And Then There Was You

  Taking the dress off the hanger, I very carefully stepped into it. I just about managed to do up the zip, but struggled at the top so I called out to the girls who pushed open the door and slowly tiptoed in.

  'Oh my God,' Clare said, her mouth opening. 'You look fucking amazing,' she said, not even thinking about the language she was using.

  I laughed. 'Fucking amazing?'

  She put her hand over her mouth. 'Did I just say that out loud?'

  'Yes, babe, you did,' Amy laughed. 'But you're right. Have you ever seen anyone so beautiful?'

  Clare shook her head. 'Only you, of course,' she laughed.

  Once they'd fully zipped me up, I took a breath and then stepped out in front of the mirror. It literally took my breath away.

  'Oh,' I said, shivering.

  'You cold?' asked Amy.

  'No, not at all. I just got a shiver, that's all.'

  'Yeah, that's what happens when your aura glows the amount it's glowing right now, Eve. You are absolutely stunning.'

  'You really think so?' I asked.

  'We seriously know so,' Amy replied. 'What do you think?'

  'I love it. I really, really love it.'

  The soft grey lace clung to me in all the right places, hugging my hips, thighs, waist and breasts, the dress flared out just above the knee. A black sash accentuated my little waist. As I turned around, the back was open at the top, revealing just the right amount of skin and the sleeves covered my arms, perfect for an English spring wedding. To top it all off, I had a small black fur bolero for when we were outside. I couldn't stop smiling.

  'Oh, we nearly forgot,' Amy scrambled out of the room, returning with a large box. 'This is from Dad.'

  'Oh,' I said, wondering what it was.

  I pulled and ripped at the wrapping paper until the box was visible and then I gasped loudly.

  'What is it?' Amy asked. Both girls were on their knees next to me.

  'Shoes?' Clare asked.

  I nodded. 'Not just any shoes. Christian Louboutins. Black, I would imagine,' I said as I opened the box to find a card and the cotton bag I recognised from the Vancouver shop. I pulled it open and laughed. Yes. The shoes I'd tried on. The ultra-expensive shoes I'd tried on.

  'Oh my God,' I whispered.

  Amy took the shoes out of the bag as I read the card.

  Dearest Eve,

  You probably knew I was acting strange after you'd tried these on. Well, you were right. I was trying to buy them behind your back. I arranged for them to be sent from Canada. Unfortunately there was a slight delay with customs, and so I thought they'd make a nice little wedding gift. You don't have to wear them. I know you said they were rather high! But you could always wear them for the ceremony and change for the reception?

  I am so honoured to be a part of your life, Eve. And I am incredibly excited at the prospect of becoming your husband. I want to make you happy. That is my purpose in life now. You and the kids are all that matters. I love you.

  Your soon to be husband,

  Adam.

  Tears threatened to fall.

  'Oh no,' Clare said rushing towards me with a tissue in hand. 'Don't cry. Don't you cry now.'

  I smiled and took the tissue gratefully, dabbing at my eyes with it.

  'I think you'll find Cat used waterproof makeup, so you'll be alright,' Amy said as she held the shoes out to me. 'Are you going to wear them?'

  'I'd like to, but they might be a little high for this dress. Oh what the hell, I'll wear them anyway,' I said, as I sat back down and put the first one on, sighing happily. The second one, I started to slide my foot inside but it wouldn't go any further, so I pulled it off and peered into it.

  Inside was a small velvet bag.

  'What's this?' I grinned, taking it out.

  Clare elbowed Amy and they both grinned.

  'What?' I asked puzzled until I opened the bag and a bracelet fell out.

  'Oh goodness,' I cried.

  'Dad had it made to match my necklace, which is only borrowed, but the bracelet is his proper wedding gift to you.' Amy grinned as she helped me put it on.

  'It's perfect,' I breathed, looking at the twinkling diamonds.

  'It cost a small fortune so don't lose it,' Amy laughed.

  'Amy!' Clare shook her head.

  'What? Well, it did.'

  oOo

  Taking a deep breath, I smiled as I started to walk down the stairs where Mum and Dad were waiting. Although she'd wanted to help me get dressed, I'd wanted to surprise her, so she relented and chilled out downstairs, drinking Champagne with a few old friends.

  As I carefully descended in my new shoes, I felt like a million dollars.

  A door opened and they walked out into the hall, one by one their heads lifted to look at me in all my splendour.

  'Oh my,' Mum said, choking up. 'You look absolutely incredible. You'd give those Hollywood starlets a run for their money, love,' she added, dabbing at her eyes with a white handkerchief.

  Dad was wearing sunglasses indoors, so I laughed at him.

  'Oh Dad, you're not going to wear them all day are you?'

  He was trying hard not to cry. I could tell by his quivering lips. 'Evelyn. I've never seen such a beauty. You are a sight to behold, my love. Beautiful, absolutely beautiful,' he leaned forward as I reached the bottom of the stairs and kissed me on the cheek.

  'Careful with her makeup, dear,' Mum said, air kissing me and squeezing my hand.

  'Mum, you look gorgeous too,' I said, checking out the perfectly chosen colour scheme for her skin tone. The burgundy red trouser suit and pale grey blouse made her glow. I particularly loved that she'd chosen a grey top to match with my dress. Turning her around so I could admire her long white hair, I noticed she had it up in a glamorous chignon.

  She smiled at me as she patted the back of her hair. 'Your stylist did it for me before she left. She's very good.'

  'She certainly is. She's done a fabulous job. I wonder if you'll be able to do it yourself?'

  'I asked her for step by step instructions, which she gave me, so we'll see. If not, I'll just take the photos to my hairdresser in Portugal and she can do it for me,' she smiled. 'Doesn't your father look dapper in his suit?' she said, admiring the man she'd been married to for fifty years.

  'He looks so handsome. Did you choose the suit, Mum?' I asked, as I watched him turn around with a little grin.

  'Surprisingly, no. He chose it himself,' she said proudly.

  'Wow, Dad. It's perfect. I love that colour on you.'

  The dark grey pinstripe complemented his thick, dark grey hair perfectly. Dad had always been a handsome man, and I could see that would never change. Not even now, in his late sixties.

  'Where are the girls, love?' Mum asked, eager to spend time with her newly acquired grandchildren and great grandchild.

  I smiled. 'They're just getting dressed. They'll be down soon,' I said, turning my attention to a few of the girls I'd been to school with and kept in touch with over the years. They rushed forward and hugged me, telling me all the right things. We still had a little time until we were due to leave, so we headed back into the drawing room for another glass of Champagne, waiting for the girls to get ready.

  Soon enough, I heard the door open and in they walked. I caught my breath.

  Amy and Clare were both wearing floor length black satin dresses with a simple grey sash at the waist. The dresses were strapless, but both wore red fur boleros to match mine. They looked stunning. Amy's dark curls were up in a delicate plait and Clare's short hair was, well, short and simple. Both wore a little tiara.

  'You both look a million dollars,' I said, rushing towards them and hugging each one, careful not to squash the most adorable baby in Amy's arms, who wore the cutest black and grey dress with red hearts all over it.

  'Do you like it?' Clare asked, spinning around.

  'Yes, very much. I think the dress is perfect on you both. I hope you're okay about it. I know you're really not a dress
kind of girl, Clare,' I laughed, frowning a little.

  'For you, anything,' she said, hugging me. 'Besides, I look kinda hot.' She grinned.

  'You certainly do,' Amy winked. 'And I know you like it on me, you were trying to take it straight off upstairs.' She laughed.

  'Too much information,' I said, laughing as the photographer continued to pester us to pose together, on our own, each with the baby, with Mum and Dad.

  Before we knew it, the cars had arrived and we were climbing in. Mum, Dad and I were in the black Bentley decorated with grey lace, while the others were in a limo. All organised by Jack. I grinned, thinking about what he and Adam were going to look like in their snazzy suits.

  CHAPTER THIRTY-EIGHT

  Mum gave me a brief hug and then rushed off into the church as Dad and I stopped for a moment, waiting for my gorgeous bridesmaids to walk on ahead.

  'You ready, angel?' he asked, squeezing my hand tight.

  'I've never been more ready for anything in my life, Dad.'

  'That makes me so happy, love,' he said as he readjusted his sunglasses.

  'Dad, are you really going to keep them on in church?' I asked, smiling.

  He sniffed loudly and nodded. He was quite a shy man and clearly didn't want everyone to see his teary eyes.

  'That's ok. You can keep them on,' I squeezed his hand and kissed him on the cheek. 'I love you, Dad.'

  'I love you, angel,' he whispered as the music began.

  The sounds of Sade's Your Love Is King echoed throughout the little church as Dad looked at me with a grin, and we started walking slowly down the aisle towards the love of my life.

  I watched Adam turn as we entered the room, and he visibly gasped before grinning and nodding his head at the sight of me.

  I couldn't take my eyes off him, not even for a second. Not until Dad and I reached him, when I smiled at my father. He gave me a kiss and stepped aside, going back to sit beside Mum, who I knew was probably bawling her eyes out – albeit silently. Adam reached out to me and we held hands throughout the whole ceremony, where we promised to love and cherish each other. I didn't fancy having to obey him, so we omitted that part by mutual consent.

  We exchanged rings, and both of us smiled widely at the memory of choosing the diamond bands a few months earlier. And then it was the moment we'd been waiting for. It was the moment that made it official (after signing the necessary paperwork, that is), the moment the vicar said, 'I now pronounce you husband and wife. Adam, you may kiss your bride.'

  Whoops and sounds of joy rang out from around the church as all our friends and family jumped up and yelled, clapping and laughing as Adam dipped me backwards and planted the most delicious kiss on my lips, which lasted a trifle longer than it probably should have done in a place of worship. But it added to the atmosphere, making everyone laugh and me dizzy with emotion.

  As we walked towards the entrance of the church, we stopped and stood waiting for all our guests to get up and follow us out, where we greeted them all briefly, kissing, hugging, them congratulating us.

  Matt and Charlie were the last to appear, and both looked emotional but delighted. I couldn't help but notice that she kept putting her hand absent-mindedly on her belly.

  'When are you due?' I whispered into her ear.

  'How did you know?' she exclaimed.

  I pointed to her hand which was firmly over her belly again.

  'Oh, it's becoming a habit, I guess. August, the middle of the month, I think.'

  I hugged her. 'Congratulations,' I said, before I hugged Matt tightly too. 'I'm delighted you're having more babies,' I whispered to him. 'You deserve to be happy.'

  'We both do.' He grinned.

  'See you at the reception,' they said, as they disappeared outside.

  Just before we were about to step outside, Adam pulled me to him and hugged me.

  'I can't quite believe that we're married,' he whispered.

  'I know, me too.'

  We walked out, hand in hand, and thousands of rose petals descended on us as we walked through the crowd and climbed into the Bentley, where Adam kissed me deeply, pulling me even closer to him.

  'You are the most exquisite bride, Evie. The most beautiful woman I've ever seen. You look like you should be in a Hollywood movie.'

  I chuckled. 'Mum pretty much said the same thing. Thank you, husband. You look pretty hot yourself, in that suit.'

  He wore a grey three piece suit with a pale grey shirt and a red cravat, which made his dark exotic eyes pop. He was so handsome, I could quite easily have taken him there and then.

  'Why thank you, wife,' he said, taking my hand to his lips and gently kissing it as we drove for a while, making sure that we arrived after all our guests.

  Once we were sure enough time had passed, we drove down the long winding country road that led to the reception, which was to be held at an old large farmhouse and barn that had been converted into a hotel and reception venue. It was homely, beautiful and very traditionally English. Adam had loved it the moment we'd set eyes on it, and we were lucky enough to be able to book it at short notice.

  As we pulled up outside the main entrance, all the guests stood waiting, drinking Champagne and Bucks Fizz, some of the men with beers in their hands – naturally.

  Adam climbed out first and came round to my side to help me out, like a true gentleman, while the photographer clicked away. We grinned as we were led away from the wedding guests so he could do his job. Soon we were joined by our bridesmaids and best man, Jack, who looked like a movie star himself in his suit that matched his father's.

  We had loads of photos taken in stylish and amusing poses outside before taking more indoors with all our guests and family members, and then it was time to eat. I knew I was starving, and everybody else must have been famished too.

  We ate roast meats and steamed salmon with a multitude of delicious fresh vegetables, many of which were grown on the grounds of the property before delving into the most delicious English puddings.

  Before we knew it, it was time for the speeches. Waiters and waitresses rushed around clearing the tables and placing several bottles of Champagne on each one. Jack stood up first, carefully tapping his spoon against his glass, making sure he had everyone's attention.

  'Hello everyone,' he said confidently. 'Thank you all for coming. It's wonderful to see so many old and new friends. I was so honoured to have been offered the job of being best man today, for my father. I'm not sure what he was thinking, to be honest, considering the first time I ever laid eyes on his beautiful new wife was when I accidentally walked in on them enjoying a little nookie!'

  Embarrassed, I covered my mouth with my hand as everyone chuckled. I avoided looking at Mum.

  'But, aside from that minor indiscretion,' everyone laughed again, 'I don't have any jokes or anything bad to say about the two of them. I adore my father, I always have. I know he's made someunusual choices in his life before,' he searched the sea of faces until his gaze rested on Charlie's, to whom he nodded his head and some people chuckled. Charlie stuck out her tongue, causing a few more to laugh under their breath. 'But none have ended too badly. I mean, his ex-wife is a guest today and she recently married Eve's ex-husband, which is all a little odd, to say the least, but they're all happy and that, really, folks, is all that matters, right?'

  'Hear, hear,' said a few people.

  'Eve has been a real godsend to us. Ever since she came into our lives, she has proven herself to be the love of Dad's life. She accepted us all for who we truly are,' he said, looking over at his sister and Clare with love, 'and helped us through a particularly horrendous time. I know my mother was very fond of her, and that made me look at her in a new light. I must admit that I struggled to accept the situation at first, but I was soon made to realise that Eve was always meant to be a part of this family, and I know that I'm looking forward to being a part of it with her. It's what Mum wanted, and it's what I want. It's what we all want,' he said, looking at Clare and Am
y, who both nodded enthusiastically before he continued. 'Dad, you're a lucky man. Eve, you're a lucky woman, not just to get Dad, but to get all of us too.' He grinned. 'Everyone, please raise your glasses to the wonderful bride and groom,' he smiled.

  Everybody did as he asked, as Adam stood up and hugged his son, and I did the same.

  'Jack, thank you so much,' I whispered into his ear, wiping away a tear that threatened to fall down my cheek. 'That means so much to me.'

  He squeezed my hand. 'I meant every word, Eve. I'm sorry it took me so long to come around. Welcome to the family,' he beamed as we both sat back down.

  I felt such a sense of belonging and serenity.

  Staying on his feet, Adam took the microphone from Jack and waited for his son to sit back down.

  'Thank you, son,' he grinned. 'That was beautiful. I just wanted to say a quick thank you to you all for coming today. It has made it extra special to have you all here with us. Old friends and new, family members and children, we are truly blessed to have you all in our lives. I'd particularly like to thank all those of you that travelled overseas to be here; Portugal,' he said looking at my parents, grinning, before catching the eye of Flavia and Michele, owners of Onda Vicentina where I'd started to find myself again, 'Italy, France, South Africa and Australia, I believe. Thank you to my beautiful daughter, Amy, her partner, Clare, and their adorable baby girl, Lisa Junior, for being the bridesmaids today. You look astoundingly beautiful, and you make me so proud. Jack, my son. Thank you for being such a fabulous best man and for not leading me down a dodgy path during my stag night. I was so worried I'd end up naked and tied to a lamp post somewhere.' Everybody laughed while I shook my head. 'But no, they left me naked and tied in front of the local police station instead. No, I'm joking,' he laughed as my mother looked at him in wide-eyed shock, before she shook her head and laughed. 'To Eve, thank you for walking back into my life when I needed you the most. It's been a rough ride for both of us, but you were always patient with me while I went through a tough time. You made me stronger. You made me want to be the best husband in the world, the best father I could possibly be, and now,' he glanced at little Lisa Junior, 'the best grandfather too. Gosh, I still can't quite get my head around that.' He grinned. 'Eve, you've made me the happiest man on Earth today. Words cannot describe how I feel about you, how much I love you, so I thought perhaps I could show you instead...'