Page 30 of Lime Tree Hill

“Are you sure?”

She pressed her lips together and gave a tight nod.

“Right. Where should we have the ceremony? There’s a small chapel twenty minutes’ drive from here. It’s off the Eastern Pacific Highway just past Petrie Bay?—”

“I’d prefer not to do it in a chapel.” Tayla’s expression saddened as she looked at Mitch across the table.

To him, this marriage was a way to honor the deal he’d made with Barry. Tayla had much more at stake. Her family would beadversely affected if Cherry Grove didn’t sell, and he was mindful of that fact. If she’d received a decent offer from a third party, Mitch would have forfeited his deposit. But until now, he’d thought Ken might see reason and release the funds so the sale could proceed. He now realized that unless he married, the money would never be his.

“Okay. Where do you suggest?”

“On the beach…just before sunset. Petrie Bay’s fine. I love it there. What about Sunday of next week if we can arrange it?”

“Sure, suits me. I’ll pay for your gown. Just let me know how much.”

“You mean we have to get dressed up?”

Her playful smile took him by surprise. “My sisters would disown me if we eloped with no pictures to show for it. Also, we need a license three days before and two witnesses. Luka will be mine.”

“The guy from touch rugby?”

“That’s him. What about you?” Mitch wondered if she had many friends in Clifton Falls, then remembered how close she’d seemed to Tim the night of the game.

“I’ll ask Tim. I’m sure he wouldn’t mind doubling as the photographer.”

“Good. I have a friend who’s a jeweler. Text me your ring size, and I’ll take care of the wedding bands. Any preference in gold color?”

“Doesn’t really matter as long as it’s fine.”

“Okay. And what day do you want to move in?”

She held his gaze, a flicker of trepidation in her expression. And in that moment, he wanted to reach out and tell her she didn’t have to take the fall for everyone else’s mistakes. That she’d be safe with him.

“After the wedding works best for me.”

“After the wedding it is.”

When Tayla entered her family home later that afternoon, there was a feeling of despondency about it. Like it knew it would be empty soon, knew it was time for her to pack. She stood in the large walk-in pantry and looked around at the many jars of preserves, small cake tins piled high, and packets of pasta and rice and baking goods. She was just about to grab a box and make a start when her text alert chimed.

Tim:Do I have to take my best suit to the cleaners?

Tayla:Yes. Wedding is Sunday next week, subject to celebrant availability. I’ll need you from 3:30 on.

Tim:What? Thanks for the notice.

Tayla:You love spontaneity.

Tim:I do. And remember to have a practice.

Tayla:Practice?

Tim:A smooch rehearsal. You don’t want to share your first kiss in public, do you?

Tayla:Oh. I hadn’t thought of that.

Tim:Go on. You know you want to!!!

Tayla:As if.

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