Guy laughed and quickly pushed her hand down. ‘You can find that out later.’ He winked. ‘Now is the bride ready? Her carriage awaits.’
Julia stepped out of the lodge into a winter wonderland, every inch of Starcross Manor covered in snow, wispy flakes swirling like feathers to the ground. Guy pointed through the trees to the clearing where six reindeer were ready to pull the sledge-like wooden carriage towards the red-carpeted stone steps of Starcross Manor.
‘Can this day get any better? I’m so emotional,’ Julia admitted.
‘Hold on to those tears, we don’t want your make-up ruined!’ added Eleni.
Guy filmed the bride and her bridesmaids making their way towards the sleigh, where they sat on heated throws while the footman made sure they were ready before pulling on the reins. Bells wrapped around the reindeers’ antlers jingled as they stepped in time and began to pull the sleigh towards the Manor. As soon as they were out of sight. Guy quickly made his way through the back of the hotel and headed towards reception. He spotted Flynn and Drew in the doorway of The Grand Hall. ‘Go inside! Julia is on her way!’
Guy positioned himself alongside one of the Christmas trees at the top of the stone steps. He could hear the jingle of the bells and as soon the sleigh was in sight he began to film again. The footman slowed the sleigh and the reindeer halted at the foot of the steps. With perfect timing, a peal of bells rang out from the stone spire of the church in the distance.
‘Are you ready?’ Libby asked, touching Julia’s arm as they stepped out of the sleigh.
‘I think so.’
Libby nodded towards Guy, who knocked on the oak door, which immediately opened. Through the doors came five pipers and a drummer, all dressed in traditional costume. They stood next to the Christmas tree along with a Highland choir. The conductor painted a picture as elegantly as an artist as he swirled his baton gracefully and instantly the sound of Julia’s favourite Christmas carol rang out, ‘God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen’. Everything was pitch- and picture-perfect, like a scene from a Christmas card, and as Julia began to walk up the steps there was another surprise waiting at the top for her: Wilbur.
‘Wilbur! You’re home.’ Tears sprang to her eyes as she threw her arms around him. ‘I mustn’t cry.’ She hugged him tight.
‘Would it be possible to have the honour of walking you down the aisle?’ he asked.
‘Yes! It would be my honour too,’ Julia replied with a hand on her heart as Libby hugged her dad.
‘Welcome home,’ she said.
‘I can’t leave you kids alone for a minute, can I?’ he said with a smile. ‘Are we ready? Everyone is waiting for you.’
Julia and Wilbur led the way towards The Grand Hall, the bridesmaids walking behind. Libby gave Guy a quick kiss as she passed him. ‘See you on the other side.’
As they approached the room, they could hear laughter and chatter echoing all around. Libby glowed with pleasure as the doors opened and she spotted Flynn at the altar with Drew standing by his side. The room looked spectacular: dressed chairs set in rows, with an aisle in the middle leading to the altar, which was flanked by two giant Christmas trees decorated in cranberries and gold, and with a roaring log fire just behind the officiant. The room was filled with Flynn and Julia’s family and friends and everyone had dressed for the occasion, in kilts, tuxedos and glamorous winter dresses and gowns.
Suddenly the room was filled with the sound of soft classical music, creating a romantic atmosphere that made everyone feel as though they were in a fairytale. Flynn beamed as he clapped eyes on his bride for the first time in her finery.
All eyes turned towards the back of the room as Guy slipped down the aisle to catch every magical moment on video. As soon as he was in position under an archway of sparklers, Wilbur walked Julia down the aisle. There wasn’t a dry eye in the place.
* * *
Christmas Day
It was just past midnight and Holly’s arms were slumped around Guy’s neck as he did his best to give her a piggyback without waking her. It had been a wonderful day. After an emotional, beautiful wedding, everyone had danced their hearts out, drunk winter cocktails and devoured a magnificent feast. It had been one of the best days of Libby’s life.
With the lodges in sight, Guy whispered, ‘I’m just going to slip Holly into bed and make sure Mum doesn’t have another sherry.’
‘Hey, cheeky,’ objected Cynthia, with a smile. She looked at Libby. ‘You have a wonderful family. Merry Christmas and thank you for inviting us today. Everyone was just so lovely.’
‘They are, aren’t they?’ replied Libby.
‘You’re good for this one,’ she observed, nodding towards her son.
‘Merry Christmas to you, Cynthia. Sleep well.’
Guy winked at Libby. ‘I’ll see you in a minute.’
* * *
Fifteen minutes later, Guy sank on the settee next to Libby, who hadn’t even removed her shrug or shoes.
‘I’m feeling a little tipsy,’ she said. ‘Wasn’t that just the best day?’
