Page 65 of Our Secrets and Lies

‘I’m thrilled we could help,’ Lucy said. ‘This is going to be a day to remember, all the more sobecause of the drama.’

The photographer pushed open the door. ‘Is this it?’ he said, sounding puzzled.

‘Yes,’ said Debbie, grinning. ‘This is the venue.’

‘Right so,’ he said. ‘I have me work cut out to make it look good, but I’ll manage.’

‘Cheek of you!’ Sarah said. ‘The place looks bloody brilliant!’

‘Come on,’ Kerrie said. ‘First picture is the whole team, all of you over here beside us.’

The photographer snapped away and would have had them there for a hundred photos if they’d let him, but Lucy checked her watch and said, ‘Right, ladies. It’s a quarter to one, so we need to run through the ceremony.’

She led them into the back room and took her folder from her bag. ‘So, you two will hide out back here until all your guests are accounted for. I’ve set out twelve chairs for yourolder guests, then the others will have to stand or lean on counters. When they’re all ready, I’ll give you the nod to go around and come through the front door, so you can walk up the “aisle” together. I’ll be waiting for you at the top of the room.’

‘Right! That sounds like a grand entrance,’ Kerrie said. ‘We can manage that.’

‘Then I’ll do my introduction and welcome everyone,’ Lucy wenton. ‘I’ve noted you’ve an aunt, Debbie, who’s come all the way from America, so I’ll give her a special mention. Then I’ll ask you two to light a candle each. Please, God, they light and stay lit because at my last one the buggers refused to light and the bride ended up in tears thinking it signified the marriage wasn’t meant to be.’

The brides laughed. ‘Ah, we’re not that particular,’ Debbiesaid. ‘I’m marrying this one, come hell or high water – cancelled venues or uncooperative candles be damned.’

Lucy laughed. ‘That’s the spirit! After that, your son is going to read the Pablo Neruda poem, Kerrie. And thenDebbie’s niece is going to sing “I Would Rather Go Blind”, accompanied by her boyfriend on the guitar.’

‘I’d rather go blind than have to listen to it, but my sister thinksher daughter is very talented so we have to suck it up.’

‘Is the boyfriend any good on the guitar?’ Lucy asked.

‘Horrendous.’ Debbie rolled her eyes.

Lucy grinned. ‘All weddings have these moments. I did one where the cousin did a fifteen-minute solo on the flute – it was pure torture. But it made everyone laugh afterwards. After the music I’m going to talk a bit about you two,’ Lucy said,smiling. ‘Nothing salacious, I promise. Just to say what it’s been like to work with you and how touching it is to see how devoted and committed you are to each other.’

‘You’ll have us crying,’ Kerrie said.

‘Tears are always welcome.’ Lucy winked. ‘And then Debbie’s uncle is performing the speech fromThe Princess Brideabout marriage, yes?’

Debbie sighed. ‘Yes, another mad relation. Poor Kerrie,all her family are normal. Ted is insisting on doing the speech in the silly voice. You know, “mawwiage, that bwessed awwangement”.’

Lucy looked at her uncertainly. ‘Can you live with that? I could try having a word with him?’

Debbie laughed. ‘Asking him to tone it down will only make it worse, believe me. Let him at it.’

Nothing surprised Lucy any more. She’d seen it all in the last five yearsof ceremonies – cousins who ‘played’ the violin, crucifying songs, friends saying ‘a few words’ that went on for twenty-five minutes, and even one best man who turned up so drunk he passed out cold in the middle of the ceremony. A goofy uncle was no big deal. ‘After your uncle, we get serious. I’ll invite you both to say your vows. Have you learned them off or do you have them written down?’

‘We learned them,’ Kerrie said.

‘So we can gaze lovingly at each other while we say them,’ Debbie said.

‘Don’t mock, you,’ Kerrie said, swatting her arm. ‘It’ll be gorgeous.’

‘There won’t be a dry eye in the house,’ Lucy said.

‘There’d better be,’ Jenny said, coming into the back room. ‘Don’t you two dare ruin all my work by crying your mascara off.’

The women laughed. ‘Ah, Jenny, will youstay for it?’ Kerrie asked. ‘We’d love you and Sarah to be here.’

Jenny grinned. ‘I wouldn’t miss it for anything. I’ve already told my fella he’ll have to wait longer to see me today.’

‘We’re honoured,’ Debbie said.

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