Lottie finished Alice’s makeup, then tied up some of her hair, leaving some loose strands dangling down the sides. ‘I always like this look on you, Al.’ She raised a hand mirror.
‘Ooh, I look lovely. Thanks, Lott.’
Lottie handed over a red bouquet and smiled. ‘You look beautiful. Now, let’s get going, else Jamie will think you’ve jilted him.’
‘Not sure I can if we’re already married.’ Alice grinned as she headed for the vintage car, stopping for photos before they all went to the church.
‘It’s nice that you’ve got some light snow for your day,’ said Lizzie as they pulled up in the car park. ‘Magical.’
Luna was waiting in the entrance and came over to admire Alice as she stepped out of the car, stopping for more photos. ‘What a vision you are, Alice.’
‘Thanks, Nan.’
‘He’s a lucky man, that Jamie Stark.’ Luna gestured towards the aisle.
‘Is he there, Nan?’
‘Yep, looking as nervous as any groom.’
Alice could imagine. She waited patiently for her grandmother, mother, and friends to head inside, before taking Benny’s arm and a deep breath.
‘Ready, Mum?’
She smiled into his gentle blue eyes. ‘I am.’
Everyone Alice cared about was there, up front, looking as excited as she felt as Benny walked her down the poinsettia-lined aisle while soft music played.
There was a dreamy expression about Jamie, standing at the altar, with Will at his side. Alice melted on seeing her husband, who was dressed similarly to Benny.
‘You’re beautiful, Angel,’ Jamie whispered.
Alice wanted so badly to reach out and kiss him, but she turned to Father Stephen who said a few words about being blessed in the eyes of the Lord.
Jamie took her hand and slipped on the gold wedding band, and Alice felt a rush of emotion overpower her, even more so when she placed a ring on his finger. Everything about her marriage was real now, and the joy was like nothing she’d experienced before.
Ginny stood up and read out a short poem about love and commitment, warming Alice no end. Then Jamie said his vows.
‘Angel, there are no words for how much I love you. Through thick and thin you’ve stayed by my side, showing me what true love looks like. You’re my heart and soul, my best friend, andmy safe place.’ He dipped his head and peered up through his lashes, a glow about his cheeks. ‘Alice, you’re my home, and I vow to spend the rest of my life making you happy. I love you.’
No longer caring about the rights and wrongs of the service, Alice stepped forward and kissed him hard on the lips, then backed away when some cheers echoed through the church.
‘Alice, do you have anything you’d like to say?’ asked Father Stephen.
She nodded, turning back to Jamie. ‘I haven’t had time to write anything down, but I don’t need to think much about how I feel about you. Jamie, you’ve always been part of me. I don’t know why or how that happened, it’s just who we are. I don’t know life without you, and I don’t want to. I love you so much, and I always will.’
They shared a gentle kiss, and their guests started to clap, Sophie adding in a loud cheer.
Alice and Jamie turned, Alice grinning, Jamie taking a small bow. Arm in arm, they headed outside and posed for some photographs while light snowflakes fluttered over their heads. Confetti rained over them, then Jed and Will sang out a sea shanty that had everyone linking arms and joining in while the photographer continued to snap away.
The chauffeur opened the car door for the married couple. Alice got in first, grabbing Jamie into a loving embrace as soon as he was by her side.
‘I can’t believe you did all this, Jamie.’
‘It was worth it to see the look on your face.’
She kissed him, only pulling away when things got a little heated. Giggling, she winked. ‘Later,’ she whispered, and Jamie bobbed his head.
A flower arch made of red flowers, silver ribbons and gold baubles greeted them at the Jolly Pirate, and a blown-up pictureof Alice and Jamie sitting on the wall outside Seaview B&B as kids was propped by a two-tier wedding cake.
