Nina nodded, but truth be told, she was quite happy to stay right where she was and not go anywhere at all. Lovely Bay would do her for a while. ‘I think I’m quite happy here, to be honest.’
‘There are worse places to end up,’ Nancy said as she led the way over a bridge.
‘Indeed, there are.’
‘So, what’s the latest with the wedding planning? What’s sorted?’
‘Nothing other than the fact that we’ve done the official legal stuff and just have to wait for that to come through. It was the first thing we did. That was the easy part.’
‘Right.’
‘I have nothing to wear, nothing planned, no venue, and not even a buttonhole sorted. Not that I’m having buttonholes or anything traditional anyway.’
Nancy pursed her lips and nodded slowly. ‘I’m thinking you might need to get a wriggle on if you’re wanting to get it in before the weather gets chilly again. It will soon roll around. Before you know it, there will be mince pies in the shops and Jingle Bells in our ears.’
‘Yup. I know. I thought the same. Time is marching on.’
‘So, no dress, no venue, and no plans?’ Nancy clarified as they navigated another stretch of boardwalk. ‘From the person who organises for a living. Interesting.’
‘Exactly. I've got the fiancé, at least. That's a start, right? I’ve got one thing sorted. Oh, and the legalities. So that makes two things.’
‘A very good start. Let's think about this. What's your ideal setting for the wedding? You've mentioned wanting something simple, so at least you know that.’
Nina paused, looking out over the marshes. ‘You know what? I keep coming back to the idea of being outdoors. I was thinking that the other day when I was speaking to June in the garden. There's something about being surrounded by nature, like this, that feels right. Maybe it’s because for so long I didn’t have that. I don’t know…’
‘Lovely Bay has plenty of beautiful outdoor spots. The beach, the marshes here, or even down on the river at the RNLI club.’
‘Mmm.’
‘The Summer Hotel’s garden would be nice. Shame you can’t have that.’
‘The Summer Hotel,’ Nina repeated. ‘It’s where it all started.’
‘True that. Not really the place for a wedding party, though, is it?’
‘Nah, I suppose not.’
‘What about the rest? You mentioned a dress. Any thoughts on that?’
Nina shrugged. ‘I want something special, something that feels like me. God knows what that is. I’ve hunted online and found nothing so far.’
Nancy smiled. ‘You'll know it when you see it. It's your day, so you have whatever you like. Go for your life.’
‘You're right. I want it to be precisely what I want, not just a collection of 'should-dos' and what we all think is the way to do it.’
As they approached the end of the boardwalk, they paused, taking in the scenery. Nancy sighed. ‘Imagine saying your vows, that’s if you are having vows of course, with a backdrop like this. It doesn't get more personal than that if you ask me.’
‘Better than some musty old church.’
‘The Summer Hotel has that beautiful garden. It's meaningful to you, and it's right here, in the heart of where you've built your life, and it’s pretty much free. We could have a party and throw in a wedding,’ Nancy joked. ‘I’m very good at organising drinks and stuff, as you well know.’
‘Yeah, in a way, it’s sort of symbolic, isn't it?’ Nina mused. She imagined a garden party with the sun out and the River Lovely in the background. ‘The place where I started my new chapter, now becoming the spot where I start another, even more significant one.’
‘Exactly! Have a word with Jill.’
‘I might, you know.’
‘I can’t see why she wouldn’t say yes, can you?’
