‘I can send the helicopter back for you?’
‘I’m okay travelling by train,’ replied Libby, who was not keen on any mode of flying. Already the thought of the long flight to New York was filling her with dread.
‘You’re a lifesaver.’
‘I know!’
Flynn hugged Libby again. ‘I don’t mean to disappear on you so soon, but the weather isn’t great and Julia will be worrying until I’m back.’
‘It’s okay. You just get yourself back safe.’
Flynn grabbed his coat from the hallway and kissed Libby on the cheek. ‘I’ll get the winners’ file ready for you and sort the essentials—sewing machine, et cetera—and I’ll leave the rest in your capable hands.’
‘See you Wednesday!’
Libby stood and watched Flynn stride across the snowy green. Within a couple of minutes, the helicopter had lifted off the ground. Libby waved and closed the front door. Wandering back into the living room, she smiled at the cardboard boxes and switched on the TV. If Flynn was going to arrange for her house to be packed up, she might as well make the most of her free afternoon. With a box of chocolates perched on the arm of her chair, she got comfy on the settee and snuggled under the heated throw. There was only one thing on her agenda: to find a romantic comedy to watch, one that combined Christmas and weddings. She considered it crucial research as her aim was to organise the winter wedding of the century.
ChapterTwo
At the train station, the buildings were already shrouded with Christmas decorations, and a gigantic tree led the way to the platforms. As Libby weaved her way through the festive travellers, pulling her suitcase behind her, she noticed all the loved-up couples, hand in hand, and felt a pang in her heart. She wondered if she could ever let herself be loved by anyone again. This was her tenth Christmas being single and she was more than okay with that … most of the time. Her work was her lifeline and the only constant in her life, outside her family.
In the last couple of days, there had been numerous travel disruptions on the railways and buses, the continuous fall of snow making it difficult to travel anywhere. But thankfully Libby’s train was still running and on time. She made her way to the ticket machine and after purchasing her ticket she sought the shelter of the waiting room and texted Flynn.
Your Knightess in shining armour is on her way!
His reply pinged back almost immediately.
I can’t wait to see you but the snow has taken over Heartcross. There are no buses or taxis running at Glensheil Station but don’t worry, I’ll send transportation.
Flynn followed up his text with a winky face.
Libby smiled; she wouldn’t put it past Flynn to send reindeer pulling a sleigh. Just at that moment there was an announcement over the tannoy that her train was arriving. Libby stepped onto the platform and saw the train rumbling towards her, followed by a sound of the brakes squealing as it slowed to a stop. Slipping her phone into her bag she held tightly onto her suitcase as her fellow passengers began to flood the platform.
Making her way to the first-class carriage, she located her seat and pushed her luggage into the hold before settling in. The journey by train was just over four hours but with a good book and a stack of wedding magazines in her bag Libby was looking forward to relaxing, reading and taking in the spectacular views of the Scottish Highlands. Libby loved Heartcross and catching up with all the gang in the village. She loved everything about the olde worlde feel of the place, from the River Heart to the impressive castle standing tall in front of the magnificent mountains, to the delicious cakes from Bonnie’s Teashop and the roast dinners at The Grouse and Haggis. Flynn had tried many times to entice her to join his team and even though his offers had always been tempting, she knew her passion was for fashion and designing dresses.
Taking a wedding magazine out of her bag, Libby began to flick through the pages. The only thing she knew about the competition winners was their names—Miranda and David—and she was eagerly anticipating their first meeting. Libby couldn’t wait to share her ideas. She was going to embrace this winter’s plush colours, glittery décor, roaring fires and a frosty sprinkling of snow. It was going to be so romantic. Regardless of the theme of the wedding, Libby knew it was essential to design the dress first, knowing its colour and design would guide the bride and groom to choosing all the other wonderful wintry details. Libby had pinged an email to Flynn late on Tuesday afternoon, listing everything she needed including contacts that would showcase all things festive. ‘Be glitzy, go quirky’ was always Libby’s motto at the beginning of any dress design. In the fashion world glittering gold was really hot right now, and luxe precious metal tones would make the bride and the wedding decor look radiant.
Flicking through the magazine she stopped at a feature on bridal jewels. Libby already had pearls in mind. Freshwater pearls were unique, and paired with gold they would give a luxurious modern nod to the festive season.
Libby was going to do everything she could to ensure this couple got to live their fairytale by creating the perfect winter wonderland wedding. She envisaged a secret winter garden, an ideal place for the guests to toast marshmallows and grab a hot chocolate. They could possibly even have a churros station. Warm blankets could be on hand, with a sign next to them saying:to have and to hold in case you get cold.For the reception, Libby was already imagining the juxtaposition of rustic oak beams and delicate fairy lighting. She knew she was going to have so much fun during the coming weeks and she couldn’t wait to watch the lucky winners walk down the aisle.
The woman sitting opposite Libby on the train ordered a cup of coffee then pointed to the magazine. ‘Whoever he is, he’s a lucky man.’
Libby shook her head. ‘It’s not me getting married but I do have the job of organising a Christmas Eve wedding.’
‘How romantic,’ replied the woman. ‘I’m sure it will be very magical.’
Libby smiled, but inside she felt that old familiar pang. There was a time when she thought she would get married, but things didn’t work out that way for her and for many years she’d blamed herself. Pushing the past out of her mind, she determined to focus on the present. ‘I see you’re married, how many years?’ she asked the woman.
‘Would you believe fifty years next year?’ The woman gave a warm smile.
‘That is true love right there.’
‘Believe me, there’s been many a time I’ve wanted to commit murder,’ the woman said with a laugh. ‘But I have to say, I think it’s a lottery and a happy marriage is based on luck. As much as I joke, I’ve had a very happy life and wouldn’t change a thing.’
‘You’re indeed lucky,’ replied Libby.
As the train pulled into the next station, the woman said goodbye to Libby and made her way to the platform. A ticket inspector with a rosy-cheeked smile appeared in the aisle and checked Libby’s ticket.
