‘You certainly are! Boys, you need to be leaving. We have the hairdresser and beautician arriving any second.’ Libby began to shoo them towards the door. ‘We’ll see you at the altar at midday!’
Julia was still in a state of shock as Flynn kissed her one last time. ‘See you in a bit, Mrs Carter-to-be!’
Libby saw Guy to the door. ‘Be outside to film us leaving around eleven-thirty.’
‘In the words of the Jackson Five, “I’ll be there”. See you later!’ He kissed her then followed the other men while Libby returned to the living room.
As the door shut behind them Julia held out her hand; it was shaking. ‘I never expected this at all.’
‘How are you feeling?’ asked Libby.
‘Shocked, happy, I don’t really know… Libby, I didn’t want to say anything in front of Flynn but I had my heart set on my own wedding outfit design.’
‘You didn’t think I’d let you down, did you? Of course you’re going to get married in your dream outfit. Wait there!’
Libby wheeled the first mannequin from the bedroom into the living room. Julia gasped and happy tears began rolling down her cheeks. ‘I’m lost for words. I don’t believe it. You made this?’ Julia walked over to the mannequin, which presented the exact design from her scrapbook. ‘Have you sewn all of these on?’ she asked, running her hand gently over the 3D florals.
‘I have and it was worth all the blood, sweat and tears to see that look on your face.’
‘It’s absolutely… I can’t speak. I’m lost for words.’
‘We have the long lace bubble sleeves and the high boat neckline and it’s finished perfectly with the pearl clasps down the back. The wide trousers are so elegant … and what do you think of the plume feather jacket?’
‘I think I have the best sister-in-law-to-be in the whole wide world. You must have been working non-stop since you arrived. This is exactly my design. Thank you.’ She hugged Libby.
‘And next up we have the bridesmaids’ dresses! Just in case you didn’t realise, you have three bridesmaids.’
Libby, Isla and Eleni curtsied at the same time. Then Eleni wheeled out the bridesmaids’ dresses.
Once again Julia gasped. ‘They’re exactly like my designs. When I woke up this morning, I never imagined—’ She was interrupted by a knock on the door.
‘Come in!’ shouted Libby.
They watched as Florrie brought the most beautiful blooms into the room. ‘I believe someone is getting married today!’ she said.
‘Oh my gosh, I can’t take any more. My heart is beating so fast. Florrie! These are exactly what I wanted.’
‘I know, it’s a good job you made that scrapbook.’ She kissed Julia on both cheeks. ‘Congratulations! I’ll just bring in the bridesmaids’ posies and then I’m off to finish dressing The Grand Hall. Oh, and before I forget, a little sprig of mistletoe for you each, just in case any of you fancy stealing a kiss today!’
‘And here’s the hairdresser arriving,’ exclaimed Libby. ‘Drink your fizz and let the celebration begin.’
* * *
A couple of hours later there were collective gasps from the bridesmaids as Julia walked into the room wearing her wedding outfit.
‘You look absolutely gorgeous. Dare I say it, my brother is punching way above his weight,’ Libby teased. ‘He’s going to be blown away.’
She looked at her phone to check the time. Guy had texted that he was ready when they were, and she could see him standing outside with a camera, waiting to film Julia as she left for her wedding. ‘I’m just going to check on your carriage.’
‘My carriage? I thought I was getting married at Starcross Manor.’
‘You are, but you still need a carriage!’
Libby opened the door and her heart missed several beats when she saw Guy standing there dressed in a kilt, dirk and sporran. His three-button waistcoat, white shirt and cranberry-coloured tartan bow tie pulled the whole outfit together and left Libby’s heart a-flutter. ‘How blooming handsome are you?’ she gushed, immediately holding the mistletoe over his head and giving him a huge kiss. ‘Phwoar!’ she added, pulling away.
‘And you, Libby Carter, have literally taken my breath away. You’re stunning.’ Guy held her hands and kissed her cheek before glancing back over her dress. ‘Beautiful,’ he said, kissing her once more.
‘What I want to know is whether you’re a true Scotsman,’ she said, moving to pull up his kilt.
