by Katie Ginger
‘I’m not really sure,’ he said, scratching the back of his head. ‘One minute Brenda was talking about mini chocolate macaroons and the next thing I know, Cat’s gone off on one saying that’s exactly the same thing as the Mississippi macaroons she wanted and her mum was just trying to take over as per usual. Then she demanded the Mississippi macaroons be re-instated and told her mum that the pumpkin pies were going back on the menu and if she didn’t like it, she could not bother coming to the wedding.’
Nell blinked. ‘Cat? Cat said all that?’ So, it seemed she wasn’t just shouting at Nell at the moment. Nell was beginning to seriously worry that this wedding wouldn’t be going ahead and the idea that she should talk to Kieran moved up in her mind.
‘I couldn’t believe it. I didn’t know where to put myself and Brenda looked like she wanted to stab me. I was only trying to give Cat some backup. I’ve met some intimidating mothers in my time and can normally help everyone reach a compromise, but Brenda’s …’ He didn’t finish the sentence. ‘Sorry I shouldn’t be saying anything about my clients.’
‘She’s not your client, Cat is. And don’t worry, I know what you mean. That stabbing expression? Her face is always like that. You’re not in any real danger. I’d better call Cat and see if she’s all right.’
‘Can you tell her I’m sorry and I hope she’s okay?’
‘Sure,’ Nell replied. Having heard Niall speak she felt a little reassured that he wasn’t encouraging Cat to flirt, which meant it was all coming from her. After their row, would Cat even pick up if she called? She’d been so angry at Nell.
On a day when so much had gone right, she should have been happy, dancing for joy that her hotel was full of people and becoming more and more important to the town this Christmas, but if she lost her best friend in the process, it hardly seemed worth it.
At just after three, six of the older children in the choir of St Herbert’s Primary turned up. Tom and Nell settled everyone in the lounge with drinks and refreshments when the children started to sing. The faces of the older residents softened as they watched the children perform a few carols, clapping and saying ‘bravo’ when they’d finished. Even without accompanying music they sounded beautiful and Nell found herself tearing up. Tom was by her side and when she looked up at him, he gently wiped an escaping tear away with his fingertips. When his skin touched hers she suddenly felt like everything was right with the world. He’d never done that to her before and her throat tightened unexpectedly.
She sent the kids away with a goody bag full of Niall’s treats and began tidying up the dining room and all the leftover things. But as her sense of success faded, reality came crashing in. Her relationship with Cat was going south, the pressure of the wedding was beginning to tell on everyone, and the wedding fair would be a disaster if her only couple were on the verge of splitting already. She just hoped today was a moment of madness for her best friend – something that would pass quickly and quietly. If it wasn’t, and the wedding didn’t go ahead, more than just the future of Holly Lodge was at stake.
Chapter 13
‘Welcome to Holly Lodge. Thank you so much for coming,’ Nell said from her little reception booth in the hallway as another loved-up couple arrived. Crowded with people who’d come for the wedding fair, there wasn’t much room in Holly Lodge. Nell was buzzing with energy. Tom rushed through the door and shook off his coat, stuffing it behind her tall reception desk that was more like a lectern. Thrilled and relieved in equal measure at how well things were going, she wrapped her arms around him, pinning his arms by his side. ‘There’s so many people here already.’
‘I know,’ he laughed. ‘I can’t believe how busy it is, especially for a Sunday. Sorry I’m a bit late. I had to umm, sort something out.’
‘Is everything okay?’
‘Yeah. It was nothing serious.’
Nell had never known Tom to be late to anything, but after the accident with his van, she didn’t want to press. ‘I’ve saved you the best spot obviously. You’re in the lounge near the Christmas tree, next to The Love Heart Boutique.’
‘Brill. I’ll just grab some bits from the van. I’ve bought different-sized bouquets and buttonholes.’
‘I’m sure people will love them. You’re the best florist in town.’
‘Don’t say it too loudly or you’ll upset the others.’ He motioned to the other Swallowtail Bay florists who were setting up in the dining room.
All the doors that separated the lounge, dining room and conservatory had been opened so Holly Lodge was one large, open-plan space. It was absolutely full of anyone who might play a part in someone’s wedding. There were different caterers, bridal shops from nearby towns, and florists (none as good as Tom, obviously, but she had to be fair) and even Hetty, the most amazing local event planner, was here. If anyone was struggling to know where to start, she’d surely have everything sorted for them in a matter of weeks. She’d even prepared some wedding checklists to hand out and Nell had nabbed her own copy, certain it would come in useful for Cat’s wedding. That was if Cat’s wedding went ahead, she thought, before quickly dismissing the gloomy idea. Everyone had tiffs and even pre-wedding jitters and hopefully by now Cat would have calmed down.
Where Nell was, in the entrance hall, she’d laid a small table in front of her little booth stacked high with Holly Lodge’s glossy wedding brochures and little biscuits Mrs Meggett had baked. Next to them was a supply of takeaway cups and a small urn of hot chocolate. If someone didn’t want a hot chocolate, there were tea and coffee urns set up in the conservatory, but space was at a premium. It was a vibrant autumn day with a clear blue sky and a bright golden sun. When she’d seen it this morning, she couldn’t help but feel excited. Sunshine always made the world better, but the air was still frosty, reminding you that Christmas was just around the corner as it nipped at your nose. She’d debated long and hard about what music to play on the small stereo system in the lounge, wondering if something classical or jazzy was better for a wedding fair, or if something Christmassy was best. She wanted the place to feel cosy and festive, so had compromised and put on Michael Bublé’s Christmas album. With the place now fully decorated and only a week to go until December started, Nell was bursting with festive fun. It really added to the magical celebratory atmosphere.
As she’d expected, romance was palpable in the air. It was almost as if she could reach out and touch it. Chatter filled the air and before she knew it Tom was back with his flowers. ‘What time are Cat and Kieran coming?’ he asked as he rushed into the lounge to take his spot. ‘Hi, Hetty. How’s life?’
‘Really good thanks, Tom. We’ve got big plans for next year.’
‘Glad to hear it.’
Nell spoke to him from the doorway. ‘They should be here any minute.’ She didn’t want to talk about their problems in front of anyone else so kept her concerns to herself. It would be the first time she’d seen Cat since their argument and despite thinking it through more times than was good for her, she still wasn’t sure what to say to get them back on track. Over the last week she’d picked up her phone ready to text, then put it down again, unsure what to say. She’d even watched Bridesmaids just to see the scene where Annie and Helen make up, hoping it would give her some pointers. She’d cried through a lot of it, which had been therapeutic at the time, but now she was nervous and still didn’t have a clue what to say.
A large group of women arrived, chattering and giggling, and Nell welcomed them, motioning for them to go through to the lounge and begin looking around. The wedding fair had only been open for half an hour and it was already jam-packed. A sure sign that she was on the right track with this idea. Zoe would be arriving soon to cover reception and greet everyone, allowing Nell to mingle and show people around the hotel and up to the rooms if they wanted to see them. Tom had made her some more garlands and with all her decorations for the romance package every room looked great. She’d even gone a little overboard in the honeymoon suite and it was abs
olutely stunning. If anyone was on the fence about a winter wedding, they wouldn’t be after seeing that.
With Zoe’s arrival, Nell was free to start mingling. ‘Let me know if you need anything, Zoe,’ she called over her shoulder as she headed off. Tom’s table was busy as he presented the different styles of bouquet he could offer. He had pictures of some of the others he’d done so they could see the different seasons. His summer bouquets of hand-tied, bright yellow sunflowers and white camellia were particularly show-stopping, perfect for a country wedding. And she remembered one he’d made the year before for a spring wedding of a dozen dazzling tulips in blush-pink, pale lavender and peach tied with twine. Of all of his creations, Nell couldn’t draw her eyes away from the Christmas ones he had on show today. She adored the deep, velvety red and dove-white roses mixed with white-tipped pinecones and gleaming red berries. Then and there she decided she’d have a winter wedding when she got married. There wouldn’t be snow – a white wedding would be too much to ask for in rainy old Britain – but deep down she knew her heart belonged to Holly Lodge and it was here she’d want to marry her soul mate.
Moving around the room, Hetty was animatedly chatting to a couple, making them laugh. She exuded confidence and Nell decided to roll her shoulders back and channel some of that kick-ass spirit. Today was going to be great, she could feel it in her bones. The Love Heart Boutique had brought a couple of large catalogues full of wedding dresses. Nell couldn’t resist a little look at the gowns and spied the one Cat was to wear, reminding her of how much she wanted her best friend to be happy.
The dining room was busiest of all as that’s where Niall and the majority of the vendors were. Nell took a moment to enjoy the sight before her and snapped some pictures on her phone in case she needed some marketing photos later.
‘Hey.’ The voice beside her was small but she knew exactly who it was and turned to see Cat. Kieran had his arm around her waist but let go when Nell, overcome with emotion, stepped forward to hug her best friend. As it turned out, no forethought was required as the words tumbled out of their own accord.
‘I’m sorry about the other day,’ Nell said quickly. ‘I shouldn’t have moaned at you. You’re right, it is your wedding. I just want you to be happy.’
‘I’m sorry too,’ Cat replied into her shoulder. ‘It was Mum. She really got to me on the drive over with all the don’t eat this, don’t eat that stuff and I took it out on you.’
Kieran backed off. ‘I’ll leave you ladies to it.’
‘Where are you going?’ asked Cat.
‘I thought I’d go and see Tom and talk about buttonholes.’
‘I’ve already decided on the buttonholes.’
Kieran shifted slightly and Nell’s nerves began to bubble once more. Cat was clearly still cutting Kieran out of the decision-making process. ‘Okay, then I’ll ask him what we’re having.’
‘Why? You don’t know anything about flowers.’
‘Actually,’ said Kieran, quite kindly considering Cat had just completely disregarded the fact he was a gardener, ‘I know quite a lot about flowers, but don’t worry, I won’t change anything.’
Nell took Cat’s hands, eager to continue their reconciliation. ‘Are you okay? I’ve been so worried about you, but I didn’t want to call when you were working because I know how busy you are and I thought about texting, but I wasn’t sure what to say.’
‘It’s fine. I should’ve texted you and apologised for being a complete baby and having a tantrum in front of everyone.’
‘It’s forgotten,’ she said, happiness rocketing through her. ‘And you weren’t a baby. You were standing up for yourself. Your mum’s face was a picture. It was exactly like that time we took her to that play for her birthday and unbeknownst to us, the actors kept getting naked.’
Cat laughed. ‘That was one of the best days of my life. Every time one of them came on in all their glory, bits everywhere, she’d huff and study her programme—’
‘Or tut at us for giggling. I’m sure she thought we’d done it on purpose.’
‘I don’t think I’ve ever seen her so embarrassed.’
‘Not since you got a caution at uni for stealing traffic cones.’ They were talking as easily as they always had, and Nell relaxed.
‘The other day, she didn’t speak to me at all on the way home in the car. When she pulled up at my place, I thought she was going to push me out rather than stop.’
‘Has it done any good? Has she got the message you want to make your own decisions for the wedding?’
‘She’s backed off a bit, but I’m not sure it’ll last.’
‘We can hope. Want to have a look around with me?’ Nell craned her neck to check where Kieran was and as the crowd had disappeared from Tom’s table, she could see them chatting, but it wouldn’t be long before he was busy again.
‘Sure. Where’s Harry today?’
‘He’s gone to see his mum again.’
‘That’s sweet.’
‘Isn’t it?’ She ignored the gleam in Cat’s eye.
‘He’s very attractive.’
‘I suppose so,’ Nell joked.
‘Just don’t go getting ideas, Nell, okay.’ Cat’s voice was soft, but her words made Nell’s stomach lurch.
‘Ideas about what?’
‘You and him. I know he’s cute but he’s from New York and he’ll be going back soon, and you live here. I know you love a love story, but this is real life.’
Not wanting to disagree and risk falling back into arguments, Nell nodded her understanding. They wandered around the rest of the dining room and came to a stop at Lexi’s spot. Lexi worked at Raina’s Café in town but was also a huge fan of vintage dresses and very gifted at making them. She’d brought a small rail with her and on it had hung some gorgeous vintage-inspired gowns. There were a couple of slender Sixties-style ones, but Cat gravitated towards the Fifties ones. One in particular stood out to her, the full petticoat pushing the other dresses to the end of the rail as if it was calling out for attention.
‘Can I see that dress, Lexi?’ asked Cat. As Lexi pulled it out, Cat checked over her shoulder and Nell had a horrible feeling it was to make sure Brenda wasn’t around to stop her.
She pulled out the beautiful mid-length gown. The tight fitted top came down in a deep plunging V-neckline and a silk-ribbon wrapped around the waist, fastening into a small bow at the back. It was a champagne satin overlaid with lace and Nell could see the longing in Cat’s eye. Her fingers reached out to touch it but whether out of respect for the dress or fear of her mother she drew her hand back.
‘You can touch it,’ Lexi said gently. ‘I always like to feel the fabric. You want to know it’s good quality.’
‘That’s fine.’ Cat thrust her hands into the pockets of her jeans. ‘It’s beautiful.’ The sadness in her voice resonated through Nell, pounding on her heart and willing her to help. If she could afford to, Nell would have bought it for her on the spot – but she also didn’t want to risk having another row by mentioning the dress situation again, and time was running out to get a new one with only three weeks to go. On the table in front of them were white and silver long-sleeved gloves, shorter wrist-length ones, and pillbox hats with tiny veils. Everything needed to complete a vintage-bride look. Nell decided to draw Cat away before she became even more depressed.
They moved back towards the lounge and Kieran joined them, placing a kiss on the top of Cat’s head as she pressed herself into his side. It was nice to see them happy. Cat looked up at him but there was a pinch at the sides of her eyes, and it was then Nell noticed the amount of concealer she’d used to hide the blue tinge of tiredness. To give her an energy boost, she grabbed four of the small chocolate brownie samples Niall had on his table and thrust them under Cat’s nose. The heavy chocolatey aroma made Nell’s mouth water and by the look on Cat’s face it was doing the same to her as she began to munch away happily.
She was just taking the last one when Nell spotted Brenda
’s grey helmet-hair in the crowd. Two ladies accompanied her with similar uncompromising styles and fearful expressions, but as Brenda drew near, she was saying uncharacteristically nice things. Nell knew it was an effort to make her humble boutique hotel socially acceptable to the types of people Brenda mixed with – social climbers who were part of the tennis or bowls club. Knowing she would disapprove of Cat shoving brownies in her face at an unseemly rate, Nell stepped in front of her friend, obscuring her from view and as a warning, said loudly, ‘Brenda! I’m so glad you came.’
Cat ducked down and finished off the last of the brownie bites. Brenda clearly didn’t trust this unusually cheerful greeting and narrowed her eyes. ‘Nell, how lovely. What a fabulous job you’ve done here. It’s certainly extremely popular, isn’t it?’ She stressed the extremely for the benefit of her friends. Eyeing Kieran, who was too tall for Nell to shield, she said, ‘Kieran, darling.’ And gave him a kiss on the cheek. ‘Where’s Catherine?’
‘Here I am,’ she said, standing up. ‘I was just tying my shoelace.’
Seeing a spot of chocolate near her mouth, Nell panicked and dived in between mother and daughter. ‘Brenda!’ she shouted in a high-pitched squeak. ‘I – I – I absolutely love your dress.’
Well aware that everyone was staring at her as if she’d gone mad, she tried to signal to Kieran that Cat had something on her face using her eyebrows as semaphore flags. Brenda tried to sidestep around her, and Nell forced herself in front and grabbed hold of Brenda’s lapels, pretending to feel the fabric. ‘It’s such a lovely jacket. And it matches too – how marvellous. Where did you get it? I’d love one like that for my new role as wedding planner.’
Brenda gave an embarrassed chuckle as she tried to remove Nell from her person, easing off her vice-like grip. Thankfully, Kieran had somehow caught on and grabbed Cat’s face planting a whopper of a kiss on her lips and frightening the poor girl half to death.
‘Young love,’ Brenda joked to her friends, but her embarrassment at this public show of affection was clear. Kieran stepped away and relief swept over Nell as the chocolate crumb was now stuck to his cheek. ‘Oh, Kieran, have you been at the free samples again? It’s a good job you have such a physical job.’ She handed him a tissue but before he could use it, Cat reached up and gently wiped it from his cheek.
