“Yes.” I smile at Jack. “Everything is okay.”
After this morning, everything settled down. Jack and Connor watched football while I had some things to do. My dad and Callum dropped by too. So, they had a lads’ afternoon, minus the beers.
I spot Mack, busy in the background, “Can I go and help?” Jack asks.
“Of course,” I say, and he runs over to Mack, who scoops him up in his arms.
“It was always going to be . . .”
“Don’t say it. If you don’t say it, I can pretend.”
“Okay, well, we still have a lot to do before tonight. The chef is already in the kitchen preparing tonight’s meal. Mack is busy rearranging furniture in some of the bedrooms. Oh, and I have some news for you about Stacey and her girls. The council have finally offered her a new house. It’s in a nice area, lots of families, and it’s all thanks to you.”
“Really?”
“Yes, really. She wanted to come along and thank you tonight but didn’t want to bring the girls out.”
“I’m so pleased for her. She deserves this. She’s a great mum.”
“She is. Now, we need to get on. I’m worried about tonight.” She looks flustered.
“Michelle, tonight will be fine,” I say, urging her to take a deep breath.
“I know, but I’m so glad we’re not having tonight as our grand opening. If it was, I would be worse than I am now.”
“You did the right thing in waiting until all the refurb work is finished.”
“I know. Let’s get on with it.”
I’ve already drifted off from what Michelle is saying, sensing him in the room. I lift my eyes and search. It takes a moment, and then I see him. We hold each other’s gaze for a moment. ‘I love you,” I mouth as he walks toward me. I wasn’t sure if he would make it tonight; he told me he had a few things to do.
“Hi! I didn’t expect to see you.”
“Well, tonight’s a big night and I couldn’t not be here to help you,” he says, pressing a soft kiss on my lips. I glance down at myself; my t-shirt is dirty. My hair is scraped back from my face and tied back, and I’m sure I must look as tired as I feel. But, right now, with the glazed, warm look in Connor’s eyes, I feel like the luckiest woman on the planet.
“Are you here to help or just gawk at me?” There’s amusement in my voice.
“Help and gawk, because, let’s face it, there’s not a man on the planet who wouldn’t want to trade places with me and be able to look at you all day long every day of his life.”
“Have you and my brother been out drinking?”
He laughs at my question. Everyone is still listening to Michelle as she speaks about who is staying here tonight. She stops and everyone in the room is clapping and cheering. Michelle has been working toward tonight, not just for the last few months, but years. Tonight, she gets to see her hard work and dedication pay off.
Michelle turns to me, taking my hands in hers. “I can’t thank you enough, Ella. You have no idea what having you working with the charity has done. You’ve given us all a sense of purpose. You walked into my office when self doubt about what I wanted to achieve had really kicked in, and I’m eternally grateful.” Her eyes are filled with tears and now she’s got me going.
“I’m happy to help, and I’m happy for the friendship we have. No more tears. Tonight is about the charity turning a corner. Now, go and see everyone else.”
“Thank you.” She turns and only manages to few steps before she talks to another member of staff.
I sigh and look around the room. Tonight is more than a good night. Michelle and the team have achieved so much.
Connor is still standing beside me, his wide eyes glazed. “You, Ella McGregor, don’t realise how special you are.”
I shrug my shoulders then watch as he takes a small box from his pocket. He opens it, drops to his knee, and takes my hand.
I gasp. I’m sure all attention in the room has turned to us. “There’s only one woman in the world I want, and she brings me to my knees on a daily basis. She’s talented and beautiful. Loving and caring. She’s funny and smart. Passionate and loyal. Ella McGregor, will you do me the greatest honour and become my wife?”
A lonely tear trickles down my face and I nod, unable to form words. He slides the ring on my finger and I pull his hands, drawing him back to his feet. “Yes,” I say, and he smiles, a smile that reaches up to his dazzling eyes.
There’s lots of clapping and cheering around the room. I wrap my arms around him and allow my eyes to search for Jack. He’s standing with Mack; both are smiling. Jack is wiping his eyes and Mack puts his arm around him.
Thoughts of this morning’s breakfast conversation flood my head. Did Jack’s questions spur Connor on, or had he already decided the path our lives would take?
I’m not going to even ask.
Because I love the man in my arms.
A BEACH WEDDING WOULD HAVE been wonderful, but my day wouldn’t have been perfect with two very important people missing; Mack and Jack. There was no way we were getting married without them. Connor and I both felt the same.
So, I’m alone for the first time in weeks, in one of the loch-view suites, staring out of the large windows and taking in all the natural beauty of Loch Lomond. Taking a moment to myself to enjoy the peace and tranquillity before everyone descends upon me and the day whizzes by.
I’m trying not to think about how quickly the day will go; I want to be able to savour it. Enjoy every moment with our closest friends and family.
There’s a hazy fog slowly lifting, and I’m hoping it leaves behind a glorious sunny day. Even with the fog, I can still see across the Loch to the castle on the other side. From here, it looks all magical; something straight from a movie. I wonder if the hotel looks the same from the other side. I’m sure it does. I can’t see the top of Ben Lomond at the moment, but hopefully, later in the day, it will be visible in the backdrop of pictures.
As I look down at the grounds below, the marquee is being erected for our lunch time ceremony overlooking the Loch.
Who would’ve thought that I’d be marrying Connor Andrews? My friend for the last five years is now the most important person in my life. I want to talk to him, even just send him a text, but I won’t. I banned all contact from midnight last night until the ceremony takes place this afternoon. I don’t think this was one of my better ideas.
Keeping today out of the media hasn’t been easy. There has been lots of speculation as to when we would set a date after our engagement was announced recently. We both knew if we wanted to keep it out of the media, it would have to be sooner rather than later. But here we are. So far, so good. No leaks to the media and I’m hoping it will stay that way.
I can now understand why, after a whirlwind romance, Libby and Alex were married five weeks after he proposed to her. And today would not be possible without her and her incredible staff here at the hotel. They have all been superstars. I wouldn’t have known where to start.
A light knocking on the suite door has me turning around. I look at the time. Nine a.m. It’s too early for Julie; she’ll be here at ten and not a minute before. I open the door to find Libby and a member of staff holding flowers. “Well, can we come in?”
“Of course,” I say, opening the door wider. After putting the flowers on the table, the member of staff leaves, but Libby stays. I admire the two bouquets. Exquisite. They are just what I had hoped for. Fresh lilies; my favourite, tied with Andrews tartan ribbon. I didn’t want anything too fancy, just elegant, and that’s what the florist has given me.
“The rest of the flowers that have been delivered look incredible. Outside and inside is going to be stunning. How are you feeling?” Libby asks.
I smile at her reassuring words about the flowers. “Good. A little nervous.”
“Nerves are good. I don’t know any bride who isn’t nervous on their big day, but I bet Connor has got his boxers in a twist.” I laugh because I’m sure she’s right
. “Can I get you anything? Breakfast?”
“No. I’m not hungry.”
“Ella, you should eat.”
“I’ll order room service when Julie gets here.”
“Okay. Do you need me to do anything before I go and check on everything else?”
“No, but I will need you to stop working and join us.”
“I’ll be changed and looking gorgeous, and in my seat awaiting your arrival.”
“You’d better be.”
“Don’t worry about me. I’ve told your dad he’s not allowed near your room until ten minutes to twelve. Connor and your brother are in the swimming pool at the moment. Your dad is having breakfast with Mr and Mrs Andrews.”
I’m glad they’re all keeping busy. Connor must’ve been bored. I bet he’s already hit the gym first. “Thank you, Libby. For everything.”
“Nonsense. I’m doing my job.”
“I think we both know you’re doing more than your job.”
“Maybe. Right, I’m out of here.” She gives me a kiss on the cheek before leaving me on my own again.
I pour myself a glass of water before sitting at the window to enjoy the view and watch a few boats sailing up the Loch. Now the hazy fog is lifting, it is leaving behind a beautiful sunny day. I purposely don’t turn on the TV or scroll through my phone or the internet; I don’t want to see anything that might turn my mood sour. Today has to be perfect.
Another light knock at the door grabs my attention. “Who is it?” I call out.
“Me.” I sigh with relief, hearing Julie’s voice. If anyone else had answered, they weren’t getting in.
“Look at you,” I say, opening the door. Julie’s not alone as she enters. She has some help from a porter, and when I see everything she has, I’m not surprised she needed help. Her make-up trolley—because there’s nothing else I would call it—a small case, and her dress in a carrier. The porter wheels in her trolley before leaving the room.
“Are you nervous?” she asks.
“Getting there.”
“Come here.” She puts the carrier with her dress in it over a chair and wraps her arms around me. “Everything will go to plan and you are going to be a stunning bride. Now, I hope you have a bottle of champers. I’ll need some to steady my nerves.”
“After you’ve done my make-up.”
“I’ll have a sip now. You did take your dress from the carrier, didn’t you? To let the air around it.”
“Yes.”
“Okay. I’ll go and put mine with yours. Then me and you can have some breakfast, champagne, and get ready for the most important day in your life.”
She’s right, it is an important day, but there’s one person missing. I’d give anything to have my mum here with me, fussing over me and helping me get ready. She’d also ensure Julie and I were behaving. Tears fill my eyes. Would she have approved?
I know the answer to that. Everyone has told me. She always knew we would be together. My parents had a happy marriage filled with love. If Connor and I can have half of what they shared, then we will be very lucky.
Julie stands before me in her dress. It’s a plain ivory dress, a little similar in style to my wedding dress. The buttons on the back of her dress sets it off; they’re Andrews tartan. I know Connor is wearing his family tartan and I love that I’ve been able to incorporate small amounts of tartan into our day. “You look incredible,” I say. Elegant, and the jewellery I gave her as a gift earlier is perfect.
“I scrub up not too bad. Now, I’d say it’s time to get you into your dress and then you can finally look in the mirror and give me your verdict.” Julie covered the floor length mirror with a bed sheet. She said she wanted me to get the full effect. I trust her completely when it comes to my hair and make-up.
Julie helps me into my dress, which we both love. She was with me when I tried it on. Her reaction was priceless; she sat with tears running down her face.
I stand nervously as she fixes the back of my dress before putting my mother’s pearl necklace around my neck. I had to have her close to me today, and when my dad offered me the jewellery she wore on her own wedding day, I couldn’t say no. I’m honoured.
Julie walks around in front of me and takes a step back. She quickly covers her mouth with one hand and the other rises to wipe her eyes. Oh, no. If she’s already teary, this isn’t a good sign. “Ella, you are the most beautiful bride I’ve ever seen. I hope Connor realises how lucky he is to have you.”
“I’m the lucky one.”
“You ready to have a look?”
I nod.
She pulls the sheet off the mirror and I gasp at my reflection. Julie is quickly on hand with a tissue as I take in my appearance. My dress looks better than I remembered. The cap sleeves sit perfectly on my shoulders. The sweetheart neckline is elegant without being too showy. The natural waistline sits perfectly.
Then I turn to the side to get a decent view of the back. It’s completely backless. The sweeping train is what I wanted. I turn back around. My make-up is natural and my curled hair is pinned in an elegant up-style with a few loose curls framing my face.
I touch the pearl necklace and smile a sad smile. “I wish she were here.”
“Me too. But I’m sure she’s looking down on you today, watching you finally marrying the man she knew carried your heart.”
I take a deep breath to steady my nerves and to try and stop myself from crying. “What time do I have . . .”
None, it would appear, with the loud knocking on my door. “That will be your dad, right on time. I’ll let him in as I leave. I’ll see you downstairs.”
I can only nod.
She takes her flowers and I stand in the middle of the room and watch her open the door to my dad. He tells her how beautiful she looks before giving her a kiss. Julie isn’t usually bashful or embarrassed, but today, she is.
My dad walks toward me, tears filling his eyes. He’s wearing the Andrews family tartan. I was unsure what he would do today. Part of me thought he’d wear the McGregor tartan just to be different.
“For the first time in my life, I’m speechless.”
“Can it stay that way?” I joke.
“No. Every single day of your life, you have made me and your mother proud, and today is no different. I wish she was here with us today to see the beautiful woman you’ve become. You might be getting married, but you’ll always be my baby girl.” He takes a breath to steady himself. “I love you more than life itself and you are absolutely beautiful today. Perfection.”
“I love you too. Thank you for being you,” I say with a tear trickling down my face. He hands me a tissue.
“No more tears. Now, come on. Let’s go.”
He picks up my bouquet, handing it to me, and links his arm with mine. Closing my eyes briefly, I take a deep breath and we leave the bedroom.
DAD AND I STAND INSIDE the hotel’s main entrance, waiting for the go ahead to walk outside. The music is playing and Julie has already gone outside. As our photographer snaps away, I’m suddenly overwhelmed.
My breathing accelerates.
“Take a deep breath. I’m here with you,” Dad says.
I turn my head and smile at the man who has loved me unconditionally since the day I was born. A parent’s love.
My thoughts drift to Jack. Today is meant to be filled with happiness, not sadness. I know he’s here with Mack and Michelle, and I know he’s happy for me. For us. For our family. A family that we are praying dearly he will be a huge part of in the coming weeks when Jack’s case is discussed.
“No time for second thoughts, sweetheart.” Dad knows there are no second thoughts from me. This is the happiest I’ve been in a long time, and I truly love Connor with all my heart. He completes me. He makes me whole.
“There are no doubts in my head, especially about marrying Connor.” We’re given the okay by a member of the hotel staff, and we walk slowly down the steps and out into the warm air. The clear blue sky shines like a diamond
above us without a cloud in sight.
I gasp, turning the corner, facing the marquee. White rose petals lay on the ground, forming a path. Beautiful potted small trees line the pathway. The scene is completely picturesque, from the lovely warm day to the stunning location.
There’s something so effortlessly romantic about an outdoor wedding. The sound of water splashing along the rocky shoreline is faint, but I can hear it through the soft music that’s playing. The clear view of the Loch provides a magical setting.
At the moment, I don’t see Connor or any of our guests, but all that is about to change as I enter the marquee.
I pause and take another deep breath before entering. All our closest family and friends are here, but my eyes are focused on the scene before me.
Spectacular.
The marquee is completely open at the front with stunning views out across the loch. Connor is standing with Callum and the official, smiling as I walk toward him. Julie is standing at the side and she’s already crying. I keep my eyes on Connor’s with each step I take toward my future.
I try to take everything in, but I’m sure I’ll miss something. The flowers inside are simple and perfect. Rose and lily arrangements all hand-tied with Andrews tartan ribbon line the aisle.
My body shakes. I close my eyes momentarily to steady my growing nerves. My dad squeezes my arm in reassurance. With a deep breath, I open my eyes once again and smile, my gaze on Connor’s.
Dad and I stop when I’m by Connor’s side. His eyes are brimming with unshed tears. “I love you,” he says as the official starts speaking.
I turn and look for Jack; he’s sitting in the front row where my dad will join him. Michelle has her arm around him and he’s crying as he looks toward me. Mack is sitting beside them, smiling.
“You look incredible,” Connor says, drawing my attention back to him.
He takes my face in his hands. Our lips meet with sweetness and passion as the official declares us husband and wife. Cheering and clapping can be heard around us. “Well, Mrs Andrews, we’ve done it. You’re officially mine to love forever,” he whispers as his lips leave mine.
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