Instead, she’d encouraged Roxie and Joanne to find outfits for the wedding, which they had, and Lila had been content to purchase a pair of gold sandals with a small heel that would go with most outfits and a new pearly pink lipstick that Joanne said would be perfect for a wedding. They’d had several stops for refreshments through the course of the day because Joanne had insisted she needed to eat and drink regularly. Lila suspected, however, that Joanne was also looking out for her and believed that with Lila being pregnant, she needed plenty of breaks from walking around.
It had been a very pleasant day but when Lila had arrived home, she’d been unable to escape the sense of disappointment at not finding something to wear. Roxie had done her best to help her look but Lila just hadn’t seen the right dress and now wondered if she would or if she’d be forced to wear jeans and a shirt to her own wedding.
Ethan had sent her a text to say he’d be working late as he wanted to get another coat on the large kitchen-diner of the renovation and so Lila had a few hours to spare. She had a soak in a bubble bath then put on her soft pyjamas and padded downstairs to the kitchen and made a mint tea. After she’d fed the cats, she took her tea through to the lounge, sank onto the sofa and turned on the TV.
The first thing to come on was a bridal programme about women whose fiancés were given a budget to plan their weddings. The grooms chose everything from bridal gown to flowers, venue to food, and it caused chaos with some of the brides who hated what had been chosen for them. Lila watched it, her thoughts repeatedly drawn to Ethan. Would he know what to choose for her? He’d thought the vineyard would be a good venue, and it was wonderful, so she thought he could probably get the dress and flowers right too. And, of course, Lila was no bridezilla so liked to think she wouldn’t be that hard to please. The dress was only a source of consternation for her because she feared having something similar to last time and because she was pregnant and wanted to feel that she looked good on her wedding day for Ethan and for herself. She aimed to only have the one wedding, wanted to spend her life with Ethan, and so it would be nice to have a day they could treasure and photographs that they could show to their children and one day, perhaps even their grandchildren.
A fluttering in her tummy made her press her hand to her bump and she was rewarded with a kick. She’d been feeling the baby move for weeks now but with each day the feelings grew stronger as the baby grew bigger. Sometimes she felt sure that the baby reacted to her voice and to Ethan’s, and a few times even to the cats when they meowed.
She was so lucky to have this baby, so lucky to have a man as good as Ethan to love her; she had so much that many others didn’t. The fact that she’d had such a lonely childhood with cold and disinterested parents and then been jilted at the altar by the first man she’d allowed herself to love made her very aware of how her life had changed. She had a loving fiancé, a baby on the way, two adorable cats, a warm cosy home, a kind and caring mother-in-law to be, wonderful friends and she lived in a beautiful friendly village. Life was good for Lila now and she’d never take it for granted.
And yet … there was something missing. It wasn’t her parents because how could she miss something she’d never had? There was something else, someone else, she’d never told anyone about since she’d walked away and cut her parents from her life. When she had finally accepted that they would never be the people she wanted them to be, let it sink in that they had no interest in her whatsoever and never would do, she’d felt free. But the hardest thing to do had been leaving the other person behind, and Lila’s way of coping had been not allowing thoughts of that person, not even so much as a name, to enter her mind.
But now Lila was carrying a child and as the pregnancy progressed, she had found it harder and harder not to think of that person, of how they had grown up together and known each other inside out. Or so she’d thought until there had been a decision to make and Lila had not been chosen.
She took some slow deep breaths and tried to push the pain away. It was grief that she was feeling, something she’d felt initially but that had faded as the years had passed and she’d trained herself not to think about it. If she didn’t let it enter her mind, then how could it hurt her? She’d been good at pushing it away, expert in fact, and even Ben hadn’t known that Lila had lost more than her parents because Lila had never told anyone; not her friends, not Ben and not Ethan. That made her feel bad because they’d shared so much but how could she tell him now? Ethan knew that her parents couldn’t care less about her so how could she add to that with news of another person who should love her but didn’t? It could change how he saw her, change how anyone saw her because what kind of person had close family members that hated them?
There was a tickle on her cheek and she raised her hand to find that it was wet. She shook her head. Here she was indulging in self-pity that was surely no good for her and in turn no good for the baby. She had to put these sad thoughts from her mind and move on just like everyone else had done.
A knock at the door snapped her from her thoughts and she went to answer it.
‘Oh … hello Freda.’ Lila smiled at Ethan’s mother. ‘Everything okay?’
Freda nodded her grey head. ‘I’m fine, sweetie. Better than you by the looks of it.’
Lila pushed her hair behind her ears. ‘I’m okay. Don’t I look it?’
‘You look exhausted.’
‘Oh … Well, I was out all day shopping with Roxie and Joanne and those two can shop until they drop, so I guess I am a bit tired.’
‘You look like you’ve been crying, Lila.’ Freda’s eyes were so filled with concern that Lila felt the sadness bubbling inside her again and her vision blurred. ‘Can I come in?’
‘Of course. Sorry … I didn’t … mean … to keep you … on the doorstep.’ Lila’s tears were falling freely now as the disappointment at the lack of success with dress shopping and her thoughts about her family swirled around inside her.
‘Don’t worry about that.’ Freda ushered Lila inside and closed the door then set down a large bag she’d brought with her. ‘Do you want me to call Ethan?’
‘No … it’s okay. I’ll be fine. I … think … it’s hormones.’
‘Yes, of course it is. I was like that when I was pregnant with Ethan. Sobbed for nine months, I did, without a break.’ Freda patted Lila’s back. ‘Come on, let me make you a cup of tea and explain why I’m here.’
‘You don’t have to explain why you’re visiting.’
‘No, I know that, but I’m also not going to be an overpowering mother-in-law who turns up and takes over. I’ll be here if you, Ethan or the baby need me, but I’ll never be a nuisance. I’d hate to be one of those women.’
‘You could never be like that, Freda, you’re far too nice.’
They went through to the kitchen and Lila filled the kettle and switched it on. When they had mugs of decaffeinated tea, they went to the lounge and sat down on the sofa.
‘Right then, Lila. I happened to see Roxie earlier. She was out with Fletcher, walking the dogs, and I asked if you’d found a dress. She told me that there was nothing you liked at all and it got me thinking. You’re a very creative person and excellent with knitting needles, crochet and a sewing machine, so if you can’t find the dress you want in a shop, why not make it?’
Lila sat back and sipped her tea.
‘Make it?’
‘Of course. I’ve seen the greyhounds and other soft toys you’ve crocheted, the baby clothes and blankets you’ve made, the beautiful patchwork coverlets and cushion covers. Haven’t you ever made a dress?’
‘Not for some time.’
‘But you could do it.’
‘Probably. Yes … I think I could.’
‘So … I had a dig around in my loft because I knew I had some patterns there as well as some material. I used to make a lot of things years ago and have some fabulous patterns from the seventies and eighties, and some material that I bought a few years back and never used. You could ma
ke something a bit retro or adapt the patterns to suit what it is that you want.’
‘That’s a really good idea, Freda.’
‘Thank you. I’m quite pleased with myself if I’m honest. Roxie didn’t say too much but I could tell that she was worried about you. She did confess that she felt disappointed with herself for not finding something you liked but I told her I’d see what I could do.’
‘I’m so grateful.’
‘Well … let’s look at the patterns and material first, before you thank me, just in case you don’t like what I’ve brought. The material might not be right, but it doesn’t matter because we can go and pick something else up tomorrow and take it from there.’
Lila sniffed, worried she was about to start crying again. ‘You’re really kind.’
‘And so are you. Lila, I’m so glad that Ethan found you. After he lost Tilly, I was worried he’d spend the rest of his life alone. I mean … he adored her and he was bereft after she died but then he came home to the village and met you and I couldn’t wish for a lovelier wife for him. You two are perfect for each other and now you have a baby on the way and my heart is filled with joy. I can’t even explain how happy I am.’ She pressed a hand to her chest and blinked hard.
‘Stop it or you’ll set us both off.’ Lila laughed. ‘It doesn’t take much for me at the moment.’
Freda started to laugh too and Cleo and Willy looked up at them from the rug in front of the fireplace as if confused about why the humans were behaving so weirdly.
‘Right, I’m going to get my bag from the hallway and we can have a look at what I’ve brought and start planning.’
‘Wonderful.’
Lila hugged herself and smiled because even though her life had been difficult in some ways in the past, it was certainly making up for it now.
7
Joanne
‘What do you think of this one?’ Joanne turned her laptop around so Max could see the screen. ‘It has a shower room downstairs, two bedrooms upstairs and a lounge along with a … somewhat cosy kitchen.’
He peered at the screen and she saw his brow concertina.
‘You don’t like it?’
‘Not really. The kitchen is more cramped than cosy.’ He met her gaze. ‘Do you like it?’
‘Not really. If we’re aiming to buy our forever home, I don’t think that’s it.’
He sipped his coffee then his cheeks flushed as he asked, ‘Do you think two bedrooms will be enough anyway?’
Something fluttered inside Joanne. ‘Why?’
‘Well … you know.’
‘No, I don’t.’ Joanne looked around the café, but it was quiet now. It was ten-fifteen and the breakfast rush had been and gone and Max had come to spend her break with her. ‘Tell me what it is that I’m supposed to know.’
‘Well …’ He pushed his glasses up his nose and blinked at her. ‘What if … a few years down the road … we decided that we wanted to add to our family?’
‘I don’t get you.’ She frowned but the side of her mouth twitched. She loved teasing him.
‘What I mean is–’
‘If we got a dog?’
‘No.’ He shook his head. ‘Not that I don’t want a dog, or a cat, but that wasn’t quite was I was getting at. You don’t give a dog its own bedroom, do you?’
Joanne smiled. ‘You could do.’
‘You could do, yes, but don’t they usually sleep downstairs.’
‘I guess some do.’
‘Anyway …’ He licked his lips. ‘What if we decide we might like to have … uh … children?’
‘Children!’ She fanned her face with her hands. ‘My goodness, Max, you have taken me by surprise.’
‘Really?’ His cheeks were bright red now and he’d started rubbing the back of his neck.
‘No.’ She shook her head and took his hand. ‘Of course it’s something I’d like to think we might consider in time. I love you, Max, and the idea of having children with you is wonderful. I’d never felt the urge to procreate before and was convinced that being aunt to my niece and nephew was sufficient, but since we got together … something’s started to change.’
‘You made me work for that one, didn’t you?’ His blush was fading slowly and Joanne felt a rush of love for him.
‘I did and I know I shouldn’t tease you but you’re just adorable when you get flustered.’
‘Thanks.’
‘Hey … I love you.’
‘I love you more.’ He raised her hand and kissed it.
Before Christmas, they had talked about buying a place in the new year or even staying on at Max’s so they could save their money and go on some luxury holidays, but something had kept them scouring the property sites. Joanne knew that it was part curiosity and part desire to find exactly the right home to settle in and it seemed that the process would continue until they found that home.
‘Oi, you two, get a room.’ It was Joanne’s boss, Bridget Wibberley. ‘Can’t have you putting our customers off their teacakes, can we?’ She grinned at them exposing her large teeth complete with a tiny diamond that she’d had glued to her left incisor.
‘Sorry, Bridget.’ Joanne nodded at her.
‘I’m pulling your leg, Joanne.’ Bridget picked up their mugs off the table. ‘Want another coffee?’
‘That would be lovely, thanks.’
‘What’re you looking at anyway? From over there it looked like you were planning world domination with your heads together as you gazed at the computer screen.’
‘Not quite world domination, more like trying to get a grip of the local property market,’ Joanne said.
‘I thought you had a place?’
‘We do.’ Joanne nodded. ‘But Max bought it before we got together and while it’s nice—’
‘We’d like something a bit bigger and something that we’ve chosen together,’ Max explained. ‘We’re, uh, thinking we want somewhere to be our forever home.’
‘Bigger, eh?’ Bridget toyed with the pencil that was tucked behind her ear. ‘Listen … you know I lost my mum and inherited her place?’
‘Yes.’ Joanne watched her boss’s face carefully.
‘Well, I’m having her cottage renovated. Ethan Morris is doing a wonderful job and it’s going to be absolutely gorgeous when it’s finished. Anyway, you could have a look at that if you like. No pressure if it’s not right for you and you’d have to bear in mind that the work isn’t finished yet, but it looks good already and it could be what you’re looking for. There are four bedrooms, two bathrooms, a large kitchen-diner, two reception rooms, off road parking …’ She shrugged. ‘Have a think and if you’d like to take a look, you’re very welcome. You know where it is, don’t you, Joanne?’
‘I do.’
‘Something to think about anyway. No one’s seen it yet because I’m not planning on putting it up for sale until the work is done.’
‘Thanks.’
‘I’ll get your coffees.’
Bridget headed back to the counter and Max raised his eyebrows. ‘Sounds amazing.’
‘It’s a lovely cottage and I know Ethan will do a wonderful job but I have a feeling it might be out of our price range.’
‘You never know.’
‘Well, we have my savings, thanks to my parents.’
‘And we have the equity in the place we already have.’
Joanne smiled. She loved that he spoke about the cottage as if it was theirs even though he’d bought it before they got together. He was serious about sharing things, about making a life together as partners and it was one of the things that Joanne loved about him.
‘Plus …’ He flashed her a grin. ‘I have a little put aside too.’
‘You do?’
He tapped the side of his nose. ‘Saving for a rainy day, so to speak. I was going to use it to take you on a gorgeous holiday as we discussed or to pay for our, ahem, wedding … but we could put it towards a deposit on a house.’
‘Our wedding?�
� Joanne missed the end of his sentence because he’d used the ‘W’ word.
‘Well, you know, it’s one of the things I thought we could discuss this year.’
‘That is a lot of information to process in one morning, Max.’
‘I know, but sometimes I think it’s better just to go for it when the time is right.’
‘Getting married or sharing your thoughts?’
‘All of the above.’ He laughed. ‘Why not, Joanne? You only live once and I’m madly in love with you so yes, let’s get a bigger place, get married and have babies.’
Joanne had to force her mouth closed. Max was sweet and kind, gorgeous and goofy. He loved reading and writing and cooking and spending time with her in a way no man ever had done before. He adored her curves and her wavy hair and accepted her exactly as she was, with her appetite for cake and chocolate, her frequent loud farts (that she’d long since given up trying to hold in) and all. She never felt judged by him and it was refreshing because she knew she was sometimes a bit much for some people, but Max never seemed fazed by her at all.
Max was, indeed, her perfect man.
Bridget returned with their coffees and set them down on the table.
‘Bridget?’
‘Yes?’ The older woman nodded, making her large silver earrings wobble.
‘We’d like to have a look at the cottage if that’s okay?’
‘Of course it is. Let me know when’s good for you. If I’m working, I’m sure Ethan can let you in and show you around.’
‘Wonderful.’
Joanne sucked in a deep breath and wriggled on her chair and Max took her hand. ‘You’re excited now aren’t you?’
‘Incredibly excited.’
‘Your effervescence is one of the things that makes you amazing. Life will never be dull with you around.’
As he leant towards her and kissed her, Joanne felt like all her dreams had come true at once.
8
Lila
A Wedding on Sunflower Street: An uplifting story about friendship, love and marriage Page 4