Love, Lust and Landscaping

by Morgan Rouge

  ‘Bryony’.

  ‘Yes dad?’

  ‘You are the most beautiful wonderful person, I can’t believe how amazing a woman you have turned out to be, just stunning, inside and out.’

  ‘Oh Dad!’

  ‘I’m serious! And Hamish, well, he’s not bad either! I wish the both of you every happiness in your life together’.

  ‘I am sure we will be happy’ replied Bryony, a little quieter, trying to hide the tears, trying not to spoil her make up.

  ‘I am sure you will, too. You seem to complement each other, make each other happy. Just remember that our door is always open’. He smiled, gently.

  ‘I know it is Dad’.

  ‘Right, let’s not keep Hamish waiting nervously any longer!’ he said, trying to put on a brave face.

  ‘Dad, I am just worried what is going to be contained in your speech and indeed in Phil’s speech!’

  ‘Oh, oh oh! We have some corkers, let me tell you!’ he said, clearly in a merrier tone.

  ‘Really? You haven’t included the time that ...’

  ‘You were so tired from your school exams you...’

  ‘Yes’

  ‘How could I not tell that story?’

  ‘Da-ad!’ And they left through the front door, her white dress shimmering in the fresh sunlight of the summery Scottish morning.

  The sun was bright and welcoming as they stepped outside from the classic car which her father had ordered for them. She and Hamish had decided to get married in her local church: the one which she had always considered to be the most beautiful church she had ever seen. With ancient stained glass and large wooden doors, it was impressive from the outside. Yet inside, she knew that it had a calm and tranquil ambiance that didn’t intrude on anyone.

  Her father took her hand, and they walked towards the church. In the small hallway, she could hear the priest suddenly say ‘ladies and gentlemen, would you please all rise!’ and the organ, playing the wedding march suddenly started up. She had butterflies in her stomach. She squeezed her father’s hand for support.

  ‘Ok, Bryony, let’s go’ and with that he led her through the doors. Looking down the aisle, she could see Hamish who had turned to see her arrive. He was smiling at her - he looked so handsome she thought! - and she could see that whilst he was trying to put on a brave face, especially in front of Phil, who would no doubt slag him off later if he showed too much emotion!

  She knew that Hamish was the one for her and with no more nerves, she and her father walked proudly down the aisle towards Bryony’s new life with Hamish.