Lizzie's List

by Melling, Diane

  “Come on, whilst were out and about, let’s go up to the centre and we can sort out how you want it for the wedding. James is there now, so I know it’s open.”

  We then descend on James and he looks as if he’s not sure what’s hit him once we get started on our plans, so he retreats to the store room – or somewhere more peaceful. Spending the next few hours thrashing out ideas, we are finally satisfied we can get it perfect for the wedding reception.

  Notes to Self

  Sketch out my ideas for Kate’s cake design – now I’ve seen her dress, the perfect idea came to me.

  Order a slate heart from Grasmere if they’ll post it – I have idea of how to use it for the wedding that Kate will love.

  Chapter 27

  For his eyes only

  Life continued at its own steady pace throughout the rest of January, then February arrived with a blast of snow blanketing the area in white cotton wool. It’s now Valentine’s Day and I’m so excited that I actually have a loving boyfriend with whom I can celebrate the day. I’m making an effort to surprise him, by cooking him a lovely candlelit meal, and I’ve also purchased some Body Chocolate – after the success of the previous jar. I’ve also bought myself some new underwear and intend to be seductively positioned in front of the fire on the sheep skin rug when he arrives home.

  I’ve prepared all the food, chilled the wine, buffed, shaved, moisturised and bronzed my body, dressed in my new sexy, lacy black underwear and am now waiting for the sound of his Land Rover coming up the path. My excitement makes his arrival seem like forever, until I eventually hear the crunching of snow and gravel. Darting off the sofa, I quickly position myself into what I think is a seductive pose on the rug, although perhaps I should have practised this in front of the mirror first – but too late, he’s coming up the path. I can’t help suppress a smug smile as I know that within less than a minute, I’ll be wrapped in his strong arms because he’ll be unable to resist my charms. Listening to the sound of his key in the lock, I wait a few more seconds for him to come into the room...

  “Come here and seduce me you sexy ....” I announce, stopping my sentence because to my horror, I am staring into the startled eyes of John, James’ dad!

  “Erm, James is just coming now,” mumbles John, trying to avert his eyes to any other part of the room other than the sheepskin rug on which I am lying in a pose that your boyfriend’s dad should never ever see.

  “Sorry I didn’t know you were coming,” I stammer as I quickly grab cushions to cover myself as much as I can. “I’ll just go and get changed,” I manage to say as James walks into the room surveying the scene.

  “Ah Lizzie, erm.... perhaps I should have called you first. Dad surprised me with a visit to the centre and I said he could stay over rather than drive back tonight in this weather,” James replies, perhaps knowing any chance of seeing me in my underwear later is now rapidly vanishing like mist in baking hot sunshine as my cheeks burn with embarrassment.

  Later on, after changing, I descend the stairs, wondering what sort of things we could possibly talk about to divert the attention from me exposing my underwear to John – thank goodness I didn’t opt for the crotch-less knickers.

  As I enter the living room, both men are watching the news, mugs of tea in front of them. “I’ll just pop to the kitchen and see if dinner’s ready – or tea to you two,” I say brightly, as if I often greet guests in my underwear and then I escape to the sanctuary of my kitchen. James follows me with his empty mug.

  “I’m so sorry Lizzie – I totally forgot about Valentine’s Day – you’ve not gone to any trouble have you? It’s just the weather is turning blizzard-like outside and I didn’t want Dad driving home in it,” James whispers.

  “I have no problem with your Dad staying, but couldn’t you have called me first? Didn’t you think I might have organised something on our first Valentine’s Day? I am so embarrassed James!” I answer in angry, hushed tones. “There’s your card and present on the side over there.”

  “You got me a present?” asks James.

  “Of course I’ve got you a present – open it!” I demand, completely annoyed because his reaction suggests that he hasn’t thought to get me anything. James opens the card, body chocolate and also a framed recent map of the area, which now has the centre labelled on it. “I thought it would look good next to your map with the red cross where you intended opening the centre – to show what you’ve achieved.” I mumble still miffed with him.

  “Lizzie, this is great!” he says holding up the map. “I hadn’t realised they’d put us on this year’s edition.” James is still unsure of the territory and I can almost see his brain processing the best step forward. “Can I have a hug or are you going to clonk me over the head with that frying pan you’re holding?”

  “You can have a hug and I’m pleased you like your present, but I’m not happy you haven’t even bought me a card,” I reply in a mock vexed tone.

  “So there’s no chance of opening the body chocolate later on then?” James teases.

  “You really are pushing your luck you know. Go and set the table; the food’s ready.”

  James and his dad eagerly tuck into my home made mushroom soup, followed by beef Wellington. “This is delicious Lizzie – I can certainly see why your cafes are doing so well. Thank you for this and for having me to stay,” says John. “I must also apologise again for arriving so unexpectedly.”

  “It’s no problem and much better for you to drive home tomorrow when it’s light,” I answer as I get up to get the dessert, “and after all, that underwear cost a fortune – it seems a shame for only one man to see it,” I add as James chokes on his food from my comment.

  Now this is where my problems start again. I had made two chocolate cakes, each with a cherry on top. An idea came to me whilst I was decorating them, which I thought at the time, would be quite funny. I shaped them into a big pair of boobs. How on earth can I take this through and serve James’ dad a huge boob-shaped chocolate cake for his dessert? Oh, what the heck, he’s seen me in my underwear, so I pick up the boob cake and take it through.

  “Goodness me love – that’s the loveliest looking pudding I’ve had for many years!” laughs John, causing James and me to burst out laughing. “I can see you weren’t planning on guests tonight, Lizzie – I’m sorry – again!”

  “Don’t worry about it – you just enjoy your boob!” I reply, still laughing.

  Later that night when I sluggishly climb the stairs to bed, I noticed John’s light is off in his room, so I head into the bathroom before joining James in bed.

  When I enter the room, James is reading and glances up from his book briefly, which annoys me even more because he isn’t even attempting to seduce me, although to be fair, his dad is uncomfortably near. Tugging at the duvet, I lift it up, about to moodily climb into bed, when there waiting for me near my pillow was a small box. Oh my goodness is that what I think it is? It is the perfect shaped box to hold a ring. “You didn’t forget?” I beam trying not to appear over excited. “What’s this” I ask giving James the chance to go down on one knee.

  “I didn’t forget, but could hardly give you a Valentine’s day present in front of my dad, could I? If I’m honest, I find you very sexy when you’re angry, so I let you think I’d completely forgotten for a while. Your present is something you need.”

  I carefully slide the lid off the box ... keeping my eyes shut in anticipation ... “Oh what is it?” I ask giving James more time to prepare himself for his question. As I open my eyes, I see glinting metal waving at me, however it is not in the shape of a ring.

  “It’s a whistle. After you skulking off to the Lakes that time on your own and with all the walking you do, I thought you’d be safer with a whistle. It’s not just any whistle either, it’s a key ring one so it can just clip on your keys.”

  “Oh ... that’s very thoughtful –
thanks,” I reply mustering up as much enthusiasm as I can for the whistle.

  “And I also got this for you – didn’t think you’d be so happy with a whistle if I honest,” says James as he hands over another box, but slightly larger this time, so I certainly do not expect a ring.

  On opening the box, I find a delicate diamond heart necklace – it’s beautiful. “This is fantastic and I do admit that I prefer it to the whistle, but thanks for both,” I say as I hug James.

  “Anyway I was thinking–perhaps you could recreate your fireside pose for me – Dad said it was not to be missed!”

  “He said that?” I asked astonished.

  “Yes he did. His exact comments were something like–if Lizzie can map read so brilliantly, pose in fine underwear, as well as cooking such a scrumptious meal – why haven’t you put a ring on her finger?”

  “Hmmmmmmmmmm – well he does have a point!” I laughed as James pulled me into him for a cuddle – just a cuddle – well his dad was just down the hall and has probably had enough of our antics tonight!

  Note to self

  In future, always check that James is alone before discarding any of my clothes.

  Boob cakes – not a good idea, but funny!

  Try not to scream with happiness – his dad says he should marry me!

  Chapter 28

  Whale watching

  Through the aeroplane window, I stare down below at the imposing Rocky Mountains which seem to be forcing their way towards the sky, as if demanding my attention. The tough, black rock is softened slightly by the snow, making it look as if a delicate white-laced blanket has been placed over the top. “They look amazing don’t they,” whispers James as he moves his head close to mine to see out of the window.

  “They are – bigger than any mountains I’ve seen before. I can’t believe we’re actually going to be in Vancouver soon!” I answer enthusiastically.

  March was a busy month, which I now reflect on as we continue flying over Canada. I finished Kate and Ben’s wedding cake. I kept the design very simple, with three tiers, each sitting on top of the other. Around the base of each cake, I placed tiny bluebells that I’d made out of icing so that they hang over the sides giving the appearance that they were growing naturally out of the cake. Kate was over the moon – thank goodness.

  I also had to make sure that everything would ready for the wedding reception at the centre and that I’d had all my dress fittings, because James and I will return only a week before the wedding. I’ll have to watch I don’t over indulge on pancakes and maple syrup.

  Although we’re only away for ten days, we also had to make sure our businesses were okay, however, leaving them in the capable hands of Pete and Kate made this easier. As soon as I return, I will have to completely take over whilst Kate has time off to prepare for her wedding and then of course the time off afterwards to relax on her honeymoon.

  Mum has told me a thousand times that she will be fine whilst we’re away and Mark has agreed to check on her. This makes her sound like a child, which we know she isn’t, but we worry about her more now that she is on her own.

  Whilst in Vancouver, we’ve planned to visit Stanley Park and go over Lion’s Gate Bridge to Capilano Suspension bridge, up to Whistler for some skiing lessons, bear watching and of course whale watching. The hectic stay will be completed with visiting down town Vancouver, Gastown and Granville Island. James and I carefully researched what we would like to see to make the most of our visit. It reminded me of dad before we went on holiday as a child. He used to love buying maps and studying them, in fact I think he sometimes enjoyed this more than the holiday itself.

  As we travel from the airport towards our hotel, Vancouver strikes me as a real mixture of almost everything you can possibly fit into one city. With its striking sky scrapers dominating down town, surrounded by the beauty of the white-topped mountains and the shoreline scattered with sandy beaches, really ensure it has something for everybody.

  The whole week progresses and flies by with spectacular sights, sounds and emotions, especially seeing the grizzly bears. We have found Vancouver a friendly, cosmopolitan city with a huge diversity of cultures. What’s strange is that you can be in the busy, noisy down town area one minute and the next, be enjoying the peace of Stanley Park, with its verdant brightness and decorative totem poles.

  I must tell you about our whale watching experience, since it was the main purpose of our visit and also my number nine task on my list. It started at Granville Island, where we met our boat crew, before heading off into English Bay, which provides panoramic views of Vancouver and Stanley Park with the imposing mountains behind.

  As we continued our journey, the boat ride allowed us to observe the breathtaking scenery; it was almost magical. The wilderness of the environment and great expanse of the water, made me feel like I was the one of the few people to have ever been there. Our guide had informed us that we were likely to see grey whales, but only a slight chance of seeing killer whales due to the early time of year, even though the temperatures are warmer than average .

  Luck was on our side, because we saw eagles, seals and sea lions. The amazement of seeing these animals in their natural habitat alone would have been enough for me, however, we were in for a treat. The grey whales were magnificent, leaping out of the water with their huge mass of speckled grey as if they were weightless in their movements. It wasn’t the right time of year for the humpbacks, however I was hoping that we’d see a killer whale, even though I knew the chances were slim.

  After several hours of hunting for the illusive Orcas, we were about to head back, but our guide suddenly spotted something in the distance that he thought might be them. Another boat had spotted them two days ago, so the crew knew they were here earlier than usual this year. Anticipation, tension and excitement ran through my veins as I desperately hoped that we’d be awarded with the prize I wanted. I knew James felt this too as his hand tightened around mine, crushing it slightly as we waited.

  As the boat crept slowly closer to the sighting, one swift leap of contrasting shiny black and white rose from the water, giving us full view of its beauty. I heard applause and laughter humming in the background, but my total focus was at this wondrous sight, which held all my senses until James spoke in my ear. “It’s so wild and so awesome!” he said holding me from behind so we could enjoy the experience together.

  The whales entertained us, captivating our attention for some time, before we had to return. After the initial excitement, people were more subdued on the return journey as if reflecting on the incredible experience they’d just had. I snuggled into James’ arms as we silently absorbed the scenery knowing that we needed to stamp the memory into our minds, never to be forgotten. “James this has been the most exhilarating and phenomenal experience I have ever had – thank you so much!” I finally say. James remains silent as my sentence has spoken for his thoughts as well.

  Now leaving Vancouver, as our flight takes off towards home, I am unsure if I’ll ever visit Canada again, but the visit has left me with poignant memories. This is partly due to the dramatic effects the city has had on me and the lasting effect of the life enhancing experiences I’ve had, but also the fact that I shared all this with the man I love. In many ways I’ve had a rollercoaster of feelings with James; he’s seen me at rock bottom coping with the loss of Dad, but also in a state of jubilation from seeing whales, which he made possible. This has given our separate lives a special sort of unbreakable link and with unforgettable memories unifying us.

  Note to Self

  Seriously now start thinking about not eating for a whole week to fit in my bridesmaid dress – I did end up being unable to resist far too many pancakes with maple syrup!

  Chapter 29

  The Wedding

  “Arrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrgh – I’m getting married today!” Kate screams from her bedroom next door as she awakens from
her sleep, also waking us up at the same time. Jane (her sister) and I stayed over last night to keep her company during her final night as a Miss rather than Mrs. We smile at each other as we get up to go and join Kate in her enthusiasm. “It feels surreal. I can’t believe that this day is finally here after all the planning. How do you feel Kate?” I ask as clamber onto Kate’s huge bed.

  “A real mixture of excitement and nerves, not about marrying Ben, but about getting down the aisle and through the village with my dress still looking as white as snow. What’s the weather like? Let’s open the curtains,” says Kate as she goes to the window to await the fate offered to her by Mother Nature. Thankfully, she is greeted with sunlight meditating peacefully over the village. “Brilliant, that means we won’t get wet walking to the church and of course, we can get some great photos too.”

  “Let’s make a start then, shall we? I’ll put the kettle on and we can have a cup of tea before your mum arrives,” I answer as I head off for our caffeine fix.

  James and I have spent many hours transforming his centre into what we hope will be a beautiful yet quirky wedding venue for Kate and Ben. I haven’t told Kate, but I found some gorgeous fabric scattered with tiny blue bells, similar to the bunting that matches her dress. I’ve hung it along the main wall behind the top table, where Kate and Ben will sit for their meal, thus giving the room the appearance of being a marquee.

  Tables are set with white cloths; upon them are jugs brimming with bluebells, which the florist has arranged to give the appearance that they are freshly picked from the woods. She did inform me that each one is supported by a wire and it took a long time to get this natural effect, however the result is so fresh and eye catching, that it was worth it. The entrance hall is home to my cake, so that guests can see it as they arrive. Alongside this is a small branch from an oak tree, which Kate found in the woods. From its branches, she’s hung tiny leaf shaped photos of every guest, making it look as if they are its leaves.