ~
If you are looking for a great read you do not need to look further. I highly recommend this.
3 stars ~ Margaret Literary Chanteuse ~
Like sharing a cup of tea with a friend. Familiar and heartwarming.
Synopsis
Unforgettable Embrace is a story of a woman’s journey in self-discovery with many unexpected and often hilarious encounters along the way.
Rachel’s life has become a boring and monotonous routine. Life is just not what she expected it to be, so she decides to make some drastic but exciting changes.
A significant event occurs during a friend’s hen weekend, the seriousness of which wouldn’t be unveiled until later.
Tense moments arise that are suddenly and brutally made to look miniscule compared to the serious events, that unknown to Rachel, have already taken place, in which she is unwittingly but dangerously involved.
My Love
By Joanne Clancy
Synopsis
My Love is a collection of essays and short stories which discuss life and love.
The author gives her thoughts on questions such as can love be measured? How do we define love? How to date when looking for a serious relationship? How to be strong enough to let go of a relationship and move on?
There are stories on how to come to terms with the reality of love, dealing with the death of a loved one and the importance of giving and generosity.
My Love is an insightful and thoughtful book which is drawn from the author’s personal experience and shares helpful tips and advice on dating and finding love.
The Wedding Day Page 17