Bunty smiled. ‘Perfect. That sounds absolutely perfect.’
So, now that Jasmine had finally decided on what to wear, the race was on to get it made. Bunty had asked Emma for any recommendations. Luckily, she knew of a highly skilled seamstress in Lancaster. And, Bunty being Bunty, had leaped on the opportunity.
‘We’ll all go into Lancaster together!’ she’d cheered, eager for a girly day out. This time Jasmine was more than happy to go along with her friend’s suggestion. She was also pleased that Emma would be coming too.
Robin was just plain relieved that Jasmine seemed to be more relaxed. She no longer appeared angst about the whole thing.
‘Looking forward to today?’ he asked when the dressmaker’s appointment came. He was to drive everyone into Lancaster and pick them up later.
Jasmine grinned. ‘Yeah! Now I know what I’m wearing, I can’t wait.’
‘Good.’ He lowered his head and kissed her lips. ‘Have a great time and don’t worry about us,’ he teased, thumbing behind him to where the twins lay fast asleep in a Moses basket. Jasmine peeked into it and her heart melted at seeing Barny and Jemima holding hands side by side.
‘Aw, look, Robin,’ she whispered.
‘I know.’ He gave a soft chuckle, adoring the sight before him.
Jasmine, Bunty and Emma arrived at the dressmaker’s late morning. After Jasmine showed the photograph of the model from the magazine and explained the material she wanted, her measurements were taken and further appointments were set. This left the rest of the afternoon for lunch and drinks. Plenty of drinks in fact.
‘Bubbles!’ announced Bunty on entering the nearest pub. ‘This calls for bubbles!’
‘Hear, hear,’ agreed Emma, striding to the bar with purpose. Jasmine loved their gusto andjoie de vivre. It was infectious. It also solved another quandary: a hen do. She hadn’t arranged one, for the simple reason she didn’t want one, not when having to tend to twins around the clock. Instead she’d relish every moment today, fully intending to make the most of it.
‘Oh yes, definitely. Crack open a bottle!’ she chimed.
‘That’s my girl,’ said Bunty with a nudge.
Emma returned with champagne in an ice bucket and glasses, while Jasmine and Bunty were perusing the menu. After pouring them each a glass, she raised hers.
‘To you, Jasmine, and your wonderful wedding outfit!’
They all clinked glasses and took a gulp of fizz.
‘Hmm, that tastes divine,’ groaned Bunty, who was more than ready for a drink. It was tiring work listening to every minute detail and description of a rose silk military jacket and matching full skirt. Still, if it made her friend happy, then it was worth the wait.
‘What time’s Robin coming?’ asked Emma, hoping for a session. It had been a long time since she’d got bladdered in Lancaster. And she never thought she’d ever think that.
‘When we’re ready,’ Jasmine laughed, in no hurry to rush home either.
‘That’s my girl!’ repeated Bunty in delight.
