Page 89 of Tessa Cavendish Is Getting Married
“Why thank you,” I replied and stepped into the building.
“Surprise!”
Shocked not only by the sound but also the people before me, my eyes widened. I put my hand up to my chest and I tried to speak, but felt too stunned for words.
“You didn’t think we’d let you get wed without us, did you?” Sal said, laughing. She indicated her gorgeous matron of honour dress and gave a little curtsey. “What do you think?”
“Stunning,” I replied, at last finding my voice.
I turned to Leo, unable to believe he’d not only arranged this, but also managed to keep things a secret. “How?” I stood with a big smile on my face, recovering from the shock. “When?”
“I knew, deep down, you’d want everyone here. No wedding day regrets, remember?”
“I love you,” I said, reaching up to kiss him.
“Save it for after the ceremony,” Ryan called out, making everyone laugh.
As tears filled my eyes, Bill stepped forward with a checked handkerchief so I could blot away any rogue mascara.
“Thank you,” I said, unable to help but smile when Grace approached, dabbing her tears away with an exact replica. Leo’s dad had obviously come prepared.
“Be devoted to one another in love. Honour one another above yourselves,” Grace said. “Romans, Chapter 12, Verse 10.” She smiled. “Follow that advice and you won’t go far wrong.”
“Cheers, Mum,” Leo said, giving her a hug.
Grace admired my dress, before suddenly cocking her head. “Is this…?” She looked over to India and Sal. “Are they…?”
“Yes,” I replied. “And all thanks to my friend over there.” I pointed to Marianne who no one could miss thanks to her outfit’s exuberant clash of colour and print. “I couldn’t wear Mum’s wedding gown and not yours and vice versa, so to make sure I didn’t have to choose, she used the fabric from both to create all our dresses.” I crinkled my face. “You’re not mad, are you?”
Grace let out a laugh. “Mad? I think it’s ingenious.”
“And I, for one, think you all look wonderful,” Bill said. He took a deep breath. “I can’t tell you how happy we are to be here.”
“I’m happy you’re here too,” I said.
“And me,” Leo added.
Glancing around, I thought my heart might burst as I took in our guests.
India owned her chiffon bridesmaid dress and after a month of not seeing her, I was pleased to find her fringe had grown somewhat. She strode first one way, and then the other, as if practising her modelling skills, leaving me hoping she wouldn’t be too disappointed when she realised her registry office catwalk was lacking.
“You look perfect,” Marianne mouthed. She beamed proudly as she linked arms with her husband. It was the first time I’d seen Hugo in person and watching him animatedly chat and point out the space’s original cornicing and ceiling rose, he seemed as passionate about buildings as he was locomotives.
Any other guest and I might have raised an eyebrow at Hugo’s peaked train driver cap. But having seen his and Dad’s enthusiasm over a 201 Thumper, I found the addition quite sweet. Glad of his and Marianne’s presence, I felt pleased that Leo had thought to invite them.
My eyes settled on Mum and Dad. I wasn’t surprised to see that Mum was the only female guest to wear a hat and I had to admit her huge-brimmed, navy, organza affair with massive bow at the side looked astonishingly good. Mum clocked my interest and as she gave me a sheepish smile a sob suddenly escaped my lips. Before I could stop myself, I raced over and threw my arms around her. Holding her tight for a moment, I, at last, let go.
“I’m so sorry,” Mum said, her eyes welling up. “I just wanted…”
“I know.” I thought about how angry I’d been when Mum and I last met, recalling the venom with which I’d spoken to her. “And I’m sorry too.”
“I can’t believe my baby’s getting married,” Dad said, in danger of crying along with his wife and daughter.
“I can’t believe what you’ve done to my dress,” Mum said. “Don’t think I haven’t noticed.”
I held my breath for a moment and as I waited for her to continue, I couldn’t tell which way her comments would go.
“It’s exquisite, Tess. Absolutely beautiful.” She turned to look at my sister and niece. “As are…” Suddenly lost for words, Mum’s tears didn’t simply well, they flowed.
