Elle nodded. ‘I just want it all to be perfect.’
* * *
As she took one last look in the mirror, Elle’s stomach performed a double somersault.
‘You look beautiful,’ complimented Irene.
‘What do you wear when you meet your mother for the first time?’ Elle glanced down at her clothes. In the end, she’d opted for jeans with a smart but casual blouse.
‘I don’t think she’ll be looking at your clothes,’ Irene said softly.
Elle stared at her reflection one last time.
‘Right, I think I’m ready…’ Her voice faltered.
Pippa was standing in the doorway. ‘Come here.’ She stretched out her arms and hugged Elle tight. ‘I’ll be back here for five p.m., waiting to hear all about it.’
Elle managed a nod.
‘And I know the timing isn’t the best but don’t worry about the library. Everything is ready for Noah’s book signing tonight.’
‘Thank you.’
‘Here,’ Irene said, handing Pippa her front door key. ‘I hope Buddy doesn’t drive you too insane.’
‘I can’t wait to look after the little ball of energy. I’ve even worn long sleeves so those sharp little fangs don’t leave any war wounds.’
They all laughed, lightening the mood a little.
Pippa pressed one last kiss to Elle’s cheek before she grabbed her coat and disappeared through the door.
Elle looked towards Irene. ‘I think I’m ready.’
She hoped her head and heartwereready for whatever was going to be thrown at her in the next couple of hours.
With Irene by her side she ambled down towards the River Heart and took the water taxi to The Little Blue Boathouse, where they disembarked and took the path leading towards Primrose Park.
Trying to calm her beating heart, Elle glanced at Irene. ‘I feel sick with nerves.’
‘That’s understandable – it’s a big day and emotions will be stirred up for both of you. It’s natural. Just don’t make any assumptions. First impressions aren’t everything but they are important.’
Elle nodded.
‘Just be yourself.’
They walked through the gates of Primrose Park. ‘You tell me where you want me to sit and I’ll wait for you,’ Irene said warmly. ‘Take as long as you need – there’s no rush. I’m not going anywhere.’
Primrose Park was busier than usual because the local Scout group was holding a fundraiser. Two large gazebos housed refreshments while smaller tables covered in floral tablecloths had tombolas, a bottle stall and a hook-the-duck game.
Up ahead, Elle spotted a familiar figure.
‘Oh no,’ she murmured. ‘I never thought that there would be people here I know. Look…’
She nodded towards a picnic blanket laid out on the grass, where Wilson was sprawled out with a flask and a book.
‘I hope he doesn’t spot us. How long have we got?’ Elle asked anxiously.
‘Twenty minutes or so,’ replied Irene. ‘How are you holding up?’
