“And I love you, too. Sometimes that isn’t enough.” Ginny’s eyes sought out Phoebe’s. “I’m sorry, darling,” she mouthed.
Her daughter chewed the inside of her cheek. Her eyes flicked between Pete and her mum as she deliberated what to say.
“I’m sorry, please don’t let me spoil—” Ginny started.
Phoebe’s nostrils flared and she swallowed hard before speaking. “I don’t want to do it either,” she said.
“Darling...” Ginny reached out for her hand.
Phoebe edged away and caressed her stomach. “I’ve got doubts, too. This is so quick and intense...and I’m not sure.” She turned to Pete. “I love you, but this all feels rushed...”
Pete’s face initially appeared stricken, but then his eyes flooded with relief and he let out a nervous laugh. “I’msopleased you’ve said that. I’m not certain either. There’s no rush for us to get married, and we’ll only have to make things official when we get home. I only want to do this once in my life.”
“If we wait, our child could be part of our big day,” Phoebe said.
The celebrant peered down at her feet and blew out her cheeks.
Adrian looked winded. “I was trying to do the right thing,” he said.
Phoebe gathered him and Pete to one side, talking to them both to clear the air.
Ginny still felt dizzy and spoke to their backs. “I really need to go outside.” She felt wobbly as she rushed back along the aisle, refusing to catch anyone’s eye. After jogging down the stairs, she headed out into the daylight, letting the sunlight sweep over her cool skin. She meandered around the gardens with her hands clenched at her sides, not noticing the beautiful flowers or the birds singing. She’d done the right thing, but it still hurt. Sitting down on a bench, she lowered her head and wrung her hands.
After a while she heard Phoebe calling out to her. “Mum. Where’ve you been?” Her daughter appeared by her side, the gerbera sliding out of her hair.
Ginny stood up and tucked the flower back into place. “Sorry, I had to get away. It must have been embarrassing for everyone.”
“Your friends took a taxi back. The blond-haired lady with the suitcase had to leave.”
“Heather?” Ginny’s shoulders slumped. “Oh, no, I’ve missed saying goodbye to her.”
“She asked me to tell you something.” Phoebe frowned, trying to remember the message accurately. “She hopes to see you again very soon. You’retheGinny Splinter and you’ve got this. Mistakes are proof that we’re trying.”
Ginny solemnly nodded, the Italian sun suddenly feeling too hot.
“Let’s sit in the shade,” Phoebe said. She led her mum to a fountain where the sprinkling water cast a light mist on their faces and arms. She placed her mum’s hand against her own chest and breathed in and out so Ginny could follow her pace.
“I’ve made a mess of things,” Ginny said, shaking her head.
“Nothing that can’t be fixed.” Phoebe squeezed her hand. “To be honest, Pete’s relieved, and so am I. Dad is...” She paused for a second. “He’ll be okay, too. Please be honest with me from now on, Mum. Don’t try to hide things.”
It was what Ginny had done with her mum and dad, and that had failed miserably. “We want to set a good example for you and Pete...”
“No one’s perfect. You’re role models because you love and support me, not because you dress up and marry each other again.”
Ginny marveled at her daughter. She’d always been the one giving out good advice and now Phoebe was surpassing her. “So, what do we do now?” she asked,nothating the alien feeling of asking someone else for guidance.
“Well, we can have a very awkward family meal together,” Phoebe said. “Oryou can spend the rest of your holiday with your friends. I’ve already persuaded Dad it’s the best thing for you. You both need time to really think things through.”
“What about you and Pete...?”
“You’re doing it again, Mum,” Phoebe warned. “Think of yourself for once. I’m a big girl now and can look after myself.”
Ginny nodded and rested her head on her daughter’s shoulder. “Thanks, sweetheart.”
They both stood up together. “I’ll see you back in rainy England, next week,” Phoebe said.
“Is the weather really miserable back there?”
