Page 62 of Tessa Cavendish Is Getting Married
“Yes.”
“Me, you, and no one else?”
“Yes.”
“With no unnecessary complications.”
“Please just tell me.”
“They’ve decided to come over. Mum and Dad. For a visit.”
“But why? It’s not like we haven’t seen them recently.”
“Mum thinks it would be a good idea for everyone to meet before the wedding.”
My heart sank. “When you say everyone?”
“Us, them, the rest of your family.”
“You’re kidding me?”
“They’re researching flights as we speak. Apparently they want to prevent any social awkwardness on the big day.”
“I see.” Cringing at the prospect, I wasn’t sure I was ready for such an introduction. “Don’t get me wrong, I understand where Grace and Bill are coming from…”
“But?” Leo said.
I stared at Leo. Having known my family for as long as he had, I couldn’t believe he had to ask.
Chapter 39
Having pushed the family introduction issue to the back of my mind, I couldn’t help but smile at the sight of my workforce. Leo, Sal, Ryan, and India were working diligently to help me deconstruct the two wedding dresses. Grateful for their assistance, I knew I couldn’t have managed on my own.
My attention went from them to the mess surrounding us. The lounge looked like an explosion in a bridal factory. Every surface was covered in either charmeuse, organza, chiffon, tulle, or lace. I couldn’t see him, but I knew even Otis was amongst the chaos somewhere.
I placed an individual bodice panel from Grace’s dress on my lap and smoothed it out. “Goodbye, nineteen-eighties,” I said. “Hello, twenty-first century.”
“I’m surprised at how therapeutic this is,” Sal said. Seam rippers in hand, she and Ryan tackled a skirt section of Mum’s wedding gown.
“You think?” Ryan replied, frowning.
“It’s all in a good cause,” I said, before turning my attention to Leo. “You okay there?”
Working with a pained expression, he appeared to be struggling.
“It’s all right for you lot with your nimble fingers,” he said, reaching for a pair of scissors. “But when you’ve got gardener’s hands like mine.” He snipped at a strand of cotton, before suddenly downing tools. “You know what? I need a break.” He glanced around. “Anyone hungry?”
I smiled. Leo’s offer of sustenance came as no surprise. More adept with a spatula and a frying pan than any sewing paraphernalia, Leo’s primary contribution was always going to be keeping the rest of us fed and watered. In fact, I was surprised he’d sat there for as long as he had. “Starving,” I said, giving him the out he wanted.
“Then why don’t I rustle something up?”
“I’ll help,” Ryan said. Seizing the opportunity, he rose to his feet and stretched himself out. “If nothing else, it might restore my eyesight.”
“India, how are you doing?” I asked, as the two men disappeared off into the kitchen. “Do you need a break too?”
“I’m fine,” she replied. Keeping her focus, she pushed her hair from her face. “It’s good to have a hand in what I’ll be wearing for my first walk.”
“You mean when you’re the bridesmaid andI’mthe maid of honour?” Sal said.
