Spring Blossoms at Mill Grange, Jenny Kane [hardest books to read .TXT] 📗

‘It’s all the waiting, it can do that.’ Bert patted her hand. ‘You’ll be fine, and in thirty minutes you’ll be Mrs Tina Philips.’

‘And in forty minutes I’ll be eating a scone. I’m starving!’ Tina patted her dress. ‘I know Mabel offered us some food, but I didn’t dare eat in case I spilt something down my front.’

Bert chuckled. ‘I promise you, lass, the minute you get to the head of the aisle, the time will pass in seconds, and you’ll have a plate full of jam and cream before you know it.’

*

Mabel walked with determined purpose towards the walled garden. Pushing through the gate she made a beeline for the marquee. Then, with slightly more force than necessary, banged her reclaimed clipboard against one of its metal struts. ‘Ladies and gentleman!’

Everyone swung round to face her.

‘Please take your places. The bride is on her way!’

As Mabel tucked her bag under her chair at the front of the makeshift aisle, her eyes met Bea’s. Exchanging an emotional nod, as one they turned to Sam, who with Shaun and Dylan by his side, moved to stand before the registrar.

*

Helen and Thea lightly hugged Tina and Bert as they arrived at their side.

‘Ready girls?’ Bert adjusted his jacket, making the medals Sam had insisted he place over his breast pocket jangle.

‘Ready.’ Tina beamed.

‘Good stuff.’ He winked. ‘Don’t forget to say hello to the chickens as you go past, or Gertrude will sulk.’

Giggling as they went, Tina took her posy of freshly picked garden flowers from Thea, and peered ahead through the garden. Apple blossom and magnolia petals fluttered in the breeze as they walked; her best friends behind her, a man she respected more than any other to her side, and the man she loved ahead of her.

As they passed the chickens and reached the head of the aisle that had been made beneath the marquee, Tina’s breath caught in her throat and her pace slowed. She wasn’t sure if she’d made a noise or not, but Helen had made one behind her.

There was no doubt that Tom looked handsome in his army dress uniform, and judging by the expression on his face as he watched their approach, he was equally approving of Helen’s outfit. But it was Sam who took Tina’s breath away. He’d told her he’d ordered a suit. She wondered what he’d put himself through before he’d been able to put it on. She wasn’t sure how she wasn’t crying.

Speaking so only Tina could hear as they moved forward, Bert tapped his medals. ‘Sam asked me to wear these on my new suit. He said it was time we embraced our past, rather than being ashamed of it.’ The old man paused, emotion heavy in his voice. ‘He’s healing, and that’s largely thanks to you.’

‘And you.’ Tina wanted to say more, but they’d reached the head of the aisle and suddenly she was standing next to her future husband and was being eased from Bert’s gentle care.

*

Sam had seen Tina falter when she saw his outfit, and knew in that moment it had been the right thing to wear. His parents and Bert had reassured him that it was, but that hadn’t stopped Sam ordering a standard morning suit as well in case his nerve went, or he had a panic attack as he’d put the uniform on.

As he watched her approach, his pulse beating fast, Sam marvelled that the incredible woman walking in his direction, a huge smile on her face, was actually going to marry him. Only a year ago his claustrophobia had been so bad he couldn’t enter the house he now owned. Tina had sacrificed her own comfort and lived in a tent in the garden with him, even though she was often freezing – and now she was going to be his wife.

As Shaun nudged his arm, indicating he should step forward to greet Bert and Tina, Sam felt as if he truly was the luckiest man in the world.

*

Helen had told herself she would not try and spot Sue among the guests. Nor would she speculate about the reason for her presence and their lateness. Look where that sort of over thinking got you last time.

Now, however, as she gazed at Tom, his uniform making him look more gorgeous than ever, Helen found herself wondering if Sue was staring at him in the same way she was.

*

Thea had promised herself she wouldn’t look at Shaun any more often than she did any other member of the wedding party. But as the registrar began to speak, and she witnessed a look of love pass between Tina and Sam, she couldn’t help herself.

He looked great in a suit, and as he stood, Dylan’s little hand in his, Thea’s heart started to ache. Not now! You’ve been so strong. Hang on!

Wishing her bodice gave her room for a really deep breath, Thea gave an internal sigh. Minerva, if ever I needed your help, now is the time.

*

Glad he had Dylan to keep an eye on, Tom fought not to turn to look at Helen. God she’s magnificent in that dress. He swallowed slowly as Sue’s presence dampened his thoughts. He was still reeling from what she’d told him. The memory of her face as she explained what was wrong, made him reach out to Dylan and lay a hand on his shoulder.

*

As the registrar raised a finger in his direction, Shaun opened his palm to reveal two gold rings, which he passed to Dylan.

He could feel the congregation behind him mutter with pleasure as the little boy stepped forward and, with a toothy grin, held the first ring to Sam, who placed it on Tina’s outstretched finger as they exchanged their vows.

As Dylan passed Tina the ring destined for Sam’s finger, Shaun couldn’t help himself. Peering over his shoulder, his eyes met Thea’s as he mouthed, ‘I’m sorry.’

*

‘Did I do alright, Dad?’ Dylan slipped his hand into his