‘“Once you arrive in Heartcross you never want to leave,”’ chanted Libby with a smile. ‘I do love it here; I always have. It’s a beautiful part of the country with the most spectacular views and just the best people. And of course, there’s the bonus of you, Flynn and my dad being here.’
‘Wilbur has kept himself busy since he retired from the Little Blue Boat House. Bea, who now manages it, has raised hundreds of thousands for the new lifeboats and the Heartcross Rescue Station. Hopefully, everything will be up and running in six months or so. She’s worked so hard and Wilbur wants to come out of retirement and help man the switchboards. Your dad has more energy than all of us put together!’
‘He just doesn’t know when to stop, does he? But it’s a very good cause and I think the busier he is, the younger he seems.’
‘Libby, I’ve got something to ask you. I know it’s not happening anytime soon but I was thinking, as my father has passed away and I don’t have another father figure in my life, when the time comes, and Flynn and I finally get a date in the diary … do you think Wilbur would give me away? I didn’t want to ask him before I ran it by you first.’
‘Why would you need to run it by me first?’
‘Because he’s your father and I don’t want to step on your toes. Surely the first person he should walk down the aisle should be you.’
‘Aww, that’s such a lovely thought. Thank you for asking me first but I think if it’s left to me, he might never get the chance to walk anyone down the aisle!’ replied Libby. Julia looked relieved. ‘You really aren’t treading on my toes. But I’ll tell you now, with my father’s eccentric dress sense, we need to make sure he doesn’t outshine the bride.’
‘Thank you.’ Julia looked genuinely touched that Libby was more than okay about it.
‘Before I leave for New York we will be pinning that brother of mine down for a date.’
‘We will but as I want a winter wedding’—Julia pushed the scrapbook forward towards Libby—‘it will have to be next Christmas. That gives me plenty of time to organise it though.’
‘Let’s have a look at your scrapbook.’
Side by side, they sat and turned the pages.
‘Flynn’s attire will be easy: kilt, dirk and sporran, three-button waistcoat, white shirt and bow tie. He’s going to look so handsome. I can picture it now. I arrive by a wooden sleigh pulled by reindeer across the grounds of Starcross Manor…’
Libby raised an eyebrow. ‘I’m hoping the competition winners don’t request reindeer. Where am I going to magic those up from?’ She was beginning to feel worried as it suddenly dawned on her that the winning couple could request absolutely anything and she was going to have to make their dreams come true.
‘You’d have a number of options. The first is obvious.’
‘Go on.’
‘Duh! Ask Santa,’ joked Julia, bumping her shoulder against Libby’s. ‘But failing that, you could catch the wild deer from the grounds at Starcross Manor or dress up Isla and Drew’s alpacas from Foxglove Farm. You never know, you might not even be able to tell the difference if you put faux antlers on them. The third option is to speak to Grace and Andrew. They look after a herd of reindeer every year up at Heartcross Castle. It’s open to the public and children can go and feed them.’
‘The third option it is. Absolutely perfect!’
‘Everyone knows someone who knows someone. Believe me, within the network of the Heartcross community, there is nothing that can’t be sorted.’
‘I think I believe you.’ Libby tapped a cut-out from a magazine that was glued to the next page.
‘Pipers! I’ve always wanted bagpipes. I can picture it now. I arrive at the steps of Starcross Manor in the sleigh pulled by reindeer and step out onto the red carpet that travels up the stone steps between the most beautiful decorated Christmas trees. The pipers are standing at the top of the steps and will play as I walk towards them.’
‘Very Scottish. It sounds to me as if you have it all worked out!’
‘The colour scheme is classic white. The Grand Hall will be filled with white blossom trees, fairy lights, candles and white chairs. The food is all about comfort. Dainty canapés are lovely but on days like today when it’s chilly outside, guests want comfort food. A cheese fondue or mini beef Yorkshire puddings would be perfect, and for the main meal it has to be a roast dinner with a joint carved at each table. And for the dessert, sticky toffee pudding is always a winner.’
‘You’re making me so hungry!’ admitted Libby, thinking it all sounded so utterly perfect.
‘And before the guests head off home into the cold night, they will be served something warm and hearty. Maybe a hog roast, bacon rolls, sausage rolls or even cheese toasties,’ enthused Julia. ‘And now on to my outfit.’
Libby couldn’t wait to see what Julia had in mind.
‘I want to push boundaries and be a little different. You know I’m not a girly girl. I prefer jeans and trousers, and trainers on my feet. I’ve never been one for a pair of heels.’
‘Go on, I’m encouraged.’ Libby wondered what Julia was going to say next.
‘My dream is a two-piece bridal suit that’s seriously bold and contemporary. There’s no photograph or cut-out as such, but I’ve tried to draw what was in my head.’ Julia bit her lip and turned over the page, waiting for Libby’s reaction.
Libby stared at the drawings, silent for a moment, taking in every detail. She was blown away.
