As we make our way back to the table, a waiter heads our way with a bottle of champagne and glasses for all of us.
“You planned all this?” I ask, turning to Dec.
“I planned that,” he says, flicking a look over his shoulder to the stage. “This is just as much a surprise for me.”
“OH MY GOD, congratulations. You’re going to be my sister,” Lilly screams when we’re close enough. She launches herself from her seat and comes flying towards me. She hits me with such force I think we’re both going to hit the floor. Thankfully, Dec can see what’s about to happen, and stays standing behind me, ready to catch both of us.
The guys congratulate Dec in a more calmly manner, other than BJ, who pulls him in for a hug.
“Oh my god, seriously, I never thought I’d see the day. Declan’s getting married, and to my best friend. I don’t think I’ve ever been so excited.”
“Charming,” Lucas mutters with a laugh.
“Excited for someone else,” she soothes as she leans in to give him a kiss.
The rest of the evening is full of excited chatter and plenty of alcohol. It’s the perfect remedy for all the stress we’ve been through. A rush of excitement runs through me at being able to give Susan some good news while she’s having treatment.
I sit there silently, considering all the jobs I could give her as we plan a wedding. It’ll be the perfect distraction for her.
I’m totally lost in my thoughts when I feel Dec’s stare. “Everything okay?”
“Everything’s perfect. I’m just thinking.”
“You’re planning it already, aren’t you?”
“Not really, I was just wondering about all the things I could get your mum to do. She’s already hating not being at work, so this will keep her busy.”
His smile widens at my words. “I love you,” he says, leaning into kiss me.
“I love you, too,” I mumble against his lips.
It’s been three weeks since Dec’s very unexpected proposal. I feel like I’ve been floating on cloud nine as I stare down at my ring. I keep expecting to wake up and realised it was all a dream, but it really did happen. He really did get down on one knee, in front of all those people, and declare his love for me. Butterflies erupt in my stomach every time I think about how it felt, standing there watching him trying to find the words he wanted to say.
My phone ringing pulls me from my memories and I look down to see who I’ve been waiting to FaceTime with.
“Hey, Susan. How’re you feeling today?” I can already see she’s looking rough from her dark eyes and grey skin. I put as much cheer into my tone as possible.
“Ugh, I’ve been better.” She was incredible after her first treatment, but this second one has knocked her right on her arse. She’s barely got out of bed this week.
“Did you get the parcel I sent you?” Seeing Susan suffering brought back all the things Mum used to say helped a little, so I went out and bought everything I could think of. The main thing was lemon-flavoured sweets in any form I could find. Mum’s addiction was bon bons, but I didn’t know if Susan liked them so I went a little crazy. I sent her a couple of hats and headscarves, ready for when the time comes, along with some fancy toiletries, minus any strong scent that might effect her nausea.
“Yes, thank you so much, you didn’t have to do that.”
“I just want to help, and I know how much some of those things helped Mum. It’s the least I can do.”
“You’re already doing more than I could ask of you, angel.”
A day hasn’t gone by since I realised I needed to pull myself out of my memories and help those around me that I haven’t spoken to Susan. Whether it’s just a text or a long video call, I’ve been here whenever she’s needed someone. Obviously Pete, Emma, Lilly and Dec are incredible, but they all struggle with talking about what the reality of this situation could be, whereas I get it, and I also understand Susan’s need to talk about the what ifs. When I first heard about her diagnosis, I thought it would be too hard to deal with let alone dive head first into helping, but it seems that Susan is helping me just as much as I am her. No one, other than the two of us, knew what it was like. I’ve spoken to Dec about it but I know he doesn’t really understand, whereas Susan has now been forced into a situation where she has to understand, and weirdly, I’m enjoying being able to talk about it all.
“Enough about all that. Are you all ready for tonight?”
“Yes, I think so.” My leg bounces with excitement as I think about tonight—our engagement party. I look down once again at my ring and I fight the smile looking at it causes.
“I’ve organised a couple of surprises for you both, seeing as we couldn’t be there.”
“You didn’t have to do that.” We were originally going to wait until Susan was strong enough to attend to celebrate our engagement, but we were told straight that we weren’t to wait that long. Dec was reluctant at first, but the moment she said it I realised how right she was. We’ve got something to celebrate; none of us know how long we’ve got, so we need to make the most of it. After a little encouragement, Dec was on board. We’ve closed the shack to the public for the night, and we’re having our own little karaoke party with our closest friends. It’s been a long time since I’ve had a party, and I feel like a little kid on the morning of her birthday.
“It’s the least I can do, angel. I was looking online at that—”
“Hang on, that’s the front door, let me just see who it is.”
“No, no you go. We’ll catch up tomorrow. I’ll want to know all about the party.”
“Okay. If you need me, you know where I am.”
“Just enjoy yourself. Speak soon, angel.”
I hang up on the call and rush to the front door. Pulling it open, the first thing that catches my eye is the white feather that flies past my face in the breeze. Reaching out, I grab it and run my finger over its softness. “Oh, hey,” I say, when I look up and find Lilly standing on my doorstep with a box in her hands.
“Hey.” She follows me through the house before placing the box on the dining table and taking a seat.
“Tea?”
She raises and eyebrow to say as if you need to ask! With a laugh, I turn to put the kettle on.
“What’s that?” I ask, pointing at the box.
“Get the drinks sorted and I’ll explain.” Her stalling tactics only increases my curiosity, so I make quick work of her tea and my coffee.
“Here you go.”
I sit back and watch as she stares at the box and blows out a long breath.
“Lilly?”
“I’ve had this for quite a while,” she admits. “The right time was meant to present itself, apparently, so I’m thinking today is perfect.”
“Ooookay.” I really have no clue what this is all about, but how uncomfortable Lilly is right now makes me a little worried.
“She told me to keep it safe, and that when the time came, I was to give it to you.
My heart pounds as ideas start to fly around my head. “S…She?” I stutter. I almost don’t want to know the answer in case it’s not the one I’m dying to hear.
“Your mum.”
After letting out a huge sigh, a smile creeps onto my face. She pushes the box over towards me, and suddenly I’m scared about what could be inside. My hands tremble as I take hold of the brown packing box.
“Do you want me to stay, or do you want to do this alone?”
“I don’t know. Do you know what’s inside?”
“I do.”
“Oh my god.” My head falls back and I stare up at the ceiling as I will the tears away that are beginning to sting my eyes. Blowing out a shaky breath, I bring my eyes back to the sympathetic ones of my best friend. “I think I need to do this alone.”
She nods as she takes a couple of sips of her tea. “I thought you’d say that. Promise me you’ll ring if you need me.”
“I will.”
Standing, she grabs her bag
and goes to leave, but at the last minute she turns and gives me a kiss on the cheek. “I’ll see you later.”
I listen to the light click of the front door shutting. I sit stock still as I continue to stare down at the box. I’m desperate to know what’s inside, to know what she left for me and why Lilly felt like today was the right time to give it to me.
My hands continue to shake, and my heart races in my chest as I pull the box even closer. Lifting the flaps, I find something wrapped in pink tissue paper. Taking slow and steady breaths, I pull the delicate paper back to reveal another box, only this one is white with images of flowers and feathers stuck all over it. Reaching in, I pull it out and admire Mum’s handiwork. She was really quite creative when she wanted to be. I run my fingers over the images, trying to imagine her sitting at our table back up north with all these pictures and a glue stick. Smiling through the threatening tears, I pull the lid off slowly. Once again, I find more tissue paper—only it’s cream this time. My breath catches when I reveal the contents. It’s the bag my grandmother made for Mum for her wedding day, the one she never got to have. I’ve seen this bag a thousand times before, but running my fingers over the delicate lace, it’s never felt so significant.
Tugging at the cord, keeping it closed, I gently pull the satin apart and peer inside. It was always empty when I was a kid. The first thing I find is a letter. Reaching in, I slide it out and hold it in my trembling hands as I stare down at Mum’s familiar handwriting.
Tears burn the backs of my eyes and I fight to allow them to drop. It’s a pointless exercise because I know the moment I open this letter, I’m going to lose my composure.
Letting out a long, slow breath, I push my finger under the sealed flap and gently tease it open, not wanting to damage any of it. I already know this is something I’m going to cherish forever.
When I have the folded paper in my hands, I have to give myself a few seconds to prepare for what I’m about to read. It’s really a waste of time, because I don’t think I’ll ever be prepared.
Congratulations darling.
If you’re reading this, it means some incredible man has come along and swept you off your feet and wants to make you his wife. What I wouldn’t give to see the two of you together.
From the moment the midwife placed you in my arms, I dreamt of your wedding day. You always deserved to be a princess for the day, but now more than ever.
I may not be able to be there in person, but that doesn’t mean I won’t be with you every second of your special day.
I’ve had some of these things for years. I dreamt of being able to give you them all on the night before your wedding. You know, the one where I’d give you all the advice you’d need to be the perfect wife, like we’d watch in those girly films. I’m not sure how good my advice would have been, mind you.
Nicole, you are going to be the most beautiful bride. Your husband to be can’t possibly know how lucky he is. I want you to have the perfect day that always eluded me, and I hope these help make it just that little bit better.
I’ll be there with you every step of the way.
Mum x
A huge mix of emotions charge through me as I close her letter and gently place it on the table in front of me. My chin trembles as I try to slow the tears that continue to drop onto my cheeks. Aside from those, I’m smiling. I’m smiling wider than I have in a long time. Just reading her words, hearing her voice in my head, it’s everything. And Lilly was right, now was the right time. I didn’t realise how much I needed this until I read her first word.
Desperate to know what she’d been collecting for me, I begin pulling things from the bag. A lace handkerchief with blue floral stitching, an ivory garter glittered with diamantes, a small mother of pearl pill pot with my name across the front, a stunning hair piece full of diamonds and pearls, a blue pair of earrings, and finally, a locket—a gorgeous silver locket on a dainty chain. I hold it in my hand and allow the chain to fall through my fingers. I know what’s inside is going to floor me, so I take a few seconds before I pop it open.
When I do find the strength to open it, I’m glad I took a breather because staring back at me is a photograph of Mum and Dad on one side, and another of Mum and me from when I was a teenager on the other. I close my fingers around it and sob. I sob for everything I’ve lost, but also for what they’re going to miss. I’d give everything to have Mum here with me, planning this wedding with me and experiencing everything alongside me, but more than I want it for me, I want it for her. She had so much taken away from her when she should have had so much to look forward to.
“Baby?” I hear whispered as I stare down at the contents of the bag.
Turning, I find Dec in the middle of the living room with his brows drawn together. Pushing the chair out behind me, I jump forward and run at him. My arms wrap around his shoulders as my legs do the same around his waist. I cry into the crook of his neck for the longest time as he holds me and rubs his arms up and down my back.
“Are you okay?” he asks when I eventually pull away.
“Yes. Come and see,” I untangle myself from his body and pull him over to the table.
“There’s something else in the box,” he says, reaching in and pulling a small tissue wrapped item out. “Here.” I take it from him and slowly pull at it.
I burst out laughing the moment I reveal the contents. Intrigued by my reaction, Dec moves over and follows my stare.
His breath catches the moment his eyes land on the photograph in my hands before he also lets out a laugh. “When the hell did that happen?” he asks.
“I’ve no idea.” In my hands is a small picture frame containing a photograph of three young kids playing dress up. One of the girls has white netting wrapped around her shoulders, and the boy has his dad’s tie around his neck as they stand together pretending to be getting married.
Dec’s hand lands on my cheek and he turns me away from the photograph and towards him. He’s looking at me just like in the photograph. “See,” he says. “I’ve always loved you.” My heart summersaults as he steps towards me and places his lips against mine.
“Nice trick with the photograph,” I say to Lilly when she arrives at the shack to help me out with the final arrangements.
“What are you on about?” I stare at her, waiting for her to give something away, but she doesn’t even flinch.
“The photo in the box.”
“I don’t remember seeing a photo.” Her face is still deadly serious. Hats off to her, she’s doing a great job here.
“Stop lying, Lills. We know you put that photo of us as kids at the bottom of the box.” There’s no other way it could have been there. Mum thought we hated each other just like everyone else.
“Nicole, I didn’t add anything to that box. I only knew what was in it because of the letter your mum sent with it.”
“You didn’t…” I continue to stare at her. I’m sure she must be thinking I’ve lost my mind. Surely she’s going to laugh or smile in a minute. She must have put that photo in.
“No. I didn’t do anything other than store that box until today. What photo?”
Digging inside my handbag, I wrap my fingers around the small metal frame and pull it out. Lilly’s breath catches the second she sees it. She doesn’t laugh like we did, she just stares with wide eyes at the image of her marrying the two of us when we were about seven.
“Holy shit. How did she know?”
“You really didn’t plant that?”
“No. I’ve never seen this before. I don’t even remember it. How did we manage to get him to agree to this?”
My chin drops. When did she put this in, and how did she know?
“I’ve got goosebumps,” Lilly whispers.
Thoughts of that photograph don’t leave me as our friends start arriving. When I walked in earlier, I found that Susan had organised to have a cake delivered, so standing pride of place on the bar is a happy engagement surfing themed cake with little icing surfers an
d everything. It’s incredible. She’s also sent flowers and the place now smells gorgeous with their floral scent. I know she told us to go ahead and do this without her, but I can’t help feeling sad she’s at home ill as we chat and laugh with our friends.
The evening is everything I could have asked for, even if I haven’t managed to find the time to get up on stage and sing yet. It seems Dec has managed to drag my inner performer out from wherever she was hiding in fear, because every time I walk past this stage now, I want to get up and belt out a song or two. I haven’t taken a weekend slot to entertain our evening customers yet, but it’s going to be happening soon.
I’m busy chatting to Liv, who travelled down to celebrate with us, when she suddenly stops talking. Looking at what’s caught her attention, I see Liam up on stage with the microphone in his hand.
Liv stayed in touch after she went back home, and every time I talk to her, I can’t help feeling like she sounds just that little bit more broken. She looked like she had the weight of the world on her shoulders when I watched her walk up the decking towards the shack just over an hour ago.
The room is in silence as Liv and Liam stare at each other.
“Hurry up, bro,” BJ shouts after a few minutes, clearly not realising that something’s going on between them.
After a few more seconds, Liam hits the button to start the music and the sounds of Shawn Mendes’ Treat You Better fills the room.
I see Liv take a step back the moment he starts singing, and she crashes into the chair behind me. Reaching out, I go to grab her arm as she starts to back away, shaking her head, her eyes wide in panic.
Epilogue
Nicole
“Are you sure you want to do this alone?” Lilly asks as she faffs about with my hair.
Blowing out a breath in an attempt to steady my racing heart, I nod at her.
Falling for Nicole: An Enemies to Lovers Romance (Angel Book 8) Page 25
