ChapterTwenty-Two
Libby had been feeling dispirited for the past couple of days. She hadn’t seen Guy, as he was under the weather, and even though she had no reason to doubt him, it crossed her mind that he might be creating some distance between them for Holly’s sake. Trying to rally herself, she focused on what still needed to be done. Isla was due for a bridesmaid’s fitting and the next few days were going to be full on with Libby’s sewing machine working flat out.
‘I’m here!’ Isla jigged through the door of the wedding studio. There was a blast of cold air as she stepped inside and kicked off her boots. ‘Thank God it’s toasty in here. It’s freezing out there.’
‘That’s Scotland for you,’ remarked Libby, thrusting a mug of coffee into Isla’s hand.
‘This is just what I needed,’ Isla said, wrapping her cold hands around the mug. ‘I’ve already stocked the farm shop with fresh produce this morning and didn’t have time to even make a cuppa, so this is very welcome. But I’ve just had a close call. Julia popped into the shop. She said she had an afternoon to herself and wanted to do lunch as Flynn had a prior engagement.’
‘Suit fittings! He, Drew and the rest of the ushers are off to the tailors in town then Flynn is off to the jewellers to pick out the rings,’ confirmed Libby.
‘It’s just so exciting! I admit I became a little flustered when I saw her walking into the shop, as I’d only just been chatting about the wedding with Florrie, but thankfully she didn’t hear a thing. Fair warning though, she did say she was going to call in on you.’
Libby looked towards the window. ‘Julia can’t catch us both here because she’ll wonder what we’re up to. Let’s work in the back part of the studio.’ She hurried to the window and pulled down the blinds before locking the door. ‘No one’s getting in here,’ she declared. ‘Now come and have a look at the design and tell me what you think.’
They walked through to the wedding dress area and in the middle of the room was a mannequin clothed in a dress straight out of a wonderful dream. With a beautiful halter neckline, a tightly gathered mink tulle bodice and matching flowy tulle skirt, the dress was accompanied by a cream shrug for warmth.
‘I’ve been working on this for the last couple of days. It’s just pinned together but won’t take any time to sew.’
‘It’s utterly gorgeous. I’m going to feel like a Hollywood superstar wearing this. It’s just perfect.’ Isla walked around the mannequin. ‘You’re extremely clever. You must be looking forward to the wedding so much, especially after you’ve pulled it all together.’
Libby knew it was going to the best day of Flynn and Julia’s life and she couldn’t wait to see them married. Working together with all their friends, she was going to make sure that everything was magical, but there was a tiny anxious feeling swirling around in the pit of her stomach: Francesca had not phoned her back.
‘And how is everything with you?’ asked Isla.
Libby perched on the carpeted step next to the mannequin and Isla sat beside her. ‘I have something I need to tell someone, and I thought I’d have some news by now but I haven’t.’
‘News? What sort of news?’
Libby took a breath. ‘Since arriving I’ve been battling with my head, my heart and my career. My feelings for Guy have grown fast.’
‘You two are made for each other,’ Isla confirmed. ‘I love a good love story.’
‘Let’s not get ahead of ourselves too much…’
‘Who are you trying to kid? The chemistry between the two of you could light up the whole of Scotland.’
Libby laughed. ‘When I came to Heartcross, I wasn’t expecting to meet anyone, never mind have these kinds of feelings. I’ve waited nearly ten years for someone to cross my path—and of course it happens the moment I’m meant to be leaving the country. Talking it all over with my dad, I’ve realised that my main concern about factoring Guy and Holly into my plans is: what if I don’t go to New York and then Guy and I aren’t compatible?’
‘And what if you are?’
‘This is exactly what’s been going around in my head. I’ve also worked so damn hard for this job.’
‘It is a huge decision. I wouldn’t want to be in your shoes. What does Guy say?’
‘He said he feels the same. He wasn’t expecting anyone to cross his path and it’s come as a shock. He’s moving into Weathervane Cottage with Holly and she’s going to be starting school in the village.’
‘Oh, wonderful, that’s great news.’
‘And there are Holly’s feelings to consider. She got upset when she knew I was leaving for New York and I haven’t seen them since I told them, as Guy is unwell.’
‘There’s got to be some sort of compromise.’
‘That’s what Dad said and advised. That’s the phone call I’m waiting for.’
‘What do you mean?’ Isla asked. ‘Come on, tell me.’
‘I rang my boss and left her a voicemail. I explained the situation, how I was feeling, leaving my family behind. It’s a big move but I still want the job and so I asked whether there was any possibility of working out in New York for a few months and then here for a few months. I could flit between the two, having the best of both worlds. But as yet my boss hasn’t phoned me back, and I don’t want to say anything to Guy until I’ve had the conversation with her and know what my options are.’
