I get up and envelop her in a hug.
“Don’t be a silly goose,” I say. “I’ll always be your daughter, whatever. And you know Kris is renovating a cottage on his estate for you. It will be ready in a couple of months. Then you can join us if you want to, or visit.”
She looks up at me.
Mum is just five foot five as opposed to my six foot. According to her I get my height from my dad.
“It’s just a big move, and I’ve always wanted only the best for you. I know you’ve spent your life building up the business, and now you’ve achieved all you have, you’re looking to settle down.” She sighs again before adding. “I like Kris. You know I do.”
She pats my cheeks as I step away.
I’ve dated plenty of men. Kris is the first to see me as an equal. He’s never wanted to change me. Has always encouraged me to follow my dreams.
“I’ve kind of done the opposite to you. My biological clock is ticking. It’s a good thing Kris and I met. It was fate. For me, it’s kind of now or never. I don’t want to be an old mum. Not when I’ve seen how awesome it is to have a young spritely one.”
Mum laughs aloud at that.
“Spritely, I’m not so sure.”
“I really don’t want you to worry about me,” I say truthfully.
“I can’t help it. I’ll always worry about you. You’re my baby—all six feet of you, and you always will be.”
We hug tightly.
God, I’m going to miss this woman when I leave.
CHAPTER 3
PEN
Everyone turns as the orchestra plays Handel’s Eternal Source of Light Devine. Lois and Nick, April’s half-siblings, followed by a grown-up-looking Lottie, step through the entrance of the marquee, their baskets filled with rose petals. All three are sporting the widest grins as they make their way forward, sprinkling petals as they go.
A gasp goes up as April appears, her arm linked through that of her foster father, Julian. I glance at Caleb. His eyes glisten as he watches her walk toward him. Their eyes meet and lock, and it’s as if no one else exists.
The atmosphere is electric, as everyone holds their breath.
A lump forms in my throat as I watch the scene unfold. Kris’s hand takes mine. I lower my gaze to our intertwined fingers, then back up to his face. I offer him a smile, dropping my head to his shoulder as I return my gaze to the happy couple. A weight settles in my chest.
April is glowing. Under her veil, her long, blond hair is half pinned up in tiny swirls against her head. Her makeup is minimal and flawless, her natural radiance and grace shining through. Her gown is simple yet classic. A princess line dressthat hugs her dancer’s curves. The intricate lace bodice overlay shimmers as she makes her way past us.
As she reaches him, Caleb steps forward. His face fills with wonderment and love. I’m not sure if they’re aware of those around them, having once again got lost in each other. It’s always the same when they’re together. The constant touches, the silly grins, the yearning looks.
Lottie steps forward and reaches for April’s bouquet. April jumps as if snapping back into the present, making everyone chuckle and Caleb grin. She turns and whispers something to Lottie, who nods, clutching the bouquet to her chest, before stepping back and sitting beside her dad.
Julian steps forward and places April’s hand in Caleb’s, and a pre-emptive cheer goes up, making them both smile.
Lottie whispers something to her dad, drawing my attention. Elijah looks down at her. My heart twinges when his arm comes up and around her shoulder, his love for his daughter shining through.
The vicar speaks.
April and Caleb exchange their vows. The loving couple at the front tumble over their words, their voices wavering as they’re both overcome. By the time they’re pronounced husband and wife, there isn’t a dry eye in the house.
Caleb helps to lift April’s veil, his hands moving to cradle her face, his thumbs wiping away her tears. Her hands clasp his wrists before she reaches up and brushes a tear from his cheek. They laugh as they stand lost in each other, leaving us, their guests, in no doubt of their love.
My stomach clenches at the sight, surprising me. It’s not like I haven’t seen these two around one another.
“You may now kiss the bride.”
