Page 129 of Merrily Ever After
‘Little Merry? Last time I saw her she must only have been six.’
Just then, a Range Rover pulled up in front of the entrance and the crowd started to cheer.
‘She’s here, she’s here, she’s here!’ Emily said, suddenly all panicky. She quickly pinned on the corsage Merry hadsent her made from Earl Grey roses, gypsophila and soft fern, and pressed a kiss to Will’s mouth. ‘It’s time. Come on, Dad.’
Will helped Ray climb out from the back of the car and Emily tucked her dad’s scarf into the neck of his coat and pinned on his buttonhole. Together they made their way to the entrance, Ray in the middle and Will and Emily either side, partly so he didn’t slip in the snow, but mostly so they could keep an eye on him.
Emily recognised Fred, Cole’s father, looking resplendent in a navy suit, a little girl who must have been Freya twirling around in circles, making her bridesmaid’s dress fly, and beaming faces on the people she’d met at the party at the weekend. She got her phone out of her bag to take pictures just in time to see Merry alight from the car.
She wore a long empire-line coat over her dress, in off-white velvet, and ivory leather buttoned boots peeped from under her hem. They were the Victorian pair Emily had won on eBay and they finished off her dress beautifully. Her bouquet was perfect, her hair shone in golden waves, half pinned up with a pearl comb. But it wasn’t only her outfit which caught Emily’s attention, it was the look of pure joy on her face.
‘Oh, Merry! You look stunning!’ Emily said.
Merry pressed her cheek to hers. ‘Thank you, little sis. And thanks so much for bringing Dad, it means the world. How’s he doing?’
‘Fine’ said Emily, deciding to keep his imminent trip up the Nile to herself. ‘Looking forward to the service.’
They both looked at Ray. He was under the mistletoe, pointing up at it with his lips puckered ready for a kiss from anyone who caught his eye. Will stood by stifling a laugh. Emily and Merry exchanged fond smiles and then,without needing to speak, they dashed across, one either side of him and each kissed his cheek.
‘One for the album,’ said one of Merry’s friends, catching the moment on her camera.
‘Doesn’t Merry make a beautiful bride?’ said Emily to Ray.
‘Merry?’ Their father stared at the bride in bewilderment.
Merry did a twirl for him. ‘Ta-dah! I’m getting married!’
Ray frowned and dug into his pocket, muttering something under his breath about having lost something.
‘If everyone would please make their way inside please,’ said an authoritative voice from inside the foyer.
‘We’d better go,’ Emily said, giving her sister a hug. ‘I’m so proud to be here, as your sister.’
‘And I’m so proud to have you here, it’s a dream come true.’ Merry’s eyes shone.
‘Good luck,’ Emily said, pressing a kiss to her cheek.
And then the crowd was swept inside, taking Emily with them, leaving just the wedding party standing on the steps outside.
Chapter Forty-One
Cole
Inside the registry office, Hester and Paul were stationed at the entrance handing out small Merry and Bright candles to everyone as they filed in and Cole was sitting in the first row trying to get his nerves under control. He was starting to perspire, and his left leg wouldn’t stop jiggling. He watched Harley out of the corner of his eye race to the front of the room and change the music to something he recognised as one of Freya’s favourites. Harley winced at his dad, making him smile; Gwen Stefani was not Harley’s cup of tea, but he wouldn’t complain today. In fact, ever since the party, he’d seemed to have perked up a lot. According to Lydia he’d even made an effort to be nice to Ady.
‘Merry’s here,’ said Harley, sliding into the row at speed and landing next to his dad.
Cole let out a breath. ‘Thank goodness for that. And on time too.’
Merry, true to form, had miraculously organised everything beautifully right at the last minute, as he’d known she would. They were always going to have a different approach to getting things done. And that was OK. They were good for each other; they had a great life to look forward to.
Mrs Merry Robinson, his eyes misted over, he could hardly believe his luck.
‘Dad?’ Harley’s voice brought him back to the present. ‘I just want to say how happy I am for you, marrying Merry. She’s a great person and I think you’re going to make a brilliant team.’
Cole looked at his boy in wonder. ‘Thanks, son. I really appreciate that. Come here.’
He lifted his arm and Harley slid underneath and allowed himself to be hugged.
