‘I was hoping you would say that.’ He slipped his arm around her shoulder and pulled her towards him.
‘And the second thing I’ve told Holly is that I’ll go to Lydia and Sophie’s wedding because I wouldn’t miss seeing her in her dress.’
‘I’m happy you’ve come to that decision.’ Libby knew it must have taken a lot of courage to begin making his peace with Sophie and Lydia. It would be worth it for everyone’s sake, especially Holly’s.
‘Me too. And if your offer of coming to the wedding with me still stands, I’d very much appreciate it.’
‘Of course it does. I wouldn’t miss seeing Holly in her dress either.’
Smiling, they stared into each other’s eyes. ‘I’ve missed you these last two days,’ admitted Guy. ‘And this is only going to be as hard as we make it so let’s make it as easy as possible.’
‘I agree,’ she said, leaning forward and kissing him on his lips. ‘Are your mum and Holly arriving back today?’ she murmured.
‘Sometime after tea,’ he responded, in between kisses.
‘What are we waiting for then?’ she whispered.
Standing up, he lifted Libby, who began giggling. ‘Don’t drop me!’
‘The only place I’m going to drop you is on my bed,’ he replied with a wicked glint in his eye.
Pickle looked up then, wondering what all the commotion was about. ‘You stay there,’ Guy ordered before closing the bedroom door behind them.
ChapterTwenty-Three
With only twenty-four hours to go before Flynn and Julia’s wedding, Libby and Guy had spent the entire day overseeing the final details, double- and triple-checking all the suppliers to ensure that there would be no last-minute hiccups. Tomorrow morning, Florrie would deliver the flowers to Starcross Manor along with the buttonholes and sprigs of mistletoe. Rona had baked the cake, which was already hiding in the kitchen of Starcross Manor, ready for final touch-ups just before the ceremony; Andrew had prepared a feast, the secret garden had been dressed with hundreds of fairy lights, and warm blankets and winter cocktails were ready to be served.
‘The tables are dressed to perfection.’
Libby and Guy spun around to see Flynn standing behind them. His smile was broad.
‘I have to say all this looks amazing. We’ve pulled this together, haven’t we? I’m really getting married tomorrow.’
‘You are!’ replied Libby, kissing her brother’s cheek. ‘And Jenny has worked wonders in helping to get everything organised. Honestly, she’s been my right-hand woman and is worth her weight in gold.’
‘I knew all she needed was another chance,’ replied Flynn, looking around the room.
‘And Guy has every secret mission recorded on video so Julia can see how we’ve all sneaked behind her back to bring this together.’
‘Perfect. She won’t believe it when she sees everything is exactly how she planned it.’ He held out his hand. ‘And look at me, I’m shaking with excitement. I’ve got to try and keep all this under wraps until tomorrow morning. It’s been difficult because I keep disappearing and she’s getting suspicious. I’m picking Dad up from the airport later tonight and I keep panicking I’ve lost the rings, but thankfully these have come through in time.’
‘What have you there?’ Libby asked.
‘Honeymoon tickets. Not the proper honeymoon but something to be going on with. It’s a short break in a couple of weeks’ time.’
‘Are we allowed to know where you’re going?’ asked Libby, intrigued, looking at the envelope.
‘New York!’ Flynn grinned. ‘I thought we’d fly over and see how my favourite sister is settling in. Then you have Dad coming out a couple of weeks after. You will be sick of the sight of us.’
Libby threw her arms around her brother. ‘You’re the best, do you know that?’
‘You’re not too bad yourself. Thank you, Libby, for all this. Julia is going to be blown away. It’s just oozes winter wedding Christmas magic.’
‘And thankfully there’s not a hint of black in sight,’ put in Guy.
‘Did you see that Miranda and David have now made the national papers? The story is spreading like wildfire and it’s gone viral on social media,’ Flynn said.
‘It couldn’t have happened to nicer people. Got to love karma.’ Libby smiled.
