The penny had well and truly dropped. ‘Me? You want me to be your wedding planner? But I’ve got a job, not to mention I have to pack this house up and tie up all of my loose ends here before I fly to the Big Apple.’
Flynn perched on the arm of the sofa. ‘Just hear me out. I only need five weeks—max—of your time and I don’t trust anyone else to do it. I know you won’t let me down and if you take on the job you can come and live at Starcross Manor and spend the whole holiday season with us. Dad will be over the moon to see you.’
‘Except Dad won’t be there. His feet haven’t touched the ground since his retirement and he’s touring Spain, Portugal and the Canary Islands on a winter cruise for the next month or so.’
‘He arrives back on Christmas Eve, just in time to devour the best Christmas feast he’s ever laid eyes on, and we could all be waiting for him. Like I said, I can arrange for your belongings to be boxed and stored, taking the pressure off you here. For the wedding, we can source the cake from Rona at Bonnie’s Teashop, the flowers from Buttercup Barn, and, to top it all off, we have Andrew Glossop on board for the catering… You’re brilliant at interior design, coordinating colours and you love Christmas! I honestly can’t think of anyone better to step in. Please at least think about it?’
Libby was completely taken by surprise at the request but she could see the predicament that Flynn was in. ‘I wasn’t expecting this. It’s a lot to take in.’
‘I know, but as well as your accommodation, I can pay you and offer you all your meals for free at Starcross Manor. I’m ready to offer anything you want to get you to help me pull this off. Christmas at Starcross Manor will be fabulous and Julia would love to hang out with you before you go to New York. We both would.’
‘But coordinate a wedding? This is someone’s big day. The day they’ve dreamed about all of their life. And I’m meant to be taking a few weeks off, not making myself busier than ever. I’ve been working flat out and I was looking forward to some down time before I started my new job.’
‘Just think of it as co-ordinating a large fashion show. You dress the room and flowers according to your collection. It wouldn’t be that much different, surely?’
‘But what about dress materials, sewing machines, portfolios of ideas for the bride and groom to look through?’
‘Anything you need, you will have. There’s a studio in the grounds of Starcross Manor where everything can be planned from, and a workshop for yourself.’ Flynn put his hands together in a prayer-like pose and the hopeful smile made another appearance.
‘And how long have I got to think about this?’ asked Libby.
Flynn looked at his watch, then out of the window. The snow was still falling. ‘About thirty minutes while we finish decorating the tree.’
Libby laughed. ‘Oh, the pressure. You’d best get decorating!’ she ordered, throwing bright red tinsel at him. ‘In the meantime, I’ll have a think.’
* * *
Twenty minutes later, Libby stood on tiptoe and placed the fairy on top of the tree. The fairy, too, was ancient, bought the same time as the tree. ‘We’ve been through hell and back, this fairy and me.’
Standing side by side, Flynn and Libby admired their work. The tree had been transformed and it sparkled before their eyes, magnificent with its glittery baubles and multi-coloured tinsel. Libby smiled at the twinkly lights. She felt the same as she did every year: a little emotional by the time she had finished decorating the tree. It was always a welcome reminder of her strength and determination … and how far she’d come.
‘It looks beautiful – and what a perfect backdrop.’ Libby looked out of the bay window over the green. The snow was still falling and she watched as smoke spiralled out of a neighbour’s chimney and disappeared into the grey sky in the peaceful silence. She turned back towards Flynn.
‘And I get all my meals for free, you say?’
Flynn’s eyes widened. ‘Yes! Does this mean…?’
‘As if I’m going to leave my brother in the lurch. I mean, it’s a win-win. I get to help you out, design and make a wedding dress, co-ordinate someone’s special day, and after we’ve watched them get married on Christmas Eve, I get to spend Christmas with my family. I can’t wait to see Dad.’
Flynn picked Libby up and hugged her. ‘I blooming love you! Thank you!’
She patted his shoulder. ‘Put me down. To be honest I can’t wait. It’s going to be so much fun, and as I love weddings and Christmas, it’s the perfect combination.’
‘I can’t wait to tell Julia. She’ll be over the moon to see you.’ Flynn’s smile couldn’t be wider.
‘And me her, but you best give me some details. When do you want me to arrive?’
They both sat down on the settee. ‘I’ve not even looked at the file of the competition winners. All I know is they are called David and Miranda and they are looking forward to their once in a lifetime wedding. They are coming in next week to meet the wedding planner and Guy is arriving some time Wednesday, I believe.’
‘Who’s Guy?
‘The film-maker. He’s going to be following and filming your every move along with the happy couple. As I mentioned, some of the footage will hopefully be used to promote and market Starcross Manor as the go-to wedding destination, while the rest will be for the bride and groom, a reminder of their special day. So … anytime late this week, does that work for you?’
‘I’ll pack my suitcase and be with you by Wednesday.’
‘I promise I’ll take care of everything here. I’ll even get the Christmas tree transported if you wish.’
Libby laughed. ‘The extremes you’ll go to so I won’t change my mind.’
