Chapter 8
It was just after seven when they arrived at Cole’s parents’ house. Just as before, Ella came to the door to greet them but this time she embraced Ally the moment she saw her.
“My dear sweet girl,” she said holding Ally at arm’s length and taking in every inch of her. “How lovely it is to see you once again. You look simply glowing, pregnancy certainly agrees with you.”
“Thank you, Ella,” Ally said unable to keep herself from smiling brightly. She had really grown to like this lady and loved spending time with her.
She and Cole had returned to London to tell them about the baby and the wedding plans a weekend after they had set the date. Ella and James seemed genuinely happy at the thoughts of being grandparents and Ella was completely overjoyed when they confirmed the wedding would be in London.
Cole arranged to bring Ally to Syon House that weekend. She had fallen in love with it the moment she saw the Grand Hall and the Grand Conservatory. It was perfect.
On the Saturday, Ally and Ella went wedding dress shopping and Ally fell in love with the very first dress she saw. She tried on others but her heart was set on the very first one.
She wanted it simple, classy and elegant. She chose a raw silk, strapless dress, with a buttoned down back. The skirt of the dress fell effortless to the ground with a small train to finish it off. Ally wasn’t a bows and frills kind of girl. This dress had tiny delicate details and was made for Ally.
Ella, greeted Nan and Pop very warmly as did James, before James lead everyone into the living room.
Very soon the champagne was popped and they were toasting the happy couple. Everyone except Ally, who was once again drinking orange juice.
Finally, Ella led everyone to the dining room, where she insisted Nan make herself at home and relax when Nan naturally offered to help her with serving the meal.
Ella served roast beef medallions with baby potatoes and roasted vegetables.
“So, how are the nerves Ally?” James asked as they all tucked into their dinner. “Only a few days to go now.”
“I have no nerves at all,” Ally replied and looked across at Cole who was sitting facing her. “I have no doubts about what I am doing. I can’t wait to be Mrs. Thomas.”
“Ally Thomas,” Ella sighed. “It sounds perfect, just like you two are together.”
“Thanks Mom,” Cole said reaching for his mother’s hand and giving it a loving squeeze. She smiled brightly at her son before she turned to Ally once again.
“Have you thought about baby names yet?” Ella said her smile widening.
“Not really,” Ally blushed. They had but they weren’t ready to tell everyone just yet. “We have a cup…”
Suddenly the sound of the front door opening and a large clatter from the hallway stopped Ally mid-sentence. She looked at Cole as he and his father both stood up from the table.
Before they could step away from the table though, a pretty brunette appeared at the dining room door. She was a younger version of Ella but she had the same piercing blue eyes as Cole.
“Hey,” she said a she walked into the room heading straight to the table and grabbing a bread roll from the basket. “Shit I am starving.”
“What are you doing here?” James asked as he took his seat once again.
Much to Ally’s surprise Cole remained standing, his face completely unreadable, but his whole demeanour had completely changed.
“I came home for the wedding of the year,” she said with a hint of sarcasm in her voice as she shot Cole a look of contempt. Ally was surprised at this girl’s obvious hostility towards Cole. She looked at Nan and knew that Nan was less than impressed by whoever the hell this girl maybe.
“Where are my manners,” Ella said, as if sensing what Nan must be thinking. “This is our daughter Ella.”
“El,” the girl cut in and reached out her hand to Pop first. Pop stood up as he took her hand.
“I am Ally’s grandfather,” he said with a broad smile. “Everyone calls me Pop.”
“Nice to meet you Pop,” she said before she turned to Nan and reached out her hand. “You must be her grandmother.”
There was something in the way she said her that shocked Ally, she had never met this girl, but it was perfectly clear this girl had already formed an opinion of Ally and it wasn’t a good one.
“HER name is Ally,” Cole finally spoke, clearly picking up on her tone, just as Ally had. “And you will address her with respect. Is that clear?”
El stared at Cole for a moment without speaking. And he held her gaze without blinking.
“Jesus Christ Cole relax,” she finally said. “Keep your perfectly pressed boxers on.”
“Ella, watch your language.” James scolded her. “We have company.”
El rolled her eyes and then turned her attention to Ally. Giving her a big smile she walked around the table to where Ally was sitting. Ally could feel her heart begin to race a little. There was something about this girl that unsettled her.
“So, you must be the famous Ally I have heard so much about,” El said as she reached her.
“I guess I am,” Ally said with a slight smile before she looked over to Cole. His face was like thunder.
“And you’re having a baby too,” El continued as her eyes fell to Ally’s tummy. Ally instinctively pressed her hand to her tummy.
“Yes,” Ally confirmed cautiously. “We are.”
“You sure it’s yours this time,” El said with a laugh as she turned to Cole.
“Ella!” James exclaimed before Cole even had a chance to respond. “You will apologise to Ally and Cole right now for that completely inappropriate remark.”
“Oh god,” El groaned. “I was kidding.”
“Well, just shows your class now doesn’t it,” Cole said with sheer contempt. “And if you ever speak about Ally like that again. I won’t care that you are my sister, or a woman for that matter. I will knock you into next week. Now if you will excuse me.”
Without saying another word, Cole shoved his chair further back and headed towards the door.
“Jesus, I was kidding,” El repeated with a nervous laugh. She turned and looked at Ally who was just staring at her in complete disbelief. “I am sorry, okay.”
“Excuse me,” Ally said standing up from the table. “I think I will go see if Cole is okay.”
Ally walked out from the dining room and stopped for a moment to take a deep breath before she went in search of Cole. She hadn’t heard him climbing the stairs so she knew he was still downstairs somewhere. She tried the living room first but it was empty.
She walked back out into the hallway and saw the door across from the living room was ajar.
She tapped lightly on the door before she pushed it open. She peered around the door and spotted Cole standing in front of the large bay window staring out in to the darkness of the night.
“Can I come in?” She asked, remaining in the doorway.
“Of course gorgeous girl,” Cole said, turning to Ally and giving her a broad smile as she made her way to him.
“Are you okay?” She asked as she slipped her arms around his waist.
“I am now,” he smiled down at her. “I am sorry about El. She is a spoiled little princess, who thinks the world owes her something. She doesn’t care who she hurts. And one day she is going to cross the wrong person. You mark my words”
“I don’t care about her,” Ally replied honestly. “I only care that someone is hurting you.”
“Trust me,” Cole laughed as he pulled Ally closer to him. “She can’t hurt me. I would have to value her opinion for that to happen. And believe me I don’t.”
Before Ally could answer, there was a soft tap on the door.
They both turned in time to see Cole’s mother’s head pop around the door.
“Is everything okay?” She asked as she cautiously stepped further in to the room.
“Everything is just perfect Mom,” Cole smiled warmly at her.
“Thank you Ella,” Ally replied, grateful for the woman’s words of reassurance.
“You are very welcome my darling girl,” Ella smiled as she reached for both their hands. “Now please, come back and let’s enjoy dinner and some good company.”
Ally and Cole followed Ella back to the dining room. Both Pop and James each stood up when they returned to the room. Ally returned to her seat next to Nan and once she was seated, Nan reached beneath the table and patted her leg and gave her a smile.
El was now sitting in a place that was set for her between Pop and James.
“I am sorry for my remark, Ally,” El said once everyone was seated. “Was meant as a joke, I meant no harm.”
“I think it’s best we just forget the whole thing,” Ally said, smiling at the girl. Even though inside she wanted to smack her hard. She knew Cole was still upset over Ben, and that it was not a joking matter at all. But she thought it best to let it go.
The rest of the evening passed by quickly, but Ally couldn’t help but notice that Cole seemed a lot more quieter than normal, unlike his sister, who barely paused for breath.
By the time they were saying their goodbyes, Ally had a headache. They all climbed into the car and returned to Cole’s apartment in silence.
When they reached the penthouse, Cole wished everyone a good night and excused himself before heading for their bedroom.
“He was awfully quiet tonight,” Nan said as Ally made three cups of tea.
“There is more to El than just what you saw tonight,” Ally explained. “And her comment hurt more than she realised. He is still upset about Ben.”
“But he has the baby coming,” Pop said confused as to why Cole would be upset over the other little boy.
“Pops,” Ally sigh and rubbed the bridge of her nose to try and relive the pain in her head. “Cole loved Ben, and he was so devastated by what happened. He loves the baby already. But I know a bit of him will always love Ben too.”
“I think that Steph girl has a lot to answer for,” Nan said, reaching out and taking hold of Ally’s hand. “You need to go to your young man and be there for him Ally, he needs you right now. Go. We will be fine.”
“Thank you Nan,” Ally said, hugging her grandmother. Then she kissed her grandfather and bid them both goodnight.
When she reached the bedroom, she found Cole sitting on the bed staring out over the city, once again lost in thought.
Ally quietly sat down next to him and rested her head on his shoulder. Cole then rested his cheek against the top of Ally head.
“I just want to know he’s okay,” Cole said finally.
“I know you do,” Ally sighed.
“He’s out there somewhere and I know she doesn’t care about him.” Cole said, turning to Ally.
“Then call her,” Ally replied as she took his hand. “Just to see that he is okay.”
“Maybe I could call tomorrow?” Cole suggested. “Just to see if he’s doing okay, like you said.”
“Good,” Ally said with a smile.
“Thank you,” Cole said as he leaned down and kissed Ally.
“For what?” Ally asked surprised.
“For being you,” he said, smiling once again. “For being my gorgeous girl.”
“You are very welcome,” Ally replied with a big grin. “Now take me to bed and do naughty things to me Mr. Thomas.”
“Now, that is an offer I certainly can’t refuse, Ms. Brody,” Cole said as he pulled Ally to him and sealed her lips with his.
Chapter 9
The rest of the week passed by in a flurry of activity. The morning after the dinner at Cole’s parents’ house, Ally and Nan, accompanied by Nick, went to have her dress fitted for the very last time.
They were up early and waiting for Ella to arrive so she could come along too. Ally was so excited until Ella arrived accompanied by El. Ally smiled, but she couldn’t help but feel a little disappointed. She wasn’t comfortable with El. Plus she also knew that El had hurt Cole in the past and this didn’t sit well with Ally in the slightest.
When they reached the bridal shop, Ally slipped into the dressing room and stripped while the dress maker went to fetch Ally’s dress.
When she returned, she helped Ally into her dress and to Ally’s relief there was very little work required on the dress. Then she went to get the diamond hairclip and veil Ally had chosen. She wanted to keep it as simple yet elegant as possible.
When the dressmaker helped her with her final touches, she pulled back the curtain and allowed Ally to step out of the dressing room to where Nan, Ella and El were all waiting, sipping champagne and chatting excitedly.
The three fell silent when Ally appeared in front of them. Nan’s eyes instantly filled with tears at the sight of her eldest granddaughter. She was probably the most beautiful bride she had ever seen, even more beautiful than her mother had been on her wedding day.
Nan thought of Rachel and wished she could have been here to see Ally on her big day. She would have been so proud of the woman Ally had become. She and Pop couldn’t have been prouder.
Then she thought of Pops. He was so proud to walk Ally down the aisle but Nan knew he thought that Gus should be the one doing it. He had wanted to say it to Ally but Nan had pleaded with him to say nothing. She felt Ally had been through enough upset and she didn’t need any more.
“Ally, sweetheart,” Ella was the first one to speak. “My darling girl, you look positively stunning. My son is a very lucky man.”
“Thank you Ella,” Ally beamed, she was so happy. Her life was perfect.
“Doesn’t she look beautiful,” Ella said, turning to El.
“You look perfect Ally,” El replied with a smile but then added. “Dress looks fab and very expensive. Just as well you are marrying money, with such expensive taste.”
“El,” Ella snapped in disbelief.
“Actually my grandfather paid for my dress,” was all Ally could think of saying. She was floored by this girl’s directness and obvious hostility.
“It was a joke,” El groaned and rolled her eyes.
“Then I suggest you get new material,” Nan said as she stepped towards Ally and took her hands. “You look perfect pet, and I am so very proud of you and so is Pops. I wish your mom was here to see you.”
“Thanks Nan,” Ally said and smiled gratefully at her grandmother.
After the fitting, the four ladies went to lunch before Ella dropped Ally and Nan back to Cole’s apartment. Pop was installed in front of the 60” TV watching football and giving out to the referee on the pitch. Nan said that she was tired, so she was going to have a lie down.
Ally went in search of Cole and found him in his office going through a ton of paper work.
“Hey,” Ally said as she popped her head around the door. Cole looked up from his paper work and his face lit up the moment he saw Ally standing there.
“Hey gorgeous girl,” he said as he stood up in one swift move and was around the desk pulling Ally into an embrace before she had time to think. He quickly claimed her mouth with his. Finally when he released her lips breathlessly, he smiled down at her. “I missed you. Did you have fun?”
Ally simply smiled and nodded.
“What happened?” Cole asked as the smile on his face dropped.
“Nothing happened,” Ally said, surprised by his reaction. “What makes you think that?”
“Because I know you Ally Brody,” Cole said, taking hold of her arms and staring her straight in the eyes. “Something is on your mind. And you will tell me in the end. So you may as well spit it out now.”
“I don’t think Ella lik
es me,” Ally said, blushing as she said the words out loud. She hated this whole girlie stupid nonsense. Normally if someone didn’t like her she would say screw it, and move on. But this was Cole’s sister. And although she knew Cole really couldn’t care less to what she thought or had to say about anything. It bothered Ally.
“What did she say now?” Cole demanded and Ally cringed. She felt like a tattle tale.
“She just had a dig about me marrying someone with money,” Ally said unable to look at Cole anymore. “It was nothing really, but there was something in the way she said it. I knew exactly what she was getting at. She means someone like me. Just a mechanic marrying… well… marrying you.”
“What you have or don’t have is none of her business,” Cole replied, the anger in his voice was very clear. “I love you, for you. Money has nothing to do with it. And it is certainly none of Ella’s damn business.”
“She is just looking out for you,” Ally said but even she didn’t believe that.
“And where was she when Charlie was screwing my best friend?” Cole asked bitterly. “It’s a bit late to be playing devoted sister. And she is playing it with the wrong person.”
“Cole please,” Ally said taking his face in her hands.
“I will not have her making you feel inferior,” Cole replied. “You have worked hard all your adult life. She has never worked a day. You should be the one looking down your nose at her.”
“She doesn’t matter Cole,” Ally said as she slipped her arms around him. “Just you and I matter. You, me and our baby. Okay?”
“I love you,” he said as he leaned down and kissed her softly on the lips.
“How did the call with Steph go?” Ally asked nervously.
“Not great,” Cole sighed, “But I don’t want to think about it now. I will fill you in later.”
“Okay,” Ally smiled as she leaned up and kissed Cole on the lips.
That night, they took Nan and Pop to dinner to the Babylon Restaurant, in The Rooftop Gardens, where Cole had taken Ally the night he had planned on proposing to her.
As they rode up in the lift, the thought occurred to Ally, the last time she was here she bumped into her father. She wondered would he be here again. She looked at Nan and Pop and wondered how they would react to seeing him again for the first time in so long.
One Last Chance Page 6