by Peter Martin
The car stopped and the driver quickly got out to open the door for the bride and the soon to be mother-in-law.
At this point Donna thought about her parents. Normally the father of the bride would have travelled with the bride to the church and then escorted her into the church and down the aisle, but weeks before the wedding her parents had made it quite clear, in their opinion, she was marrying beneath her. The fact that Evan was only a male nurse and had encouraged her to work as a menial kitchen assistant hadn’t gone down well with them. The meeting had ended with a furious altercation, resulting in Donna telling them to stay away from the wedding ceremony and reception.
Mrs Lacey squeezed Donna’s arm, having seen how distracted and quiet she had become.
‘Try not to worry dear – everything will go off fine, I promise you. Nothing to be concerned about. Enjoy it as much as you can, it’s going to be the best day of your life, but it’ll pass all too quickly – believe me.’
‘Yes, I know, I’ll do my best.’
As Donna looked around and took in the picturesque setting of the eighteenth century church, situated above the town of Dexford, she heard footsteps on the gravel pathway. Looking up she saw her father rushing towards her. Smartly dressed, his face was flushed and he was breathing heavily from exertion. She suddenly got all emotional.
‘Please Donna, would it be all right if I gave you away?’ He appeared to be pleading.
This brought tears to her eyes - despite what had happened between them, she didn’t have the heart to say no. Nodding in agreement she looked at Mrs Lacey, who seemed pleased at how this had unfolded. And as they walked towards the entrance to the church, the strains of Love Divine could be heard.
As soon as she stepped into the church, the wedding march started, and so taking hold of her father’s arm, they walked slowly down the aisle to the front of the church, which was packed with well-wishers. She recognised some of the staff from the hospital, and her colleagues from the school where she worked.
Gazing to her left she saw her mother standing a few rows back from the front. It seemed she too had decided to come, despite being told to stay away, and gave Donna a warm smile although her eyes seemed tearful, as if to say everything was all right now. Whether they would ever have a relationship again, she couldn’t speculate. But at least her mother had made a start, and for that Donna was grateful.
Evan waited at the front pew for her. He wore a dark blue suit, with a pink carnation in his buttonhole, his black hair freshly groomed and brushed back. He looked elated. Next to him stood Cole, all smiles, acting as if nothing was wrong.
At last, the happy couple stood side by side ready to make their vows. Evan kept smiling at her reassuringly.
The bald-headed vicar in his white robes was in front of them, smiling too, happy it seemed, to be conducting this marriage service. In his hands, he held an open bible. After a quick glance at both of them, to ensure they were both ready, he began.
‘Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to join this man and this woman in Holy Matrimony…’
To Donna the ceremony seemed to pass in a blur. She could barely remember repeating the words after the vicar except to say ‘I do’.
Finally, the couple kissed clumsily, before making their way back down the aisle amid the music and out of the church, where everyone would soon congregate.
After the photographs had been taken, Donna’s mother and father moved closer to her. Her father slipped an envelope into her hand with instructions not to open it until later. Donna was intrigued but resisted the temptation.
‘Well, Mrs Lacey, I suppose we’d better lead the way to the reception,’ Evan said grinning.
‘Yes, Mr Lacey, we better had.’ She smiled, and the guests walked over to their respective cars.
From there they travelled to the Red Lion Inn, quaintly situated in the country just outside Dexford. At the back was a function room, where the wedding reception would take place, and also later in the evening, a buffet and disco.
The bride and groom sat at the top table, in the middle of guests from both sides. Once the meal was over the bride’s father, surprisingly, got to his feet to make a speech.
‘We are here today to celebrate the marriage of my daughter Donna to Evan. Everyone can see they are very much in love as Donna’s mother and I were too many years ago for us to care to remember…’
She was so proud of her father, as he made his speech, it was just what was needed to lighten the atmosphere. Experienced in this sort of thing, he had only positive things to say about them which was good to hear; in fact at one point she got quite emotional. Once again glancing at her mother, she was surprised to see more tears in her eyes.
‘…so it just remains for me, along with everyone else here, to toast the happy couple and wish them a long and joyous future together.’
Then Cole made a speech. He had all the guests in hysterics, with his funny anecdotes, mostly about when the two brothers were young. There was a moving tribute to his sister Theresa, so poignant, there didn’t seem to be a dry eye in the room. But the moment passed, and on he went with more amusing stories.
When all the speeches and well wishes had been made to the couple, the tables were cleared away in readiness for the disco.
Cole got to his feet again and said, ‘Now I gather there’s a disco laid on, so I would encourage you all to get on to the floor – and let’s start boogieing. But first to start the proceedings, Mr and Mrs Lacey will take the first dance.’
The main lights were dimmed, and replaced by flashing lights of blue, red and yellow; everyone waited for the happy couple to appear on the dance floor.
‘Well, Mrs Lacey, shall we?’ Evan invited holding out his arm.
‘Why not?’
After a while they were joined by the younger guests. And as the night wore on, following a number of requests from the older generation, the music was toned down a little to cater for all age groups.
Donna struggled to dance in her wedding dress, aware she must have looked comical, perhaps the reason why Evan kept smiling at her. However, once the music slowed, it became easier for the couple to dance together. Donna was happy and at long last experiencing the ‘glad to be alive’ feeling. How wonderful to be able to spend the rest of her life with the person she loved. She wouldn’t let Cole get her down; after all once the wedding was over he’d return to Afghanistan and wouldn’t be home again for many months.
A short time later they sat down, exhausted from their endeavours. They held hands, watching what was going on around them.
‘I wish Theresa could have been here to see this,’ Donna said suddenly.
Evan squeezed her hand. ‘Me too. She would have brought the ceremony alive with her music. Maybe she’s looking down on us right now, enjoying our special day with us.’
Donna felt sad for a moment. Everyone had been devastated when Theresa had died; and none of them would ever forget it.
‘Come on now love, don’t be sad. Theresa wouldn’t want you to be like this. She’d want you to be happy, so let’s try to be that in her memory.’
‘I know, I’m sorry. It’s just that it still gets to me sometimes. Am I being silly?’
‘Not at all. Don’t worry, I understand. I’m the same myself, but we can’t change what happened. We’ll never forget her, but it’s time to move on, and get on with our own lives.’
Evan pulled Donna to him and kissed her lightly on the lips.
Suddenly Cole leaned over towards them. ‘Hey, what’s the matter with you two? The honeymoon hasn’t started yet, and you’re all over each other already. Have you no shame?’ he joked, his beaming face only inches away from them.
‘Cole, get lost will you,’ Evan told him in a humorous tone of voice.
‘Well, that’s a nice way to treat your one and only brother. I came over here to ask your darling wife for a dance, but if that’s how you’re going to treat me, I won’t bother.’ A half-smile appeared on his
face as he winked at Donna.
‘Cole, have you thought she may not want to dance with you. She’s a married woman after all, and married women don’t dance with strange men.’
‘Strange - is that what I am? Well I reckon she won’t say no to the groom’s brother, just for old time’s sake.’
As Donna took in the situation, she wondered what was going on in Cole’s mind, despite his joking with Evan.
‘Cole, if she wants to accept your invitation to dance, then that’s fine with me. I can stand the competition now you know,’ Evan laughed, showing his perfect snow white teeth.
‘Right, how about it Donna? May I have the pleasure? Let me show my little brother how to really dance.’ He held out his hand for her.
She tried to look amused, but her stomach fluttered alarmingly, remembering what he’d said to her earlier.
The music was fast and loud when they got up. At first, they danced opposite each other, laughing and smiling as if their previous conversation had never happened.
After a few minutes, Cole moved towards her, as if he wanted to whisper something in her ear.
‘You should have heeded my warning earlier, darling – please, you’ve got to believe me. I can’t tell you how worried I am. You’re in great danger.’
She was astounded and glared at him angrily. ‘Oh for God’s sake – not that rubbish again. This has to stop right now before I fall out with you. Evan will be a wonderful husband to me. I love him and he loves me. So why are you doing this?’ Gently pushing his shoulder with her hand, she continued, ‘Enough Cole, or I’ll tell him what you’ve said.’
Then as she moved away he said, ‘Tell him if you want to. Of course, he’ll deny it. But look him in the eye when he does and then tell me if he’s telling the truth. Look, I’ve had to come clean about him, even though he made me swear not to. I don’t want you to get hurt.’
Donna had had enough of Cole’s lies. She stormed away from him; about to tell Evan what he’d said, then realising it would spoil what had otherwise been a perfect day, she changed her mind. And choose instead to ignore what Cole had said for now. After all, he’d soon be back with his army mates on another tour of duty. But why was he suggesting his brother had done something wrong? Almost as if he hated Evan and wanted to spoil his happiness. Whatever the reason, she couldn’t think about it right now, and wasn’t sure about telling Evan either. Nevertheless it made her feel anxious again, bringing back those horrible feelings of when she’d been raped.
‘Hi love,’ Evan said, smiling at her as she went back to sit down beside him, unaware it seemed, that she’d walked off from Cole.
‘Evan...’ she said taking hold of his hand before kissing him lightly on the lips.
‘That dance didn’t last long.’ He sounded almost pleased his brother hadn’t hogged her any longer. ‘What’s happened to Cole?’
‘Oh, he spotted an old girlfriend, who’s been giving him the glad eye all night - and decided to go after her.’
‘He’s a randy sod, my brother – always has been. Mind you, I reckon he’s entitled to some release considering his job in the army.’
‘I suppose. So when do we have to make our way to the airport?’
Evan raised his eyebrows, almost as if he’d forgotten about it. ‘Oh damn! What time is it?’ He looked at his watch. ‘It’s just after midnight now, so that only gives us a couple of hours. My God, we’d better get a move on or we’ll be late. Come on, let’s go upstairs to get changed.’
Donna was relieved, as it meant she could get away and avoid any further awkward scenes with Cole, should he suddenly decide to join them again.
‘Lead the way, husband.’
‘Let’s try and slip away unnoticed, eh.’ He got up holding onto her hand.
But their plan to make a discreet exit was soon shattered and when they reached the bottom of the stairs, the lights flooded on.
‘Hey – we know where you’re going,’ a voice shouted at them.
They both froze momentarily. Then the clapping and cheering started. Donna had never felt so embarrassed in her life. As Evan dragged her up the stairs; they waved without looking back, glad of the relative safety of the room designated for them to change in.
While he went to the bathroom to freshen up, Donna started to get out of the dress. She jumped when he came back and felt his eyes on her. Never before had she allowed him to see her like this even though she was still in her underwear. She felt flushed.
‘You are so gorgeous. You’ve no idea how much I’ve been aching for you these past few months.’
She smiled as he moved closer and put his strong arms around her. Kissed her delicately and sweetly on the lips as if he loved her more than life itself.
She closed her eyes in a dreamy sort of way, sure now more than ever that Evan was the man for her, and that Cole couldn’t be more wrong. He was out to make mischief and obviously jealous of what she and Evan had. Maybe at some stage during the honeymoon she might tell Evan all about his wonderful brother. Let him know exactly what Cole was really like – so much for being the all action war hero. When they parted Donna smiled warmly at Evan, the love of her life, the man who’d saved her in more ways than one.
Chapter 25
AFTER QUICKLY CHANGING INTO JEANS AND TEE SHIRTS, EVAN SAID, ‘COME ON THEN, WE’LL HAVE TO SHOW OUR FACES, BEFORE THEY ALL WONDER WHAT WE’RE UP TO.’
He slapped her playfully on the behind.
She gave a little yelp and slapped him back, then saw him raise his hand again. ‘Don’t you dare, or I’ll scream for help.’
‘Oops, I’d better behave myself before I get into trouble. So are we going down or what?’ And took he hold of her hand smiling.
She hesitated. ‘I’m not looking forward to this,’ she said as he opened the door.
Evan held onto her hand tightly, maybe too tightly, amid more clapping and cheering as they came downstairs. People were shouting good luck and all the best. Donna tried to put a brave face on it but all she wanted to get on with the honeymoon and be alone with Evan. Before they reached the front entrance, she caught sight of Cole with a worried look on his face, acting as if he really did fear for her. She didn’t want to speak to him, and was glad when those fleeting seconds were gone, and they were outside making their way to the taxi parked in front of the Inn. As they got inside Donna’s mind seemed in a whirl.
She was aware of the guests gathered around the car to see them off, but was a little overcome with emotion. Evan rolled down the window and responded to the good wishes, and indicated to Donna to throw the posy out into the crowd. As soon as she did this, she seemed to come round and finally waved goodbye to all the well-wishers. The car moved forward with the happy couple continuing to wave frantically until the guests disappeared from view.
Sitting back in her seat, she was relieved now they were on their way. She tried to forget all about Cole and concentrated on what should be a wonderful honeymoon. Just the two of them away from the hustle and bustle of people, the first time they’d been alone together for longer than a day.
His warm hand covered hers, and turning to look at his smiling face, she saw the joy he felt at having her as his wife.
‘How you feeling, babe? Happy?’
She nodded, looking content. ‘Couldn’t be happier.’
‘Me too. I can’t tell you how much I’ve dreamed for this day to come. And even now that it has, I have to pinch myself to believe it’s true.’
‘I agree, it does seem like a dream.’ She leaned towards him to give him a quick peck on the cheek. ‘I never thought I’d meet anyone who’d love me for myself, rather than for my looks’
He smiled again, his eyes almost sparkling in expectation. ‘This is going to be the best honeymoon ever. We won’t want to come back.’
‘I hope we don’t. It’s a shame the only flight available was at two o’clock in the morning. It means we have to spend our first night together on board the plane.’
‘Well, that can’t be helped. We’ll more than make up for it later, I promise you,’ he grinned mischievously.
That made her feel uncomfortable, as she still feared their wedding night, which she did so want to be special.
‘I suppose we will.’
A little over an hour later they reached the Airport. Luckily, the traffic had been light, enabling them to get there quickly.
The taxi stopped right outside the Airport Terminal. They got out with only their essential luggage that was easy to carry. The driver took the rest of their belongings into the Airport to a baggage handler.
When Evan presented their tickets at the ticket barrier and passport control, they were told their plane for Torrelino, a small Spanish island close to Majorca, would be leaving within the next hour. Donna sat waiting with Evan, wondering if this venue for their honeymoon had been deliberate – perhaps he wanted them to get to know each other properly, so that they’d talk about what they’d kept to themselves for so long. Maybe she’d finally feel able to tell him about being raped.
After about forty-five minutes they got the call to board the plane, which set their excitement going at full speed again. Once they were inside, they were ushered into their seats by a pleasant blond-haired stewardess. Evan allowed Donna to go in first, so that she could sit by the window, and look out if she wished. Very noble of him, she thought.
He sat back in his seat, closed his eyes and yawned as if he was tired, and squeezed her hand tightly. She squeezed his hand back, then when he leaned over to kiss her again, she felt better. Maybe at last she could put the past behind her and live a normal life.
Not long after take-off, a film, The Island, starring Ewan McGregor was shown for their entertainment. Evan seemed to enjoy it and could hardly take his eyes off the screen. They continued to hold hands and occasionally he looked across at her, as if he wanted to make sure she was all right.