‘There is just one thing that might put a spanner in the works tomorrow…’ Flynn said, suddenly looking worried.
‘What’s that?’ asked Libby, wondering what she’d missed.
‘What happens if Julia says she doesn’t want to get married?’
Libby and Guy laughed.
‘I don’t think there’s much chance of that, you daft bugger. Is the plan still the same for the morning?’ asked Libby.
‘Yes. You need to get Julia to the lodge by 9am.’
‘Understood.’
‘I’ll see you both then, then.’ Flynn turned and began to walk away. ‘I’m getting married in the morning,’ he sang loudly as he disappeared out of the door.
ChapterTwenty-Four
Christmas Eve
As the early alarm sounded, Guy and Libby sat bolt upright in bed. ‘It’s today! It’s finally here!’
Guy attempted to pull Libby back under the duvet. ‘It’s way too early to be getting up. Surely we can have another couple of hours in bed,’ he said, with a suggestive look on his face.
‘No! There’s no time,’ she replied, swiping him playfully and wriggling free. ‘You know what day it is!’
‘Spoilsport,’ he said with a grin, watching her draw back the curtain. Pickle was sprawled out at the bottom of the bed and made her disgust at the abrupt wake-up call very clear.
‘What time are Holly and Cynthia arriving?’ Libby asked.
‘Literally an hour before Julia walks down the aisle. Which gives me plenty of time to help you with any last-minute jobs that might need doing.’
‘Aww, thank you,’ she said, placing a kiss on his lips.
‘Are you sure there aren’t any I could help you with right now?’
‘Ha, ha. No! But if I tell you I have a special present later for you this evening, would you be happy with that?’ She lightly caressed his face and gave him a passionate kiss. ‘Just be patient,’ she added, pointing to the window. ‘See how beautiful it looks out there.’ A fresh layer of snow had fallen over night, sprinkling Starcross Manor with a fine layer of white powder. ‘Julia had always dreamed of a winter wedding in a beautiful manor house. Look at this perfect backdrop for their special day.’
Libby couldn’t wait for Julia to arrive at the lodge just after 8.30am. She thought she’d been invited for a Christmas Eve breakfast; little did she know that she was about to find out this was her wedding day. Libby had spent the last ten days planning every detail of the winter wonderland wedding, from the elegant bouquet to delicate snowflake decorations to the candles, cocktails and wedding outfits. Everything had been replicated from the ideas and plans outlined in Julia’s scrapbook to create the perfect winter wedding ambiance, and now the day had arrived Libby was filled with excitement and anticipation. She was about to watch her brother get married, and with Guy by her side she couldn’t wait for the day to begin. Julia’s wedding outfit was hanging in the next room, all ready to go. Libby knew that she was going look stunning with her hair styled in loose waves and a delicate, sparkly tiara that would glimmer in the soft winter light. This was going to be a day to remember.
‘I’m going to jump in the shower and you’re going to get Pickle out on the sledge,’ ordered Libby.
‘I’d rather be joining you in the shower.’ He grinned as Libby gently pushed him out of bed before hot-footing it into the bathroom and locking the door behind her.
‘Sucha spoilsport.’
‘I can’t hear you,’ she shouted, laughing and turning the water on in the shower to drown Guy’s protests.
* * *
Two hours later, Libby’s phoned pinged. ‘It’s Flynn! Julia is on her way. She left five minutes ago. Quick, everyone, behind the counter, and move the glasses,’ Libby ordered.
Isla, Eleni, Drew and Guy were hiding behind the counter in the kitchen. They couldn’t wait to see Julia’s face the second she realised today was going to be her wedding day.
‘Do not breathe,’ Libby ordered. ‘Flynn is following her, so he’ll arrive soon after and I’ll keep Julia in the living room in the meantime.’ She looked out of the window. ‘She’s here!’
Her heart was racing as she opened the door to Julia. ‘Merry Christmas Eve!’ she trilled. ‘What a beautiful morning.’ She kissed Julia on both cheeks.
‘And Merry Christmas Eve to you to too! Thanks for the invite to this Christmas Eve breakfast; I can’t wait for a glass of fizz,’ said Julia, heading straight towards the kitchen.
