‘Yeah, well, I wanted to pay for something.’
Alice smiled. ‘Did you get a mother-of-the-bride outfit?’
‘Too right I did. I’m off to get dressed now. See you in a bit.’
Alice beamed at Ginny as Lizzie left. ‘Gin, this feels surreal.’
‘Usually does when dreams come true.’
Alice sat on the bed, delaying wearing the gorgeous dress. She just wanted to stare at it a little longer. ‘I never expected anyof this. I didn’t even know Jamie would be here for Christmas, let alone anything else.’
‘But you’re happy, right?’
‘More than I knew was possible. I just wish Jamie and I had this happiness all throughout our relationship.’ Alice scoffed. ‘Not sure that’s the right word to use. I don’t think there is a word for us. We just have a bond that doesn’t go away.’
‘I think that’s called love.’
Alice smiled as Ginny tugged her up to get dressed. ‘All right, all right, I’ll get ready. Let me take it slowly. I want to remember everything.’
Ginny helped her into the wedding dress. ‘You will remember the lot. You probably remember every moment you’ve shared with Jamie.’
There had been many moments over the years. Even though Jamie had chosen wrong roads to travel, when he had spent time with her, there’d been a lot of smiles.
‘He’s part of me, Gin.’
‘Yeah, I can see that.’ Ginny nudged her arm, snapping her out of her daze. ‘So, let’s get you down the aisle.’ She gave Alice the once over, nodding her approval. ‘You’re certainly a beaut, Alice Dipple. Oops, Stark. I’ll get used to it at some point.’ Ginny laughed, heading for the door. ‘Get your shoes on and come down so Lottie can make you up.’
‘I’ll be down in a sec.’
Ginny smiled warmly before leaving.
Alice went over to the window to stare at the sea. A place she’d stood many times, not realizing she’d one day be standing there in her wedding dress feeling overwhelmed by love.
Glancing down at her bare wedding finger, she stroked over her cool skin, knowing soon a gold band would cover the area, and she could shout from the rooftops that Jamie Stark was her husband.
‘Bloody hell,’ she whispered.
She heard her mum call, so composed herself and went downstairs. Benny was in the foyer, wearing a dark-blue suit with a red carnation in the buttonhole.
‘Oh, Benny, you look handsome.’
‘I’m here to walk you down the aisle, Mum.’
Alice placed a hand over her heart. ‘I was going to walk down by myself.’
‘You still can if you want.’
Alice shook her head. ‘No. Not now I know you’re offering.’
Lottie was in the dining room with her makeup collection set out on a table. ‘Get a wriggle on, Alice. We’ve got to leave soon to make it on time.’
Alice quickly sat, wondering where Jamie was.
As if reading her mind, Lizzie said, ‘Everyone’s at the church. Sam’s just outside waiting to take Lottie, and Ginny’s going with them, then it’s you, me, and Benny in the car.’
‘Where’s Nan?’
‘She wanted to be at the church when you arrive.’ Lizzie went off to ask the photographer to take some pictures of Benny by the car.
