26
Brides by the Sea, St Aidan, Cornwall
Thinking big
Friday
On Wednesday, three days after the extravaganza, we hear from the solicitors that the license has come through. Pasco DM’s me to say congratulations, and would I like to go for a drink to celebrate, but the kids have got an after-school football tournament, so I reply to say sorry, but I’m busy. Any enquiries for the beach hut weddings will come to the shop not me, but as far as I know there hasn’t been a whisper of interest. Which is exactly as I anticipated, and if anything, I’m happy to be proving Lando wrong once again. But because of that and because of Tia’s disappointment at having her wedding plans derailed yet again, rather than running around the shop whooping about the license news, we say ‘great’ quietly then get straight on to filming me parading around the shop in Sera’s latest dresses for the next Insta reel.
For our last appointment on Friday morning, Tia and I get the kind of customer who makes me feel I’d like to tip the whole damn box of bridal-snack muffins over her head then rub them into her silky waist-length waves. When she finally totters out of the shop on her Cloudmonster platform running shoes I have to ask.
‘Are many brides that awkward?’
Tia’s grin is rueful. ‘Only one or two.’
I rub my aching shoulders. ‘The last hour she’s tried on a dress every two minutes and found fault with every one.’
Tia lowers her voice. ‘Some women try on dresses here then have copies made up elsewhere; some simply don’t find what they’re looking for; others are looking for Pinterest board weddings not real ones. We aim to be equally professional with them all and hope they’ll get on better next time they come.’
There’s a lot to learn about this business. I look at the holding rail bending under the weight of dresses. ‘It’s lucky we’ve got a break before the next appointment to get this lot back in their places.’
I head off upstairs with an armful of dresses to go back to the bridesmaids’ floor and I’m clattering back down again when there’s a roar from the office. As I reach the hallway Poppy runs out and grabs my hands.
‘There’s a booking for the beach hut!’
Tia pulls me into a twirl. ‘Brilliant! Have they just rung?’
Jess beams. ‘The bride’s personal assistant enquired asking to be Windflowers’ first ever wedding straight after the launch, but requesting complete secrecy. Their numbers are small, but we’re doing the styling, flowers and cake too so they’re not holding back on their spend. And there could be even more in the pipeline too.’
I gasp. ‘All this has been going on and I didn’t know?’
Jess laughs. ‘We waited to tell you until they’d booked their registrar and we’d clinched the deal.’
I look at Tia. ‘Are you okay with this?’
She pulls down the corners of her mouth. ‘With the bruises on Thom’s face, we’ll have to wait.’ She shrugs. ‘Going over the handlebars, we’re lucky it wasn’t worse.’
My chest is tightening as the news sinks in. ‘So when is it exactly?’
Jess can’t stop smiling. ‘It had to be a Saturday, so they opted for the morning. A month from now!’
I’ve breathed in so deeply that I’m high on oxygen and I can only squeak. ‘If Tia’s busy with appointments, who’s going to help me?’ I’m remembering my conversation after the launch day. ‘It can’t be Lando because he knows nothing about weddings.’
Poppy squeezes my arm. ‘Don’t worry, I’ve done weddings at the farm for years, but we have a manager now. I’ll come whenever you need me until you find your feet.’
That’s a relief. ‘What about the children?’
She grins. ‘Rafe and Tia’s Aunty Immie are used to covering for me when I’m down here.’
My spirits rise. ‘In that case we can probably manage without Lando entirely.’
Jess frowns. ‘Except Lando’s bursting with charm and he looks and sounds the part, so he’ll be good to have on board.’
It always astonishes me that Lando’s accent is so sought after, and Jess is obviously overlooking the rags he calls jeans.
Tia sniffs. ‘The training will come in handy for Lando for his weddings at Unicorn Creek.’
Jess frowns. ‘Lando said Salvador is handling those, but he seemed more than willing to throw himself into them here.’ She turns to me. ‘We’ve got a whole new high-profile project coming through for you two too!’
