Chapter 42
Robin and Jasmine’s wedding and christening plans were pretty much complete. They’d arranged the date, church, venue, caterers, music and flowers. Robin and Jack had their morning suits, and the twins were set to look adorable in their christening gowns. The only sticking point, not that Jasmine had openly admitted, was her wedding dress.
It wasn’t as if she’d been looking and unable to find the right one, because she hadn’t been looking at all. The thought of walking down the aisle again in a big, white frock really didn’t appeal to her. It just felt… wrong somehow. Jasmine was adamant that marrying Robin would be a total contrast to her first wedding with Tom.
Of course the fact the day was a joint event with the christening would make it different, but Jasmine didn’t want any similarities at all – and a white wedding dress was indeed a similarity. But what to wear instead? That was the question she’d been asking herself daily and still hadn’t come up with an answer.
Not being able to discuss this with Robin, for fear he might take offence, she ran it past Bunty again. After explaining her quandary, Bunty nodded, understanding her friend’s dilemma.
‘Maybe just pick a totally different style of dress then?’ she’d suggested.
‘It would still be white though, wouldn’t it?’ replied Jasmine.
‘Not necessarily. You can wear whatever colour you want,’ reasoned Bunty.
‘You mean have one made especially for me?’ asked Jasmine, rather liking the idea of not having to choose a traditional gown from a bridal shop, or go online and try to pick one fromthe hundreds displayed on various websites. To her, they all looked the same and nothing particularly stood out. Jasmine was beginning to wonder how she’d managed to ever decide on one years ago, but then she’d been in a very different state of mind – a young, excited bride-to-be. Now she had experienced the trauma of losing her first husband and was a mother of two. Nevertheless, itwasRobin’s wedding too, and he was more than excited for the pair of them. Not that Jasmine wasn’t excited, just more reflective. She was glad they were making vows together and having Barny and Jemima christened. To her it made their family complete.
‘Yes,’ answered Bunty, ‘you could describe exactly what you want and get a dress tailor-made.’
‘But that’s just it, Bunty, I don’t know what I want. Only what Idon’twant,’ sighed Jasmine.
Bunty gave her a sceptical look. ‘You must have some idea,’ she said despairingly.
‘Well…’ began Jasmine. Bunty leaned forward keenly.
‘Yes?’
‘I had thought maybe a suit of some kind, with a jacket?’
‘A suit? We’ve been through this before, Jasmine,’ cried Bunty, rolling her eyes. She’d already given her opinion on that, stating her friend didn’t want to look like some kind of executive.
‘I know, but listen, hear me out,’ replied Jasmine, then reached for a nearby magazine. She leafed through the pages until finding a photograph of a model wearing a military drummer-style jacket. It was red velvet with gold braiding across the front, had brass buttons and elaborate embroidery on the sleeve cuffs. Bunty’s eyes narrowed, taking it in. She paused before answering, wanting to choose her words carefully.
‘I love the military style…’
‘But?’ prompted Jasmine, sensing there was definitely one coming.
‘The material. Red velvet? Really?’
‘Hmm, I know what you mean,’ agreed Jasmine. Then added, ‘What about pale pink silk?’
Bunty’s face lit up.
‘Yes! That would go beautifully with the gold braiding and embroidery!’ she cooed.
Jasmine gave a huge beam, which soon dropped at seeing Bunty’s raised hand.
‘But not the jeans,’ she insisted, pointing to the model’s boot-legged denims, making Jasmine throw her head back in laughter.
‘I wasn’t thinking of wearing jeans!’ she exclaimed.
‘Wouldn’t put it past you,’ replied Bunty deadpan.
‘Don’t be daft,’ retorted Jasmine.
‘Well, what would you wear the jacket with then?’
‘A skirt. A matching long, silk skirt. I’ll even wear gold ballet shoes. How does that sound?’ She looked her friend in the eye and was rewarded with a nod of approval.
