A Surprise Christmas Wedding

by Phillipa Ashley

  Jay immediately caught Lottie’s eye. She cringed at the nickname but answered Wilf good-naturedly. ‘Of course. I came in specially in the hope you’d drop by, Mr Carman.’

  Wilf laughed. ‘Can’t keep away, you see,’ he said to Jay who was clearly amused. He nodded a hello to her.

  ‘Are you the young fella who took over from Graham at Firholme?’ Wilf said to Jay.

  Jay managed a smile. ‘Yes, that’s me.’

  ‘Big shoes to fill. Everyone liked Graham. Still you look like you’re no stranger to hard work. I was a strapping chap in my day,’ Wilf said.

  ‘Can I help you, Wilf?’ Irina piped up.

  ‘Oh, yes. I want some stamps. Mind you I need to win the lottery first, the price of them these days.’

  Jay queued behind Wilf while Lottie chose her card. She risked a glance at Jay to find him looking at her. They both exchanged a smile before Lottie took her purchases to the store till where Jan was in charge.

  When she left the shop the afternoon sun was sinking in a crimson sky and glinting off the bonnet of Jay’s pick-up, which was parked outside.

  Jay walked out. ‘Hello,’ he said. ‘Fancy seeing you in there.’

  Lottie rolled her eyes. ‘It’s a small world, as you’ve gathered. News travelled fast that you’re working at Firholme.’

  ‘I realise that. Graham was a very popular man.’

  ‘He’d worked for the Firholme estate for a long time,’ Lottie said. ‘He wanted to retire when Shayla bought the place but she asked him to stay on until she could recruit someone new.’

  ‘So I heard. Wilf’s a character.’

  ‘He’s lived here all his life apart from his service in the war and he knows everyone. He was school caretaker when I was a little girl hence the er … nickname.’

  Jay smirked. ‘I’ve heard worse.’

  Lottie rolled her eyes. ‘It was OK until I was about seven, but I don’t mind. Wilf’s a lovely old chap.’

  Jay’s eyes lit up in amusement and Lottie was encouraged to glimpse this warmer side of him again. She’d already overheard a conversation between two of Jay’s team as they ate bacon butties in the courtyard earlier that morning. The upshot was that he was very competent but a bit distant. She’d also heard some of the office staff admiring the way he looked, but calling him a ‘bit of a loner’. Lottie felt it would be good for Jay, and for everyone, if they could get to know him a little better.

  ‘How are you settling in? You and Trevor?’ she added, keeping things light.

  ‘OK. I’ve everything I need,’ he said crisply then seemed to soften his words. ‘I’m sorry he’s run onto your side of the hedge. He’s so excitable and he loves people but they don’t always love him.’

  ‘I can’t think why. He’s such a friendly dog.’

  ‘The squirrels don’t think so. He tried to chase one into the woods the other day … but just let me know if he’s making a nuisance of himself.’ Jay smiled, obviously relieved that Lottie was one of Trevor’s fans, at least. She was struck by how handsome he was, especially when he smiled. She decided to take her chance while he was more relaxed, and perhaps, away from the work environment.

  ‘Glad you’re both finding your feet. Will you be coming to the pub night?’ she said.

  His brow furrowed. ‘Oh yes, can you remind me when it is?’

  ‘Next Wednesday, here at the Bull in the village. We walk down together and it’s very informal but we have a laugh and the food is pretty good. Of course, you might have other plans for that evening …’ she said, seeing his discomfort at being put on the spot.

  ‘Plans?’ He sounded amazed at the very idea.

  ‘I mean, you might already be going out,’ she said carefully.

  ‘Oh, I see what you mean.’ They held each other’s gaze, and she waited for him to elaborate and come out with an excuse or prior engagement. ‘Kerr did mention it but I haven’t had chance to check my diary yet.’

  ‘Well, the invitation’s there,’ Lottie said, certain he was being ironic about checking his diary.

  ‘Thanks. I’d, er, better be getting home to take Trevor out for his walk. See you later, I’m sure.’

  With a brief smile, he flicked the unlock button on his truck and then got in and drove away leaving Lottie feeling rebuffed and wondering whether she should have bothered trying to draw him out at all. Perhaps he was genuinely socially awkward – or maybe just plain awkward. He was harder to approach than any forest creature – and just as wary.

  The question was should she even try to get close again or steer well clear?

  Chapter Eight

  On Tuesday, a few days after his conversation with Lottie in the post office, Jay was still thinking about her as he made his way back to the plantation after a walk with Trevor.

  Lottie had tried to make him feel welcome at Firholme while still respecting his privacy and he felt a strange empathy with her despite their circumstances being different. He couldn’t help but smile at seeing her cringe when the old guy had called her Dotty Lottie. It was tempting to try it himself but he wouldn’t dare, of course.

  ‘Trevor! Heel!’ Jay called as Trevor romped off along the fellside but his canine pal was having far too much fun, chasing the trails left by dozens of dogs. ‘Trevor! Oh, bloody hell …’

  Trevor padded into the stream and stood there as proud as punch. After a few more splashes, he rolled in the mud at the edge of the beck. His brown coat was now thick with sludge and wisps of bracken.

  Jay put his hands on his hips. ‘Great. Thank you for that, Trevor. You’re going to need more than a rub-down before I can let you back in the cottage.’

  Finally, Trevor trotted back, a stick between his teeth. He presented it to Jay and wagged his tail furiously. ‘Thanks, mate. I’ll treasure it.’

  Trevor flopped down in front of Jay.

  ‘There’s no point behaving like a saint now, Trev. You may as well go the whole hog. Roll in some fox poo, play in a bog. Go ahead, be my guest.’

  The dog cocked his head on one side, then took his cue from Jay who started walking up the fell path. He was soon running ahead, stopping at every rock or tree that smelled interesting. Not for the first time, Jay wished his life was as simple as Trevor’s.

  He was still a relatively young dog, barely three years old. Jay had already had him for a year when he’d met Nadia. She’d been happy to have him share their flat, which was a massive relief because Trevor had already been abandoned at a rescue centre by one family who couldn’t cope with him. He was still boisterous, but with a lot of patience, Jay had managed to curb the worst of his unruly behaviour. Firholme was the perfect home for him, with lots of space for walks literally on the doorstep.

  Lottie clearly liked Trevor too, which was a big plus in Jay’s book … in fact, when it came to Lottie, he could think of an awful lot of plusses.

  He’d been feeling guilty about his curt dismissal of her question about him having a Christmas tree and his comments about not feeling like joining in with the celebrations. Not that he blamed Lottie for wanting to make the most of Christmas after what she and her family had been through. No wonder they wanted to celebrate, but he was filled with dread at the coming season.

  The prospect of spending Christmas Day with his family knotted his stomach. In fact, he didn’t think he could even set foot in his parents’ house if his brother was going to be within a mile of the place. He’d flung so many insults the last time he’d seen him, and so many cruel and harsh words. At first, he didn’t regret a single one but over the past few months, he was wishing he hadn’t reacted so wildly.

  Lottie had, however, reminded him that he hadn’t been as responsive as she, or some of his co-workers, deserved … She and Kerr had both tried to invite him to the pub, after all, and he’d been non-committal so far.

  ‘Trevor!’

  Seeing a couple walking along the path towards him, Jay tried to bring his dog to heel. He was surprised to see people on a dull Novemb
er day in the middle of the week. They weren’t dressed like ramblers either. The woman was in a smart pale blue coat and knee-high Uggs, while the guy wore a Barbour.

  Clearly, Trevor found their presence far too exciting to ignore and raced towards them like a Grand National winner.

  ‘Trevor! Heel!’ Jay shouted, running after him before he decided to give the woman a ‘friendly’ greeting probably involving a lot of slobber – or worse, tried to jump up. Not everyone liked dogs and there was no excuse for letting one run out of control.

  Luckily, Trevor sensed that Jay meant business and he ran back to his side. ‘Sorry, boy, but you’ll have to go on your lead for a little while. I’m not sure these people will appreciate one of your special greetings.’

  The couple had stopped next to a rowan tree, loaded with crimson berries. They didn’t appear to have seen Jay yet, because they seemed to be having an argument. He caught snatches of raised voices on the wind.

  ‘Wait …’ he said in a low voice to Trevor. Crouching down, he stroked the dog’s head. The couple were talking animatedly. He thought he saw the woman give the man a push before she walked away from him and away from Jay. The man called after her.

  ‘Keegan!’ he shouted. Or something like it. It was an unusual name so caught his attention.

  Keegan took a small path down the fellside. It was steep and she almost slipped. Jay was a little worried about her in those furry boots. The fellside was muddy.

  ‘Grow up!’ the man shouted and let out a groan of annoyance that made Trevor’s ears twitch.

  ‘Stay, boy. I don’t think they want company,’ he said. Jay certainly didn’t want to intrude on their tiff.

  The man followed Keegan down the fell, almost losing his own footing. Keegan had made it to a lower path and was marching along. Her partner caught her up so Jay waited a moment to make sure she was happy that he’d followed her. She rounded on him but after a minute or two, she let the man embrace her and after that they strolled back in the direction of Firholme arm in arm.

  Jay let Trevor off the lead and continued towards the opposite end of the lake to Firholme. He didn’t want to risk bumping into the couple again – or anyone if he could avoid it.

  Nonetheless with her talk of how close her family were, Lottie had reminded him that it was a lonely existence. Perhaps it was time to engage with the world again – just not at Christmas, yet he still felt the old Jay, trusting, loving his family, the centre of their gatherings, had gone.

  Trevor licked his hand, as if he sensed Jay’s worries.

  ‘Trouble is, Trev,’ Jay said, stroking the dog’s head, ‘I’m not sure he’ll ever come back.’

  Chapter Nine

  Five weeks to the wedding

  Lottie wasn’t normally superstitious, but couldn’t help thinking Friday the thirteenth wasn’t the best day for Keegan and Connor to give their verdict on the festive décor and finalise the menus and wine list.

  She’d been on edge all morning, wondering how they’d react to the ballroom – and how she’d react to being so close to Connor again, while having to bottle up her emotions under a veneer of cheerful professionalism.

  By the time she’d spotted their car, she was worked up so much, her stomach was like a ball of twine. However, Connor stayed in the car to take a call, leaving Lottie to escort Keegan up to the ballroom alone. The huge space was now decorated for Christmas, with the tree already festooned in their colour scheme. Lottie had to admit it looked sensational but would Keegan agree?

  Keegan had inspected the nine-foot Nordmann fir that Jay had delivered to the ballroom, along with the other trees, the previous day but it was now resplendent in its finery.

  ‘This is wonderful.’ She turned to Lottie, beaming. ‘It’s just how I imagined it. You’re very talented.’

  Lottie gave a huge inner sigh of relief and smiled. ‘Thank you, but I can’t claim all the credit. The whole team worked on it.’

  ‘Well, I think it’s awesome that it’s been decorated especially for us.’

  Lottie was delighted that the tree had arrived inside the ballroom, without any mishaps. Beforehand, she’d worked alongside Jay’s team and a freelance interior decorator to remove any furniture or objects that might be damaged.

  It had been a delicate and time-consuming operation. Worth every moment, though, because Keegan’s theme of rich jewel colours looked fabulous. The glass baubles and tinsel in amethyst, sapphire, emerald and ruby were rich and warm, and perfectly in keeping with the dark oak panelling and tapestries.

  ‘I’m pleased you love it.’ Lottie actually was happy. No matter who her couple were, she couldn’t help be proud of what her colleagues had achieved.

  ‘It’s going to match my dress perfectly. I’m wearing a cranberry velvet cloak over a cream silk dress. I’ll show you on my phone, if you like.’

  ‘Lovely!’ Lottie determined to show as much enthusiasm as possible. She was good at hiding her true feelings, having had a lot of practice since Steph had been ill, and knew she was going to need all of that skill now.

  Keegan whipped out her phone and showed Lottie a picture of the designer dress. It really was beautiful and she could easily imagine how stunning it would look on Keegan’s slender frame.

  ‘It’s gorgeous,’ Lottie said, not letting her mask slip.

  ‘Thanks. I went to London to choose it. It’s being altered for me and the designer is coming up here especially to do a fitting.’

  ‘Fabulous.’ Lottie kept smiling. ‘That reminds me. Our florist has asked if she can meet you for a chat about your flowers? Obviously, time is of the essence and she’d like to discuss things here at Firholme so you can get the best idea of how the arrangements will look.’

  ‘I can probably come back tomorrow.’

  ‘That’s fine. We can all meet together if you like? In the café before it opens?’

  ‘No problem. Connor won’t be needed. I want to show the florist my dress and he can’t see it before the day, now can he?’ She smirked. ‘That would be bad luck.’

  ‘Of course.’ Lottie realised that with all the subterfuge she was going to be seeing a lot more of her bridal couple than she normally would but at least Connor wouldn’t be around the next day.

  A moment later, Lottie’s spirits lifted when Jay walked in with a large box full of holly and mistletoe, which would be used to create swags and vases of seasonal greenery.

  ‘This is Jay, our estates manager,’ she said brightly. ‘He’s responsible for the tree.’

  ‘Not only me,’ Jay said, placing the box on the tiles. ‘There’s a team of us.’

  ‘Well, congratulations to you all. It looks great,’ Keegan said, looking into the box. ‘Is that mistletoe? I’ve not seen any of the English variety for real before. Is it from Firholme?’

  ‘Yes, it’s been gathered on the estate. This came from some of the conifers and hawthorn.’

  Keegan picked out a bunch from the box and looked up. ‘Oh, Connor! There you are. Come over here and see this!’

  Connor walked into the ballroom. ‘What’s “this”?’ he asked, joining her.

  ‘Real mistletoe.’ She waggled the sprigs, with their plump white berries, above his head. ‘We have to try it out.’

  ‘Perhaps not right now,’ Connor said lightly, but Lottie could see him cringing. She felt awkward herself.

  ‘Why not?’ said Keegan. ‘Don’t be shy. We are getting married after all.’

  ‘I’ll fetch in the rest of the greenery from outside,’ Jay muttered and scuttled off.

  Lottie had no such escape route. She feigned interest in her phone while Keegan gave Connor a lingering kiss on the lips.

  She heaved a sigh of relief, when Jay came back with another box overflowing with prickly holly. She was struck by the difference in their looks. Was it wrong to fancy them both, even if it was in different ways? In his leather jacket and designer jeans, Connor was artfully casual, his dark brown hair cut and gelled into an on-trend sty
le. Jay was untamed, with tousled hair, in faded jeans and Firholme sweatshirt.

  Keegan caught her eye and linked her arm through Connor’s, forcing a smile from Lottie and leaving her wondering if Keegan had realised she was admiring her fiancé. Connor probably hadn’t realised he had scarlet lipstick around his mouth, which made him look like a clown had done his make-up in the dark. Lottie squashed down the urge to laugh.

  After Connor and Keegan admired the holly, Jay said he’d be back later ‘when you aren’t so busy’ and fled once again. She wondered what he wanted to say to her.

  ‘So, Lottie. You said you’d give us a proper tour of the rooms for the bridal party today?’ Keegan said.

  ‘No problem,’ Lottie said brightly.

  ‘Connor?’ Keegan said. ‘You’re coming with us?’

  Connor pulled his mobile from his pocket. ‘I need to take this call first. It’s Mum.’ Lottie detected a ‘sorry, not sorry’ edge to his tone.

  He hurried out of the room but Keegan lowered her voice anyway. ‘He doesn’t want Fiona to hear anything that might give the game away. We’ve told her that we’re having a special family lunch to celebrate her recovery, at a smart hotel. That’s so we can get her here on the day in her party outfit.’

  ‘You don’t think anyone will give the game away?’ Lottie said, thinking again of how much Fiona might have enjoyed helping with the wedding prep.

  Keegan’s eyes flashed. ‘We’ve told them we’ll never speak to them again if they do.’ The she laughed. ‘Only joking but I would be very annoyed if it got out, after all the effort we’re going to. Connor would be furious too. He may seem easy-going, but under the charm, he’s a tough cookie. You should see him in a board meeting.’ Keegan blew out a breath. ‘He plays hardball, I can tell you.’

  ‘Really?’ Lottie said.

  The Connor she remembered had been meticulous and ambitious, but he’d never really struck her as a hard-talking high-flyer. Although for all she knew, the new shiny version could have turned into a corporate megastar.

  ‘You have no idea,’ Keegan said then laughed again. ‘But this is a wedding not a business deal and we’re meant to be on a break. Connor’s a big softy when it comes to his family – and me. I’m so lucky.’