‘Exactly, and because of the competition I’ve already had some national magazines and the local press wanting to feature the wedding. It’s exactly what I wanted to happen as the publicity would be brilliant for us … or at least it would have been.’
‘Unfortunately, there isn’t much you can do about it now,’ Guy said, ‘except work with what we have. I’ll do my best to get some special footage while I’m here that hopefully you can use across your own social media channels.’
‘Thanks, mate.’ Flynn nodded his appreciation. ‘I need to get back to work.’
As Flynn stood up Libby gave him a hug. ‘Honestly, we will try and get some usable moments. We know you’ve gone to a lot of expense for this.’
As soon as Flynn left, Libby turned towards Guy. ‘What do you make of all that?’
‘I agree with Flynn, something doesn’t seem quite right, but Jenny’s idea of an extraordinary wedding could have been totally different from Flynn’s vision and it just got lost in communication,’ replied Guy.
Their phones pinged at the same time.
‘It’s Florrie, she wants to talk flowers,’ Libby reported, looking down at her phone.
‘And I’ve got to go,’ said Guy, looking at his. ‘But I’ll see you later at the rink.’ He gave her a heart-melting smile as he looked up from under his fringe and headed towards the door.
Libby watched him through the window until he was out of sight. She was already counting the hours until she saw him next.
* * *
‘Florrie!’ Libby gasped. ‘Look at all these wonderful bouquets.’ She was standing in the doorway of Buttercup Barn and could barely see Florrie behind the counter, hidden as she was by a wonderful array of blooms.
‘Aren’t they just!’ Florrie smiled warmly.
As usual she was wrapped up in many layers and standing next to a small heater behind the counter that was blasting out warm air. She handed a huge bouquet to Libby, who immediately closed her eyes and inhaled the scent. ‘These are gorgeous.’
‘They are, and that one you’re holding is full of Julia’s favourites.’
‘These were the samples for the competition winners, weren’t they?’
Florrie nodded. ‘I took a punt on different colour themes and thought if I put the bouquets together it would help the bride to decide what she might like. But it seems as though I was getting ahead of myself, especially now I know the colour scheme … or should I saylackof colour scheme.’
‘Dare I ask, have we got any flowers that might work for that colourless scheme?’ Libby began picking up each bouquet and taking in their aroma.
‘If we’re looking for a dark, moody, romantic feel, I think we are best with…’ Florrie leaned under the counter and pulled out an oversized book. ‘This is my flower bible, it illustrates every flower one could possibly want.’ She began to turn the pages then turned the book around towards Libby. ‘We could have a black artificial rose, which would look great. What do you think?’
Even though the colour scheme wasn’t very exciting, the roses staring back at Libby looked beautiful and very realistic. ‘This could definitely work.’
‘I was thinking I could entwine those with inky-centre anemones and fill the rest of the bouquet with moody dahlias, dark chocolate cosmos and dark foliage.’ Florrie continued to turn the pages and pointed out each flower. ‘We can even put in some artificial black berries and pine cones to create an enhancing effect rich in texture. What do you think?’
‘You’re a gem, Florrie! This all sounds so perfect.’ Given Florrie’s expertise, Libby was certain that Miranda was going to be pleased with her suggestions. ‘But I have to say this oversize bouquet of white spray roses, lisianthuses and waxflowers is more up my street,’ she admitted, picking up the last of the bouquets that Florrie had made up.
‘And mine,’ replied Florrie. ‘Earthy greenery is winter-ready with the addition of pretty pine cones, roses and winter berries.’
‘A gorgeous winter creation,’ Libby agreed.
‘I’ll contact the suppliers this afternoon regarding the flowers for Miranda’s bouquet, then drop you a text with an approximate delivery time, and we can take it from there.’
‘That’s a perfect plan. And I have to say, Julia has good taste. I can see her walking down the aisle holding this beautiful arrangement.’ Libby picked up the flowers and held them with both hands as she took small steps and began singing, ‘Here comes the bride.’
Florrie laughed. ‘It’s my favourite arrangement too. Maybe you’ll find a perfect man in New York and I can make you one in the near future. I’ve never been and I do envy you. It’s going to be such a lifestyle change and an adventure.’
‘It is,’ Libby replied, handing the bouquet back to Florrie.
When Libby was offered the job, it was all she could think about, but in the last couple of days New York had barely crossed her mind … and she knew exactly why.
‘Julia was saying only yesterday that you’re the only person she knows who has escaped the Heartcross curse. It got me good and proper. I’ve not been here that long but I can’t imagine ever living anywhere else now. The community has become my extended family.’
