Chapter 37
Jasmine and Robin were drawing up a list of invites for their wedding/christening. Now that Robin had got used to the idea of an all-in-one occasion, he’d seen the logic that Jasmine’s suggestion held. Of course it made perfect sense when considering it. Why have two separate events when everyone they wanted there would be under the same roof? The church roof, that is. In fact, he’d rather taken to the novelty of it. It would certainly be a day to remember.
Choosing the Godparents had been a no-brainer. Tara was obviously the number one choice for Godmother, and Robin wanted Jack to be the twins’ Godfatherandhis best man.
Now they were deciding on the guests. As well as family and friends, many from Samphire Bay would be attending.
‘What about Emma and Felix?’ asked Jasmine. ‘We did get an invite to their TV drama launch party.’
‘I think so. We don’t want to offend Perry and Bunty in any way,’ replied Robin.
‘Hmm, that’s true. I’m not sure Perry would appreciate us leaving his daughter out.’ She hesitated before continuing, ‘But do you think Felix would want to come?’
‘Why not?’ frowned Robin.
‘You don’t think it would be a bit… provincial for him? Being a famous actor and all?’
‘No,’ said Robin sounding a touch offended. ‘Look how he enjoyed Perry and Bunty’s wedding. He loved it.’
‘Yeah, but did you notice howeverybodywas looking at him too?’ replied Jasmine.
Robin laughed. ‘Oh, I get it. You don’t want him stealing the bride’s thunder?’ he teased.
‘Or the twins’,’ retorted Jasmine.
‘Don’t worry. I’m sure all eyes will be on you.’
‘Onus,’ corrected Jasmine.
She still hadn’t picked her wedding dress. A part of her wondered if she should just buy a smart suit, but Robin had been appalled by the notion, as had Bunty, when running it past her. She’d shook her head firmly.
‘Darling, no. Absolutely not. You are thebrideand must look radiant in white, not like some kind of business executive!’
Jasmine had rolled her eyes, but did accept her friend’s view. She refrained from pointing out to both her and Robin that this was her second time, and that she’d already done ‘the big white wedding’ thing. It could easily have been taken the wrong way and didn’t want to cause any offence. However, Jasminedidwant her wedding to Robin to be very different to her first one. Clearly it would be with the twins getting christened, but still, she didn’t want to have a traditional white wedding dress. It just didn’t feel right. Not having the courage to say all this to Robin, Jasmine had kept it to herself, for now. Truth be told, she didn’t quite know what to wear. Bunty had been all for a spot of retail therapy, excited to help her choose a dress. She’d envisaged a real girly day out, full of fun and excitement, but Jasmine had feigned tiredness, using the twins as an excuse not to go.
‘I’m exhausted at the moment, Bunty. I’ll wait till nearer the time,’ she’d told her.
Only time was creeping up now and she was still clueless. It hadn’t helped when Robin had come back from a successful day’s shopping with Jack. The pair of them had bought matching grey morning suits and had looked amazing when trying them on for her.
‘Oh, you both look so smart, very dapper!’ she’d gushed, and truly meant it.
‘Well, it’s not every day you’re the Godfatherandbest man,’ beamed Jack proudly.
Jasmine appreciated the effort people were making, but a stillness lingered inside her. She couldn’t put her finger on it. It wasn’t doubt, because that was the one thing she’d never had concerning Robin. He was her rock, always had been, and now the father to her children – and a great one at that. No, maybe the feeling she had was merely the comparison to her first wedding. Now that really had been the full works.
It been a white wedding in every sense. Snow had gently floated as she stepped out of the vintage Rolls-Royce, trailing ivory silk and clutching a posy of cream roses. Tom had stood at the alter looking tall and handsome in his charcoal suit (not dissimilar to Robin and Jack’s, ironically). After a full church service, they’d swept down the aisle to confetti and applause, out into the snowflakes, to sip champagne in the back of the Roller that took them to the five-star Georgian hotel. There, a magnificent banquet was held, followed by dancing and live music from a band. It had been magical.
Jasmine still thought of Tom, of course she did. After all, he hadn’t been long gone – just under two years – but such a lot had happened to her in that time. Occasionally, she’d reflect on the life she’d had in their narrowboat,Moonshine, chugging along the canal without a care in the world. Then, when least expected, it had suddenly ended. Tragically. Having your husband killed in a hit-and-run accident meant Jasmine had never taken anything for granted again. Moving to Samphire Bay and renovating her cosy, flint-stoned cottage by the sea had been her salvation. Meeting Robin had more than been her salvation. He was her second chance at happiness. Having Jemima and Barny had been the ultimate icing on the cake.
So, yes, their wedding/christening would be different, but every bit as significant – another precious milestone in life.
‘Right, that completes the guest list then,’ said Robin, interrupting Jasmine’s thoughts.
‘OK. We’d better get the invites sent pretty promptly,’ she replied, ever mindful of the looming date. They both wanted a wedding before winter crept in, which meant speedy planning. Hopefully September would still give them decent weather. They’d booked the church and gained permission to erect a marquee on the village green to celebrate afterwards. It was set to be a real village occasion for Samphire Bay.
Both sets of parents were at fever pitch. Jasmine’s were obviously overjoyed to see their daughter settle down again after such a family catastrophe. The grandchildren they’d been blessed with were an absolute delight. As for Robin’s parents, they were just plain relieved their son had found such a gem in Jasmine, especially after the scheming ex-girlfriend he’d had, who’d completely taken him to the cleaners. No doubt this wedding and christening was going to be celebrated to the max.
When Robin and Jasmine approached Tara about being a Godmother, she’d been so touched, if not a little surprised.
‘Of course we want you to be Godmother, Tara. We’ll never forget how you saved the day,’ Robin had told her.
Jack had looked at her bemused, never understanding why she was so modest. I mean, who else would they have asked to be Godmother when she’d helped to practically save their babies’ lives? To him, Tara really didn’t comprehend how special she was; and he was beginning to understand why. Richard. That prick of an ex-husband of hers. He’d robbed her self-worth, taken her spirit. Not only that, but something else had been bothering her of late. Since the other day when they’d had sucha lovely time chilling at his house, something had happened. He could tell. He’d wanted to broach the subject, but couldn’t as they’d arranged to meet Robin and Jasmine in The Smugglers. What he needed was Tara on her own, preferably in her own surroundings where she’d feel most relaxed. It had been good to meet Robin and Jasmine, as they’d had lots to discuss, but he couldn’t help feeling that Tara had been somewhat occupied, as though her mind was elsewhere.
Jack was also concerned about Calum. He often remembered their talk when he found him smoking on the beach, and how resentful he’d been. How did he feel now? And would he hide it from Tara? She certainly didn’t know he smoked. Fortunately, after meeting at The Smugglers, Tara had provided him with the perfect opportunity to find out.
‘Why don’t you come to mine for dinner this weekend? I’ve got Calum and I’m sure he’d like to see you.’
‘Love to,’ he replied, smiling. One way or another he’d find out what exactly was going on. He suspected Tara was in a vulnerable position and it was killing him.
