Fletcher was standing in their bedroom, a smile playing on his lips, holding a pair of nude heeled sandals in one hand and a purple tie in the other.
‘You’ve got them?’ She shook her head.
‘They were on the bed, Rox, where you left them.’
‘I didn’t see them there.’
‘That’s because you pulled the duvet back looking for your earrings then covered your shoes.’ His voice was calm and she knew he was trying not to rile her because she’d been in a panic since she woke early that morning.
Roxie took the shoes from him and put them on but he started to laugh.
‘What’s so funny?’
‘You’re not going like that are you?’
Roxie looked down at herself and grimaced. She wasn’t even dressed yet and could see his point. ‘I thought this was a good look.’
‘You look wonderful in that sexy underwear, but I don’t think you should walk Lila down the aisle in a lacy bra and thong, Rox.’
‘You’re totally right. Can you imagine?’ She shuddered. ‘Will you help me into my dress?’
‘As long as you can help me with my tie.’
He lifted the hanger with her purple silk dress from the mirror and unzipped it then held it out as Roxie stepped into it. She turned for him to zip the dress and shivered with desire as his hands brushed against her skin. He placed his hands on her shoulders and pressed his lips to her nape, his breath tickling the sensitive skin of her hairline. When he stepped away, she exhaled slowly as she willed her longing for him to drift away. Now was not convenient.
‘Shall I do your tie for you?’
He nodded. ‘Please.’
She hooked it around his collar then deftly looped it around and slid it up to his throat before smoothing its length against his shirt.
‘I just need to take my rollers out and grab my bag then we can go.’
‘The girls are ready downstairs,’ he said. ‘They look incredibly cute in their ruffs.’
‘I just hope they behave today.’
‘They will. I have a feeling that they’re aware it’s an important day and they both adore Lila and Ethan.’
‘They do, don’t they?’
‘I’ll go and let them out one more time before we leave.’
Roxie sat in front of her dressing table mirror and started to remove her rollers. She looked at her reflection, at her flawless make-up, beautiful silk dress and freshwater pearl necklace and bracelet that Fletcher had got her for Christmas. As she removed the final roller, she realised that her hands were shaking. Today was such a big day for Lila and she wanted everything to go well for her.
She combed through her hair with her fingers then closed her eyes and took some slow deep breaths, trying to release the nerves and to harness the calm control that she wanted today.
Everything was planned.
Everything was ready.
Everything was good.
It was going to be a very special day.
20
Lila
This was it then.
Today was the day …
Lila had showered and washed her hair, blow-dried it, moisturised from top to toe with a silky body butter that smelt like vanilla then painted her fingernails. Ethan had painted her toenails for her last night after she’d become frustrated that she couldn’t reach without straining because her bump got in the way. She could have gone to the beauty salon but knew she’d need some time alone this morning to calm herself. Ethan had stayed with her last night, as neither of them had wanted to be apart the night before their wedding as tradition might dictate, but he’d left two hours ago to get ready at his mother’s home.
Now Lila was sitting in the lounge with Cleo and Willy either side of her on the sofa as if they knew that today was a big day for her. She ran her hands over their soft fur and allowed it to soothe her, let their deep contented purring seep into her and slow her heartbeat, ease the tension in her shoulders and steady her.
Lila’s mind had been busy since she’d woken just after dawn. She’d gazed at Ethan’s profile as he slept, wondering how he could rest when today was such a big day but also glad that he could. This was an important day for them both. Ethan had been married before and suffered the loss of his wife, so Lila had no doubt that his emotions would run high today for more than one reason. And for Lila herself, she’d been jilted by Ben and however hard she might try to push it away, there would be a ghost of that memory around today. However, she wouldn’t allow it to ruin today. In fact, it would make today even better because if it hadn’t happened then she wouldn’t have met and fallen in love with Ethan and now be pregnant with their child, so today really was a day for rejoicing.
There was a knock at the front door then a creak as it swung open.
‘Lila? It’s me … Roxie … and Fletcher. Are we all right to come in?’
‘Of course.’
Lila got up slowly, trying not to disturb the cats although she knew that when they saw Glenda and Stinky they’d soon stir.
‘Oh sweetheart, you look so beautiful.’ Roxie tottered over to her on nude sandals and hugged her. ‘My beautiful, beautiful girl.’
‘Don’t, Rox. You’ll set me off and my mascara will run. Plus, I’m still in my dressing gown.’
Roxie stood back and gazed at her; green eyes filled with love.
‘I can’t believe you’re getting married today. Not because I’m shocked you’ve fallen in love but because it’s come so quickly. Everything in the past year seems to have happened in a whirlwind.’
A growl from the doorway caught their attention. Fletcher stood there looking very smart in a grey suit with a tie the same purple as Roxie’s dress. He held two leads in his hands and at the end of them were Glenda and Stinky wearing purple ruffs and looking incredibly cute. The growling was coming from Stinky who had locked eyes with Willy, while Glenda was backing out of the door, clearly wanting to avoid a confrontation with the cat at all costs.
‘Morning, Lila. Exciting day today!’ Fletcher smiled. ‘Why don’t I take these two on a walk around the village while you finish getting ready? I thought they’d be all right here, but clearly, while Glenda is still terrified of Willy, Stinky’s prepared to fight for her honour.’
‘It’s up to you. The cats can go always go upstairs.’ Lila nodded.
‘No, it’s no trouble. It’s a beautiful morning and a walk will give these two the chance to use up some energy before the ceremony.’
‘See you in a bit then Fletcher.’ Roxie kissed him then he opened the front door. ‘Make sure the girls don’t get dirty.’
He laughed. ‘I’ll do my best.’
When they were alone, Lila sank onto the sofa and placed her hands on her trembling knees.
‘Hey, you.’ Roxie sat next to her and took her hand. ‘It’s all going to be fabulous today.’
‘I know. I do know. I’m just … nervous.’
‘You’re bound to be a bit anxious, but today you’ll marry the man you love and seal the deal, then you can relax and prepare for your baby’s arrival.’
Lila nodded. ‘I think it’s just the whole thing building, you know? The venue is incredible, the weather is just right and I’m hoping I don’t let Ethan down in my home-made dress.’
‘Darling, that dress is divine. Ethan will have his socks blown off when he sees you.’
Lila giggled. ‘I hope not.’
‘Well he’ll have hearts in his eyes at least.’
‘Do you have the flowers?’
‘I do. They’re in the hall ready. Everything’s exactly as we planned.’
‘Thank you so much.’
‘It’s my pleasure. Now let’s get you dressed.’
Lila nodded. ‘I’m ready.’
Roxie helped her up then led the way upstairs and Lila’s heart lifted because Roxie was right: everything would be wonderful.
21
Ethan
Ethan arrived at the vineyard an hour before
the ceremony, wanting to check everything and have a chance to calm his nerves. He didn’t know why he was nervous because he was about to marry the woman he loved, but still, his heart was thrumming and his mouth felt dry. His mum had come with him and she’d gone into the barn to greet some of the early arrivals and, knowing her, to ensure that everything looked as it should do.
‘Everything all right?’ It was Cesca, clad in a navy two-piece with a white blouse and navy court shoes. Her short dark hair was slicked down with some sort of gel and she looked calm and professional, making him think of a lawyer about to enter court.
‘Yes, I’m good thanks. A bit nervous … not about getting married, but about … well, I’m hoping everything goes well.’
‘That’s perfectly understandable but don’t you worry at all. That’s why I’m here. All you have to do is turn up, which you’ve done, and marry the woman you adore. Easy, right?’
He nodded.
‘Why don’t you go for a wander? The vineyard is beautiful and a walk will soothe you then you can come back and await Lila’s arrival.’
‘That’s a good idea, actually.’
‘See you in thirty minutes.’ Cesca checked her watch as if setting a timer then walked towards the barn, her clipboard tucked under her arm.
Ethan walked across the yard and let himself through a small gate, strolled past the large house then into a field. A path ran along the top near the hedge so he ambled along it, savouring the sweet air that smelt of grass and wild flowers. There were other notes to the scent too, like lychees, violets and pepper and he realised that it was coming from the vineyards that stretched out in front of him. Everywhere he looked, he saw green vines, brown fertile soil and ancient trees that towered over the fields like guards on duty.
His life had taken twists and turns he couldn’t have predicted growing up but he was okay with it all. Lila’s had been the same and he knew that she’d suffered her fair share of pain as well as someone else’s too. The arrival of Milly had shocked her but also Ethan because he’d known nothing about Milly. Initially, his first feeling when he’d found out that Lila had a twin had been hurt. He’d felt betrayed because Lila hadn’t told him about Milly, but when Lila had explained that she’d put her sister to the back of her mind with her past because it was too much to think about, he understood. Lila was his priority and though he could have ranted about her lying to him, he knew she hadn’t done it consciously. Lila was a good person, gentle and kind and the fact that she’d buried Milly’s existence deep in her heart had been for good reasons. Ethan knew how much her parents had hurt her and losing Milly must have been dreadful for her too. Families fell out, parents left their children behind – his father had abandoned him, after all – and siblings walked away from each other. Sometimes, it was easier to let people go and pretend they’d never existed than it was to admit to the fact that the relationship was damaged and painful and might never be fixed. But as long as people were still alive, there was always a chance that a way through the difficulties could be found. For some, it would be too late, but for others there would be time. Life was what it was, people were who they were and sometimes being a blood relative just didn’t mean you’d get on well. Ethan hoped Lila and Milly could have a relationship now though, because he knew it would mean a lot to Lila and that it would, hopefully, be good for her.
He gulped down the fresh air, letting nature calm him, enjoying being outdoors on such a beautiful day. His thoughts turned to Tilly, as they often did, and sent out a silent message to her, wishing her well and telling her that he hoped she was all right with what he was about to do. Once, Tilly had been his world, but that awful disease had taken her from him and then, Lila had come into his life. He’d thought he’d never love again, never marry again but now he knew differently. Grief was truly awful, but it meant that you loved the person you’d lost, that you needed to adjust to not having them in your life anymore. Ethan had grieved deeply for Tilly and even now, even with everything he had, he missed her. She’d been his friend as well as his wife and he knew that a part of him would always miss her, but that didn’t detract from how much he loved Lila and their child. Things were, he could believe now, as they were meant to be.
Something tickled his hand and he looked down to see a ladybird, its red and black a contrast to his lightly tanned skin. He raised his hand and watched as it crawled along, a tiny creature going about its business, oblivious to the fact that it had landed on a human being. Or at least he thought it was, but then, there was still much that human beings didn’t know.
He blew on it gently and it opened its wings and flew away, disappearing quickly into the blue of the sky. Like Tilly, it had been there for a brief time, and yet it had been there, even if he could no longer see it. Something told him that Tilly was still there too, even if he could no longer see her, even if she only existed now in his heart and in his memories; she would always be a part of who he had been and who he had become.
22
Roxie And Lila
ROXIE
The car pulled up in the vineyard car park and the driver cut the engine.
‘Thank you, Stuart.’ Roxie smiled at the driver in the rear-view mirror.
‘My pleasure. Hope you have a wonderful day.’
Stuart was a former colleague of Fletcher’s who’d taken early retirement and set up a successful car sales business in Surrey. It meant that he had a ready supply of cars in his showroom and Fletcher had contacted him to ask if he had anything that would make a good wedding car. Today he’d turned up in a Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud and Lila had gasped with delight as she left her cottage and Fletcher told her she’d be going to her wedding in the fancy car.
‘Thank you, Stuart.’ Lila smiled then Roxie helped her out of the back seat.
As Stuart drove away, Roxie smoothed Lila’s dress down then tousled her softly waved hair before straightening the crown of flowers that Roxie had made for her using baby’s breath, eucalyptus and cream roses. Set on Lila’s blonde hair it looked beautiful, a lovely natural alternative to a tiara. And with the flowing dress and gold sandals, Lila looked every inch the boho summer bride.
‘And here’s the bouquet.’ Roxie handed Lila the bouquet that Fletcher had carried in a box and Lila accepted it then lifted it to her face.
‘The flowers smell incredible.’
‘It matches your crown and your dress perfectly.’
‘I’m so grateful.’ Lila smiled and Roxie’s heart squeezed.
‘God, I love you, Lila.’ She went to hug her friend then remember the bouquet so cupped Lila’s face gently instead, taking care not to spoil her make-up.
‘I love you too.’
‘Right, you two,’ Fletcher interrupted them. ‘It’s three minutes to two so we’d better get over to the barn or Ethan’s going to start worrying.’
‘Ready?’ Roxie held out her arm.
‘I’m ready.’ Lila nodded then hooked her arm through Roxie’s and they crossed the car park and headed for the barn.
Outside they stopped and Fletcher crouched down and adjusted the dogs’ ruffs then gave each one a stroke. ‘Be good for us, girls, and there will be treats for you later.’
Cesca appeared at the doorway and her eyes lit up.
‘Lila you look exquisite! That dress is just perfect and you are literally glowing.’
‘Thanks.’ Roxie saw Lila’s cheeks flush at the praise. ‘I hope Ethan thinks so.’
‘He will!’ Cesca grinned. ‘He’s waiting for you. I’ll just let the musicians know you’re here.’
She ducked inside and Roxie and Lila took their place behind Fletcher. They couldn’t see beyond him but she could hear voices then a hush as Cesca signalled to the musicians she’d employed.
This was it. It was going to happen. From the corner of her eyes she saw Lila straighten her shoulders and lift her chin.
LILA
‘Lila!’
She turned to see Milly hurrying towards her, holding
a fascinator to her head with one hand and carrying a pair of pink heels in the other.
‘I’m so sorry I’m late. Bloody taxi driver got lost.’
‘It’s okay. You’re here now.’
Milly reached Lila’s side and looked at her then her eyes filled with tears. ‘Oh sis, you look gorgeous.’
Lila swallowed hard, the lump that had popped into her throat threatening to choke her. ‘Thanks … for … coming.’
‘Thanks for inviting me.’
They gazed at each other, communicating in ways only they could feel, then the opening bars of an instrumental version of Christina Perri’s ‘A Thousand Years’ drifted out of the barn.
‘We’d better go in soon,’ Roxie whispered.
‘I’ll see you in there.’ Milly nodded then kissed Lila’s cheek before ducking inside.
‘Am I ready to go then?’ Fletcher asked.
‘Let’s do it.’ Lila smiled.
Fletcher stepped through the doors, Glenda on one side, Stinky on the other and a collective gasp whispered through the air, followed by another as Roxie and Lila stood in the doorway. As they walked slowly along the aisle, Lila glanced at their guests and smiled, then fixed her eyes straight ahead, because there he was.
Ethan …
The man she loved with all her heart.
23
Ethan
Ethan held his breath as the music started, only releasing it as Fletcher began his journey along the aisle. Glenda and Stinky trotted along next to him, looking as if they were proud to have such an important role at the wedding. Guests gasped at how cute the dogs were and Ethan couldn’t help smiling.
Then Fletcher was at the front, standing next to him with the dogs, and Ethan’s eyes moved to the doorway again.
A Wedding on Sunflower Street: An uplifting story about friendship, love and marriage Page 9