We lay there in silence, hands entwined, looking up at the stars. At that moment, I felt happy, which was a surprise given how low I’d felt an hour earlier. Love or not, Daniel was good for me. As was hearing it from the man first. I would always regret being the first to tell Gary I loved him.
I turned onto my side and traced my finger across Daniel’s lips. ‘This is really short notice, but I don’t suppose you’d be my plus one at my sister’s wedding a week on Saturday? I’ve been dreading going alone.’
He kissed my fingers. ‘I’d be honoured to.’
‘Really? You’d do that?’
‘Of course.’
‘Thank you. I was worried about being bombarded with questions about Gary. Hopefully having you by my side will mean some of the guests are a bit more tactful.’
‘Did you say you’re a bridesmaid?’
‘Yes.’
‘Then I’m sure you will be the centre of attention, but it will because you outshine the bride rather than because you’re the subject of the latest gossip.’
I laughed. ‘I don’t think I’ll outshine our Jess, but I appreciate the sentiment.’
Daniel shivered. ‘I’m a bit cold now. Can we relocate? I know a little place up the coast. One of the occupants is a bit grumpy, but the other one has some moves he’d like to show you.’
I giggled. ‘Now there’s an offer I can’t refuse.’ I grabbed my bag and flip-flops then scrambled to my feet. ‘Race you to the car.’
‘Oi! Cheat!’ Daniel grabbed his belongings and raced after me as I squealed like a little girl. Suddenly, next Saturday didn’t seem like the terrifying ordeal I’d started to build it up as.
19
✉︎ From Gary
Lawton’s have just booked a viewing for 3pm. Still no offer from that other couple. They obviously weren’t that keen after all. I wish you’d respond to my texts. I’ve already apologised a million times. It was wrong of me to send that text, but I can’t change what’s done. You must really hate me to keep ignoring me like this
✉︎ To Gary
I don’t hate you. I just hate what you’ve done to us. It’s Jess’s wedding today so it’s about them, not you. Please don’t text me again today unless it’s to say we have an offer
✉︎ From Gary
Sorry. The date hadn’t registered. Please congratulate Jess & Lee. I hope they have a great day. Hope you don’t get too many questions about us
✉︎ To Gary
They can ask as many questions as they want, but I’ll just introduce them to my gorgeous new boyfriend and they’ll be able to see I’ve moved on. Please stop texting
I bit my lip as I put my phone back in my bag. That had been a bit mean, but then again, it wasn’t as mean as making out that he was devastated about the house selling when he was really out having fun with his boyfriend.
Megan giggling in the lounge made me smile and instantly snapped me out of my dark mood. She had such an infectious laugh and it was so much better to hear that than the excitable high-pitched squealing she’d been doing ten minutes earlier as she raced around Jess’s bedroom. Suspecting it was only a matter of time before she fell, smashed something, or ripped someone’s clothes, Izzy had lured her daughter into the lounge with promises of Peppa Pig and a tub of grapes.
Knocking lightly, I pushed Jess’s bedroom door open. ‘It’s only me and I promise not to run laps around your room.’
She was on her own, standing in front of the full-length mirror, looking quite emotional. ‘I still can’t believe it’s my wedding day today.’
‘Well, it is, and you look absolutely stunning.’ I flounced her veil. ‘That dress is so flattering.’
She smiled and twirled. ‘I must have had some sort of sixth sense when I picked an empire line dress. Perfect style for hiding my stomach.’
‘You can’t tell that you’re pregnant with twins at all.’
‘Only because I ordered a bigger size, thank goodness.’ She pulled the dress tightly across her stomach, revealing a small baby bump, and looked down. ‘Now, you two, listen to Mummy carefully. I know you’ve started your flutterings, but Mummy doesn’t like them. Makes me feel like I’m on a rollercoaster. So please be nice to me on my wedding day and hold off on the weird stuff. Can you do that?’ She cocked her head. ‘I’ll take the silence as agreement. Thank you.’
I laughed. ‘You’ve really started flutterings?’
‘Tuesday was the first. I like being able to feel the babies, but I don’t like the actual sensation. It freaks me out a bit.’ She reached out and took my hand, her face suddenly serious. ‘Are you really okay about today? Without Gary, I mean.’
I sat down on the edge of the bed and indicated that she should join me. I took her hand. ‘Today is your day, Jess. Enjoy it. Please don’t spend a single moment of it worrying about me.’
She squeezed my hand. ‘If you’re sure…?’
‘I’m sure.’
Jess smiled. ‘And your new man, Daniel, is serious?’
‘I don’t think I could cope with “serious” after what I’ve just been through. I’m enjoying it, though. He’s good for me. I think you’ll like him.’
‘If you like him then I’ll like him.’
‘Thank you. I’m in a good place right now, so you really don’t need to worry about me.’
‘I’ll always worry about you,’ she said. ‘That’s what sisters are for.’
I laughed as we hugged each other. I really meant it when I said I was in a good place. Daniel was helping, a couple of nights out with Sarah had helped too, and that old cliché of time had worked wonders. The only major blip at the moment was the delights of a day with my mother.
Right on cue, the bedroom door opened. ‘Ah, there’s the two of you. The divorcee and the pregnant one. I couldn’t be prouder.’
I gritted my teeth and fought the urge to correct her appalling grammar. ‘Hello, Mother. You made it! And here was me thinking the wedding car would be making a stop at the pub to collect you en route.’
She scowled at me. ‘I’ve no idea what you’re talking about.’
‘Come on, Jess,’ I said. ‘It’s nearly time to say, “I do”. Are you ready?’
‘I’m ready.’ Her eyes shone brightly as she stood up and flounced out her skirts.
‘You don’t look too fat in that dress,’ Mother said.
‘I’m not fat. I’m pregnant.’
Mother shrugged. ‘Same thing. Your body’s ruined for life now.’
I reached for Jess’s hand. ‘I think she looks stunning and, as her mother, you should be telling her that.’
Mother cleared her throat and, for once in her life, I thought an apology might be on its way or perhaps even a compliment. But that would have been far too much to expect. ‘That colour you’re wearing,’ she said, pointing at my dress. ‘What is that?’