‘They look great,’ said Sarah. ‘You don’t have to wear them today if you don’t want to. They’re to remind you of your wedding day. The flowers are from the forest.’
‘You made these?’
‘No,’ laughed Sarah, ‘I’m afraid my talents don’t stretch to jewellery making. All I did was pick the flowers and take them to someone who knew what they were doing.’
‘This is such a thoughtful gift,’ said Kate. ‘And of course I’m going to wear them today.’
‘I’m afraid I only managed a card, and it’s hardly appropriate,’ said Fran, reaching into her bag.
Kate opened the card and burst out laughing. ‘It may well be appropriate by tomorrow morning if I drink too much champagne today.’ Kate showed Sarah theGet Well Sooncard that Fran had brought along.
‘I’m afraid there wasn’t a great selection in the hospital shop,’ she said, her eyes twinkling.
‘It’s a miracle you got me anything at all,’ said Kate. ‘It’s also a miracle you’re here. I can’t believe they let you out so soon.’
‘I channelled Sarah’s brusqueness. It worked a charm on the doctor.’
‘Hey,’ said Sarah, joining in the laughter.
‘I’ve got something for you too,’ said Joy, closing the balcony door and popping a mint in her mouth. She pulled a black velvet bag from her pocket and passed it to Kate. ‘I know you wish your mum and dad were here today. They may not be with you in person, but at least this is something.’
Kate pulled a silver locket from the bag and opened it. ‘I… I…’ her voice caught in her throat.
‘Thank goodness you’ve not had your makeup done yet,’ said Joy as Kate flung her arms around the old lady, her tears soaking into Joy’s silver hair.
‘Look,’ said Kate, showing Sarah the locket. On one side was a picture of a young man, on the other was a photograph of a young woman. ‘My parents.’
‘They’d be so proud of you,’ said Joy. ‘As would your grandmother.’
‘To family,’ said Fran, lifting a glass of lemonade aloft.
‘And surrogate family,’ said Kate, smiling at her friends.
*
Sarah stood at the back of the enormous tipi, admiring the floral display Hattie and Millie had put together. The place looked magical, and Bob had even coordinated with the theme, sporting a bright floral waistcoat only he could get away with. Sarah waited with bated breath for Kate to arrive. She’d seen her in her finery, but as the gate opened and Kate walked across the lawn, arm in arm with Joy, the scene blurred with Sarah’s tears. As Kate drew level, she gave Sarah’s hand a quick squeeze.
‘Good luck,’ mouthed Sarah.
‘I think I’m going to need it,’ whispered Kate. ‘I’ve just caught sight of Bob’s waistcoat.’
Sarah hid her laughter behind her hand as Felix began playing a melody on his guitar and Kate set off up the aisle. As Sarah’s heart swelled, she wondered if she’d ever felt so happy. She didn’t think so.
As soon as the ceremony was over, Sarah rushed out of the tipi towards the kitchen, grabbing her new apron from its hook and tying it over her dress.
‘How was it?’ asked Colin, as Sarah ran into the kitchen.
‘Wonderful, beautiful, amazing, pick any adjective and it won’t be enough. Now, down to business. Have you whipped that bowl of cream I gave you?’
‘Yes, chef.’ Colin smiled at Sarah and she smiled back. It had been his idea to help her out in the kitchen after he admitted to the cooking classes he’d been attending for the past few months.
‘This is nice,’ said Sarah, as she plated up the canapés. ‘Working with you, I mean. Who knew we’d both turn out to be half-decent cooks?’
‘Life’s full of surprises,’ said Colin. ‘I know now’s not the time to bring it up, but now things are good between us, I don’t want you going too hard on your mother.’
Sarah almost dropped the smoked salmon tart in her hand. ‘What’s brought on the change of heart?’
‘I’ve just been thinking. I know she can be a right old battle-axe, but deep down she means well. There’s a decent heart beneath her puff, bluster and unacceptable behaviour.’
