‘To love,’ said Alice. ‘And every happily ever after.’
‘Cheers,’ said Lottie.
The women laughed, then huddled together at the mirror.
‘I love you lot.’ Sophie sounded slightly choked.
‘We love you too,’ said Alice, water filling her eyes.
Ginny sat down on a cream loveseat. ‘Have you decided on a honeymoon spot yet?’
Sophie nodded, turning so the assistant could pin the hem. ‘Grandad is sailing us over to France on Samuel’s yacht, then we’re touring the country for a few weeks in a campervan.’
‘Ooh, lovely,’ said Alice.
Ginny chuckled. ‘I reckon Jed will be in his element on that beauty.’
Lottie smiled. ‘Sam wants to do the same thing one day. We’re hoping to sail over to France next summer.’
‘We’re not going till after Christmas though,’ said Sophie. ‘We want to spend that with Grandad.’
‘Will you be shutting up shop?’ asked Ginny.
‘No. We’ve arranged a roster while we’re away. Beth is helping while the schools are closed for the holiday, even though I told her teachers should put their feet up. But it was her idea. Plus, we have Demi, Robson, and Samuel all signed up.’
Lottie laughed. ‘I can’t wait to see Sam behind the counter, selling fish. He reckons he’s looking forward to being a fishmonger, but I told him there are skills to gutting fish.’
‘Grandad will do that part,’ said Sophie. ‘Everyone else will just be shop assistants.’
‘Sea Shanty Shack won’t be the same without you, Soph,’ said Ginny. ‘But I’m sure your temp staff will cope.’
Sophie nodded. ‘I have great faith all will be fine. Besides, Grandad could run that place blindfolded with one hand tied behind his back. And Robson’s helped out before. Plus, he and Demi have hygiene and health-and-safety certificates under their belts.’
Alice raised her glass as she swirled. ‘So, no more talk of fish, this is our last dress fitting. Let’s speak about all things romantic.’
‘Hmm,’ said Lottie. ‘Like you and Jamie.’
Alice stopped spinning. ‘There is no me and Jamie.’
Lottie widened her eyes. ‘Please try to remember we grew up together. I know you always had a thing for him.’ She glanced at Ginny. ‘In fact, it’s quite possible you were the only true friend he ever had.’
‘Well, that doesn’t mean we have a thing now.’ Alice downed the rest of her drink and sat on a velvet-covered chair.
‘You’ve let him move in with you,’ said Lottie.
‘He’s got one of the rooms, not my room.’
Lottie’s face held a sympathetic look. ‘Just be careful.’
Sophie approached them as the shop assistant went out back. ‘I thought we were all about giving people second chances. It’s why we set up the Happy to Help Hub, right?’
Ginny nodded.
‘So, I think we should do our best to help Jamie settle back here, as I can only imagine how alone he must be feeling,’ she continued.
Lottie sighed. ‘You’re right, Soph. And I will make more of an effort when I see him.’ She turned to Alice. ‘He came in my shop and apologized for smashing the window way back when. He did seem different. Just in the way he carried himself, you know.’
‘Life has a way of changing us,’ said Ginny.
