Tainted Lives
Page 47
‘You look fantastic,’ Jenny told her, reaching up to clip a stray ringlet back in place. ‘Perfect.’
Looking at each other, they giggled. They had already drunk three-quarters of the champagne but they decided to finish the bottle. Pouring two glasses, Jenny handed one to Sarah.
‘What a year,’ she said, sighing loudly. ‘I can’t believe we made it this far after everything that’s happened.’
‘Me neither,’ Sarah agreed. ‘But I’m glad we did. It’s been brilliant, hasn’t it?’
‘It sure has,’ Jenny grinned. ‘And it’s gonna get better and better. To you.’ She raised her glass.
‘And you,’ Sarah replied, clinking hers against Jenny’s.
‘Ready?’ Jenny asked when they had drained their glasses.
Exhaling nervously, Sarah nodded.
Kimmy was waiting on the church step, a vision in peach frills, her glossy ringlets held back by a pearl tiara, a beribboned basket of flower petals in her hand.
Harry was waiting at the gates. He stepped forward when the limo pulled up and opened the door. Helping Sarah and Jenny out, he shook his head, his eyes misty with emotion.
‘Oh, my God, you both look absolutely beautiful.’
‘You don’t look so bad yourself,’ Jenny teased, fiddling with his bow tie. ‘What do you think, Sarah?’
‘He knows what I think,’ Sarah murmured, reaching up to kiss him. ‘He’s gorgeous.’
Smiling, Harry cocked his elbows. The two women took an arm each and the trio walked up the path to the church door. Gazing down at Kimmy when they reached her, Jenny’s chin began to wobble.
‘Oh, look at you,’ she said, bending to give her a hug. ‘You look so lovely.’
‘Ready, babe?’ Sarah asked.
‘Yeah.’ Kimmy nodded.
‘Off you go, then.’ Sarah pushed her gently towards the door.
‘This is it,’ Jenny murmured, turning to Sarah.
‘Yes, it is,’ Sarah agreed, her eyes filling with tears as she hugged her friend. ‘Come on. Let’s get it over with.’
Opening the doors, Harry motioned to the organist to begin the Wedding March. Waiting until Sarah and Jenny were behind him, he led them down the petal-strewn aisle.
‘Who gives the bride away?’ the vicar asked when they were in place.
‘I do.’ Taking Jenny’s hand, Harry brought her forward to stand beside West. Stepping back then, he smiled at Sarah, mouthing, ‘Me and you next?’
Blushing as she realized what he had said, she nodded quickly.
About the author
Mandasue Heller was born in Cheshire and moved to Manchester in 1982. She spent ten years living in the notorious Hulme Crescents, which have since become the background to her novels. She has sung in cabaret and rock groups, seventies soul cover bands and blues jam bands.