Page 87 of Coming Home to Sturcombe Bay
Cassie focused her attention on clipping a gold chain around her neck. It had been a present from Dougie for her twenty-fifth birthday — he loved giving presents. Every few links had a dainty rosette attached to it, which gleamed against her skin.
Lisa had finished feeding the baby. She sat her up and rubbed her back until she burped loudly, looking slightlyastonished at her own achievement. “There’s a clever girl!” She kissed her little button nose, and handed her back to Shelley. “She might need a fresh nappy in a little while,” she warned.
“That’s okay, I’ll see to it.”
“You’re a gem. Okay, peeps. Let’s hit the dance floor.”
Downstairs in the ballroom the tables had been rearranged around the walls, the lights had been dimmed and a three-piece band had taken the small stage. As they started to play, the happy couple led off the dancing.
“Don’t they look lovely together?” Cassie murmured to Lisa.
“And Tom won’t tread on her toes. He’s actually quite a decent dancer.”
“Mike’s dancing with Debbie’s mum. They look good together too.”
“He’s a good dancer. He and his wife used to go ballroom dancing — they won a couple of competitions. She died a couple of years ago — she was Kate’s best friend.”
“Oh yes — I remember you telling me that. It was so sad.”
The dance floor was filling up. “Look at Paul,” Lisa remarked. “Straight in on the bridesmaid.”
Cassie rolled her eyes. “Typical. How long has it been since he split with . . . What was her name?”
“I don’t remember.” Lisa laughed dryly. “He’s had so many girlfriends I lose track. At least he’s keeping her happy. When I heard Vicky had let her be her bridesmaid I was a bit worried she might make trouble.”
“Oh?”
“She’s a bit . . . Well, she was sleeping with Vicky’s ex-fiancé — while they were still engaged.”
“The bitch! It was very forgiving of Vicky to let her come.”
“Family,” Lisa concluded wryly. “Anyway, I think Tom tipped Paul off to take care of her. He’d have been more than happy to oblige, I’m sure — she’s very pretty.”
“And she’ll be gone in a couple of days — perfect for him.”
“So long as he doesn’t fall for her. I don’t think I’d fancy having her in the family.”
Cassie shot her a look of surprise. “Do you think there’s any danger of that?”
They shared a smile. “No chance! Let’s dance.”
* * *
The evening was winding down. Slices of wedding cake had been distributed, along with coffee or champagne, to taste. Liam preferred whisky. He had retreated to a corner of the bar, out of the way, where he could watch the dancing and be alone with his thoughts.
Okay — where he could watch Cassie. She was looking good, her hair gleaming like polished mahogany, that elegant green dress — the colour of her eyes — swirling around her ankles as she danced.
She’d been dancing all evening, fizzing with energy, laughing with one partner after another. At least she wasn’t staying with one, and at least that Australian Adonis wasn’t here.
With Tom and Vicky’s wedding over, would she be going back to him? He had wanted to ask her about that when they had gone out riding, especially after the way she had spoken with such enthusiasm about her adventures. But he really hadn’t wanted to hear the answer.
Or was he giving in too easily, letting the guy win without even putting up a fight? That wasn’t like him — even though he would be fighting the Great Barrier Reef and surfing on Straddie Island, as well as a billionaire who owned a string of water-sports resorts and looked like a Greek god.
Dammit!At least he could dance with her. He finished his whisky in one swallow and put the glass down on the bar. But ashe rose to his feet there was a commotion and a general move towards the double doors which lead out to the reception hall.
Of course — Tom and Vicky were getting ready to leave. They had changed out of their wedding finery into something more comfortable. They were going home for tonight. Tomorrow they would be off to Spain for their honeymoon, and a visit to the Pradora to see the portrait of Vicky’s Aunt Molly, which had been painted by her lover, a famous Spanish artist.
As they came down the stairs, all the guests gathered to see them off. They certainly looked happy. Vicky looked as if she was dancing on air, hugging and kissing everyone, thanking them for coming as she said goodbye, and Tom was grinning like the cat who’d got the cream.
