Page 44 of A Forever Home at Honey Bee Croft

I arrived at half one and there were several guests milling around in the entrance foyer dressed in their wedding finery. I spotted Amber’s close friend Samantha who I’d met at the farm on Thursday night, and she gave me a wave and beckoned me over. I’d loved hearing all about her rescue centre and wished I’d been staying longer so I could squeeze in a visit and perhaps even volunteer my assistance for a few hours.

‘Lovely to see you again,’ Samantha said, giving me a hug, which helped unknot my stomach a little.

‘And you. You look amazing. I love the dress.’

The full-length gown was in a warm cream with chiffon flutter sleeves and sparkles on the bodice. I’d been told onThursday that all the bridesmaids were wearing the same style of dress but the colour theme for the wedding was ‘sage and blush’ with the bridesmaids either wearing sage green, blush or cream dresses. I could imagine the three colours looking stunning together.

Samantha introduced me to her husband, Josh, and their two children – four-year-old Thomas and three-year-old Lyra, who looked adorable in their smart outfits. They each had a soft toy pig with them, Lyra’s dressed as a bride and Thomas’s as a groom.

‘Because Barney’s a pig farmer,’ Samantha explained.

‘We’ve got hedgehogs ready for Fizz and Phoebe’s wedding,’ Josh added.

I crouched down in front of the children. ‘Are your pigs getting married today?’

Thomas nodded, wide-eyed and Lyra giggled as she passed me her pig to admire.

‘Such a beautiful pig bride,’ I said, straightening out its dress before handing it back.

‘I need to find the others,’ Samantha said. ‘I’ll see you tonight. Have a good time with your friend this afternoon.’

‘Thank you. Have a great wedding.’

Josh headed off with the children and I made my way to the reception desk to check in.

‘The ceremony starts at two o’clock in the Magnolia Suite just down that corridor.’ The receptionist – Blaine according to her name badge – pointed to my left.

‘I’m actually an evening guest,’ I said, pulling an apologetic expression. ‘A very early one.’

She laughed lightly. ‘I hear you. I’d rather be five hours early than five minutes late. The evening starts at seven in the Rowan Room which is in the other direction. Most of the guests will be gathering in the Juniper Lounge which is a huge bar runningalong the back of the hotel. The drinks reception will be in there after the ceremony but there’s a quieter bar – the Sycamore Snug – which will probably be empty for a while if you want to get a drink now. The wedding party has taken over the whole hall so there won’t be any non-wedding guests here today.’

‘The Sycamore Snug sounds good to me.’

‘There’s also a roof terrace with lots of hidden seats if you want even more peace and quiet. It’s a little complicated to find so just ask if you’d like directions to that later.’

I thanked Blaine for her help and took my key – an actual key rather than a keycard which instantly made me feel like I was staying somewhere very posh – and went off in search of my room on the second floor.

Phil said it had been the last room available and was basic, but if this was basic, the better rooms must be fit for royalty because I was seriously impressed. With high ceilings and ornate cornicing, it had pretty floral wallpaper, modern artwork and soft furnishings in a blend of rich peacock blue, light blue and pale gold. I ran my hand over the soft throw across the end of the king-sized bed. It was beautifully romantic, and I wished for a moment that I had someone to tumble onto that bed with at the end of the evening. My heart raced as I imagined bursting through the door in a passionate clinch, the door slamming behind us as I unbuttoned his shirt and he unzipped my dress. We’d stumble across the room, both of us lost in our kiss, shedding more clothes as we neared the bed and… Heat ran through my body as I thought about it and I shook my head. How odd that thehein my little fantasy had been Mr Rugby Physique. He’d popped into my mind a lot since my visit to Bloomsberry’s which was so bizarre considering all we’d done was exchange a few words and several smiles. He really shouldn’t be occupying any space in my head after such a meaningless interlude. Although, to me, it hadn’t really beenmeaningless and that’s probably why it had stayed with me. He’d made me smile, I’d felt noticed by a man for the first time in years and it had been a welcome boost to know that a stranger had found me attractive. Or at least I assumed he had or why would he have kept looking up and smiling like that?

I removed my gorgeous orange dress from the suit carrier Amber had loaned me. As I adjusted it on the hanger, an article I’d read in a magazine at The Larks a few weeks ago came back to my mind. It had been a commentary on the world of online dating and how it was still possible these days to meetthe onein a more traditional way such as while in education, at work, in a pub or club, at the gym or at a wedding. I don’t know why, but the wedding stats had stuck in my mind. A survey claimed that 15 per cent of the people asked had spent the night with someone they’d met at a wedding, 10 per cent were in or had been in a serious relationship with a guest they’d met there and 5 per cent had married someone they’d met at a wedding. So itdidhappen. Could it happen to me? I hung my dress up on the outside of the wardrobe shaking my head. No chance, especially when I’d be retreating to my room alone when Phil left.

Thinking about Phil, it made sense to let him know I’d arrived.

To Phil

I know you’ll be surprised to hear this, but I’m already here! So if you are able to get away any earlier, please do, otherwise I’ll see you at 4 x

I’d just plonked my overnight bag onto the bed when a reply came through.

From Phil

Absolute shocker!!! Wish I could get there early but I might actually be late. I’m thinking 4.30 but will keep you posted. What are you going to do?

To Phil

Toying with a walk but might hide in my room which won’t be a hardship as it’s beautiful

From Phil

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