Madeline laughed. ‘I passed Charlie and your father in the kitchen. She was giving him a lecture on the proper way to cut toast.’
‘Poor Dad. I take it he did squares instead of triangles?’ She pictured her father trying to deal with her precocious four-year-old. She supposed it was something he’d have to get used to again. ‘Did he look like he needed rescuing?’
Madeline shook her head. ‘Pat and Bill were keeping him company and he looked to be taking instruction well. She’ll have him wrapped around her finger in no time.’ Her smile turned serious. ‘I didn’t see any sign of Nee.’
Kiki glanced towards the window. A solitary figure stood on the edge of the surf line, facing out to sea. ‘She went for a walk on the beach.’ Nee had still looked tired and drawn this morning, but she’d waved off any attempts at conversation.
A soft touch on her arm turned her from the window. ‘Give her some time, darling. Let Butterfly Cove work its magic on her for a few days.’
She leaned into the comfort of Madeline’s shoulder. ‘It’s not like her. From the moment she could talk, she couldn’t keep quiet for two minutes. This…’ She waved a helpless hand towards the window. ‘This isn’t like her. We emailed regularly whilst she was away and there was never any hint about a man in her life.’ Kiki shook her head. ‘Which I should have noticed before. Nee always lived her life to the full and she always had a boyfriend in tow. She used to joke it was her duty to play the field because Mia and I had settled down so early on. I think she was just worried about making the same mistake I did.’
Maybe that was the answer to why Nee had abandoned Luke so abruptly. None of the marriages she’d been witness to had exactly been happy. Between their parents’ dysfunction, Mia’s loss and Kiki’s own issues with Neil, they hadn’t set her great example. It didn’t excuse what she’d done, but perhaps it might go some way to explaining it. There wasn’t a cruel bone in Nee’s body, so there had to be a reason.
Madeline kissed her temple. ‘You go and see how Mia is, and Maggie and I will make a start on the salads.’ The wedding breakfast would be a cold buffet with a barbecue planned for the evening when the other guests arrived. They’d done as much preparation as possible, but some things still needed to be put together.
They parted on the stairs after Kiki had elicited a promise from the others to send Nee up if she came back in. She tapped on Mia’s bedroom door and peeked round the edge. ‘How’s the bride doing this morning?’
Mia swung around on the stool in front of her dressing table. ‘Bored!’ She waggled her pearlescent fingers and toes. ‘I’ve done my hair, my nails, moisturised every inch of my skin, and it’s still only nine-thirty.’
Kiki laughed and perched on the end of the bed nearest her sister. ‘If you need something to do, you can help me with these infernal curlers.’ She’d never been one for over-styling and the weight of the curlers had started to make her scalp ache. They swapped places and Kiki closed her eyes in relief as Mia began to unravel her hair.
‘You’ve always had such beautiful hair, Kiki Dee.’
She opened her eyes and met Mia’s reflection in the glass. ‘Do you regret cutting yours?’ Her heart stuttered at the memory of a distraught Mia with her hair hacked off to just a few inches. It had been part of her grieving process, a form of self-punishment she’d said afterwards.
Her sister ducked her head so they rested cheek-to-cheek. Her usual haphazard style had been tamed with a pair of straighteners and feathered about her face in soft tendrils. ‘Lord, no! My ears get a bit chilly in the winter, but a hat soon fixes that. I’m different now, and this suits me.’ Her eyes misted up, and Kiki felt an answering lump in her throat. Mia pressed a kiss to Kiki’s cheek. ‘I just got used to you being around. What will I ever do without you?’
Kiki raised her hand to clasp Mia’s where it rested on her shoulder and gave her a teary smile. ‘You won’t have to.’ Mia sank back on the bed, mouth open in surprise as Kiki explained to her about the deal George had struck to get Neil off her back. By the end of her tale, they were gripping hands and laughing through their tears. Kiki raised her thumb to wipe a streak of mascara from Mia’s cheek. ‘Look at the mess we’ve made of your face!’
‘He really did that? Dad gave up his job for you?’ Nee’s husky question came from just inside the open bedroom door. She held a small tray with three glasses balanced on it. She hovered uncertainly on the threshold, the distance between the three of them palpable. ‘Madeline sent me up with these.’ Her white-blonde hair served only to highlight the purple shadows etched deep beneath her eyes. Fragile had never been a word Kiki associated with her younger sister, but she looked as pale and breakable as a china figurine.
Mia stood up and held out her hand. ‘Come in, darling. I didn’t dare hope that the three of us would be together this morning.’ She handed a glass of Buck’s Fizz to Kiki and took a second for herself. Nee took the remaining glass and laid the tray aside. Mia looked at each of them in turn. ‘Knowing Kiki doesn’t have to leave tomorrow is the best news I could have hoped for.’ She smiled at Nee. ‘The only thing that could top it was if you didn’t have to rush off back to New York.’
Nee bit her lip. ‘I… I can stay for a little while.’
Mia shook her head. ‘No, no, darling. I’m being selfish. New York is a dream come true for you and your career. Go with my blessing, just try not to forget about us when you hit the heights.’
Nee swayed on her feet, would have spilled her drink had Kiki not steadied her hand. Beneath that pale, pale hair, her skin had turned ashen. ‘What is it?’
‘I don’t want to talk about it. Not today.’ Nee sucked in a deep breath. ‘New York didn’t work out.’
Five words didn’t seem enough to hold such stunning impact. Kiki’s mind raced as she recalled their email correspondence over the past year, seeking out a clue, a hint of the unhappiness clearly written on Nee’s face. Maybe she’d been too caught up in her own misery to notice. ‘Why didn’t you tell us?’
‘I shouldn’t have said anything. Look, I’m okay.’ Kiki didn’t need to see Mia’s face to know they were both wearing the same look of scepticism. Nee shrugged. ‘All right. I’m not okay, but I want to try and be. Today isn’t about me. Please.’
This time Kiki did look to Mia. It was her day, her choice. Whatever she decided, Kiki would follow her lead. Mia opened her mouth, closed it, then nodded. ‘Okay. But you’re not going anywhere, you hear me? Your place is with us. We’re going to help you.’ Whether Nee liked it or not, her firm tone implied.
‘Come here.’ Kiki moved to the right so the three of them faced each other and curled her free arm around Nee’s waist. Nee did the same to Mia, and Kiki felt her elder sister’s hand on her hip. They raised their glasses to the centre of the little circle they’d formed. There was so much left to unravel, so many bumps in the road ahead, but, in that one quiet moment, the Thorpe sisters were reunited and there wasn’t anything they couldn’t face together.
‘To Mia, wishing you every happiness on this most special of days,’ Nee said softly.
‘To Mia, thank you for finding this beautiful place and sharing it with us.’ Kiki added her own toast.
Mia’s hand shook a little, rattling their glasses together. ‘To my sisters. Thank you for being here with me today. I hope Butterfly Cove can bring you as much joy as it has me.’
They clinked their drinks together. ‘To Butterfly Cove.’
Chapter Twenty-Two
The weather gods had come through; a few fluffy white clouds decorated the bright sky. Aaron turned his face into the light breeze blowing in from the sea, savouring the scent of salt. As they’d hoped, Thursday night’s storm had freshened the air, lifting the oppressive temperatures of the previous days. A few of the more delicate flowers had suffered a little in the downpour, but the grey army had done a sweep through the garden and staked up any straggling blooms. The leaves on the bushes gleamed as thoug
h polished, any sandy traces from the beach washed clean by the rain.
Everywhere his eye rested, bright colour greeted him, from the crisp, cream marquees set out on the right-hand side of the lawn to the lilac and purple blooms coating the Buddleia trees behind him. The cove lived up to its nickname, with fragile blue butterflies he didn’t know the name of and bold Red Admirals dancing from blossom to blossom. He’d meant to get Charlie a book on butterflies so they could learn the names of all their pretty visitors together, but time had run away with him, and now it was too late.
It’s not for ever. There would be other summers, he had to hold on to that hope. His hand dropped involuntarily to cover the pocket of his beige, tailored trousers where he’d tucked the small stack of yellow cards. He checked his watch; five minutes to go.
‘Stop fidgeting or I’ll never get this on straight.’ Madeline patted Daniel’s chest to soften her admonishment.
‘Sorry, Mads.’ Daniel stood still to allow Madeline to pin the peach rose buttonhole to his white linen shirt. Aaron bit the inside of his cheek to hide the grin twitching at the corners of his mouth.
Madeline stepped back to eye her handiwork and gave a nod of satisfaction. ‘You’ll do.’ She turned to Aaron next and he bent his knees to bring himself nearer to her short height. ‘Cheeky sod.’ She gave him a gentle poke in the stomach and his grin broke free.
‘You’re looking mighty fine this morning, Mads. I hope Richard understands how lucky he is.’ Her primrose-yellow shift dress looked cool and elegant. The wicker-soled wedged sandals on her feet added a couple of inches, but she was still petite enough for Aaron to tuck her under his arm once she’d finished pinning his rose.
Her rich laugh rolled across the open garden, turning heads, drawing smiles. ‘He knows. I remind him every day.’ She leaned into his hug for a moment and Aaron marvelled anew at the difference this livewire of a woman had made to his life. Things might work out with Cathy; they more likely might not, given the bitter void between them. He would try one last time—for Luke, for his dad, for the promise he’d made to himself to stop the past from holding him back—but everything he needed from a mother was right there tucked against his side.
He pressed a kiss to her cheek, careful not to mess up the sleek curtain of hair framing her face. ‘I love you, Madeline.’
Daniel took her hand and pressed a kiss to the back of it. ‘Me, too, Mads.’
‘Me, three!’ Matty threw his arms around Madeline’s waist and Aaron dropped his free hand to the little boy’s shoulder.
‘My boys.’ She rested her head against Aaron’s chest for a moment before drawing away with a laugh. ‘You’ll have me watering like a pot if you keep this up.’ She fanned her face with her hand, eyes glittering. ‘I’d better take my seat.’
A small arc of chairs had been set up so everyone had a front-row view. A wide aisle divided the seats, leading to the French windows of the dining room, which were currently closed. Sue, the celebrant’s wife, slipped from around the side of the house, crossed the grass and took her seat at one end of the arc. She gave Alison a discreet nod to signal everything was ready. The celebrant touched Daniel’s arm. ‘It’s time.’
His friend swallowed hard then set his shoulders back. ‘I’m ready.’
Aaron glanced down at Matty. ‘You remember what to do?’ The little boy raised the black velvet box holding the matching rings, and nodded. ‘Good boy.’
Luke left his seat at the opposite end of the arc, moving quickly to the table just inside the main marquee. The soft strains of an acoustic guitar filled the air with ‘Storybook Love’, the theme song from The Princess Bride. The French doors opened.
Charlie stepped out of the dining room, and Aaron wasn’t the only one who chuckled at the sight of her. Clutching a basket of rose petals in one hand, she adjusted the gold crown nestling in her hair then strode forward, the low heels of her bright-red boots tapping on the stone patio. She’d been given her choice of princess costumes, and it appeared that Wonder Woman had won out over Belle in the final decision process. With the gold stars on her blue tutu glittering, she made her way down the aisle, tossing the petals from her basket with more enthusiasm than finesse.
Kiki came next, and Aaron’s breath caught at the sight of her beautiful hair tumbling around her shoulders in soft curls. The coral satin dress she wore shaped her figure as she turned to offer a hand to help Mia step out of the door. She pressed a quick kiss to her sister’s cheek, then began her own procession towards them. Traditionally, everyone had eyes only for the bride, but Aaron would have to beg Mia’s forgiveness later because he couldn’t look away. If he’d only seized the chance Kiki had offered him, those wild curls would be spilling over his pillow later as they snuggled together and recalled the highlights of the day. She took her place on the other side of Alison and gathered Charlie’s free hand.
At last, Aaron tore his gaze away, just in time to catch the stupid grin on Daniel’s face as Mia took her last couple of steps towards them. A flowered clip held up one side of her short hair, the cream roses matching those of the simple bouquet she clutched before her. Kiki reached out to take the flowers, leaving her sister free to grasp Daniel’s outstretched hand. The couple turned to face Alison, who offered them an encouraging smile, then raised her arms to encompass everyone present.
‘Friends. You are here today to support Mia and Daniel as they take the next step in the beautiful journey they have chosen to make together. They want to thank you all for bringing them this far, and hope to share the many years of love and happiness to come with you. In your presence, they will pledge themselves to each other with words and symbols of their union.’ Alison lowered her arms. ‘Are you both ready?’
They nodded, and Mia cleared her throat. ‘Daniel. It’s no secret that I was less than happy when you showed up on my doorstep.’ Aaron smiled across at Madeline, and she winked back at him. She’d been directly responsible for the couple’s unorthodox meeting.
Mia glanced over her shoulder at the house, then back to Daniel. ‘You helped me bring this place to life, and in doing so you managed to bring me back to life, too. I gave you a week, and you took for ever. I love you.’ A soft sniffle rose from the seats, and Pat raised a handkerchief to dab her eye while Bill patted her other hand. Aaron couldn’t deny the scratchiness in his own throat.
Daniel raised his hand to graze the backs of his fingers down Mia’s cheek. ‘I’m not a great one for words so I’ve borrowed a bit from traditional vows. When I came here my life was at its very worst. Every moment I’ve spent at your side has only made it better. Many would consider me rich, but before I met you, my heart was empty, my soul was poor.’ He laughed. ‘I was literally sick, and you helped me recover my health. I love you and will cherish you always.’
Aaron bent at the waist. ‘You’re up, bud,’ he whispered to Matty. The little boy nodded solemnly then took his place opposite Alison. It took him a couple of attempts to lift the stiff lid on the velvet box, and Aaron steeled himself not to step forward and help him. A collective sigh of relief rippled around when he prised open the lid and proudly offered up the rings nestled inside.
Mia and Daniel each removed one of the slender platinum bands, taking turns to slide them on each other’s ring finger as they made their pledges. Matty continued to hold up the now-empty box until Kiki reached out and gently caught his arm, tugging him to stand beside her.
Alison smiled. ‘Mia and Daniel have shared their love and commitment with words and symbols. It gives me great pleasure to pronounce you husband and wife.’ She nodded to Daniel, who cupped Mia’s cheek as though he handled the most delicate porcelain, and pressed a soft kiss to her lips.
The celebrant waited until the couple drew apart then placed her hands on their arms to turn them towards the arc of chairs. ‘Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you all, Mr and Mrs Daniel Fitzwilliams.’
***
With everyone pitching in, the b
uffet had been laid out on the long dining-room table. People wandered back and forth, helping themselves to whatever took their fancy. Inroads had been made into the large bucket of ice sitting in the shade of the tent that held a mixture of soft and alcoholic drinks.
Bill rested his hand on Kiki’s shoulder as he topped up her glass of white wine. ‘Are you having a good time, lovey?’ he asked, and she nodded.
‘It’s been wonderful. Better than I could have imagined. How about you?’ She’d seen Pat having a few tears earlier. It can’t have been easy for them watching Mia get married again, knowing she was only free to do so because of their son’s passing. Kiki had experienced her own conflicting emotions, particularly when Aaron had offered his arm to escort her to the table. It was so close to the fantasy she’d imagined of them, yet miles away from where she’d hoped they would be.
Using the children as an excuse had felt a bit shabby, but she’d taken their hands to avoid having to walk too close to him. She hadn’t missed the flicker of hurt in his eyes, but he only had himself to blame. Their once-easy friendship, which had led her to hope for her own happy ending, felt strained to the limits. Coronation chicken and white wine stirred uneasily in her stomach. Perhaps if she tried hard enough, she could put things behind her and they could get back to how things had been before that stupid kiss in the garages. Perhaps not.
Bill gave her a pat. ‘We’re all right. I won’t deny I’m missing my boy something fierce today, but Daniel’s a good man and it does my heart glad to see our Mia happy again.’ He reached down to stroke Charlie’s head. ‘Save me a dance later, poppet?’
Charlie bounced in her chair. ‘Can we dance now?’
Bill laughed. ‘Soon, darling. Aaron needs to give his speech first. I’d better finish filling these glasses so he can get started.’ He moved up the table, offering red and white wine as he went.
Wedding Bells at Butterfly Cove Page 22
