‘Must have been. Anyway, I would never deliberately ignore someone, especially not Nina. Why would I do that?’
‘I didn’t think you would and I told her that. She just swore it was you.’
‘That’s really odd.’ Lila shook her head. ‘Who around here looks that much like me?’
‘No one I know. Right … bath, food and an early night it is.’
Ethan left the kitchen and Lila went to the back door and opened it, letting the cool evening air into the room. She hated the thought that someone might think she’d ignored them. She was certain she hadn’t been anywhere today other than the back garden but it made her wonder for a moment. Was she getting forgetful in her pregnancy? Had she gone out and forgotten about it?
She shook her head. Absolutely not. She’d been home all day and Roxie had been here for most of it. Nina was mistaken and that was all there was to it.
Just then, a meow from the garden caught her attention and she smiled as William Shakespaw ran towards her then twirled around her legs.
‘Hello, Willy. Where’ve you been all day?’ she asked the black and white cat. He peered up at her and blinked. ‘Oh, I see … keeping it to yourself, are you? Want some dinner?’
He responded with another meow then padded into the kitchen. She wondered if he was actually hungry because she was well aware that he frequented the homes of several elderly ladies in the village who probably allowed him access to their cheese. Willy had a thing about cheese and would do just about anything to get it, as Lila knew from past experience. She didn’t mind him paying visits to other people because he always came home to see her and Ethan, but she did worry about the impact of too much dairy on his weight and heart health. He was a funny little cat, an important member of her family, and she hoped he would be okay when the baby came along.
There was so much to think about …
4
Lila
‘What do you think?’ Ethan asked as he stood back to survey the wall of the nursery.
‘It’s perfect.’ Lila slid her arm through his and gazed at the mural he’d painted. He wasn’t just good at things like carpentry and painting, he was also quite artistic. On the dark blue wall where the cot would go, Ethan had painted a mural of a woodland scene including all sorts of animals, plants and trees. It had taken him some time to get it right but now it was finished, it looked incredible. He’d got up very early to put the finishing touches to it, only waking Lila when it was done to get her opinion. ‘In fact, I just want to lie down and gaze at it all day.’
Ethan kissed the top of her head. ‘I’m glad you like it but I’m afraid that’s out of the question.’
‘I know.’ Lila pouted. ‘I have to go and try to find a dress.’
‘You don’t want to?’ His eyes were filled with concern.
‘It’s not that I don’t want to go shopping for a wedding dress, because I do, but I’m worried I won’t find anything that fits. I also have no idea what type of dress I want.’
He smiled. ‘Lila, you could buy a sack if you wanted and I know you’d still look incredible, but I’m sure you’ll find something to wear. You’re not as big as you think you are at all.’
Lila looked down at herself. ‘Ethan, I’ve surrendered to the necessity for maternity clothes now because I got to the point where I couldn’t even pull my leggings up over my thighs.’
‘You’re pregnant and your shape is changing. It doesn’t mean it’s a bad shape, just a different one.’
‘I know, and I’m happy to be pregnant, I truly am, but it’s taking time to get used to getting rounder. I look like I’ve swallowed a spacehopper.’
He laughed. ‘A very small spacehopper and for what it’s worth, I think you’re sexier than ever.’
He pulled her into his arms and tilted her chin then held her gaze. His eyes were filled with love and happiness and she could see that the changes in his life had brought him joy. Before they got together, the loss of his wife, Tilly, had broken him but Lila had been able to watch over him as he healed. Since she found out she was pregnant, Ethan had seemed even happier and she knew he was looking forward to becoming a husband and father.
‘You do, don’t you?’
‘I do.’ He kissed her and delicious tingles ran over her skin. ‘What time are you leaving?’
‘In about an hour.’
‘Well let’s see if those maternity jeans need adjusting, shall we?’
‘Ethan!’ Lila giggled as he gently scooped her up and carried her out of the nursery and across the landing to their bedroom.
‘Oh my god this is so good!’ Joanne moaned as she took another bite of cake, her eyes closed, holding her fork so it was hovering in the air above her plate.
Roxie winked at Lila. ‘Joanne, you’re meant to eat it, not make love to it.’
Joanne opened her eyes. ‘Try it and see how incredible it is.’
They’d come to the large shopping centre to look for a wedding dress for Lila and Roxie and Joanne were going to see if they could find outfits too. The centre was only thirty-five minutes away from Wisteria Hollow but when they got there Joanne had insisted that they visit a coffee shop first because she said her blood sugar was low and she also needed the loo.
Roxie held up a hand. ‘No thanks, honey. I’m full of coffee after the three we’ve just had.’
‘Lucky you.’ Lila pulled a face. ‘Herbal tea’s fine but I do miss a good coffee.’
‘You can have one, can’t you?’ Roxie asked. ‘One won’t hurt, surely?’
‘I could but I’m trying to be sensible.’ Lila sipped her peppermint tea. ‘It’s all for a good cause.’
‘Indeed it is.’ Roxie nodded. ‘Right, Joanne, are you done?’
Joanne scraped her fork across the plate then licked it clean and smiled at them.
‘I am done. And boy am I glad I had the chocolate fudge cake.’
‘Let’s go then shall we?’
Lila pushed her chair back slowly then hooked her bag over her shoulder. ‘I guess so.’
‘Come on, Lila, it’ll be fine. You’ll find something nice to wear.’
Lila hoped Roxie was right because she didn’t feel that optimistic. Even though her day had gone well so far with a lovely start with Ethan then a good natter with Roxie and Joanne, the thought of trying on clothes did not appeal. She wasn’t that keen on clothes shopping even when she wasn’t pregnant, so now that she was, the prospect of trying things on was even more daunting. She also had some reservations, she knew, because of last time and didn’t want to bring all those memories back.
‘Trust your Aunty Roxie. All will be well.’
Lila forced a smile as Roxie took her hand and led her out of the coffee shop and into the bright shopping centre where most of the roof was made of glass and sunlight bounced off every surface. She winced at the brightness as her eyes adjusted, then gazed around her in awe. There were three floors to the shopping centre and on each one, colourful shopfronts displayed all sorts of wares including electrical goods, jewellery, toys, clothes and shoes. If she’d come here alone, she wouldn’t have had a clue where to start, but Roxie and Joanne were expert shoppers and so she’d let them be her guides.
‘Let’s start with that one.’ Roxie pointed at what was clearly a bridal shop.
‘Oh … but I don’t want a traditional dress, Rox. We agreed no bridal shops, remember?’
‘Of course I do, sweetie, but I was thinking that they’ll have more than white gowns in there and they might even have something suitable for me or Joanne.’
Lila paused, uncertain that this was the right move.
‘If we don’t look, we’ll never know.’
‘Can we go in that one next then?’ Lila pointed at what appeared to be a bohemian clothing store with patchwork dungarees, coloured lace-up boots and floppy hats on the mannequins in the window.
‘If you like, Lila, but you’re not wearing dungarees to your wedding. I have to toe the line at that.’
>
Lila laughed. ‘I wasn’t thinking about them for the wedding, but they do look incredibly comfortable and would be nice to see me through the rest of this pregnancy.’
She cradled her bump and Roxie and Joanne looked down at it too.
‘All right then, but bridalwear first.’
‘Deal.’ Lila nodded and off they went.
5
Roxie
The bridal shop was sparkly. It was the only word that came to mind as they walked inside. On every surface, on every visible garment, everything sparkled with rhinestones and sequins. On the shelves, tiaras and jewelled hair clips sparkled, while on displays set up around the shop, embellished shoes and sandals sparkled.
‘Wow.’ Joanne gawked at the array of gowns, tiaras, shoes and sandals. ‘It’s like someone sneezed glitter over everything.’
Lila reached out and placed a hand on Roxie’s shoulder. ‘Rox … it’s so bright.’
‘I know. However, I do think we should have a look around. There might just be something … slightly … understated here.’
‘I doubt it.’ Joanne was shaking her head. ‘There are some seriously fancy outfits in here and look at the wigs. RuPaul would be completely at home in this place. It’s enough to give you a migraine.’
Lila giggled. ‘Wigs. Whatever for?’
Roxie gave a shrug. ‘Some people like big hair on their wedding day.’
‘What a great idea.’ Joanne’s eyes widened. ‘You could have the wig styled, then on the morning of your wedding all you’d need to do is just pop it on and hey presto, you’re ready!’
Lila ran a hand over her hair. ‘It’s something to consider, I guess. I could even go for a different colour.’
‘I can just see Ethan being happy about that if you turn up at the vineyard with blue hair or black or … scarlet.’ Roxie snorted.
‘It would certainly make him look twice.’
The three of them laughed as they walked deeper into the shop and started to browse the rails.
‘They’ve got plenty of different styles anyway,’ Joanne said as she held up an ivory strapless number with a sequin bodice. She held it against her and swayed from side to side. ‘What do you think?’
‘It would look gorgeous on you but it’s not for me.’ Lila shook her head. ‘Not this time.’
Joanne nodded and hung the dress back on the rail.
‘Good morning.’ A short woman with a glossy chestnut bob and round glasses appeared from behind the rail. Roxie jumped and she saw Lila and Joanne stiffen.
‘Where did you come from?’ Joanne asked, tactless as ever.
The woman gave a loud chuckle. ‘I’m sorry if I startled you. The problem with being four foot eight is that people often miss me as they come in, especially if I’m behind one of the rails. I was just over there stacking some packets of stockings on the display. Anyway, my name’s Barbara and this is my boutique. Barbara’s Boutique.’ She flashed them a warm smile. ‘What can I help you with?’
‘My friend here’s getting married.’ Roxie gestured at Lila.
‘How wonderful.’ Barbara clapped her hands together. Then her eyes landed on Lila’s belly. ‘Oh …’
Lila’s hands flew to her bump protectively.
‘How far along are you, dearie?’ Barbara’s eyes were glued to Lila’s middle.
‘Six months.’
‘I see … So what kind of dress were you thinking of?’
Lila nibbled at her bottom lip. ‘I’m not sure.’
‘Not sure?’ Barbara pursed her lips. ‘You’ll be limited from wearing some styles unless we alter them, but that shouldn’t be a problem. I have a wonderful seamstress who does all the alterations very quickly. We’d probably have to go for a larger size then get it taken in around the shoulders.’ She pulled a tape measure from around her neck and held it out. ‘Let’s have a look at you, shall we?’
Lila was silent and seemed, Roxie thought, quite terrified. Roxie put up a hand.
‘I think we’d like to have a look around first,’ she said. ‘Get an idea of what you have available.’
‘Of course.’ Barbara inclined her head. ‘But bear in mind that anything with a heavily beaded bodice will be difficult to alter. It will cost more too.’
‘We’ll bear that in mind.’ Roxie took Lila’s hand and led her towards the back of the store where there was a sale rack. ‘You okay?’
‘Yes. I just saw the dresses and it took me back to last time and then Barbara came at me with the tape measure and I froze.’
‘Well we can’t have that.’ Roxie’s protective instinct had kicked in and she wanted to whisk her friends out of the shop immediately. ‘In your condition you need to avoid stress.’
‘I’m all right.’ Lila nodded. ‘It was just a bit strange more than anything. I didn’t want to offend Barbara and yet I didn’t want to be measured right now. I get enough of that at maternity appointments when the midwife measures my belly.’
‘And that’s fine, honey. You don’t have to do anything you don’t want to do.’
‘Shall we go?’ Joanne cocked an eyebrow. ‘No point staying in here if Lila feels rubbish about it.’
‘Yes, let’s leave.’
But Lila had gone quiet. She stepped forwards and lifted a dress from the sale rack. ‘Look at this.’
‘It’s beautiful.’ Roxie touched the material.
It was a Jane Austen style dress, in champagne silk, gathered in below the bust with capped sleeves and a round neckline.
‘You’d look wonderful in that.’ Joanne took the hanger from her and held it against Lila and the three of them nodded.
‘Do you want to try the dress on?’ Barbara had appeared at Lila’s side. ‘It might just fit.’
‘Yes please.’
‘The changing room is this way.’ Barbara led them past the counter and to an open cubicle. ‘Just pull the curtain across then call me when you’re ready and I can help with the buttons up the back.’
‘Thanks.’
Lila closed the curtain behind her and Roxie and Joanne waited.
‘I have another customer, so I’ll go and serve her then come back.’ Barbara shuffled away.
Roxie and Joanne waited.
And waited.
And waited some more.
The customer Barbara was serving left and others came in.
‘How long’s she been in there?’ Joanne whispered.
‘I’m not sure but I’m going to check if she needs help. Hold this for me.’ Roxie gave Joanne her handbag and went to the curtain. ‘Knock! Knock!’
‘Who is it?’
‘Roxie of course.’
‘Come in quick.’ Lila’s voice was muffled as if she was speaking through a mask.
Roxie slipped past the curtain and gasped. ‘Goodness, Lila, what happened?’
‘I don’t know. I thought I had to put it on over my head and then I couldn’t get it down over my belly, so I tried to pull it off and now I’m stuck.’
‘Why didn’t you call me?’
‘I was too embarrassed.’
Lila was in the middle of the changing room with the dress covering her top half like some kind of giant sweet wrapper and her arms sticking out the top, while her bottom half was exposed revealing a large pair of yellow maternity knickers and white ankle socks that Roxie suspected might belong to Ethan.
‘Okay, I’m going to try and undo the mess you’ve created. Hold still.’
Lila’s hands were held in place above her head and Roxie could see why she was trapped. Roxie ran her hands over the bunched-up material, trying to find an opening. When she did, she fiddled about with it until she found some buttons.
‘Lila, you didn’t undo all the buttons before you tried to pull it on.’ Roxie slid them from the holes and soon had some give in the material. She wriggled it from side to side and soon pulled it from Lila’s head and arms. ‘There you go!’
Lila staggered as she was freed and blew out a long breath. ‘Th
ank you!’
Roxie shook her head. Lila’s face was bright red, her hair was sticking up like she’d been dragged through a hedge and her swollen belly made her look like she’d swallowed a football.
‘Do you want me to help you put it on properly?’ Roxie straightened the dress and shook it out but Lila shook her head.
‘If it’s a tight fit now it’ll be no good in four weeks.’
‘Such a shame as it’s so pretty.’
‘It’s gorgeous but I think I was pushing my luck.’
‘Fear not, we’ll find something for you.’
Roxie hung the dress back on the hanger then ducked out of the changing room while Lila got dressed again.
‘Any luck?’ Joanne asked.
‘It’s not quite right.’ Roxie smiled sadly as Joanne passed her handbag back.
‘That’s a shame but we’ll find something.’ Joanne patted Roxie’s back. ‘But perhaps we need to grab some refreshments first.’
‘Joanne, really? We haven’t long had coffee.’
‘I know but Lila probably needs a cold drink now.’
‘All right then.’ Joanne was probably right as Lila had looked flustered when she’d been freed from the dress. ‘Refreshments it is.’
When Lila emerged from the changing room, they thanked Barbara then left the shop in search of another café. There must be a dress out there for Lila surely, something that would make her feel beautiful on her special day and something that would be very different from the one she’d bought last time.
Roxie was determined to help Lila to find that dress.
6
Lila
A full day of shopping had led to purchases being made but the main one, the wedding dress, had not been found. After the humiliation of getting stuck in the champagne Jane Austen dress and being forced to have Roxie help her get free while she stood there in her big yellow undies and white socks – that actually belonged to Ethan and had been all Lila could find that morning – Lila hadn’t wanted to try anything else on.
A Wedding on Sunflower Street: An uplifting story about friendship, love and marriage Page 3