Page 39 of Merrily Ever After
I heaved a sigh. I loved Nell’s husband dearly, he was solid and dependable and the perfect foil to Nell’s feisty personality. As usual, he was talking perfect sense.
‘But only if they love it,’ said Nell, looping her arm through his. ‘It has to be right.’
Nell was making perfect sense too.
‘Genau,’ said Astrid, agreeing.
‘Do you love it,’ Fred asked, putting me on the spot, ‘enough to have your reception there?’
‘It’s lovely,’ I began, ‘but it’s just so grand. I’d be happy with a small room at a pub.’
Cole frowned. ‘Small?’
I nodded. ‘Somewhere homely.’
‘I know!’ Hester held her arms out. ‘Have it at our house! We wanted to host a party on Christmas Eve anyway. There we go, sorted.’
Paul nodded. ‘Great idea.’
‘Oh Hester, Paul, thank you!’ My heart lifted. After our uncomfortable discussion the other day, I’d felt a bit unsure of my place in Hester’s affections, but this generous offer felt like an olive branch. Plus, this was exactly the sort of thing I wanted for my wedding, somewhere small and intimate.‘That would be perfect, and so kind of you.’
I felt the weight of Cole’s hand on my shoulder. ‘Thanks, sis. It’s a lovely offer, but I think we’ll book a venue. Thanks all the same.’
His sister shrugged amicably. ‘Fair enough. If you change your mind, let us know.’
‘I think—’ I started to argue the point, but Paul interrupted me.
‘Who’s going to be your best man?’ he asked, straightening his shoulders as if auditioning for the part.
Cole rubbed a hand across his jaw. ‘I haven’t asked anyone yet; I’ve only just got around to ask Merry to be my bride. All the other members of the wedding party are TBC.’
‘Not all,’ countered Nell, raising her cup of mulled wine. ‘Ta-dah! You’re looking at the best woman.’
‘The very best,’ I agreed. ‘And I’ll have to think about who’s going to give me away.’
In films, the moment when the groom turned around to see his bride for the first time on the arm of her father was always emotionally charged. It wasn’t going to be half as romantic if I had to stride up there on my own and it might be nice to have the comforting presence of someone who cared about me to hang on to.
Olek gave a small bow. ‘I’m sure you’ll have many offers, but we have been friends for a long time, and you are like a sister to Nell. So, I would be proud to have you on my arm.’
‘Oh darling!’ Nell stood on her tiptoes and kissed his cheek. ‘That is so sweet.’
‘Thank you, Olek,’ I said, touched by his offer.
‘Same here,’ added Paul, raising a hand. ‘Happy to play any part. I love weddings.’
‘That’s true,’ Hester remarked, holding her cup out for a refill from Fred. ‘The vicar kept having to stop during our vows because Paul was so choked up.’
‘He’d probably seen the invoice for the reception,’ Cole teased.
‘It was worth every penny,’ said Fred gallantly. ‘And, Merry dear, I know I’m technically on the groom’s side, but I’d be delighted to do the honours.’
‘You’re a sweetheart, Fred.’ I squeezed his arm. ‘Thank you for always making me feel part of the family, even though I’m not yet.’
‘Bit weird though.’ Hester wrinkled her nose. ‘Your father-in-law-to-be giving you away.’
‘Prince Charles gave Meghan Markle away,’ Fred pointed out. ‘If Charlie can do it, don’t see why I can’t.’
‘I bet he’d give her back if he could,’ Paul remarked with a grin.
