Page 28 of Beyond The Barre

A waiter offered him a tray of sparkling wine and Linc accepted two flutes, then passed one to Scarlett. They clinked the glasses together before she took a sip. The bubbles fizzed all the way down Scarlett’s throat.

Hamish waved at them from the arbour, and Linc led Scarlett up the aisle. As she walked the long path, she gazed about her. Would she make a similar walk one day? Would she ever wear the white dress and take those vows?

She shook her head. What silly thoughts to be having.

She sipped more of her bubbles and told herself to stop being so silly.

“Thanks for coming.” Hamish gave Scarlett a brief hug.

“Congratulations,” she said. “This looks amazing.”

“Thanks. I wish I could take the credit but it’s all Greer and Freya.” Hamish went on to explain how Emerald Hills was becoming a very popular wedding venue for its amazing views and top-notch service. The menus Greer had designed were also a huge drawcard.

Linc showed Scarlett where to sit in the second row and returned to take up his best man duties next to the groom. Scarlett watched as a solo guitarist started playing an acoustic version of a popular love song and the wedding procession began.

Baby Caleb was carried up the aisle in the arms of an older woman Scarlett presumed was Greer’s mother. He smiled as everyone gazed upon him. Next came Freya, looking stunning in a sky-blue dress. Her gaze caught her husband Justin’s, and Scarlett smiled at the obvious love and affection they felt for one another.

Greer and her father walked slowly up the aisle. Her ivory gown was simple but stunning. Its strapless satin bodice hugged Greer’s slim waist before giving way to a tulle-covered skirt that flared into a train and ended in pretty lace edging. A long, sheer veil was draped over her face and a bouquet of blue and white flowers were in her hand. As they reached the arbour, Scarlett couldn’t help but stare at Linc, all confident and calm beside his best friend. Occasionally, he would look at her and give her a reassuring wink.

Vows were spoken, rings slipped on fingers, and a kiss exchanged that was so loving and heartfelt sniffles sounded from somewhere behind her. As guests rushed forward to offer their congratulations and take photos, Scarlett waited for Linc to return to her. Waiters came around with fresh glasses of sparkling wine and Scarlett helped herself to another.

As she took a sip she felt a brush against her hand, then Linc’s little finger was hooked around hers. She stared at him, all chiselled chin and bedroom eyes, until a cheeky grin snapped her out of her stupor and returned her to the present.

Scarlett stepped forward and offered her congratulations to the couple as they passed.

“We’re so glad you’re here,” Greer said after kissing Scarlett’s cheek. “You look amazing by the way!”

Scarlett watched as the bride and groom continued to greet their guests. She gazed down at her dress. She looked okay. Not amazing. She was at least five kilos overweight and had had to go a whole size larger than usual to fit this dress.

Linc kept his arm draped around Scarlett’s back as he introduced her to his friends, and they had a lovely time chatting as the sparkling wine continued to flow and appetisers were brought around.

By the time the dancing started Scarlett was feeling a bit tipsy. That’s what I get for starving myself for the last few days and then drinking.

Scarlett and Linc watched people move onto the dance floor for a while then Linc held out his hand and she took it, and they joined the happy couples on the dance floor. He held her in a proper waltz pose, one hand holding hers and the other resting on the small of her back. They moved around the floor to the music. The other guests seemed to disappear as Scarlett became lost in Linc’s eyes. He pressed his mouth close to her ear, his whisper shooting electricity down her spine. “You’re beautiful.”

His words jolted her back to reality and she sighed. “Please stop saying that.”

He stopped moving and looked at her. “You are though.”

Scarlett shook her head, loosening tendrils of hair that she had to brush away from her face. “No I’m not. I’m fat and ugly.”

Linc frowned at her. “Why would you say that? It’s not true.”

Scarlett dropped her arms and took a step back. Barely able to keep her voice even, she almost cried the words. “Yes, it is, and you’re a liar.”

Before he could respond, she twirled on her heel and fled the tent, avoiding eye contact with anyone.

Linc was left on the dance floor, alone and stunned. He had suspected she had low self-esteem and his heart had clenched every time he’d seen her fight herself about eating food. Her demons ran even deeper, though, if she thought of herself as ugly.

He followed her out of the tent where stars and a full moon helped light his way. He found her a short distance away, resting against a wooden fence. Black and white dairy cows slept peacefully on the other side.

“Go away,” she snapped when he stepped into her line of sight.

“Scarlett, come on. Talk to me.” He moved slowly toward her.

She sniffed. “I want to go home.”

Linc placed his hand on her shoulder, but she shied away from him. “Don’t touch me.”

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