by Hannah Ellis
“I think you’re lucky that your hair always looks good. It’ll look great however you wear it.”
They were interrupted by Nick calling up the stairs. “There are drinks and snacks in the kitchen,” he shouted. “I’ll be in the pub.”
“Thanks,” Lexie called back, then turned to Leana. “Can you unzip me?”
“Why? Keep it on for a while.”
“Knowing my luck I’ll spill wine down it.”
“Hopefully Nick didn’t buy red wine,” Leana said as she set off back downstairs.
“What if someone looks in the window?” Lexie protested, lifting the hem of the dress as she descended the stairs.
“I’ll close the blinds. Anyone walking past will assume you and Nick are up to no good in the kitchen!”
Lexie chuckled. “Is that what people think if I close the blinds?”
“I definitely wouldn’t knock on your door if the front windows were all covered up,” Leana said with a cheeky grin. In the kitchen, she rolled the blinds down while Lexie took in the selection of snacks on the kitchen table.
“He bought all my favourites,” she said.
“And champagne too!” Leana said, pulling the bottle from the fridge. “Nick’s the best.”
“He really is,” Lexie agreed as she took champagne flutes from the cupboard. “I totally freaked out today and he was so patient. He even said he’ll change his last name because I don’t want to change mine.”
“He’s so sweet,” Leana said as she popped the champagne cork and drizzled the frothy liquid into the glasses. They clinked them together and took a sip. Leana stifled a laugh. “I wonder what Angus is going to say about having the same name as Nick.”
Lexie almost choked on her champagne. “I hadn’t even thought about that. He’s going to hate it!” As she caught the amusement in Leana’s eye, she couldn’t help but laugh. Finally it started to sink in that it really didn’t matter what her dad thought. She’d been battling him over the wedding when she should have been sharing her time with people who were happy for her and Nick.
“I wish I’d told you sooner,” she said to Leana. “I feel as though I missed out on a load of fun.”
There was a knock at the door before it swung open. Lexie gasped. Even though she wasn’t too concerned about Nick helping her get ready on their wedding day, she didn’t want him to see the dress days in advance. Thankfully it wasn’t Nick.
“Oh my God!” Leana screeched at Alasdair. “Since when do you just wander into people’s houses?”
“Since I moved to a small island where it seems to be the norm.” His eyes flicked to Lexie and he did a double take. “Looking lovely this evening, Lexie,” he said, closing the door behind him. “Any special occasion?”
“Nick and I are getting married on Thursday,” she told him. “We’re supposed to be eloping, but I think with the amount of people who know about it now it’s really just getting married without inviting anyone to the wedding.”
“It’s a secret,” Leana told him. “You can’t tell anyone. Only Mary and Angus know, and Nick’s parents. And now us.”
“My lips are sealed.” He kissed Lexie’s cheek. “You look stunning. Where’s the lucky guy?”
“We decided to have a spontaneous hen night,” Leana said. “So we kicked Nick out. He went over to the pub.”
“Okay. I’m on it!” He strode back to the door.
“What are you doing?” Leana called after him.
“Well, if you’re having a hen night, surely Nick can have a stag night?”
“But no one knows they’re getting married!”
“I’ll be discreet.”
Leana frowned at him, then looked to Lexie.
“It’s actually a good idea,” Lexie said. “I think Nick deserves some fun. Just not too much fun,” she shouted after Alasdair.
“You know there’s a chance everyone in the pub is about to find out you’re eloping,” Leana said.
“It’s a Tuesday night,” Lexie said, taking a seat and licking her lips as her eyes trailed over the array of crisps and chocolate. “There’ll be hardly anyone in the pub.”
“Elspeth will be over the moon for you. When will you tell her?”
“I was thinking of telling her as soon as we got back. But I feel guilty about keeping it a secret. Do you think I should tell her already?”
“No. She won’t care that you kept it a secret. Just tell her afterwards.” Leana grinned at her across the table. “Isla’s going to be so jealous. She’s mentioned a couple of times that she’d like to elope and avoid all the stress.”
“Isla’s wedding’s going to be perfect,” Lexie said. “It’s slightly ironic that Isla and I seem to be getting the wedding of each other’s dreams.”
“Yours will be perfect too.”
“Except you won’t be there.”
“We can have a party afterwards.”
“I suppose so. It’s not the same, though.” Again, Lexie reminded herself it was about her and Nick committing to each other, and nothing else mattered.
“Maybe you should take the dress off,” Leana said, laughing as she watched Lexie lean over the table and crunch on Pringles with her hand under her chin to catch any crumbs.
“I think it might be safer,” Lexie agreed. “It’s making me nervous.”
They went back upstairs and returned the dress to its place, hanging on the back of the door.
“The next time you put it on you’re going to be getting married,” Leana said. “I’m so happy for you.”
“I’m happy too,” Lexie said, then laughed. “Sometimes I can’t quite believe I’m marrying Nick!”
“Remember all the times you used to roll your eyes at him and would barely give him the time of day?”
“Yeah, but I always fancied him.”
“You did not!” Leana argued.
“I did,” Lexie insisted, laughing.
The discussion continued as they migrated to the living room. It was fun to reminisce on the past few years. The time with Leana was exactly what Lexie needed. Her positivity was refreshing and uplifting. It had been a while since Lexie had laughed so much.
They were on the second bottle of champagne when Lexie checked the time. “I need to slow down or it’s going to be a nightmare drive tomorrow.”
“How long does it take to get to Gretna Green?”
“About six hours or so. I hope Nick isn’t drunk.”
When Leana suggested going over to the pub to see what the men were up to, Lexie agreed, then wobbled a little as she stood. The blast of cool air was refreshing as they followed the orange glow of the streetlights up the road. As they passed the bunkhouse, they reminisced about their time living together and were giggling away when they burst into the pub.
Nick and Alasdair were the only ones in the place, sitting at the bar while Mary pottered around, tidying up.
“You’re looking very happy,” Lexie remarked, draping her arms around Nick as he smiled widely at her.
“It’s his stag night,” Alasdair said loudly. “Of course he’s happy.”
Leana pulled up a stool beside Alasdair. “I’ll hazard a guess and say it’s actually alcohol that’s put that silly smile on his face.”
“Do you know he’s going to change his name?” Alasdair asked, turning to Leana. “How great is that?”
Lexie leaned her head against Nick’s, amused by how drunk Alasdair was.
“It’s pretty great,” Leana agreed.
“I think it’s lovely,” Mary said, wandering over to them.
Alasdair leaned across to pat Nick’s shoulder. “You’re such a good guy.”
Nick returned the affection by slapping Alasdair on the back. “I think you’re a good guy too.”
“I think you’re both very drunk guys,” Lexie quipped, feeling much more sober in comparison.
“You can blame this pretty barmaid.” Alasdair pointed at Mary. “She’s been giving us free drinks all evening. I reckon she mus
t have her eye on one of us.”
Lexie laughed. “It must be you, Alasdair. Nick already asked her out once and she turned him down.”
“That never happened,” Nick said with a groan.
“I’ve got witnesses,” Mary told him.
“I was only messing around!” Nick laughed. “Elspeth dared me to. Clearly I had no idea you were going to end up being my mother-in-law and the story would haunt me forever.”
“You asked your mother-in-law on a date?” Alasdair said, apparently finding it hysterical.
“She wasn’t my mother-in-law then,” Nick said. “Just another attractive barmaid in the Old Inn!”
Lexie beamed. “You’re so drunk!”
“It’s my stag night,” he said as his eyelids began to droop.
“I presume Dad’s upstairs?” Lexie asked Mary.
“Aye,” she replied.
“I need to run up and talk to him, then I’ll get you home.” She trailed her fingers through the fine hairs at the back of Nick’s neck.
“Do you want me to talk to Angus with you?” Nick said, his words slightly slurred.
“No.” Lexie screwed her nose up. “Probably not the best idea. I’ll just be a few minutes.”
Lexie was determined that no matter what her dad said, she wasn’t going to let it get to her. Any issues he had about her marrying Nick were his issues and not hers. There was no way she was going to let him ruin things for her.
After knocking loudly on the door to the flat, she let herself in, then called out as she walked to the living room. Angus was sitting on the couch watching the news.
They exchanged a curt greeting and he muted the television.
“Nick and I are leaving in the morning,” she said. “I wanted to say goodbye.”
He nodded slowly. “I know you think I’m being difficult, but I only want what’s best for you.”
“Nick’s best for me,” she replied without missing a beat.
“It all seems very rushed to me. And he’s your first proper boyfriend. How can you really know you want to be with him forever?”
“Not that it matters, but he’s not my first proper boyfriend.” Her first boyfriend was when she’d been living in Inverness with Stephanie. He’d broken her heart so badly she’d thought she’d never want to be with anyone else. Angus didn’t know any of that, and it wasn’t a conversation she wanted to get into with him.
“Nick makes me so happy,” she said. “I know he’s the person I want to be with for the rest of my life. No matter what you say or do, you’ll never cause problems in my relationship with Nick. The only damage you’re doing is to our relationship.” She waited, hoping he’d apologise and wish her well. But she knew him well enough to know that his pride and stubborn streak wouldn’t allow it.
Turning, she made to leave again, then looked back at him. “Nick’s going to take my name, by the way.”
“Aye,” Angus grumbled. “I heard about that. I don’t know what kind of man takes his wife’s name.”
Lexie smiled then. It was hard not to when Angus was being so petulant. “One who loves her and who’d do anything to make her happy. The kind of man most fathers would be happy to have as a son-in-law.”
Again, she waited for a reaction, then walked out when she didn’t get one. Even though she wished he could be happy for her, Lexie had said her piece and there was nothing more she could do.
The raucous laughter from downstairs put a smile on her face as she walked back to the pub. Nick’s features turned serious as she approached him.
“Everything okay?” he asked.
Softly, she kissed his lips. “Everything’s fine. But I think I should probably get you home to bed.”
“I’ve gotta go,” he said to Alasdair with a smirk. “Lexie’s desperate to get me into bed.”
“Hey!” Mary walked up behind him and gave him a playful tap on the back of his head. “Not in front of your mother-in-law.”
“Sorry, Mary!” He stood and gave her a big hug. “Thanks for a great night. I’m not sure how many lads have their mother-in-law on their stag do, but I reckon it should be encouraged. You’re the best!”
Mary shook her head as Nick moved on to gush over Alasdair and tell him what a great friend he was. “You definitely need to get him home,” she said, pulling Lexie into a tight embrace. “Drive safely tomorrow. And have a brilliant time.” Her voice got choked up and she held Lexie tighter.
“Sorry,” Lexie whispered, hating that her mum wouldn’t be at her wedding.
“Don’t be silly. You’ve got nothing to apologise for. I just want you to relax and enjoy yourself while you’re away. And get lots of photos. Okay?”
“Yes,” Lexie said as she pulled away.
“I’ll look after her,” Nick said as he took Lexie’s hand.
Mary smiled. “Not sure that fills me with confidence when you can barely walk.”
“That’s your fault for getting me drunk,” he declared happily. “But I actually meant tomorrow. And forever. I’ll look after her forever!”
Mary rolled her eyes. “Get him out of here,” she said to Lexie.
“Love you, Mary!” he called over his shoulder.
Alasdair and Leana stumbled outside with them and they exchanged hugs and well-wishes before going in their separate directions.
“What did your dad say?” Nick asked, slinging a heavy arm around Lexie’s shoulders as they wandered home.
“Nothing new. I told him I’m marrying the man of my dreams and if he has a problem with that it’s his problem and not ours.”
Stopping abruptly, Nick took her face in his hands and kissed her deeply. She smiled when he eventually drew away.
“I meant it,” she said. “I don’t care what he thinks.”
“Good.” He stroked the hair away from her face. “I’m sorry he can’t be supportive.”
“It’s not your fault.” She kissed him again. “Let’s get to bed. We’ve got a long drive tomorrow.”
“You might have to take the first shift for driving.”
“I already suspected that,” she said, aiming a playful elbow at his ribs.
Chapter Twenty-Four
Lexie laid a hand on Nick’s thigh when he stirred in the passenger seat. They hadn’t managed to start the journey until almost lunchtime, and he’d been dozing on and off for most of the drive.
“How are you feeling?” she asked.
He stretched as his eyes flickered open. “Better,” he said. “Where are we?”
“Not far from Glasgow now. I think we’ve only got a couple of hours to go.”
“Sorry,” he groaned. “Do you want me to take over driving?”
“No, it’s fine.”
“I can’t believe I slept for so long.”
“You’re very cute when you’re asleep.”
“I doubt that.” He ran his hands over his face and through his hair. “Was I snoring? Or drooling?”
She shook her head and smiled. The quiet drive south had felt soothing. Lexie had enjoyed the silence and the scenery.
“Let’s stop for a coffee,” she said, seeing a roadside cafe ahead. “I need to stretch my legs.”
“Coffee sounds great,” he agreed.
“Are you still feeling rough?”
He bobbed his head ambiguously. “How much did I drink last night?”
“Quite a lot, I guess.” She pulled off the road and parked on the small gravel parking spot on the shore of Loch Lomond. “You were very merry when I came to collect you. Alasdair was just as bad. You were both quite amusing.”
“Was Angus there?” He squinted as though trying to recall the evening.
“No, just Mum when I got there.”
“That’s good.”
Lexie was about to tell Nick about her conversation with Angus again – assuming he wouldn’t remember – but she bit her tongue. Her dad had put enough of a dampener on things and she was determined to forget about him now and have a good time.
“Have you got your dress?”
“Aye.”
“And the rings?” he asked, a flash of panic in his eyes.
“Yes. I’ve got the rings.”
“Good. I think that’s everything then.”
Lexie wasn’t so sure. As they strolled along the banks of Loch Lomond with takeaway coffees, she couldn’t shake the feeling they’d forgotten something vital. It stayed with her for the rest of the drive, and she found herself continually going through a mental checklist in her head. There wasn’t actually much they needed so she was sure she was panicking about nothing.
When they finally arrived at the hotel in Gretna Green it was already evening. At the check-in desk they were asked to wait for their wedding planner and took a seat opposite the information desk. A few minutes later, a smiley woman appeared and introduced herself as Lily. She was bright and cheerful as she gave them a quick rundown of the schedule for the following day.
“You don’t have witnesses with you?” she said, her eyes scanning the papers in her hand. “Is that right?”
“Do we need witnesses?” Lexie asked loudly. “I knew we’d forgotten something.”
“No, it’s fine,” Lily reassured her. “We can assign them for you. That’s quite normal and not a problem at all.”
“We didn’t forget anything.” Nick slipped his hand into Lexie’s. “We said we wanted it to be just us.”
“I know,” Lexie said. “But I didn’t think it through. Is it weird to have random people as witnesses?”
“Not at all,” Lily said. “It happens all the time.”
“Really?”
Lily smiled sweetly. “Every day! I promise.”
At a burst of laughter nearby, Lexie’s head shot up. A couple stood in the foyer with small suitcases at their feet. The dark-haired woman was staring at Lexie but looked away quickly and put a hand over her mouth as she stifled giggles.
“I think we’ve covered everything,” Lily said. “Have you got any questions?”
“No,” Nick said confidently, then looked to Lexie. She barely registered him, still distracted by the woman in the foyer. Lexie was sure she’d been laughing at her. Now she was whispering to the blonde-haired guy at her side. They were one of those annoyingly perfect-looking couples.
