Page 42 of A Forever Home at Honey Bee Croft

Sometime later, I’d just fastened the top button on my tweed waistcoat when there was a knock on the door. Fizz, Phoebe and Darcie were in the corridor wearing their bridesmaid dresses with their hair styled and I could see Imogen hiding behind them, clearly wanting to do a grand reveal.

‘Nice suit,’ Fizz said, nodding appreciatively. ‘Looking good, Mr Grainger.’

‘Nice dress,’ I said, in return. ‘All of you look beautiful, but I don’t suppose you’ve seen a little bridesmaid anywhere? Long blonde hair, brown eyes, about this height.’ I put my hand against my chest, palm facing down, to indicate where Imogen came to.

‘Presenting Miss Imogen Amelie Grainger,’ Darcie said, as the three of them stepped aside.

I’d heard all about the dresses but I hadn’t actually seen them until now. All the bridesmaids were wearing pale pink, pale green or cream full-length dresses but, as the youngest one, Imogen’s was a little different. It was green, calf-length and the skirt part was covered in net embroidered with pink and cream flowers. She was wearing a floral headband and her hair had been curled into spirals.

‘You look so pretty, sweetie,’ I said, smiling at her before giving her a tentative hug, taking care not to rumple her dress or mess up her hair.

I took a couple of photos of Imogen to send to Tilly and a few of the four of them together before they headed off to meet up with Amber and the other bridesmaids. I had ten minutes until I needed to meet Barney and the groomsmen – Tim, Levi and Amber’s brother, Brad – in the bar, which was just enough time to send Tilly the photos of Imogen, fasten my tie and read through my best man’s speech for the millionth time. I wasn’t a fan of public speaking but neither was Barney so we were having the speeches before the wedding breakfast, which was a relief. I’m not sure I’d have managed to eat my meal otherwise.

My phone beeped which would either be Tilly responding to the photos or one of the lads telling me they were already in the bar and demanding I join them.

From Tilly

Is our daughter wearing make-up?

I ground my teeth at the message and the two emojis accompanying it – the wow one and the angry face. Would it have killed her to say something nice? I switched my phone to silent, not even dignifying her message with a response. So what if Imogen was wearing a spot of make-up? I’d been asked permission and, seeing Imogen’s face light up, I’d said it was fineas long as it wasn’t caked on. Which it wasn’t. Checking the rings were still safely tucked inside my waistcoat pocket, I fastened my tie.

When I made it down to the bar, Barney, Tim, Levi and Brad were already there, sitting at a table with Barney’s dad Hadrian and Amber’s dad Cole.

‘What are you having?’ Cole asked, standing up as I approached.

I was going to order a soft drink, but they all had pints and it would be rude to be the odd one out. I followed Cole to the bar so I could see what they had on tap.

‘All set with the speech?’ Cole asked once I’d placed my order.

‘The speech is ready, but I’m not sure I am. I’m so nervous. Any tips?’

As a successful television actor, Cole oozed charisma and confidence. ‘Believe it or not, I used to hate public speaking.’

‘Seriously?’

‘Absolutely. When I’m acting, I’m taking on a character but when I’m public speaking, I don’t have a part to hide behind. I have to be me and I found it really hard at first, but another actor gave me some great advice – to treat it as a role where my character is a brilliant public speaker, confident, funny if needed, not fazed by the task, so that’s what I did. Believe me, it works. So my advice is to think about the type of best man you want to be and act the hell out of it.’

He clapped me on the back, and I nodded gratefully. I used to enjoy drama at school and even had a speaking part in a school play once. Granted, it had only been two lines, but I’d turned in a strong performance, so I’d channel that moment. I didn’t want to let Barney and Amber down, especially when Cole would deliver an outstanding father-of-the-bride speech and Barney, despite the nerves, would knock it out of the park too.

We returned to the group but only had time for the one drink before Tim, Levi and Brad went to welcome the guests.

‘Nervous?’ I asked Barney after we’d met with the celebrant and had a quick recap over what to expect.

‘Yes, but not about marrying Amber. I still can’t get over how many celebrities Amber and her family are friends with.’

I’d seen the guest list and it hadn’t helped my speech-making nerves. The first time I’d been in a room with Amber’s family – Christmas a couple of years ago – I’d been gobsmacked at all the name-dropping. Not in a pretentious way, mind. Amber’s family were down to earth and easy to chat to but it just happened that they knew a hell of a lot of celebrities and many of them were coming to the wedding.

‘I don’t know if it helps but my mum said they might have jobs which make them recognisable but they’re just regular people who have to use the toilet like the rest of us.’

Barney laughed. ‘Your mum’s brilliant. Speak of the devil…’

I followed his gaze over my shoulder and spotted my parents in the corridor where it appeared Mum had accosted Brad and was waving an autograph book in his direction. I should have known she’d do that. She loved all the soaps andLondoners– the long-running soap he’d been in since childhood – was her favourite. Emigrating to Portugal hadn’t stopped her getting her regular fix.

‘I’d better say hello and give Brad an escape route. Back in a minute. Oh! She’s got her phone out. Selfie time!’

‘Should I take a photo of you and Dad with Brad?’ I asked, approaching them.

‘Joel! Aw, don’t you scrub up well, son.’ Mum flung her arms round me and kissed my cheek, then rubbed it to remove her lipstick mark.

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