Closer to the Heart (The Heart Trilogy Book 3)

by Unknown

  They had swam together in the pool and then chatted in the sauna before arranging a date. Everything was perfect Daniel went to the Spa for Felicity, Zach for Sasha. She had taught him everything he ever needed to know about pleasing a woman, he had fallen in love with her completely. He drained his glass and shook his head clear of the memories of the night that had changed his life. He needed to move on, he needed to forget.

  Chapter 11

  James returned to work the following week and Charlotte to college with a heavy heart. She walked Jester in the park and let her mind replay the times she had shared with Mitchell. He had been her true love and now that he was missing presumed dead she was trapped in her prison of memories. Berating herself for fooling around with Shelley that had led to them breaking up and Mitchell leaving for his Mothers place. If only....IF ONLY she could go back in time and change her actions then he would still be alive. In the back of her mind Zach lurked, waking her from sleep with an aroused itch that even her vibrator would not lay to rest.

  It was only a week to the wedding and surprisingly everything seemed to be organised. I had dragged Charlotte back to the bridal shop and with our dresses fully fitted we were ready. Sarah had been back up for a dress shopping trip and Chris had come too. Partly to cheer James up but also to get his suit fitted as he was to be the best man. We had decided not to have stag and hen nights so instead a close family and friends meal was organised for the weekend before.

  In our room I stood in front of the wardrobe looking through my dresses for the evening meal. A hand on my back surprised me and I turned to see James.

  “Wear the pink one you wore in the hotel on our first date back together” he breathed. His lips bent to start a trail from my shoulder blade to my lips.

  “Ok, as long as you wear the purple shirt”

  “Deal” he said, before our kisses silenced us. He had tried his best over the last few weeks to move on, but his eyes betrayed him. A shadow of pain still lingered there and until he was able to contact this file hacker friend of Simon's he could not fully move on.

  Across the landing Charlotte sat in confusion, her laptop screen on. She read the email again from Arlene Phillips.

  “Charlotte,

  I would personally like to invite you to audition for the part of Francis Houseman (Baby) in the stage production of Dirty Dancing. This will take place on the 21st February in London. The studio address and directions are listed on the attachment. I hope this gets to you as I did send the same email a week ago to Mitchell but have had no reply. I look forward to your confirmation shortly.

  Kind Regards

  Arlene“

  Wiping the tears away once more she held her fingers poised on the reply button. Part of her wanted to just ignore it, delete the message and wipe away the pain that dancing without Mitchell would cause. The other part of her knew that he would want her to carry on, to dance in his memory.

  “Arlene, thank you for the invitation I would love to attend. Mitchell is dead” she paused, she hated that word it was so final. Deleting it she re-wrote

  “Mitchell is missing presumed dead it’s a long story but I need to come to try and appease my guilt over it all. I have slightly lost my will to dance but I know he would want me to continue.

  Kind Regards

  Charlotte“

  Tears splattered on the keyboard as she pressed send and realised that she needed to get dressed ready for the meal. She stood up and looked through her clothes and pulled out the black dirty dancing style dress. Pulling it on she was shocked to find it gaping at the sides and loose at the waist. It looked awful so she found her padded bra and her tight silver belt which made it look better. Around her neck still hung the heart necklace and with a bit of make-up she looked ok. Her silver cardigan hid her thin arms from view. Slipping into her shoes she glanced at the picture on her bedside table, a happy moment in London.

  I knocked on the door

  “Charlie are you ready the taxi is here”

  “Yes Mum”

  The door opened and my daughter smiled weakly at me.

  “Are you ok”

  She nodded and rushed into my arms, her body shaking with sobs.

  “Don't cry, please don't cry” I murmured into her hair, my own tears threatening to break free at any moment.

  “So....sorry...Mum” she gulped out “Perhaps it would be best if I stay home tonight”

  “No I need you there, everyone wants you to be there”

  She nodded as I untangled her arms.

  “Go re-do your face and we'll see you downstairs” I said. She paused in the doorway and I looked into her eyes

  “I can't fix this, only time will and even then you will always feel that splinter in your heart”

  In the hallway Sarah and Chris were waiting, along with Darren and Sophie, Pam and Peter and James.

  “She's coming in a minute” I said “Go ahead into the minibus and we'll be out”

  When Charlie joined me she looked a little better so I linked my arm through hers.

  “Thanks Mum”

  As we climbed into the bus, Sophie said

  “There's a seat here by us Charlotte”

  I sat down next to James as he slid the side door shut and we drove out of town to the restaurant.

  James sat at the head of the table, I sat beside him on the one side with Charlotte between me and Chris. With the wine flowing our conversation centred on the wedding day plans. We were all booked into the small boutique hotel where the ceremony and reception was taking place. Charlotte, Sarah and I were going to get there the evening before, leaving Chris at home with James. We were booked in for some serious pampering and I hoped it would help cheer up Charlotte.

  The following week seemed to fly by. I was busy training up an apprentice DJ called Louise or Lou for short. She had been working the dead zone for the last few months from ten till midnight in the week. In my sleepless nights I had tuned in downstairs and realised her true potential. While I was away for three weeks on my honeymoon I knew she would do a good job, potentially better than me. As Greg was busy setting up the next new station in Manchester I needed more time off the air to fill in for his absence.

  I finished my show on Friday afternoon and walked into the staff room to find Jack, Leon, Greg and Naomi waiting for me.

  “Here's a card from us all” Naomi said, handing over a large envelope.

  “And just a little token gift but you might need to open it before the ceremony” Jack added. I grinned as he passed me a small box. I opened it to find a lace garter trimmed with cream silk and a small chocolate coloured rose. Kissing them all I smiled broadly.

  “Just look after the station while I'm away” I said “And I look forward to seeing you all tomorrow evening at the reception”

  Jack walked to the door with me.

  “See you tomorrow Jack, the ceremony starts at eleven and I need you and Justin to keep my baby girl happy”

  “Don't you worry we will so long as you look absolutely drop dead gorgeous tomorrow when I walk you down the aisle”

  His hug warmed my spirits as I set off towards the hotel in the Cotswolds. Sarah was picking up Charlotte and meeting me there. I quickly checked the back seat of the car, my wedding dress carefully packed in a bag. I smiled as I turned the stereo on and found my favourite playlist on my iPod. The first track filled the car interior as I sang along to the lyrics I knew off by heart. Rick Astley singing 'Hold me in your arms' which was what I was going to do tomorrow.

  “You only have to hold me, touch me to make me feel this way”

  The old fashioned lamp posts lit my way up the driveway and I parked next to Sarah's car in front of the warm sandstone exterior. A doorman came to the car and carried all my bags inside and then up to my room while I walked through to the bar and the welcome sight of my daughter and my best friend. They had chosen the sofa nearest the fire and a bottle of white wine was open on the table.

  “Mum” Charlotte ca
lled out, the heat from the fire leaving marks on her cheeks.

  “Charlie, Sarah” I said, as I sat down next to them both.

  Sarah poured me a glass of wine as I sank back into the cushions and took a long slug.

  “So what’s the plan, girls”

  “We're booked in for dinner in an hour. Then tomorrow morning we get up at eight have a massage, light breakfast and then hair, nails and make-up before we're all ready for eleven” Sarah said, holding up her glass.

  “A toast to Stephanie and James and their big day tomorrow”

  I tapped my glass to hers and then to Charlotte's before we took a sip.

  “I'm going to go and get washed and changed if that's ok because you two are making me look dowdy”

  “You look lovely Mum, but if you must” she said softly.

  Walking into the bridal suite I pulled out my phone and sent a quick message to James

  “Arrived safely, room is spectacular I can't wait to share it with you tomorrow night”

  James quickly replied.

  “I can't wait either, I never believed that this day would come. See you tomorrow sweetheart x”

  I showered and pulled on my favourite floral print dress and returned to the girls in time for us to head through to the dining room.

  Over the meal Charlotte made a surprise announcement.

  “I've got an audition in London next weekend for the part of Baby in the stage version of Dirty Dancing”

  I looked up, startled but overjoyed.

  “Wow, congratulations” I said, raising my glass once more.

  “Well done, Charlie” Sarah chimed in.

  “They wanted Mitchell too” she murmured, the shine in her eyes dying.

  “Oh”

  “Mum, I'm so scared that I won't be able to dance anymore. I want to go for Mitchell's memory but......” Her voice trailed off.

  I reached for her hand and gave it a small soft squeeze.

  “You can do it, I just wish I could go with you but I'll be on honeymoon”

  “It’s ok Mum, I’m going to ask Julia when I see her later”

  “Well, while Steph is away if you need anything just give me a call” Sarah said.

  We finished our meal and Charlie excused herself to bed, leaving Sarah and I to a glass of Bailey's and the fireside sofa.

  “Let’s hope this audition will cheer her up” I said.

  “Come on try not to dwell on everything that has happened, tomorrow is your day...no more worries”

  Sarah's words made me smile and kept it there as we walked upstairs to our rooms.

  I slept like a baby all night, no nightmares no dreams just sleep. I woke early and realised I had an hour before our massage was booked so I slipped into my gown and went down the corridor to the Spa area. The pool was deserted as I slipped into the water and swam up and down the length. The calm monotony soothed my mind of every worry I had for the day. I returned to my room and showered before I heard Sarah's knock on the door. Charlie was waiting too as we wandered back along the corridor.

  Any knots I had left after the swim were quickly dispatched and I could have easily drifted back off to sleep on the table. Then back in my room we all enjoyed some muesli and yogurt for breakfast before the beautician and hairdresser arrived. Gradually my hair was fastened up in a style so similar to how I had worn it for my end of school dance. The only addition was the stunning tiara that she fastened in at the end. Charlie wore her hair loose but curled and a smaller gold band in hers. Sarah short hair was sculpted and her fascinator put into place.

  A knock on the door bought Jack and Justin carrying our bouquets and a bottle of champagne.

  “You look amazing” he gasped “and that’s without your dress on”

  I smiled as I sipped the cool bubbles and surveyed the happy crowd in my room.

  “Ok, everyone out now as we need to get our dresses on” Sarah said.

  “I'll be waiting outside” Jack said, planting a soft kiss on my cheek.

  My underwear hugged my figure, defining it even more. I took my time pulling on the pale stockings and then the garter that my staff had given me. This was my new item, my crotch less panties were my novel joke at blue!! My necklace of pearlswere a present from my Mum as they had belonged to her. The only thing I didn't have was something borrowed. Pulling the dress on I fastened it and stared into the full length mirror. Sarah was the next to enter looking beautiful in a silk dress of deep blue.

  “Wow” she said, stepping over to look in the mirror beside me.

  “I just need a borrowed item” I said, enjoying our reflections in the mirror.

  “Here you are” Sarah said, pulling from her handbag a delicate handkerchief trimmed in blue.

  “It can do borrowed and blue” she said, handing it to me. Tears glittered in her eyes as we both remembered back to her wedding day.

  Chapter 12

  Charlotte and Jack entered as the clock in the hallway chimed eleven. The photographer had arrived and started to take a few pictures as we prepared to head down. Charlotte looked stunning in her chocolate gown and the small bouquet that matched my larger one stood out against the dark material.

  “I'll see you later” Sarah said, giving both me and Charlie a quick hug.

  “Thanks Sarah” I smiled before we waited a further five minutes.

  “Shall we go” Jack asked, holding out his arm to me.

  “Yes, I've been ready for years”

  Charlotte followed behind and as we took stock at the bottom of the stairs I turned to look at her.

  “I love you” I whispered to her.

  “I love you too Mum, now let's get on with this before I start to cry”

  The doors to the room opened and I glided in, an instrumental version of 'Father Figure' played as I walked towards the man who had always held my heart. I looked at the small gathering of people in the room and smiled at every one. Pam was already dabbing her eyes with a tissue and Sarah looked close. Sophie had a wistful, far-away look on her face imagining how her big day would look. Waiting for me in a dark, charcoal suit was James, the man in all of my dreams. He was my soul mate, my true love and the adoration shone from my eyes straight into his. As Jack passed my hand to James he gave it a squeeze and a quick kiss on my cheek.

  “This is meant to be” he whispered, before withdrawing and finding his seat next to Justin.

  We had written our own vows and I waiting until it was my turn. I felt my mouth go dry with nerves but a quick look into James' eyes steadied me.

  “James you have always been the only man for me, from our first kiss twenty five years ago to meeting again last year. You are a rock that I cling to, the tide that sweeps me up and carries me and the only one I want to share the rest of my life with. I love you till the end of time”

  “Stephanie, you are still that girl who came into my life and showed me what true love was capable of. I see it now in your beautiful blue eyes, I feel it in our every embrace and I am so lucky you gave me this second chance. This time it we will be together, forever”

  Then we exchanged the normal vows and rings before the words I had been waiting for.

  “James, you may kiss the bride”

  To ringing applause James swept me into his arms and his lips claimed mine before we turned to smile at everyone. I reached out for Charlotte's hand, which shook in mine. Tears slid down her cheeks so I passed her my borrowed hankie. I guessed she was feeling, part happiness part despair at her own broken heart. The haunting melody of our song from Top Gun started to play and James leaned into me.

  “You look stunning, you really do take my breath away”

  We didn't need to walk back up the aisle as our family and friends crowded around us. Pam and Sarah still sniffing back the tears. I saw Justin and Jack embrace before Jack held out his hand to Charlotte and pulled her between them. The meal was a small intimate affair and after lots of short speeches from James, Chris, Jack and even Charlotte managed a few words
before she gave way to sobs.

  After many more photographs the first of our evening guests started to appear. Charlotte ran to Julia and Simon, her best friend admiring her dress. Next was everyone from the radio station as they had hired a mini bus. Greg looked handsome and Lesley hung on his arms, happy for the world to see they were a couple. Leon and Naomi looked gloriously full of the bloom of first love. Paul, Ian and Mark from the Hereford station had even made the trip. The guys and wives and girlfriends from the fire service were next and then Rob and Angela. Shelley and Kyle also showed up and I was pleased to see Charlotte chatting away to her small circle of friends.

  Jack had stepped in to provide the music although with the number of DJ's present he didn't spend all night trapped behind the console. Tapping the microphone he caught everyone’s attention.

  “Welcome one and all to this celebration marking the marriage of Stephanie and James. Two friends that I hold very dear and I'm sure you all do too” he paused for the applause.

  “Would Mr and Mrs Cooke step onto the dance floor so that we can get this party started in the traditional way”

  It had taken us forever to decide what song we should play for our first dance but in the end James had remembered the lyrics I had written in the leaving card from 'Somewhere out there'