Evelyn wore the same lilac sheath she’d chosen for Josie’s wedding when she’d been part of the girlfriend posse, a fun term they’d come up with for themselves instead of bridesmaids. But tonight, her mass of silvery hair fell around her shoulders and perfectly set off the diamond necklace glittering around her throat. Ophelia was in dark-navy lace and appeared even more slender, as if she were disappearing before their eyes.
Gage pressed a small piece of paper into her hand. ‘From Josie,’ he whispered.
This was like being back at school again. Tamara read it, smiled and nodded at her friend.
At the end of the brief service, the minister announced that Evelyn and Quinten were husband and wife. That was their cue. Tamara and the rest of the book-club members all hurried to the back of the room where Melissa was waiting with a pile of Daphne du Maurier books. She doled out one to each of them and they paired off to raise the books in the air. LouisArmstrong’s deep, unmistakable voice filled the room singing ‘What a Wonderful World’.
Over everyone’s heads she saw Gage watching her and the intensity of his gaze rocked her to the core. Tamara hoped he wasn’t getting any ideas. Or did she? That was the conundrum. If anyone had asked three months ago if she’d consider getting married again, or even be in a long-term relationship, she would’ve laughed in their face. That was before meeting Gage. The world as she knew it had tilted and twirled like a fairground ride. The question was whether she wanted to plant her feet on solid, reliable ground again, or keep flying higher.
Evelyn and Quinten ducked under the impromptu guard of honour and the joy on their faces brought tears to everyone’s eyes.Whoever said love was for the young was a fool. The young take it for granted and believe they’re the only ones who can feel this deeply and passionately. Love that comes later in life, when it’s less expected, can be far more treasured.
‘We need everyone to gather in the hall for photos, please.’ Nathan clapped his hands. ‘It’ll be a squeeze, but we’ll be quick. Then it’s time to party.’
Once she found Gage again, she’d do exactly that.
* * *
Gage watched Tamara as she huddled in a group with her friends. The women dipped their heads to listen to something Melissa was saying, and next thing they were all hugging her. They let go to link hands and broke into a raucous impromptu version of ‘I’m Gonna Be’ by The Proclaimers. The lyrics talked about walking five hundred miles to reach the person you love. He would happily do that, and more, for her. Bad knee or no bad knee.
‘They’ve done all this for me, haven’t they?’ Ophelia spoke close by and he met her sad expression. ‘It takes a lot to pull the wool over my eyes.’
‘But you won’t point that out to them.’
‘Of course not. You know me better than that.’
‘I do indeed.’ Gage glanced around. ‘Shall I find you a chair?’
‘Non, merci.’ Ophelia slipped back into French. A sure sign she needed to put the barriers back up. ‘I will soon tell my new brother-in-law that I’m tired and am going home. If he insists on tearing Evelyn away to join me, I shall be very cross.’
‘If I can stop them, I will.’
In that moment he had the eerie sensation he wouldn’t see Ophelia again. She shook her head with a silent plea for him not to say anything more. Gage squeezed her frail hand gently before letting go. There were many different sorts of bravery, but this tiny woman epitomised the best.
She pulled out a vivid smile and braced her thin shoulders before walking briskly across to Quinten. Gage watched her take him aside and speak a few brief words before she turned around and left.
‘Whatever’s wrong with you?’ Tamara draped herself over him and pressed her warm body against his. At a guess, he’d say more than a few glasses of celebratory champagne were behind her effervescence, along with very little in the way of food. He hadn’t eaten either. The crush to get near the buffet laid out in the kitchen had put him off.
‘Just wishing I could dance with you.’
‘Then don’t be a misery guts.’ Tamara pouted. ‘I’ll ask Nathan to put on a slow song so we can have a proper kiss.’ A playful giggle bubbled out of her. ‘My oh-so-serious son might be watching, but so what?’
Toby had the New Year’s holiday off, so he and Chloe were also in attendance. The four of them had managed to have a quick chat when the photos were being taken.
‘I’ve got some amazing news, but you can’t tell anyone else, okay?’
He pretended to zip his mouth shut.
‘Josie noticed Melissa was drinking orange juice instead of champagne but didn’t want to risk upsetting her by saying anything. The next thing Melissa went all shy and admitted she took a pregnancy test last week and it was positive.’ Tamara beamed. ‘It’s very early days, so she’s afraid to say too much yet.’
‘I assume Nathan knows?’
‘Absolutely and he’s over the moon.’
‘That’s wonderful.’ Gage wrapped his arms around her and lowered his mouth to hers. ‘In case you were wondering, I don’t need a dance floor to kiss.’ It was a while before they came up for air. ‘As soon as it’s the new year, I’m taking you home.’
‘That sounds wonderful,’ she said breathily.
A few guests had left early, making more space for those hanging on. He noticed Evelyn and Quinten having a serious talk at one point, and crossed his fingers that the new bridegroom could fulfil Ophelia’s request.
