Page 116 of The Last Saturday In July
‘Everyone’s expecting a celebrity wedding here today, Ian. I might have an idea, a crazy one. But we’ll have to convince Leo.’
Chapter 48
‘HE’S proposing to Brandi?’ Zoe almost dropped her glass of champagne when Jess found her in the great hall. ‘Oh hey, is that one of the Kardashians over there? Look.’
‘I don’t have time. And keep your voice down.’ Jess took Zoe’s glass and put it on a passing waiter’s tray. ‘We’ve got to go, it’s after three.’
‘Crap, okay, lead the way.’
Jess grabbed Zoe’s hand and they wove their way through the guests, heading for the entrance they’d come in earlier, Jess’s mind racing over what she’d done.
‘I’m going to be straight with you, Leo,’ she’d said, after she’d run her proposal by Ian. Leo’s eyes had narrowed.
‘That’d be a start.’
Jess had taken a deep breath. ‘We both need a wedding here today. Linford Castle needs it, but so do you. You don’t want to let your guests down, and more importantly you’ve negotiated a huge deal with Bobbie Grayson, so if there’s no wedding she could sue you.’ She’d paused, her heart hammering. ‘That rumour about you and Brandi: is it true?’
Leo had stared at her for a long moment, but Jess hadn’t flinched.
Finally, he said, ‘what if it was?’
Jess had tried not to look relieved. ‘Then I may have a proposition.’
After Leo had left to find Brandi, Jess had turned to Ian. ‘I’m sorry for what I did, Ian, I take full responsibility for it. But thanks for covering for me in front of Leo.’
Ian had taken a large clean handkerchief from his pocket and wiped his forehead. ‘To be fair, Jess, it wasn’t all your fault. Leo’s a dick, and if Chelsea were my daughter, I’d do everything in my power to stop her marrying him.’
Jess had simply nodded.
‘Listen, Ian, this’ll sound bonkers, but I’m actually getting married shortly. The church is half an hour away and I have to get going.’
Ian’s smile had been genuine. ‘I knew today would be full of surprises, but I couldn’t have guessed any of this. Well done on your quick thinking – we’ll cross our fingers now for a miracle. And Jess, I hope your fellah’s a good one?’
Jess hadn’t hesitated. ‘He is.’
‘Finally!’ Jess recognised the corridor where they’d changed earlier. Her phone buzzed and she stopped to check it, praying it wasn’t a frantic message from her mother. But it was from Ian.Brandi said yes!
‘There is a God!’
Zoe shot her a look. ‘What?’
‘She said yes!’ Jess grinned. ‘Now, let’s get out of here.’
‘You still have to change.’
Jess hitched up her long skirt. ‘We’re going to have to run.’
‘Maybe I should phone Simon, tell him I’m running late.’ Jess slowed to catch her breath as she and Zoe reached the castle’s west entrance.
Zoe didn’t bother to hide her impatience. ‘You really think he’ll have his phone on in the church?’
‘Shit, you’re right. It’ll be fine, brides are allowed to be a bit late.’
‘I’ll get your dress. Stay here.’ Zoe ran out to the car and reappeared a few moments later with the wedding dress.
‘What about you?’ Jess let Zoe undo the zip before stepping out of the heavy costume.
‘No time.’ Zoe shook out the wedding dress and slipped it over her sister’s head.
