William’s message was long. After receiving the news about my existence, he’d been shocked but also saddened that he’d missed out on twenty-three years of my life. He was married with two daughters and immediately he’d shared the news with them.
‘They all want to meet me.’ The relief was immense.
‘I know, it’s marvellous news. How are you feeling?’ Mum held me at arm’s length to gauge my reaction.
‘Stunned and amazed. I’m happy, happy we are all back together and excited that I’m going to meet my dad. I don’t think I could ever wish for a more perfect day.’
Mum pulled me in close, ‘I’m sorry about the past. If I could change it, you know I would.’
‘Mum, you don’t have to say anything. The future is what we have to look forward to. The opening of the school, working together in our own business and enjoying Grandie’s company.’
‘Happy ending,’ Mum breathed.
‘Happy ending.’ I fell into her arms and we held each other tight.
Chapter 39
We were all gathered at the side of the stage. The WI ladies looked stunning, their dresses were extravagant, their make-up perfect and their hair styled. We’d Lisa to thank for that from the local salon, who volunteered her services free of charge. All the ladies were thrilled when they’d been partnered up with the handsome men from the cast of Mamma Mia. The boys had been fantastic and for the last forty-eight hours had been at the girls’ disposal.
‘I feel like I’m floating on air,’ exclaimed Dorothy, ‘look at this dress … but where is my Bert? He’s going to miss me dance if he doesn’t get a move on.’
‘He’ll be here,’ I reassured her with a smile, knowing he was hiding out in the craft stall, waiting for his cue to appear on stage.
Then over the tannoy Jim’s voice boomed: ‘Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, please take your seats for the grand finale. The show will begin in five minutes.’
Immediately the footsteps of the crowd began thundering towards the rows of chairs in front of the stage. In a matter of seconds they were filled, virtually everyone from Brook Bridge was here.
Jim gave me the thumbs up and my heart was beating in double time.
We were ready to start.
‘Live from the green, please put your hands together and welcome your host … Miss Alice Parker! This is Brook Bridge Goes Strictly!’ Jim’s voice boomed from the microphone, followed by the Strictly Come Dancing theme tune playing out through the speakers over the audience. Everyone in their seats clapped along to the beat and when Jim handed me the microphone I skipped up the steps and on to the stage to the sound of enthusiastic applause.
There wasn’t a spare seat to be seen, but where was Sam? I couldn’t spot him anywhere.
Feeling a million dollars and like a celebrity, I brought the microphone up to my mouth: ‘I’m Alice Parker and welcome to Brook Bridge Goes Strictly!’ I opened my arms wide and everyone cheered. The atmosphere was electrifying and goosebumps prickled my skin.
‘Please welcome your judges for the evening, Grace Anderson! Connie Anderson! Rose Parker and, last but not least, Ted Parker!’
Everyone was out of their seats cheering all four of them as they appeared on the stage, giving everyone a wave before taking their seats on the judging panel.
The crowd were one hundred per cent behind us and it was an amazing feeling to be standing up there in front of them all.
‘Our ladies of the WI have been locked away in the dance school for the last two weeks and now it’s time for them to come out of the shadows and into the Strictly spotlight.’ I took a breath, ‘But first, we open the show with a very special dance …’ I could hear hushed whispers from the ladies at the side of the stage; they had no idea what was going on.
‘We all know Dorothy and Bert Jones. They’ve been part of this community for a lifetime, serving us on a daily basis at The Old Teashop. Today they are celebrating their golden wedding anniversary and Dorothy thought she would be twirled around the stage by one of our professional dancers tonight. But in fact we have a very special surprise for her. Please come up on to the stage, Dorothy.’
All the WI ladies gently shoved a surprised Dorothy towards me. She’d no idea what was going on. ‘And please welcome Bert on to the stage.’ The crowd erupted in applause.
Dorothy gasped as she set eyes on Bert, who was making his way towards us clutching a bouquet of flowers, looking extremely handsome in his tux and bow tie, with his hair swept to the side.
He kissed Dorothy on the lips and handed her the flowers.
‘I can’t speak, I’m all emotional.’ She flapped her face with her hand.
Bert hugged her.
‘Mind my dress, I don’t want it creased.’
The crowd laughed.
‘We have another surprise for Dorothy. Her dream was to dance the foxtrot in front of you all, but little does she know, for the past two weeks, Bert has been a student of mine and tonight he’s going to dance on stage with his beautiful wife! Please put your hands together for Bert and Dorothy dancing the foxtrot!’
The shock on Dorothy’s face said it all as she handed me the flowers.
‘I can’t thank you enough, Alice. You’ve made my wish come true.’
Nervously, they took their positions centre stage and the music filtered across the green. Bert began to twirl Dorothy around the stage, every step perfection, elegance at its finest. Not once did they take their eyes off each other, the admiration and love they had for each other clear to everyone watching. When the music came to an end they fell into each other’s arms as the applause rippled across the green.
Walking back on to the stage, I was brimming with emotion, there wasn’t a dry eye in the crowd. Dorothy and Bert were still wrapped in each other’s arms, tears of happiness rolling down their cheeks.
‘Happy anniversary,’ Bert whispered, ‘I love you.’
‘Listen to that crowd!’ I exclaimed.
Both of them turned and gasped.
‘How are you feeling?’ I held the microphone towards Dorothy.
‘I’m speechless, absolutely speechless.’
‘For the first time in fifty years!’ Bert chipped in with a loving smile.
She swiped him playfully, ‘Where did you learn to dance like that?’
Bert wiped away his own emotional tears with a hanky and took the microphone from my hand. ‘Can I just say how beautiful my Dorothy looks tonight?’
Once more the crowd cheered. ‘I’ve been married to this wonderful woman for fifty years and I wouldn’t change it for the world. Her wish was to dance on this very stage and thanks to Alice …’ his eyes twinkled towards me, ‘thanks to Alice, that dream has come true. Alice put me through my paces, taught me to dance and I … we can’t thank you enough.’
With such a heartfelt thank-you I was overwhelmed and had to do everything in my power not to let my own happy tears cascade down my face. I was touched by Bert’s words, they meant an awful lot to me.
Grandie caught my attention from the judging table and I shushed the crowd. Dorothy and Bert were still standing centre stage. ‘We’ve just had word … the scores are in!’
Everyone switched their gaze towards the judging panel.
‘Let’s go to Grace Anderson first,’ I announced.
Grace beamed back at us. ‘That was incredible! The crowd are going mental! Firstly, can I begin by saying your sparkly dress, Dorothy … stunning! And secondly, you two smoulder when you dance. Happy golden wedding anniversary to you both!’
We moved along to Connie. ‘You really came into your own … watching you dance was an absolute treat. There was tension in the arms, a beautiful oval shape on the basic step … Loved it!’ chirped Connie.
Mum’s opinion was next. ‘For me … exact timing, you hit that beat in sync. Excellent performance – you were here to dance!’ added Mum.
Dorothy and Bert beamed, enjoying every moment.
‘Now over to you,
Ted!’ I said, with a huge smile.
Once more the crowd hushed, waiting for Grandie to speak.
I noticed the wicked glint in his eye.
‘The footwork was sloppy, you needed more rotation in the hips …’
The crowd booed.
‘I’m only playing the pantomime villain … You were both A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!’
The crowd went wild.
‘Let’s see your scores,’ I laughed.
‘Ten!’
‘Ten!’
‘Ten!’
‘Ten!’
All four judges held up their paddles and the crowd were on their feet.
‘We’ve got a standing ovation!’ Dorothy’s face glistened with tears. ‘I love you, Bert …’ They both stepped down from the stage, truly happy.
Forty minutes later, the rest of the WI danced their way through their own routines and by the look on everyone’s faces, no one wanted the night to end. Everyone was having a fantastic time and after the last dance, I stood on the stage and was feeling immensely proud of what everyone had achieved. Two weeks ago, the ladies of the WI had struggled to put one foot in front of the other, and here they all were now, dancing like professionals around the stage on Village Day. Over the course of the evening I’d kept scanning the crowd but couldn’t spot Sam anywhere and I was beginning to feel a little anxious, wanting to share this successful night with him.
It was time to close the show and, taking a deep breath, I brought the microphone to my mouth one last time: ‘I want to thank everyone for coming this evening, and what a splendid night it’s been. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed myself and I hope you have too.’
I was taken by surprise as the crowd began to chant, ‘Dance, dance, dance, dance.’
I stared out over the sea of faces and then towards the table of judges who were all on their feet. Nerves shimmered in the pit of my stomach.
Stay focused, stay professional, the words whirled around in my head. Dance with who? What was going on?’ Mystified, I looked towards Grandie, who grinned back at me. Suddenly I was aware of a man walking on to the stage. His suit was exquisitely cut and well fitted. I gawped at him, his black satin lapels were perfection alongside his black bow tie. I wondered where he’d parked his Aston Martin. Sam looked like a movie star. The raw chemistry that ignited every time I was in his presence took my breath away.
Hold it together, Alice.
When he reached me, he stretched out his hands and took mine. My heart was thumping so fast, there was no way I could dance in front of these people.
‘You look gorgeous,’ he whispered, kissing me on both cheeks. ‘You can do this, I’ve got you.’
All eyes were on us.
Taking a deep breath, I glanced towards the judging table, and their smiles of encouragement meant the world to me. I swallowed as Sam tipped a wink towards Jim, who cued the music.
‘Did you know about this?’ I whispered.
But Sam didn’t answer. He stood next to me elegantly, squeezed my hand and focused his gaze over the top of the crowd. His presence made every hair on my body tingle with anticipation.
‘Ready?’
I nodded and the whole crowd was watching us intently.
‘At least give me a clue what we are dancing to.’
The next thing I knew, Sam whispered in my ear, ‘Bolero’. The heat of his breath tickled my ear and my whole body throbbed with desire for him.
We stood in our starting position and his lips were millimetres away from mine. I had to tell myself to breathe calmly. I wanted to reach out, and run my fingers along his strong jawline. His skin was smooth, his cheekbones were chiselled and he was utterly gorgeous.
The music began and all eyes were on us.
He held my gaze and slid his hands around my waist. His touch alone sent electricity flying through every nerve in my body. Enjoying the sheer pleasure of his touch, I had to force myself not to gasp out loud.
We began to dance, my nerves disappearing almost instantly as we glided together across the stage. I felt safe in his arms, savouring his every touch. I noticed his pulse in the side of his neck and I took a sharp intake of breath as his finger traced down my spine. Lust glittered from his hazel eyes, still locked on mine. I knew from that look in his eyes that he wanted me as much as I wanted him at that very moment in time. His eyes never left mine, his strong arms held me tightly. We moved slowly and gracefully around the stage and he made me feel like I was the only girl in the world. I lost myself in the music and his arms and I knew I’d fallen for Sam Reid hook, line and sinker. It was like no one else was there and I never wanted this dance to end. As he brought me in close I could feel his breath on my face, the attraction was on fire. All I actually wanted to do was lead him straight off that stage into the bedroom.
As the song drew to its end, temptation hovered between us, his lips so close. The music faded out.
I could barely stand, I was trembling so much. I’d never felt attraction like it in my life. Surely he’d felt that too?
I stood back in the spotlight and waited.
Time slowed.
Within seconds the crowd were on their feet, the applause was deafening. Sam bowed and I curtseyed in grateful recognition.
The beam spread across my face and I flung my arms around Sam’s neck, and he lifted me off the floor and spun me around.
‘You, Alice Parker, are amazing. I’m proud of you, putting all this together.’
Looking back over the crowd, the feeling of triumph was overwhelming.
A standing ovation – I couldn’t quite believe it.
We stood hand and hand in the middle of the stage and I didn’t know what was going to happen next.
Sam squeezed my hand and looked adoringly towards me. ‘Just in case I forget to tell you later, today is going to be one of the best days of my life.’
‘How do you know, it’s not over yet?’
‘Trust me, I know.’ He leaned forward and whispered in my ear, ‘I love you, Alice Parker.’
My heart thumped with excitement and I took in a breath.
Things like this never happened to me.
Suddenly the crowd fell silent and we both noticed that Grandie had walked on to the stage and taken the microphone. He extended his hand towards Sam and gave him a hearty handshake.
‘Good lad,’ said Grandie, ‘good lad,’ giving Sam a look of admiration before kissing me on the cheek.
Dorothy and all the gang were huddled at the side of the stage watching our every move.
He held the microphone up to his mouth and looked out over the green. ‘Tearfully proud, I stand here.’
Again, the green erupted in cheers and we needed to wait for them to calm.
Grandie tried again, the crowd fell silent once more and all eyes were on us. ‘Firstly, I want to thank you all for coming here, to Village Day today. Brook Bridge Village has always been my home and I couldn’t imagine life without it. When tragedy struck … my heart was broken in two. Florrie Parker was a huge part of this community and she’ll never be forgotten. But … but for the first time in thirteen years, I’ve felt that life can move on … and that’s down to Alice and Rose. Welcome home, welcome back to Brook Bridge.’ His voice wobbled and I grasped his hand.
‘For a long time there has been unrest in this village, unnecessary rivalry that should have been left in the past.’
Grandie continued, ‘I want to thank Sam Reid for providing the male dancers for the show and for being by my Alice’s side today.’
My heart soared with gratitude to him. He didn’t have to say what he did, but I was truly thankful.
‘Now for one last time … after such an eloquent dance, it’s time to go over to the judges … the scores are in!’ he bellowed.
Sam and I grinned as we spun towards Mum, Grace and Connie.
‘Rose Parker,’ prompted Grandie, ‘over to you first.’
‘You both look the part, played the part and ARE the part!’ squealed Mum, hardly
able to contain herself.
‘Connie Anderson!’
The whole crowd waited in anticipation.
‘You two smoulder when you dance! Such intensity!’ exclaimed Connie.
‘Grace Anderson!’
All eyes were on Grace.
‘The footwork was sloppy, more rotation needed in those hips,’ she gave Sam a warning look, ‘way too many mistakes.’
The crowd booed.
‘Only kidding!’ she grinned. ‘That performance was spine-tingling. There are some dances you just don’t want to stop and that was one of those … and can I just say, Alice Parker … it’s great to have you home!’
The crowd erupted once more as all three judges held up their number-ten paddles.
It took a few minutes for the excitement to settle and I took the microphone from Grandie.
‘Speech, speech,’ the crowd chanted once more before finally falling silent. All eyes were on me.
‘Today has been amazing. There are so many people I want to thank. C’mon …’ I gestured, ‘come up on to the stage.’
The whole team streamed on to centre stage, everyone was hugging and patting each other on the back. This evening had truly been a success.
‘Please put your hands together one last time for Dorothy and Bert, who are truly amazing … for all the ladies from the WI, who have worked so hard to learn their dance routines … for the boys from Mamma Mia for taking part at such short notice … for Jim and Connie, who have worked so hard sourcing the costumes and working on the staging … for Grace, for being my best friend … for Sam, for being there from the second he met me … for my grandfather and my Mum, for both loving me unconditionally … and finally, Brook Bridge Goes Strictly couldn’t have happened without you guys … the backing of the community. Thank you!’
Everyone cheered and clapped.
‘And finally … and finally … I’ve enjoyed every second of teaching the WI ladies to dance. So much so, I’m absolutely delighted to announce that the Florrie Rose School of Dance will be reopening its doors in September. Everyone is welcome!’
A Home at Honeysuckle Farm Page 28