by Jenny Kane
‘Neither of us have been exactly forthcoming lately. Look,’ Sue passed Tom Dylan’s rucksack, ‘at four, do you think you’ll have time to talk? There’s so much to sort out.’
‘I’m not sure.’ Tom unclipped Dylan from his seat, lifting his sleeping form out of the Mini. ‘If Sam and Tina don’t need me, maybe.’
‘Thanks.’
‘Right.’ Tom was suddenly worried about Sue, a sensation that was entirely new to him. ‘You are okay, aren’t you?’
‘Not really.’ Sue glanced at her watch. ‘Look, could I come after all? Do you think anyone would mind?’
An image of Helen flashed through his mind. ‘If you promise – and I mean promise – to keep a civil tongue in your head.’
‘I just want to see Dylan do his thing. Then maybe I’ll slope off to that café we went to.’
‘Get in, we’ll talk as we drive.’
Two minutes later, driving much faster than he normally would, Tom said, ‘Sybil’s Tea Rooms will be closed. Everyone’s at the wedding.’
‘The whole village?’
‘Yes. Sam and Tina are popular.’ Tom sighed. ‘They are also extremely kind, and I have no doubt they’ll make room for you. It will mean you meeting Helen, are you up to that today? You look like you haven’t slept.’
‘I haven’t.’
Tom glanced in the rear-view mirror. Dylan, despite moving from car to car, was still asleep. ‘Sue, come on, tell me what’s wrong.’
‘I…’
Tom’s voice became gentle. ‘Are you ill? Are your parents alright?’
Sue gave an overtired giggle. ‘I’m fine health wise, although I can see why guilt might kill people.’
‘Guilt?’ Tom was puzzled. ‘Look Sue, I am interested and despite everything I do care. If I can help I will, but do you think you could do me a favour before I listen to you?’
‘Sure.’
‘Can you call Shaun? His number is open on my phone. Tell him that I am half an hour away, and that if they want to go ahead with the wedding we’ll understand.’
*
Shaun ran across the gravel drive to where Thea and Helen were talking to Mabel and Sybil.
‘What is it?’ Thea’s eyes rested on the phone in Shaun’s hand. ‘Tom?’
‘Yes.’ He looked at Helen. ‘Well, sort of. I think it was Sue.’
Mabel’s eyes narrowed. ‘The woman who was so rude in your tearoom, Sybil.’
‘The one who doesn’t eat scones.’ Sybil’s forehead creased. ‘Are Tom and Dylan alright? I’ve got Dylan a strawberry milkshake to try today.’
‘All she said was that they are half an hour away, that she’s very sorry for the delay, that it is all her fault, and that Tom said to go ahead without them if we like, but they are coming.’
‘They?’ Helen looked at Thea. ‘They? As in, Tom and Dylan are coming with Sue?’
Sixty
Saturday May 23rd
Bert put out an arm for Tina to take. ‘Best foot forward?’
‘It’s time?’
‘Mabel just gave me a thumbs up through the window, so it’s time.’
Looping her arm through Bert’s, Tina confessed, ‘I’ve got a bit nervous.’
‘It’s all the waiting, it can do that.’ Bert patted her hand. ‘You’ll be fine, and in thirty minutes you’ll be Mrs Tina Philips.’
‘And in forty minutes I’ll be eating a scone. I’m starving!’ Tina patted her dress. ‘I know Mabel offered us some food, but I didn’t dare eat in case I spilt something down my front.’
Bert chuckled. ‘I promise you, lass, the minute you get to the head of the aisle, the time will pass in seconds, and you’ll have a plate full of jam and cream before you know it.’
*
Mabel walked with determined purpose towards the walled garden. Pushing through the gate she made a beeline for the marquee. Then, with slightly more force than necessary, banged her reclaimed clipboard against one of its metal struts. ‘Ladies and gentleman!’
Everyone swung round to face her.
‘Please take your places. The bride is on her way!’
As Mabel tucked her bag under her chair at the front of the makeshift aisle, her eyes met Bea’s. Exchanging an emotional nod, as one they turned to Sam, who with Shaun and Dylan by his side, moved to stand before the registrar.
*
Helen and Thea lightly hugged Tina and Bert as they arrived at their side.
‘Ready girls?’ Bert adjusted his jacket, making the medals Sam had insisted he place over his breast pocket jangle.
‘Ready.’ Tina beamed.
‘Good stuff.’ He winked. ‘Don’t forget to say hello to the chickens as you go past, or Gertrude will sulk.’
Giggling as they went, Tina took her posy of freshly picked garden flowers from Thea, and peered ahead through the garden. Apple blossom and magnolia petals fluttered in the breeze as they walked; her best friends behind her, a man she respected more than any other to her side, and the man she loved ahead of her.
As they passed the chickens and reached the head of the aisle that had been made beneath the marquee, Tina’s breath caught in her throat and her pace slowed. She wasn’t sure if she’d made a noise or not, but Helen had made one behind her.
There was no doubt that Tom looked handsome in his army dress uniform, and judging by the expression on his face as he watched their approach, he was equally approving of Helen’s outfit. But it was Sam who took Tina’s breath away. He’d told her he’d ordered a suit. She wondered what he’d put himself through before he’d been able to put it on. She wasn’t sure how she wasn’t crying.
Speaking so only Tina could hear as they moved forward, Bert tapped his medals. ‘Sam asked me to wear these on my new suit. He said it was time we embraced our past, rather than being ashamed of it.’ The old man paused, emotion heavy in his voice. ‘He’s healing, and that’s largely thanks to you.’
‘And you.’ Tina wanted to say more, but they’d reached the head of the aisle and suddenly she was standing next to her future husband and was being eased from Bert’s gentle care.
*
Sam had seen Tina falter when she saw his outfit, and knew in that moment it had been the right thing to wear. His parents and Bert had reassured him that it was, but that hadn’t stopped Sam ordering a standard morning suit as well in case his nerve went, or he had a panic attack as he’d put the uniform on.
As he watched her approach, his pulse beating fast, Sam marvelled that the incredible woman walking in his direction, a huge smile on her face, was actually going to marry him. Only a year ago his claustrophobia had been so bad he couldn’t enter the house he now owned. Tina had sacrificed her own comfort and lived in a tent in the garden with him, even though she was often freezing – and now she was going to be his wife.
As Shaun nudged his arm, indicating he should step forward to greet Bert and Tina, Sam felt as if he truly was the luckiest man in the world.
*
Helen had told herself she would not try and spot Sue among the guests. Nor would she speculate about the reason for her presence and their lateness. Look where that sort of over thinking got you last time.
Now, however, as she gazed at Tom, his uniform making him look more gorgeous than ever, Helen found herself wondering if Sue was staring at him in the same way she was.
*
Thea had promised herself she wouldn’t look at Shaun any more often than she did any other member of the wedding party. But as the registrar began to speak, and she witnessed a look of love pass between Tina and Sam, she couldn’t help herself.
He looked great in a suit, and as he stood, Dylan’s little hand in his, Thea’s heart started to ache. Not now! You’ve been so strong. Hang on!
Wishing her bodice gave her room for a really deep breath, Thea gave an internal sigh. Minerva, if ever I needed your help, now is the time.
*
Glad he had Dylan to keep an eye on, Tom fought not to turn to look at Helen
. God she’s magnificent in that dress. He swallowed slowly as Sue’s presence dampened his thoughts. He was still reeling from what she’d told him. The memory of her face as she explained what was wrong, made him reach out to Dylan and lay a hand on his shoulder.
*
As the registrar raised a finger in his direction, Shaun opened his palm to reveal two gold rings, which he passed to Dylan.
He could feel the congregation behind him mutter with pleasure as the little boy stepped forward and, with a toothy grin, held the first ring to Sam, who placed it on Tina’s outstretched finger as they exchanged their vows.
As Dylan passed Tina the ring destined for Sam’s finger, Shaun couldn’t help himself. Peering over his shoulder, his eyes met Thea’s as he mouthed, ‘I’m sorry.’
*
‘Did I do alright, Dad?’ Dylan slipped his hand into his father’s. ‘I didn’t drop the rings.’
‘You were brilliant.’ Tom launched Dylan up into his arms so he could see Sam and Tina, now man and wife, signing the register. ‘Your mum, Helen and I are very proud of you.’
Dylan hugged his dad as he turned to Helen, who was stood just behind him. ‘I’ve got a new dinosaur. I’ve called him Harold.’
‘An excellent name for a dinosaur.’ Helen met Tom’s eyes, mentally asking if he was alright.
‘Harold’s a Stegosaurus. They were herbivores.’
‘Indeed they were.’ Helen smiled. ‘I look forward to meeting him.’ She was about to tell Dylan how smart he looked, when she saw Tina and Sam turn for a photograph of them signing the registrar. ‘They’re nearly done. Ready to be in lots of photos, Dylan?’
‘Do I have to?’
‘Yes.’ Tom and Helen spoke in unison, before Tom said, ‘I tell you what, why not go and say hello to the chickens? You’ve done your bit for now. I’ll fetch you when it’s time to say cheese. Just no noise okay?’
As Dylan scooted off, Tom grabbed hold of Helen’s hand. ‘There’s lots to tell you later, but for now, I have to say, you look incredibly sexy in that dress.’
*
Shaun stood next to Thea as they watched Sam and Tina pose for the traditional signing of the marriage certificate photograph. ‘I meant it, I’m sorry.’
‘Me too.’ Thea kept looking at his friends. ‘What do we do now though?’
Shaun gingerly reached out, offering her a palm. ‘Maybe we could hold hands for a while?’
Thea’s fingertips met his. ‘A good place to start.’
*
The scones had all gone. Sybil had likened it to witnessing a flock of starving vultures hit a zebra carcass. The speeches, which had been heartfelt and mercifully short, were over and Tina was dying for the chance to relax her smile muscles. Holding Sam’s hand as they moved around the marquee, chatting to their guests, she was relieved when Bea and Charles beckoned them to their table.
As he sat down, Tina muttered, ‘Do you think anyone would notice if I kicked off my shoes? My feet are killing me.’
Bea laughed. ‘Mine have been off for almost an hour!’
‘Well done, Mum.’ Sam sank down, keeping Tina’s hand in his. ‘Having a good day?’
‘Wonderful!’ Bea clapped. ‘Great weather, lovely people, amazing food and we’ve seen our son marry a fabulous girl. What more could we ask for?’
Tina blushed her thanks as Charles raised his glass in their direction, before adding, ‘And a fabulous location. We’re sorry if we caused you some anxiety about the venue.’
‘Forget it.’ Sam waved the point away. ‘You’re here, and even the chickens got to watch.’
Bea smiled. ‘The walled garden is beautiful.’
Tina rubbed her right foot as she said, ‘It’ll look even better later. We’ve rigged some fairy lights up over the remains of the greenhouse. When it’s just us, family and close friends here for supper, then we’ll light it up.’
‘Talking of the greenhouse,’ Charles exchanged a nod with his wife, ‘brings us to the reason we beckoned you over. Your wedding gift. We want, if you’ll allow us, to pay for the greenhouse to be restored.’
Sam’s mouth fell open as his father continued.
‘We’re sorry we couldn’t work out a way to get it done up as a surprise before the wedding. But we wondered if this might help out instead?’
Tina shuffled close to Sam as he opened the blue Basildon Bond envelope that Charles passed to them.
‘That should cover it, son. If there’s any left over, then it could go towards something else. Architect’s plans for converting the mill into flats or something.’
‘But, Dad…’ Sam’s eyes met his father’s. They both knew he hadn’t referred to his father as “dad” for a very long time. ‘I mean, both of you, this is a fortune, we can’t…’
As Tina saw the amount written on the cheque, her hand came to her mouth. ‘We can’t take that, it’s too much, it’s—’
‘It’s about what we paid to help Sam’s brothers set up homes abroad and for the honeymoons we treated them to.’ Bea took hold of Tina’s hand. ‘Anyway, you make my son happy, there’s no price anyone can put on that.’
Sixty-one
Saturday May 23rd
‘They look so happy.’ Thea perched on the edge of the bench nearest the fortlet.
‘They really do.’ Shaun peered into the woodland before them. The new spring buds on the tree’s branches were bursting into life. ‘We were too, weren’t we? Happy, I mean?’
‘I thought so.’ Thea undid the top lace of her bodice and gave a ragged breath. ‘Just so you know, I’m not trying to seduce you, I just can’t breathe.’
‘Shame.’ Shaun gave a weak smile. ‘I wouldn’t have resisted.’
Knowing she wouldn’t stop him if he helped ease the pressure off her lungs a little more, Thea made herself focus. ‘Why did you walk away when I apologised?’
‘Stupid, plain, boring idiotic pride.’ Shaun placed his palms on his knees and stood up, pacing in front of Thea and the bench. ‘I was so busy feeling sorry for myself after thinking that you could keep anything from me, that I didn’t listen – didn’t want to hear the truth when I heard it, I suppose. If I had a pound for every second I wish I’d got up and followed you into the manor to talk…’
‘Does that make us equal then?’ Thea allowed herself to face Shaun. ‘I wish I’d told you about Julian’s offer and the overheard pub conversation straight away, and you wish you’d spoken to me straight away once I’d issued one in a long line of ignored apologies.’
‘Pretty much sums it up.’ Shaun reached out a hand, relieved when Thea took it. ‘When I finished the excavation in Cornwall in the autumn, when I was blind to Sophie’s infatuation, I promised I’d never be so stupid again.’
‘You did promise.’
‘I broke the promise, didn’t I?’
‘Big time.’ Thea shook her head. ‘I never considered Julian’s offer, you know. Not for a moment.’
Shaun took her other hand. ‘If I’m honest, it wasn’t that he was after you to work for him that got to me, it was the idea that I might be past it career-wise.’
‘You’re still good at your job.’
‘And I love it.’ He shrugged. ‘I know it won’t last forever, but if a new series is commissioned, I hope I’m part of it.’
‘It will be, and you will be.’ Thea freed a hand to wipe a stray hair from his forehead. ‘Julian used our feelings to help his cause. A ploy that seriously backfired on him. We shouldn’t let it ruin what we have.’
‘I think this is the bit where I hold you tight and tell you I love you. You hug me back and say the same, then we both promise each other not to be so stupid ever again.’
‘Okay.’ Thea buried herself into Shaun’s shoulder. ‘That works for me.’
‘Good, because your untethered bodice is doing things to me that would mean I’d have to walk away at speed otherwise.’
‘Shaun?’ Thea wrapped her arms around his waist. ‘Two things.’
<
br /> ‘Tell me.’
‘If anything like this happens again, we talk first, rather than act like children. Agreed?’
‘Agreed.’ Shaun inhaled the scent of Thea’s hair. He’d begun to think he’d never relax against the gentle aroma of shea butter and coconut again. ‘And second?’
‘During the reception I took a leap of faith and booked two nights at that hotel in Stow-on-the-Wold on my phone. They only had a luxury suite with a king-sized bed left. I hope that’s alright.’
*
Mabel sat next to Bert and placed her lilac hat ceremoniously on the table in front of them. ‘You did them proud.’
Bert grinned at his wife as he placed his palm over hers. ‘As did you, old girl.’
They sat quietly, holding hands, both knowing that they were thinking the same thing. We never had a son or a daughter to see happily married. We never thought we’d have a day like this. Yet, here we are. Aren’t we lucky?
*
Tom watched as Dylan climbed onto his mother’s lap, cuddling Harold the Stegosaurus to his chest. He was still in shock after what Sue had told him and badly wanted to talk to Helen before Sue took an overexcited Dylan home.
He could see Helen, arms full of empty plates, stacking them into the crates that Sybil and her team had brought over from the tearoom. Tom collected up a handful of glasses, and headed in her direction.
‘Do these go in a crate too?’
‘That one over there.’ Helen pointed to a foam lined box to the right. ‘How are you doing?’
‘I’ll be better when we’ve had a chat. Do you have time now, do you think?’
Looking over her shoulder, reassured that Sybil’s waitresses had the clear-up under control, Helen nodded. ‘My old office?’
*
The stone walls of the store room come office felt soothing after the heat of the spring sunshine. Helen shivered as they entered her old work space. Tom took off his jacket and placed it over her shoulders.
Helen smiled. ‘Thank you. Although don’t stand too close, or I might have to seduce you. I’m sure you’ve been told you look good in uniform a million times, but hell, you look good in a uniform.’