Page 47 of A Wedding at The Cornish Garden Café
His concern was touching, but she had to block it out or she’d weaken again, and she had a job to do. ‘I’m fine. Thanks again. Right then… See you later.’
She picked up her plate and the two mugs along with the glass of water and carried them inside the café, hoping that Wyatt wouldn’t follow her.
There was nothing left to say.
When she returned to the gardens, Wyatt was gone. She swallowed her sadness and prepared to embrace the day that stretched ahead like a golden promise. Edith was looking forward to seeing her hard work pay off and to witnessing two people who truly loved each other exchanging vows.
Sometimes love faded, sometimes it couldn’t overcome the obstacles in its way and sometimes, like today, it bound two people together for life. Thankfully, today was about the latter, and the garden café had never looked more beautiful.
33
WYATT
‘How’re you feeling?’ Wyatt asked Titus as they stood in the lounge Titus shared with Finn.
Titus nodded. ‘OK. Well… a bit anxious but in a good way.’ He frowned. ‘No. Wait… Is there a good way to feel anxious? Oh, gosh, I don’t know. I guess I’m nervous then, but I am looking forward to getting married. Last night was weird being here without Finn. I don’t know why we decided to sleep separately like we’re both Victorian virgin brides or something. But… we… It seemed like a small salute to some old-fashioned superstition, just in case, you know. Not that I believe in all that nonsense, but we want this to work.’ Titus rubbed his eyes and then sighed. ‘I’m babbling, right?’
Wyatt smiled at his friend. ‘You are going to be fine. Today is about celebrating the love you and Finn share, and there is nothing more wonderful than that.’
Titus seemed to relax as he let the words sink in, and he closed his eyes and took a deep steadying breath. When he opened his eyes, he beamed at Wyatt.
‘You are right, my American friend. Today is about love, and there’s no need for nerves. Now, how do I look?’
‘Absolutely fabulous!’ Wyatt grinned at him. ‘I would be tempted myself if you weren’t about to marry Finn.’
Titus chuckled. ‘You? The man with eyes for just one woman?’
Wyatt coughed and then ran a finger underneath the collar of his white shirt. He’d left the top button open, but it suddenly felt too tight. ‘Yeah… about that.’
‘Don’t tell me it hasn’t come to anything?’ A small line appeared between Titus’ brows.
‘We… We’re friends. It’s just too complicated for anything more.’ He licked his lips and cleared his throat, unable to shake the sense something was lodged there. ‘And… today is about you and Finn, so without further ado, let’s get you to the church on time. Or rather, the café!’ He patted Titus on the shoulder and then gestured at the doorway.
Outside, sunlight dappled the pavement, and the sweet scent of honeysuckle filled the air. Wyatt admired the plants that climbed around the front porch of Titus and Finn’s home and the pots filled with geraniums, roses, and pansies that lined the path.
‘So Wyatt?’ Titus said.
Wyatt tensed, ready for more questions about Edith.
‘Yes?’ He closed the gate behind him.
‘Can you remind me… am I supposed to say anything funny at the altar?’
‘Funny?’
‘Yeah, you know. Do I crack a few jokes just to relieve the tension?’
‘Tension?’ Wyatt asked.
‘Yeah.’ Titus cocked an eyebrow and Wyatt realised he was joking.
‘What are you going on about, man?’ Wyatt shook his head. ‘Just say how you feel. It shouldn’t be tense, just happy.’
‘I know, I was just joking around. I thought you needed to let go of some tension right now.’ Titus gave a small shrug.
‘I’m fine. Honestly. I just want to make a good speech, and I guess I could be a little bit tense about that. I don’t want to mess up, you know?’
‘You’re a smooth talker, Wyatt. Your speech will be fantastic, I’m sure.’ Titus smiled.
