‘I need to be getting back to reception. But here’s the file. Apologies for not getting it to you sooner,’ Lisa said as she made to leave.
‘That’s okay,’ replied Libby. She’d chased up the winners’ file at the end of last week but had been told it had been mislaid. At least they’d found it now.
‘Good luck with everything,’ added Lisa.
Libby took the file, thanked Lisa and watched the door shut behind her.
‘Tea or coffee?’ she asked, turning towards Miranda and David. ‘Let me get you both a drink and then we can talk weddings! It’s so exciting!’
Miranda had unbuttoned her coat and already hung it on the coat stand, and was now running an approving eye over the collection of fizz. ‘Why settle for tea or coffee when you have such an extensive fizz collection? It’s never too early for a glass, is it, David? After all, wearecelebrating.’
‘Never too early,’ he replied, joining her and pointing to certain bottles in the wine cooler.
‘You choose, David,’ suggested Libby, wanting to accommodate them in every way possible.
After selecting a bottle, Miranda and David sank down on to the plush sofa while Libby took crystal glasses from the cabinet next to the wine cooler then popped the cork, which immediately flew up in the air and landed at David’s feet.
‘We need to keep this to remind us of the first day planning our wedding,’ he suggested, slipping it into his trouser pocket.
After handing Miranda and David a glass each, Libby poured herself a drink and, looking towards Guy, held up a glass. He shook his head.
‘Let’s make a toast. Firstly, congratulations! Here’s to the happy couple! And secondly, I promise I will do everything I can to make this a wedding to remember.’ She clinked her glass against theirs.
Libby took a sip, trying her best to push her first impressions of the couple out of her mind. After all, even though they might not be the conventional couple she was expecting, they did look very much in love and deserved the same chance as anyone else to have the wedding of their dreams. There was still a slight niggle in the back of her mind, however, and she was eager to read the file to discover what had set them apart from all the other entries.
She opened the file that was lying on her lap and was amazed to find it nearly empty. Quickly flicking through the sparse pages she couldn’t find their initial application form or any background information. ‘You must be thrilled to have won the competition,’ she murmured, stalling for time.
‘Absolutely thrilled! I mean, we get the wedding of our dreams and all expenses paid. Christmas Eve can’t come quick enough, can it, David?’
‘It certainly can’t! I’m marrying my dream girl. I’m a very lucky man.’
‘Starcross Manor is the perfect venue too. We have such stunning views of the mountains and it’s particularly breathtaking at this time of year. I’m looking forward to working with you both. Now, tell me all about you,’ Libby enthused. ‘How long have you been engaged? And are you from around these parts?’ she asked.
At the question, Miranda placed both hands on her heart and gave a tiny sigh. ‘David and I fell in love at first sight seven years ago and we’ve been inseparable ever since. You know when you just click with someone in an instant? I knew I was going to spend the rest of my life with him.’
Libby smiled at them both and took a sip of champagne. Despite what she’d been through in her personal life she still warmed to a good love story.
‘We met at the races, the Scottish Grand National. We just knew the second that we laid eyes on each other in the hospitality box. He looked hot to trot, dressed up to the nines, and afterwards he asked me to spend some time with him. He whisked me off to Cameron House, one of the most luxurious hotels in Scotland—you should give it a visit—it’s on the banks of—’
‘Loch Lomond,’ Libby finished her sentence. She knew exactly where the hotel was, with its stunning views and world-class cuisine.
‘You know it?’ Miranda seemed surprised.
Libby knew it well. It was the same hotel her ex, Daniel, had booked when they went away for their first night together.
Libby also knew how special a day at the races could be, as that was where she’d met Daniel. Her girlfriends at the time had organised a day out and though they could only afford the cheap seats they had had every intention of having the best day. With hip flasks tucked away inside their bras and wearing outfits that Libby had made for the occasion, they felt on top of the world as they cheered for their favourite horse. Libby won her bet on the very first race and as she went to cash in her winnings, she met the eye of a guy who was looking down on her from the VIP box. He smiled. She smiled. He gestured for her to come up and pointed to a set of stairs. Libby had looked over her shoulder at her friends, who’d just hooked up with a group of men on a stag do. Without giving it a second thought, she slipped away to meet the stranger. After the last race he whisked her away to Cameron House and the rest was history … until he broke her heart and called off their wedding.
‘I haven’t been to the races for a very long time,’ replied Libby, having no intention of watching a horse race again as long as she lived.
‘After the races, we spent three exhilarating days together at the hotel. I’ll spare you all the details but it was a match made in heaven and here we are now. Together for ever. We go back often, don’t we, David?’
‘We do,’ replied David.
Libby was a little perplexed. She knew for a fact that that hotel was one of the best luxury hotels in Scotland and if anyone was staying there for several days at a time, they weren’t strapped for cash, which left her wondering what had motivated them to enter a competition to win a free wedding. But of course everyone loves a freebie, and more often than not, the rich were rich because they knew how to avoid spending money.
‘We’ve both been unlucky in love but not anymore. We were destined to be together and since we’ve found one another we aren’t letting each other go. How about you? Is there someone special in your life?’ Miranda was twirling the large diamond engagement ring around on her finger while looking at Libby. ‘A beautiful girl like yourself must have them falling at your feet.’
‘Not at the moment,’ replied Libby, who automatically thought of Guy. Taking a quick glance towards him, she saw he was looking at her through the lens of the camera.
