‘I’m coming,’ she shouted, hurrying down the stairs into the living room.
‘Elle!’ Theo came running towards her and she scooped him up in her arms and planted a huge kiss on his cheek. He giggled.
‘Well, look at you, Theo! How handsome do you look in your suit and bow tie?’ she exclaimed, putting his feet firmly back on the floor.
Theo grinned and held out his fist, which she bumped with hers.
‘You look gorgeous,’ Noah said, kissing her on the cheek with a smile.
‘I’ll second that,’ Aiden said.
‘Where’s Pippa?’
‘You’d think it was her getting married, the amount of time she’s taken to get ready!’
‘Oi, Aiden, I heard that!’ Pippa said, laughing as she popped her head round the kitchen door. ‘I’m ready!’
Theo ran over and squeezed his hand into Pippa’s. She promptly ruffled his hair, and he beamed up at her.
The last month had been such a whirlwind. After the presentation, Jenny had finally confided in Matt what had happened all those years ago. Matt had been devastated that he’d been unaware of Jenny’s addiction and how grief over her parents’ death had consumed her.
Overnight, Elle had gained a father and the jigsaw puzzle was finally complete. Matt lived a half-hour away from Aiden’s dad, on the coast. He’d invited Noah and Elle down for a weekend at the end of the month, which she looked forward to immensely. She couldn’t wait to get to know him better.
‘Where to?’ the taxi driver asked as they all climbed in.
‘Heartcross Church.’
The driver nodded and they were on their way.
‘What a fantastic day for a wedding!’ Pippa exclaimed, staring out of the window at the blue sky.
As they arrived, the church bells pealed and they could see Jack standing next to Wilson outside the entrance. They both looked exquisite in their three-buttoned waistcoats and kilts, each sporting a huge smile.
It was such a romantic setting, perfect for a wedding. Blooms danced along the edge of the large pond that lay in front of the church, and as they wandered over the bridge they could see a family of ducks swimming below.
‘Such a stunning place,’ Elle said as they reached Jack and Wilson.
‘It’s a perfect venue – very Scottish countryside,’ Noah agreed, shaking Jack’s hand. ‘Congratulations, mate.’
Jack grinned from ear to ear. ‘Thanks! I’ve got to get inside in a moment – apparently my wife-to-be is on her way!’
Guests began to file into the church, the men handsome in their kilts, the women wearing beautiful dresses.
Suddenly a proud Mim appeared from inside the church. The mother of the bride looked gorgeous in a duck-egg blue outfit with matching hat.
‘Mim, you look stunning!’ exclaimed Elle.
‘Designed by Libby and I feel a million dollars.’
‘I don’t think you’ve met Libby yet.’ Elle turned towards Noah. ‘Libby is Flynn’s sister and a fashion designer.’
‘I’ve seen her work in magazines,’ replied Noah. ‘She’s extremely talented and has evidently taken the New York fashion industry by storm.’
‘In fact, here she is now.’ Elle pointed towards the car that had just pulled up. Libby stepped out on the arm of her partner Guy Hart, Flynn and his wife Julia following behind.
‘This is like a celebrity wedding. There’s Andrew Glossop, the chef, and his wife Grace. And there’s Drew, Fergus, Rona, Allie and Rory.’ Elle pointed each person out to Noah as she reeled off the names.
‘Irene and Arthur are already inside with Jenny and George,’ added Mim. ‘And you, Jack, you really need to disappear inside now.’
