by S J Crabb
I was so happy when Rachel’s friendship with Mark took off. She met him on his next trip home and they took up where they left off in Acapulco. Contrary to reports, Mark wasn’t the philandering sailor that he was painted as and they are the sweetest couple in the world. I should know because they stayed in my flat for a whole week on his last trip home. I got to know him quite well and discovered that he is perfect for Rachel in every way. I am happy that it worked out for them.
As I take a sip of my bubble filled drink, I hear the unmistakable tones of my friend approaching.
“For goodness sake, mother, this is a disaster. Find Crispin and sort it out with him. It’s what he’s paid for and I can’t deal with this at the moment. You will just have to sort it out with him instead.”
I look at my three friends and grin. Here we go.
~*~*~*~*~
Chapter 37
Jo rushes into the room and rolls her eyes. “Mothers, huh?”
I sneak a look at Jenny and feel a pang as I see the desolation in her eyes. Reaching out, I take her hand and smile. “Not all of them, hey Jenny. I would imagine your mum would be happiness personified on your wedding day.”
I feel bad as I see the tears form in her eyes and she smiles bravely.
“Yes, my mum would have been amazing. She would have loved Flynn and I wish more than anything she could have met him. They would have got on so well.”
Rachel smiles softly.
“She’s watching, Jenny. On every trip you take and every corner you turn she is with you. Your memories keep her alive and your heart holds her dear. She may not be with you physically but will always be a part of you. When you look in the mirror, her eyes stare back at you. You are a part of her that lives and breathes and she will be so proud of what you’ve become.”
I think the tears fall down everyone’s faces as we take in Rachel’s words. Jenny looks around and laughs softly.
“Well, I hope she doesn’t see everything, Rachel. I’m not sure I can bear the thought of her watching Flynn and me, you know ... um ... oh well, you get my drift.”
We all laugh and Rachel says loudly.
“I know what you mean. If there is an afterlife, I will certainly have some explaining to do to any passed relatives watching over me. I’m just praying they are discreet up there.”
Jenny laughs and I’m glad that the mood has lightened. This day is going to be emotional enough as it is.
Once breakfast is out of the way, we all head back to our respective rooms to get ready for the wedding. There is much to do what with hair, makeup and all the pampering that goes with staging such a show. As I make my way back to my room, I think about how far we’ve all come in a year. When Luke walked away from me he took my heart with him. I’m not sure how I functioned for the next few weeks after he left. It was business as usual in the hard light of day. It would have been better not to have met him than live with the loss. But I did and somehow, I got by.
Once again, my thoughts are interrupted as a door opens nearby and I see Marcus racing out dressed in all his usher finery. I laugh softly as his hands fly up to his face and he exclaims,
“Good God, Becca. You gave me a fright, and it’s not just because of what you’re wearing. I mean, Terry Towelling is so last season, darling.”
We exchange the grin of the familiar and I feel myself relaxing. Marcus always has that effect on me although I have no idea why. I mean, he’s so highly strung he could win Wimbledon.
He looks me up and down. “Hm, Crispin would have fifty fits if he saw you now. You really should be in hair and makeup, my dear.”
I laugh softly.
“Well, you certainly started early, Marcus. You’ve scrubbed up very well if you don’t mind me saying.”
He rolls his eyes and giggles. “Oh, this old thing. I’ve had it for years.”
I laugh as his suit is definitely not one anyone would want to hold onto for too long. He is dressed head to toe in a powder blue suit with cream braiding. His shirt is pale pink and ruffles adorn the front of it. I should have known he had a penchant for these after his desire for the hideous flamenco dress. He has a large pink gerbera in his buttonhole and his hair is slicked back. All in all, he looks like a crooner from the 50s.
I smile, biting back the raucous laughter that I’m holding at bay at the sight before me. As if he senses it he rolls his eyes. “The things we do for love.”
I nod, my lips twitching at the sight before me. I look at him with interest.
“So, what’s the plan?”
He looks around furtively and moves closer. Leaning towards me, he whispers,
“You know that it’s the law that the bridesmaid gets off with the best man at these things?”
I raise my eyes, “Not in this case.”
He grins. “As I thought. So, I am offering my services to prevent bad luck descending and ruining the day. Tonight, darling, I am re-writing history and it is the usher getting it on with the extremely delectable wedding planner.”
We burst out laughing and I shake my head.
“You’re out of control, Marcus.”
He grins. “It’s all your fault, honey. If you hadn’t insisted I accompany you all to every dress fitting and wedding shenanigan going, I would never have fallen crazily in lust with the man holding it all together. He won’t know what’s hit him when I unleash the beast on him later tonight.”
He winks and I shake my head to erase the picture I now have of Marcus’s beast.
He looks at his watch and screams.
“Oh my giddy Aunt, we only have three hours before showtime. Get going my darling and transform into a thing of great beauty. I need to go and offer my services to our glorious leader.”
He rushes off waving his hands in the air and I smile.
How I love him. He has been the best friend a girl could get this last year. We have become almost inseparable as I accompanied him to every gay bar in Brighton. He was just what I needed to heal a devastated heart and I will love him forever.
It wasn’t just me but Rachel too. We were a solid threesome for much of the year and the most dysfunctional trio you could ever wish to meet. I wonder if Crispin Dupont knows what’s heading his way?
As I enter my room, I laugh at the thought of our glorious wedding planner. Crispin Dupont, founder and manager of Dream days, the ultimate in wedding planning services. Jo was determined to sign him up and I can see why. Although he doesn’t come cheap, he has been a godsend. He has powered through the preparations leaving no stone left unturned. He has organised every last flower and table present. He planned the venue, the seating plan, the menu, and the flowers. Every last touch has been his creation, and he has come up with ideas that have never been thought of before. All in all, Crispin was worth every last pound that he charged.
Once again, I wander over to the window and watch the hustle and bustle below. My room overlooks the garden and I watch the workers equip the Marquee that has been set up in the grounds of this amazing stately home just for the occasion.
As I lean against the window frame, my mind wanders once more.
Luke and I kept in touch although our communication was few and far between. He was occupied in diverting a national incident and communications were limited. It wasn’t the same sharing the odd text or Skype call. Whenever I saw him virtually, he looked tired and strained. The magic disappeared and real life had taken over. We were trapped in a strange situation. We were apart before we had ever really been together. The only memory we had to talk about was Mexico and soon the conversation dried up. We tried to keep the interest going, but it was hard over the Internet to recapture the euphoria that only a close relationship can bring.
A loud knock at the door interrupts my thoughts and I feel a flutter of excitement. Here we go. Showtime.
~*~*~*~*~
Chapter 38
“I can’t believe this is really happening.”
I look at Jo and words fail me. She looks absolutel
y stunning. Rachel sighs and I watch the tears form in her eyes. “You all look gorgeous.”
I smile at her happily. “So do you. You’ve always suited blue, it brings out the colour of your eyes.”
Rachel blushes and Jenny laughs. “Now your pink cheeks match my dress.”
Laughing, I look over at Jenny who looks absolutely amazing in the pale pink creation that hugs her curves like a second skin.
Jo’s eyes mist over and she says quietly.
“I think we all look amazing. I can’t believe it’s really happening though. I mean, only one year ago today I couldn’t stand Pete. I would have thought you were mad if you told me where I would be in a years’ time. The way I was feeling I would have thrown myself off of that cliff with the divers we never got to see.”
Jenny laughs. “Poor Pete. Did you ever find out who Margaret was?”
Jo grins. “No, we didn’t. Although I know who she is now.”
Rachel giggles. “Where is the little terror?”
“With our neighbour, Mrs Mathewson. She couldn’t come today because she has visitors, so she offered to babysit.”
Jenny smiles sadly. “I always wanted a little puppy. There’s no way that will happen with all the travelling we do. Maybe one day when we settle down.”
Jo snorts. “I’d like to see that day. You’re both having way too much fun to think about settling down in one place.”
I look at Jenny with interest. “If you did where would it be?”
She shrugs. “Possibly Australia. Flynn’s family are there, and it was always expected that he would take over his father’s company one day. He is just sowing his wild oats, as his father calls it, before he has to take his rightful position.”
We all look surprised and Rachel says what we’re all dying to know.
“What business is it?”
Jenny looks annoyed. “Oh, some boring corporation that employs about a million people worldwide. It’s no wonder Flynn got out when he could.”
Jo looks as stunned as I feel. “Goodness me, Jenny. Are you saying that Flynn’s family are wealthy?”
She shrugs. “You could say that. I think they have a home in every country that they have a business. His father has a Private Jet that he uses to keep track of them all and they own half of Sydney. Flynn hates it all though and wants the simple life. The trouble is, he’s an only child so will have to head back some time or another. We’re thinking of heading back at Christmas to say hi.”
Rachel looks at me and bursts out laughing. “Only you could land a billionaire, Jenny. The funniest thing about it is you don’t give a damn.”
Jenny shakes her head.
“I'm just happy when it’s just Flynn and I. This last year has been the best of my life because I‘ve got to spend it with him. We’re not into material possessions and just want to experience everything while we still can."
She looks excited. “After the wedding, we are going to Africa to help build an Orphanage. I can’t wait because apparently, we will have to live in tents and eat army rations. I’ve always wanted to go to Africa and now’s my chance.”
Jo shakes her head in bewilderment.
“I’ll never understand you, Jenny. Flynn could pay for you to see the world in five-star luxury and you just want to backpack your way around it. I always thought it but now I know you’re mad.”
We all grin at her and Jenny smiles. “Like I said, I only want Flynn. I have a feeling that the money would just complicate things. When we do head back there, the business would take him away from me and that isn’t worth any amount of money. At the moment he’s all mine and mine alone. This is the most special time of my life and I intend on guarding it for as long as possible.”
My eyes fill up and I move across and hug her tightly.
“You’re right, honey. You take every moment you can get and hold onto it and never let it go. What you and Flynn have is precious and no amount of money could buy it. Good for you, you do things your own way or not at all.”
As I stand hugging Jenny, the others join us. We all stand huddled together - well as close as we can get given that we’re all dressed in meringues.
Jo says in an emotional voice.
“Promise that we will never change. We will always be friends and here for each other through thick and thin.”
We all nod with a firm resolve and echo her words. “Through thick and thin.”
“Ladies, ladies, I can’t leave you alone for five minutes. Just look at the mess you’re making of those fantastic creations.”
We pull back as Crispin clicks his fingers and his team rushes forth to smooth us down and repair our makeup. Jo looks across at me and smiles brightly. It’s time.
Twenty minutes later we are standing outside the room where the wedding is taking place. We stand nervously waiting and I feel my heart fluttering wildly. Jo is silent beside me. I hear her taking deep breaths as she tries to contain the emotion that threatens to ruin the immaculate makeup that has transformed her into a blushing bride. Jenny smiles at me and I think how pretty she looks. Love has certainly agreed with her and her eyes sparkle as she gazes at me with excitement. “Are you ok, Becca?”
I swallow hard and smile nervously. “I think so.”
Jo and Rachel smile at us and I think how lucky I am. If I had one good friend, I would count myself lucky. But I have always been greedy and have four who I can’t love more than I do.
We hear the music start and Crispin appears looking anxious. He starts to talk softly into his headset and then looks at us with pride.
“Positions everyone. The show’s about to start.”
I take one look at Jo and we share a smile. She grabs my hand and says softly.
“You look beautiful, Becca.”
I grin. “Right back at you.”
I watch as she turns to take her father’s outstretched arm and I see the pride in his face. It’s a beautiful moment and I don’t want to miss a thing. Then, as the doors open I turn to my left and see the same look on my father’s face as I take his arm. He says huskily, “You look beautiful baby girl.”
The tears spring to my eyes as I look at the proud man about to finally give his daughter away. I laugh softly. “About time, hey dad?”
He raises my hand to his lips and kisses it and then clasps it tightly.
“You will always be my baby girl, married or not.”
We share the look of one chapter ending and one beginning before I turn to face the man who claimed my heart. As the doors open my eyes look at nothing else but the sight of my future waiting for me at the end of a flower-festooned aisle. Luke, my husband, my soul mate and my incredibly sexy merman. Whoever thought I would be so lucky?
Seeing him standing there watching me, my mind returns to that day. Three months were up and I was due to meet him from his flight. I was about to leave when there was a knock at the door. I felt irritated because I was running late and didn’t want to tarnish his homecoming by making him wait around.
I flung the door open with a frown and my world stopped still.
Filling the doorway was the most fantastic sight in the world. Luke.
The months just fell away as we drank in the sight of each other like someone who had just had their sight restored. Just for a second, we stood - just looking. Then with one step, we were in each other’s arms and I hung on for grim death. As Luke kissed me like a man possessed, I kissed him back like a starving woman, deprived for so long. It was as if the doubts and worries faded away and we knew. This was real, and we were home.
The happy memories accompany me down the aisle. I notice nobody but him. His gorgeous eyes are trained on me and me alone. He pulls me towards him like a gravitational force and I remember how everything just fell into place.
Luke never returned to sea. He told me that he had just endured the worst three months of his life and had handed in his flippers, or whatever they have to hand back. He took a position at the Head Office in Admiralty house. Far fro
m being a desk job though, he travels around the country doing whatever a landlubber submariner does.
We live in my flat and I am still with Jet Air. This suits us for now. Once we are married, we may tread a different path, but this year has been a whirlwind and I think we need to let life settle down first.
I am conscious of my best friend as she walks to her future alongside me. It was her suggestion to combine our big days.
Luke asked me to marry him exactly one week after he returned. He took me for a romantic meal and hid the ring in the dessert like they do on the films. Luckily for me, I had the wet wipes handy which saved me from an anxiety attack at the thought of slipping a cream encrusted diamond on my clinically clean finger.
I was more than happy to join forces with Jo and Pete because it saved us an absolute fortune and meant that we didn’t have to wait too long. I have waited long enough to find Luke. It doesn’t matter that we are sharing the best day of our life because we are sharing it with two amazing people who I love.
As I draw near Luke smiles the same smile that sets my soul on fire and makes my toes curl. He nods to my father with the respect he deserves and takes my hand, clasping it tightly like a precious stone that he needs to keep safe. His eyes throw little sparkles of love into mine and I melt inside.
Jo and Pete start the ball rolling and we await our turn patiently. I listen to my friend declare her love for the man who idolises her and then it is our turn.
As Luke and I declare our love and commitment to each other I feel complete. I think I knew from the moment I set eyes on him that we would arrive at this point. Don’t ask me how, I just knew. How we got here was unconventional but all that matters is we did.
Then we seal the deal as the registrar utters those immortal words.
