Chapter 45
‘Ready?’ asked Robin with a warm smile.
Jasmine nodded and quickly kissed his cheek. ‘Ready.’
Holding a baby each, they gently walked down the aisle. Barny and Jemima looked angelic in their christening gowns and almost bemused at the people lined up in pews staring at them.
There was indeed a lot for the congregation to take in – Jasmine, radiant in pale pink silk, complete with a gold-braided military-style jacket, and Robin, handsome and smart in his grey morning suit. Down they all came, slowly and serenely, a family of four, about to be christened and married.
Jack and Tara stood by the ancient stone font, waiting to take their roles as Godparents. Tara, however, only had eyes for Jack, who looked stunning. It was the first time she’d seen him so formally dressed and couldn’t help but admire his broad shoulders and long, solid legs in a tailored suit. He caught her watching him and gave a cheeky wink. He too was having similar thoughts, appreciating Tara’s svelte figure in the emerald-green wrap-over dress, which complemented her eyes. It was good to see some sparkle in them. Then he turned to face his best pal, Robin, who he hadn’t seen so happy before. Joy practically oozed from every pore in his body. And as for Jasmine and the twins, pure beauty, in every sense.
Bunty sniffed with emotion at her first glimpse and grabbed Perry’s arm. ‘Oh, look at them,’ she whimpered in awe. Perry patted her hand affectionately, thinking it wouldn’t be long before he’d be making the same trip up the aisle with Emma. He stole a glance at his daughter, standing by the side of the alter with a microphone. She was to sing ‘Seasons of Love’. Robin and Jasmine didn’t want a soppy, loved-up, couplie song,but something upbeat for the whole family. Felix was nearby, sitting discreetly at the end of a pew, not wanting to attract any attention.
The church was packed to the rafters with all from Samphire Bay. It was set to be a real village event. The priest welcomed everyone, then guided Robin and Jasmine to join Jack and Tara by the font. The twins were to be christened first, before they exchanged wedding vows.
As the Holy water trickled over the babies’ heads, Barny and Jemima wriggled in confusion, soon to be soothed by their doting Godparents. Once baptised, Jack handed Barny over to Jasmine’s mum and took his place as best man next to Robin at the altar.
Jasmine’s parents and brother looked on with tears in their eyes. Nobody could be happier for her, given the cruel circumstances she’d had to endure in the past. It was an overwhelming relief that she’d met Robin. Having the twins was the absolute icing on the cake. How life could change, literally within the blink of an eye.
Robin and Jasmine stood side by side as they promised to love and cherish each other, forsaking all others, till death did they part. Jasmine gulped at the words. Robin immediately took her hand and gripped it tightly. Never was there a more poignant moment. An emotional silence hung in the church, which was soon interrupted by the twins’ cries, who’d had enough of all this and wanted to be comforted by their parents. A gentle laughter filled the air as Robin and Jasmine turned to them, then each other with a knowing grin.
When the priest announced them husband and wife, a huge roar came from the congregation, followed by a rapturous applause. The newlyweds collected their babies and set off back down the aisle.
Outside confetti was thrown, much to the elation of the twins, whose chubby little hands tried to catch. It all made for a spectacular, if not unusual, wedding photograph; a handsome groom with a stunning bride and two beautiful babes, eyes shining, all laughing in delight – a truly magical moment in time.
Everyone was greeted with champagne on the village green, where a huge marquee stood, covered with bunting and filled with long trestle tables carrying a lavish buffet. Emma’s band sang and played live music, while the guests and villagers ate, drank and danced well into the evening.
Barny and Jemima lay tucked up snugly at home in their cots, being watched by grandparents. It had been quite an eventful day for them and the pair slept soundly. Meanwhile, their parents danced in each other’s arms, gently swaying to the music.
‘Happy, Mrs Spencer?’ murmured Robin in Jasmine’s ear. She looked up and smiled lovingly at her husband.
‘Very happy, Mr Spencer.’
