And there she was.
Ethan felt a jolt to his chest. He’d always thought Lila was beautiful but today, her beauty was overwhelming. In a dress that seemed to flow from her frame, made of pale blue silk and chiffon, she resembled a fairy-tale princess. On her head was a crown of flowers and as she got closer, he saw that she’d embroidered flowers on the bodice and the hem of the gown. She held a bouquet of flowers that matched the crown and she held them just below her bump which was emphasised by the cut of the gown that stopped just below her bust. Ethan had seen pictures of woodland fairies and spirits and today Lila reminded him of them. She looked like a beautiful fecund woodland goddess and he was struggling to believe that she was walking towards him, that her eyes were fixed on him and him alone.
When she reached him, Roxie hugged her then took her bouquet and went to stand at the side. Ethan held out his hands and took Lila’s and she smiled up at him. The music faded and for a moment, they stood frozen, lost in each other, then the registrar greeted them and the ceremony began.
It was over far too quickly, and yet not quickly enough, because Ethan was desperate to hold his new bride.
‘Go on then,’ the registrar, a man who reminded Ethan of Al Pacino, said. ‘You can kiss now.’
Ethan slid his arms around Lila and stepped closer to her. She wound her arms around his neck, the bump between them, then Ethan lowered his head and kissed her. Around them, their friends and family clapped and cheered and Ethan felt a warm glow spread through him. He had everything he wanted and needed right here in his arms and he would do everything in his power to protect his wife and child. Life had dealt him a cruel blow but then life had given him more than he could have imagined having.
‘Hello, wife,’ he said.
‘Hello husband.’ Lila held his gaze, her eyes the blue of tropical waters, her skin the colour of peaches and cream, and her scent as sweet as vanilla.
‘Here’s to our life together,’ he said as he took her hand then turned and smiled at their guests.
‘Congratulations!’ Roxie and Fletcher got to them first, hugging them and posing for photographs, then Ethan’s mum and Lila’s sister joined them and soon, the whole barn was filled with chatter and laughter and the band began to play again.
24
Lila
The day had passed in a blur and Lila was glad she’d taken Roxie’s advice and paused at regular intervals to take mental snapshots. They had hired a local photographer and asked their guests to take lots of photos on cameras and smartphones but even so, the actual experience would only happen once, and Lila wanted to treasure it.
Darkness had fallen outside, but inside the barn, fairy lights twinkled from above them where they were wrapped around the wooden ceiling beams and supporting beams that ran to the floor, and votives glowed in the candleholders on the tables. The flowers Roxie had provided from her garden filled the barn with their fresh summery aroma and everywhere Lila looked, friends and family were smiling, laughing and celebrating.
She kept looking at the wedding ring nestled above her engagement ring and it made her feel cosy and warm, as if it had cemented what she had with Ethan. Being engaged had been wonderful but being married was something else altogether. Perhaps it was because of what she’d been through in the past, perhaps it was because as they’d said their vows she’d gazed into Ethan’s eyes and known that he did love her with all of his heart, that he did mean it when he said he’d always be there for her and their family.
Lila had received lots of compliments on her dress and when she’d said that she’d made it herself, people had told her that she could make dresses and add them to her already successful online business. She’d been making crochet animals and baby clothes for a while now but the idea of adding wedding dresses and possibly bridesmaid dresses to that was quite exciting. However, she also knew that she had a busy time ahead and so she’d put the idea on hold for now as she prepared for the arrival of their baby and hopefully return to it in the not-too-distant future.
Milly had been lovely, sitting at a table with Joanne and Max through the reception then chatting to other guests as if she’d known them for years. She’d told Lila that when people had asked why they hadn’t seen her before, she’d replied that she’d been travelling (not a lie) and that she’d been really busy, so getting to the village had been difficult. There was no point telling everyone the finer details about what had happened and everyone who’d asked had seemed happy to accept what she told them as a perfectly reasonable explanation for her absence from Lila’s life. Some people might question why they hadn’t been closer over the years, but others knew that families could be close or they could be distant, live in each other’s pockets or be estranged. It was just a part of life. Now though, Milly had come back into Lila’s life and she hoped it would stay that way. They had to take their time and get to know each other again but Lila felt hopeful for a good relationship and that her twin sister would be an aunt to her child.
Ethan had also been incredibly accepting of Milly’s appearance. Lila would have understood if he’d been angry that she’d omitted to tell him about Milly, would have felt hurt had it been the other way around, and yet there had been no anger from him, no recriminations, just understanding and love. He seemed to accept that Lila had needed to push all thoughts of her twin from her mind and he hadn’t judged her for it, and it made her love him even more. She could see how he would make an amazing father and be a calm and positive influence in their child’s life – perhaps even children’s lives.
‘What are you smiling about?’ Ethan asked as he nuzzled her ear.
‘At how lucky I feel.’
She turned from watching the dancing to face him, her heart giving a leap at how handsome he was in his charcoal grey suit with the embroidered blue tie she’d made him to match her dress. He’d been curious when she’d handed him the package that morning, but he’d agreed not to open it until he was getting ready.
‘I feel lucky too.’ He kissed her. ‘You know what’s strange? This tie you made me, which is incredible by the way, has a ladybird on it.’
‘Why’s that strange?’
‘This morning when I put it on, I didn’t notice because I was so nervous all I could focus on was trying to stop shaking. I just saw how lovely the tie was and how well it went with my suit. I had no idea then that it would match your dress and I also missed the ladybird on it.’ He ran a finger over the black and red embroidered creature. ‘After I arrived at the vineyard, Cesca suggested I went for a walk to calm down. I did, and a ladybird landed on my hand. It just made me think about life and how we’re all connected.’
Lila nodded. ‘The ladybird symbolises good luck and love as well as taking time to evolve and change.’
‘And we have changed, haven’t we?’
‘We have and I know that we’ll continue to change and grow together. Also …’ She licked her lips, not sure whether to say this to him but also not wanting to hold back. ‘As I stitched the ladybird onto the tie, I was thinking of Tilly. I knew she’d be on your mind today and in some way, I wanted to acknowledge that she was here, just in a different form.’
‘You’re incredible, Lila. You never cease to amaze me.’
‘I love you and want you to be happy.’
‘I am happy and I know that Tilly would be happy for us. She had a good heart too.’
Lila nodded. ‘Of course, she did.’
‘Now … I know it’s been a long day but how do you feel about one more dance?’
‘I’d love to.’
He took her hand and led her onto the dance floor.
25
Roxie
‘Don’t they make the perfect couple?’
Roxie rested her head on Fletcher’s shoulder as they stood watching Lila and Ethan dancing. Glenda and Stinky lay at their feet, tiny heads on tiny paws, exhausted after all the excitement. The barn was beautiful, lit with tiny lights and candles, the dance floor quiet now except
for the bride and groom and Joanne and Max as they slow danced around to LeAnn Rimes’ ‘How Do I Live?’
The wedding had been wonderful. Lila had looked like a princess straight out of a fairy tale and Ethan had been her handsome prince. Roxie could burst with how happy she was for them and the exciting year they had ahead of them. Christmas would be even more special with a baby around and Roxie was already thinking about what she could buy for the baby.
‘They really do.’ Fletcher entwined his fingers with Roxie’s. ‘Kind of like us.’
‘We look good together?’
‘I’d say so.’ He nudged her.
‘Me too.’ She lifted her head and smiled up at him. ‘I guess you just know when it’s right.’
‘And Joanne and Max too.’ He nodded in their direction.
‘It’ll be them next.’
‘You think they’ll get married?’
‘Definitely. Just look at how smitten they are.’
‘It’s like everyone’s happy now.’
‘For once.’
Fletcher laughed. ‘Long may it last.’
Roxie spotted Milly across the other side of the barn talking to Freda. She was Lila’s identical twin, and yet, she was different. Roxie hadn’t said as much, but although Milly was physically identical to Lila, their mannerisms were different. Lila was gentler, more vulnerable, while Milly seemed somewhat tougher, more worldly, with something of an edge. Of course, she had been travelling for work, so that could be explained, but now that Roxie had been around them both for some time and seen them together, she thought she could tell them apart. It was funny how two people could be physically identical and yet have such contrasting personalities. It wasn’t that Roxie thought Milly was hard, not at all, but she seemed more able to fend for herself than Lila, as if she’d been the one born with the armour. Still, it was good that she’d come to the village and made up with Lila because Roxie knew that it would have been hard for Lila to keep such a big secret all those years. Lila wasn’t a person who would be able to hide her past easily and the fact that she’d said nothing about Milly’s existence to anyone showed how difficult it had been for her.
‘I guess we should get these two home.’ Fletcher gestured at the dogs.
‘They’re both worn out, poor babies. What time’s the minibus coming?’
Fletcher checked his watch. ‘Half an hour.’
‘Enough time to say goodbyes then scoop up Lila and Ethan and get them home. Lila must be shattered.’
Fletcher knelt down, picked up Glenda and handed her to Roxie then he picked up Stinky and they went to say their goodbyes.
EPILOGUE - LILA
‘Are you sure you’ll be all right today?’ Ethan asked as he stood up and picked up his mug from the table.
Lila nodded. ‘I’ll be fine. It’s a lovely sunny day, I have a good book to finish, a crochet project to start and two cats for company.’
‘I’ve got my mobile volume right up, so anything you need, phone me and I’ll get it for you.’
‘Ethan you are wonderful, but you don’t have to worry so much. I’m pregnant not ill.’
‘I know that but with only six weeks left until the big day, I do worry. Plus, the midwife said you could go into labour before that, give or take a few days so—’
‘Stop worrying!’ Lila laughed. ‘It will all be fine.’
She was sitting on one of their patio chairs with her feet up on another. On the table next to her was a tall glass of lemonade, her e-reader, crochet basket and mobile phone. Cleo and Willy were stretched out on the grass enjoying the sunshine. It was just before nine and Ethan was off to work on the cottage renovation which was coming along nicely. Lila knew he was anxious about getting it done before the baby arrived so he could take two weeks of paternity leave, but he was also anxious about leaving her alone.
‘I know. I just can’t help worrying about you both.’ He placed a hand on her belly and she covered it with hers.
‘We’re fine. I promise you I won’t do anything more taxing than a bit of crochet and I won’t even have to make lunch because your mum’s coming round with a picnic.’
‘That’s nice of her.’
‘Your mum is an angel and she spoils me rotten.’
Lila’s cheeks flushed as she said the words out loud. Freda had become like a mum to her, been even more caring since Lila and Ethan got married a month ago and Lila knew she’d make a brilliant grandmother.
‘You deserve to be spoilt rotten.’
‘Thank you. Now hadn’t you better be going?’ She winked at him. ‘Not that I’m keen for you to leave, of course, but because the sooner you get there, the sooner the work will be done and you’ll be able to come home.’
‘I was thinking I could make us pizza for dinner.’
‘Sounds good to me, but I’ll do it.’
‘You need to rest.’
‘There’s no way you’re coming home after a full day of work and cooking for us both. I’m perfectly capable of making dinner.’
‘Or we could order a delivery.’
Lila laughed. ‘Whatever. Let’s see how we feel later.’
‘Okay.’ He smiled then bent over and kissed her softly. ‘And don’t forget …’
‘I’ll phone if I need you.’
Lila sat back on the chair and closed her eyes. The breeze was warm, the chair soft and comfortable and the baby was particularly active this morning. She hadn’t slept very well but knew she’d be able to catch up today and the advantage of a restless night was that she could catch up with her reading. The new e-reader that Ethan had bought her as a wedding present was backlit so she could read in bed without disturbing him. The getting up to use the toilet, for drinks and antacid, she couldn’t help, but she always did her best to be as quiet as possible. It wouldn’t be long and their nights would be disturbed by another person anyway, so Lila had wondered if the sleepless nights of later pregnancy were her body’s way of preparing her for what was to come.
Tomorrow would be the one-month anniversary of their wedding and Lila had plans to make a special dinner and she’d ordered Ethan a gift to celebrate. It was just a keyring with one of their wedding photos on but something she knew he’d appreciate. It was one of their favourite photos from the wedding that someone had taken on their mobile and sent to them via email. Lila and Ethan had been dancing and laughing and the photo caught them like that, arms around each other, heads back, eyes locked. It summed up exactly how Lila felt about Ethan and how she thought of their relationship. She wanted them to have years of laughter, dancing and love ahead and believed that they would.
The baby wriggled and her belly went into a point under her fitted black maternity vest. She touched her hand to what looked like a small foot pushing against her skin, picturing the baby stretching its limbs. Some days, she wished they’d found out if they were having a boy or a girl at their last scan, and others she was glad they’d decided to wait because the surprise would be special.
Her mobile buzzed so she looked at the screen. It was a text from Joanne asking if she wanted anything from the café because she had a break at eleven, so Lila replied asking for an decaff iced tea and a scone. Joanne was no doubt bursting with news about the cottage she was buying with Max, and she kept bringing Lila catalogues of the things she wanted to buy for her new home when it was ready. Her excitement was infectious, and Lila planned on making some cushions and throws for Joanne when she got a chance so she could gift them to her as a house-warming.
More than ever, Lila was grateful for her friends. They kept in touch on a daily basis and she often saw Roxie or Joanne or both of them every day. She hoped they’d be around as much once the baby arrived because she had a feeling she was going to need their support as she navigated her way through motherhood for the first time.
Milly had also stayed true to her word and maintained regular contact. She’d been in Barcelona the week following the wedding, then Malaga and this week she was in San Diego.
Lila would find that much travelling exhausting and unsettling, but her sister seemed to thrive on it. They’d always been different in that way, Lila longing for a base, a home of her own, and Milly yearning to see foreign shores. Perhaps they’d have been this way even if they’d had caring parents, but Lila suspected it had something to do with their childhood and that it had left its mark on them both. However, speaking to Milly about things over recent weeks as they Facetimed and Zoomed had been quite therapeutic, and it made Lila feel less isolated about her feelings and less guilty at how she’d handled things. There was no judgement from Milly because she’d been there and been through it too and sometimes Lila didn’t even need to say the words because Milly just knew.
Life was like an ongoing lesson. Lila felt that she was constantly learning and adapting and the most important lesson she could take away from her childhood was how to be a better parent than her own had been. This baby would be loved, feel secure, never be humiliated or rejected and would always have a home to return to, even when he or she was grown-up. Lila and Ethan would spend time with their child, teach him or her right from wrong, and they would laugh together. A lot.
In the last year, Lila’s life had changed beyond recognition. Despite what she’d thought after Ben had broken her heart, life had much to offer and it could be very good indeed.
Moving to Sunflower Street had been the best decision she’d ever made as she’d not only found her true love in Ethan but she’d also found her family.
Dear Reader
Thank you so much for reading A Wedding on Sunflower Street. I hope you enjoyed reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it.
Did the story make you smile, laugh or even cry? Did you care about the characters?
A Wedding on Sunflower Street: An uplifting story about friendship, love and marriage Page 10
