SERIAL Happy Is The Bride by Laura Tapper
The big day was almost here! But could Toby’s plans make everyone happy?
BUDDY dashed from one person to the other, beside himself with excitement and jumping up at anyone who showed an interest in him.
“You are gorgeous.” Cheryl bent over in the armchair to ruffle the little dog’s ears.
Buddy rolled over on to his back to better enjoy the fuss.
“Thank you all for coming.” Toby spoke firmly from where he was standing by the hearth.
Elaine quickly placed the tray on the coffee table and settled herself next to Heather on the settee.
“I’m sure you’re all wondering what this is about. I didn’t want to talk to you individually, because that seemed unfair.”
Cheryl had never seen Toby behave in this way before.
She wondered if even Heather knew what was about to happen.
Looking across at her daughter, there were no clues from her expression.
“As you know, Heather and I went to see the Prince’s Trust about our plan.
“I’m pleased to say that they were very encouraging.”
“That’s great news, Toby.” Steven smiled approvingly. “Cheryl and I have discussed the project some more and we think
it’s a really positive way to secure the Hall’s future.”
“I’m glad. We’re going to need all your expertise and your planning skills with the building conversions.” He nodded to them both. He turned to his mother. “Of course, your advice will be essential, too, Mum, on the education side.”
“I’ll be only too glad to help where I can, son – you know that.”
Elaine leaned towards Heather.
“Let’s face it, we’ve already seen what a difference it can make.
“I’ll be spreading the word far and wide to other schools about that, as well.”
There was a pause while Toby considered his next words.
Buddy, having given up on getting more cuddles from Cheryl, turned round and round on the same bit of rug next to her chair and then flopped down.
Clearly, as far as Buddy was concerned, everything was settled, but Cheryl could see from Toby’s face that there was something much bigger still to come.
“Steven, what would you say has been the best thing about being married?”
Cheryl’s eyes widened and her head whipped round to look at her silver-haired husband, who was clearly surprised.
However, he turned and met her gaze steadily.
“Sharing my life with someone – all the ups and the downs – to laugh with and love every day.” He looked back at Toby. “Don’t get me wrong, high days and holidays are great, too, but somehow it’s the accumulation of ordinary times that make a marriage special.”
He turned to wink at his daughter.
“And then we were lucky enough to have Heather, to top it all off.”
Cheryl’s eyes filled with tears and she could see that Elaine’s had, too.
How cruel for her to have been denied all those years with the man she loved.
“After our meeting with the Prince’s Trust, Heather felt that we have too much to organise for the business and the flat conversion to be able to sort a wedding as well. She’s right.
“But you all know that a marriage is about being together, supporting each other and loving one another.
“We don’t need a big wedding to do that.
“So I have a new proposal, which I hope you will all be prepared to talk over today – especially you, Heather.
“I don’t want us to wait a minute longer to be married than we have to.” He took her hand. “Let’s not put off our happiness until all the hard work is done.
“Let’s make ourselves a team officially and do the hard work together.”
Within moments, Buddy was up and racing around the room again as a spontaneous round of applause burst out.
Cheryl could see why Heather had fallen in love with Toby, and his commitment to her was every bit as strong as Steven’s had been when he went against the Bertwell family wishes all those years ago.
By the end of the afternoon, it was agreed that a small ceremony would be organised in the parish church as soon as was practical.
Following that, the couple would live with Elaine for as long as it took for their flat to be created at the Hall.
After they’d said their goodbyes, Steven held the passenger door open for Cheryl and, as she sat down, he leaned in and kissed her.
“Have I ever told you how proud I am to have you as my wife?”
There was no doubt about it – even after all these years, Cheryl was a lucky woman.
“So . . . Mum tells me the parish church is where it’s at, then?”
Darren made as if to ruffle Toby’s hair and then, at the last minute, poked him in the ribs instead.
“You get me every time.”
Toby groaned, rubbing his side ruefully.
Seeing his nephew giggling, Toby scooped Taylor off his feet and dangled him upside down, wriggling and squealing.
“I don’t know what you’re laughing at. You’ll soon be the best man’s best man at a very small but important occasion.”
He turned the boy back up the right way and set him down on the lawn.
Taylor immediately ran up to the front door and started banging on it, calling for Nanny Green to come and save him.
“I’m afraid you’ve got no hope there, Taylor – Nanny Green just popped out for a little while, so I’m the best protection there is.” Heather shielded him.
“Will I still get to be a bridesmaid if you have a little wedding?” Jasmine’s gaze was as direct as her words.
“Only I’ve told all my friends now.”
Heather suppressed her smile.
It was easy to see how Elaine might have spoken to her granddaughter in a way which had been misconstrued by Sophie.
She crouched down to speak quietly to her.
“Well, it will be a different sort of wedding, but I will definitely need somebody to hold my flowers.
“I’m certain that your mum will make sure you have a lovely dress, so it’s almost the same thing.”
Jasmine nodded, her expression serious.
“When I get married, I’ll have my wedding at Ardleton Hall. You’ll be my auntie by then.”
“Good plan.” Heather stood back up and bit the inside of her cheek to stop herself laughing.
The idea of a do at the Hall just didn’t want to go away!
She opened the front door of the cottage and led them all through to the kitchen, where there was the delicious smell of chicken casserole.
When everyone had washed their hands and settled around the table, Heather dished up and they discussed the altered plans for the wedding.
“Did you mean what you said to Taylor about me being best man, even with all the trouble?”
For once Darren’s tone was earnest.
“I thought I might have blown my chances after the other week.”
Toby shook his head.
The idea of a do at the Hall just didn’t want to go away!
“There’s no way I could stand up in that church without you by my side.
“We may not always see eye to eye, but you’re family.”
Sitting at the top of the table, Heather blinked to clear her misted vision.
How dearly she would have loved to have had a sibling to inherit the Hall, leaving her and Toby free to choose their own path.
Looking at the two men in front of her, she could see the respect they had for each other, the love that bound them together.
It was a bond that she couldn’t fully understand and, at that moment, she envied them.
Elaine’s finger hovered over the white button.
Knowing that she mustn’t waste this opportunity, she took a deep breath and pressed it.
An electronic version of the Westminster Chimes echoed on the other side of the door.
“Elaine!”
Shock was written all over Sophie’s face.
“Darren and the children are visiting you. I’m supposed to be at my Pilates class.”
“One of the TAS at my school goes to the same class – I knew it was cancelled.
“I left before Darren got to my house. He doesn’t know I’m here.” Elaine spoke calmly.
“Can I come in,
Sophie? It’s time we had a talk.”
The younger woman stepped aside to allow Elaine to enter, and then followed her mother-in-law into the lounge.
They perched awkwardly on the edges of two armchairs so that they could face each other.
“First of all, Sophie, I want to say that I should have done this a long time ago and I have no idea why I didn’t think of it.”
Elaine shook her head at herself and sighed.
“Being a mother is such a difficult job and, believe you me, it hasn’t got any easier over the years.
“I thought that teething, potty training and tantrums were going to be the only things I could make mistakes with – that once they were past, everything would get simpler – but it doesn’t work that way.”
Her fingers worked nervously.
“The older they get, the more complicated their feelings and problems are.
“I find myself wishing we were back in the times when a bit of paracetamol, a cuddle and an early bedtime would sort out almost anything.”
Sophie sat completely still, making no attempt to interrupt.
“I guess what I’m trying to say is that, if I have ever given you the impression that I am anything less than in awe of your abilities as a mother, then I will have to add it to the long list of my mistakes, because nothing could be further from the truth.” She nodded earnestly. “You have brought into the world two of the most precious people in my life.
“You are doing a wonderful job of bringing them up, without the benefit of having your own family nearby – a sacrifice you made for me.
“I am impressed by you, grateful to you and, above all, sorry that I upset you.”
Elaine’s voice faltered and her gaze dropped to her hands, which were fidgeting in her lap.
“I think we mothers have a tough enough job and we ought to stick together.”
The room was quiet, apart from the ticking of the clock above the fire.
At the sound of sniffing, Elaine looked up to find Sophie awash with tears and searching for a tissue.
She found a pocket pack in her bag and offered them to her daughter-inlaw, who took one gratefully.
“It’s me who should apologise, Elaine.
“You’ve always seemed so on top of everything, bringing up the boys on your own and being a teacher. I don’t know how you did it.
“I’m always chasing my tail and Jasmine is a real madam at times. That’s why what you said stung.”
Sophie looked up at Elaine desolately.
“I’m not sure I’m cut out for it all. When Mum visits, she takes over for a week and then goes away again.
“It helps at the time, but it makes me feel worse in the long run.”
Sophie’s shoulders dropped and she breathed out heavily.
“I don’t know what to think any more.”
There was quiet again for a couple of moments and then Sophie stood up.
“Actually, I tell you what I do know.” She held out her hand to Elaine.
“There are two young children, and two boys who aren’t as grown up as they’d like to think, over at your place right now who would be thrilled to know that we finally understand each other.”
Elaine’s heart flipped over as Sophie gave her a slightly watery smile.
“You’re right, Elaine, we should be a team.
“If you can forgive me, I am more than happy to forgive you.”
The two women embraced and there were tears again on both sides – happy ones.
“In that case,” Elaine said, “I think we’d better get over there before all the apple-pie is gone.”
“There’s my girl.” Heather paused at the turn of the stairs as her father spoke.
“You look stunning!” She carried on down the steps, her hand lightly on the rail, the nervous flutter in her chest calming slightly now that someone had seen her outfit.
Until that moment, it had remained a secret, even from her mother.
As she walked through to the formal dining-room with her father, she knew she’d chosen well.
It was a comfortable dress to move in: tea-length and A-line in satin, with a V-neck and capped sleeves.
There was a lace overlay on the bodice and a wide band with some simple beading defining her waist.
She’d dressed her own hair in a loose knot and done her make-up herself.
She wanted Toby to be marrying the woman he fell in love with, not a version of her created by experts for photographs.
“Heather!” Steven called her name and, as she turned to look at him, he took her picture. “Perfect! The first of many today.”
They surveyed the table, which was laid for afternoon tea.
Cheryl, Heather and Elaine had been baking and preparing for the last couple of days, so all the food was ready and waiting in the fridge and larder.
The table was decorated with flowers they had arranged and everything else was set out for when the family returned from the ceremony.
“Mum’s done a wonderful job with this.”
Heather slipped her arm through her father’s and squeezed it.
“I know it’s not the ‘big do’ she hoped for, but she’s pulled out all the stops.”
“Oh, she’s really enjoyed being such a big part of it,” Steven reassured her.
“Last night, she said how nice it’s been to do everything herself rather than buying it all in from other people. There’s more love in it.”
“That’s beautiful . . .” Heather’s voice cracked.
Steven immediately turned and took her hands.
“No tears. You’ll start me off and nobody wants to see the father of the bride blubbering down the aisle.” He cleared his throat. “Now, unless you want to frighten poor Toby to death, we’d better get a move on.”
Heather flapped her hand slightly in front of her face to waft away the tears. “Right – let’s go.”
She left Ardleton Hall for the last time as Heather Bertwell in a trap drawn by Thistle, on loan from the stables where she taught riding.
There were ribbons and flowers on just about everything and the people they passed on the way to the town stopped and waved in the autumn sunshine, wishing her well.
As they rounded the corner into Church Street, the bells rang out and Heather turned to her father, open-mouthed.
“I know you said no fuss, but I couldn’t resist.” Steven shrugged apologetically.
“Those bells have sounded every Thursday evening and Sunday morning since I was born.
“Besides, I knew it would mean a lot to Elaine.”
Heather thought about Michael, Toby’s father, whose ashes were buried in the churchyard, marked by a small plaque.
She wished she’d had the chance to meet him and hoped that he would have approved of his son’s choice of wife.
When they arrived at St Martin’s, they found quite a large gathering on the pavement outside and in the gardens by the war memorial.
People came out from the cafés to watch the bride’s arrival. Heather began to feel like royalty.
She even gave a shy wave, at which point the assembled crowd cheered.
Steven offered her his hand to help her down from the trap.
Jasmine was waiting for her in a lavender dress, carrying a posy of flowers.
“You look pretty as a picture.”
Heather gave the little
girl a hug and then got her phone from her dad’s pocket, taking a selfie of the two of them squeezed up together.
Reverend Simon greeted them warmly and they knew that there were only moments before Heather would take one of the most important walks of her life.
“Ready?” Steven whispered.
Heather nodded, her eyes sparkling. “Absolutely.”
The organist began “The March Of The Toy Soldiers” from Tchaikovsky’s “Nutcracker Suite”.
It was Steven’s turn to look at his daughter with raised eyebrows.
“You’re not the only one with a few surprises up their sleeve.” Heather giggled.
“I thought we’d like to remember my first ballet performance – even if I did have two left feet.
“After all, you are giving away your little girl today.”
Steven swallowed hard and held her close.
Then, remembering he had a job to do, he held out his arm.
Heather took it and they made their way towards Toby at the front of the church, who was looking nervously over his shoulder.
Darren stood next to his brother, grinning from ear to ear, and as soon as he caught sight of the bride, he gave her a huge wink.
“I know exactly why Toby was so in favour of a small wedding.” Darren glanced around the table, pausing for dramatic effect.
Heather could feel her husband squirm nervously.
“Otherwise all our mates from school would have been queuing up to spill the beans on everything we got up to when Mum trusted us to be at homework club.”
There was a laugh as Elaine shook her head at both her boys.
“I was never fooled for a minute.
“It would have been difficult for you to get that many grass stains on your trousers doing algebra.”
She looked across to
Heather, laughing.
“I wouldn’t have minded so much if all that unscheduled football practice had got either of them into the school team.”
Darren cleared his throat and everyone returned their attention to him.
“Anyway, I was chuffed to bits when Toby asked me to stand up with him and, when I got around to writing my speech, I couldn’t decide what I should say.
“There’s probably loads I shouldn’t include – especially not in front of his in-laws, now that he’s going to be living with them – but how could I sum up Toby in a few sentences?
“So I sat down with a notepad and thought for longer than I’ve thought about anything.” Sophie cut in.
“Even longer than it takes him to decide what flavour of ice-cream to have when we go to that place on the seafront in Cromer!”
Jasmine and Taylor groaned and Darren gave them a look.
“Can we all stop interrupting, please?
“Anyway, after a lot of consideration, I realised that the answer was written on the top of the page all along: ‘Best Man Speech’.
“Although I’ve been given that job title today, it really belongs to Toby.
“He’s been the best man to stay with Mum and watch over her for all these years while I’ve been busy building a family.
“He’ll be the best man to help create a new environmentally responsible business which will offer education and put Ardleton on the map.
“And he is definitely the best man Heather could have chosen to marry.
“I know that if there’s one man I’d always want to pick for my team, it would be my little brother.”
Darren grinned over at Heather.
“Although he is seriously punching above his weight.”
On the table were glasses of prosecco and Darren picked one up.
“All sorts of traditions have been broken today, not least the throwing of the bridal bouquet – and I know Mum is touched that you chose to leave that where you did, Heather.
“So, instead of drinking to the bridesmaid, or to the bride and groom, I propose a toast to all of us.
“May we live long and happily as one united family!
“Thank you, Toby and Heather for bringing us together. To all of us!”
Everyone raised their glasses and repeated the toast.
There was a round of applause, the two brothers hugged and the chatter around the table resumed.
In all, there were fourteen people enjoying the tea.
Cheryl’s mother and father had come up from London, along with an aunt.
Sophie’s parents had travelled from Worcester to attend and Heather felt pleased that she had thought to invite them.
It was important for the whole family to be united.
“Is it time to cut the cake, yet?”
Taylor nudged Heather’s elbow, having got out of his seat and crept around the table specifically for that purpose.
“I suppose I ought to ask my husband.” Heather’s cheeks ached from smiling.
She looked enquiringly at him.
“What do you think?” “Definitely! Mum’s signature chocolate fudge cake – I can hardly wait.”
They went over to the end of the table where the cake was displayed.
It was large and square, with rich chocolate icing made to look like soil, and on the top, there was a whole range of vegetables formed from coloured marzipan and laid out in planted rows.
In one corner, almost like a pair of smartly dressed scarecrows, were the bride and groom, looking uncannily like Heather and Toby.
It had been Elaine’s surprise contribution.
When Heather had seen it for the first time, she hadn’t believed her eyes.
Finally, afternoon tea was done and they all felt it was time to walk a bit of it off in the grounds before the light failed them and they had to set off for home.
Heather went to find her coat and took the opportunity to have a moment alone with Cheryl.
“It’s been a fabulous day, Mum. I can’t thank you enough.”
She kissed Cheryl’s cheek and then hugged her.
“You’ve looked full of joy all day and that’s what every mother wants.” Cheryl rubbed her daughter’s back as they embraced.
“And now it’s time for my surprise.”
She let go of Heather and handed her an envelope.
Inside, there was a booking confirmation for a two-night stay in a very smart hotel in Cromer.
“I know you were happy enough to stay at Elaine’s tonight and that you weren’t bothered about a honeymoon, but I thought it would be nice for you to have a couple of nights where you got engaged.”
Heather began to speak, but Cheryl held up a hand.
“Let me do this. I can be every bit as stubborn as you, my girl.
“In fact, I think you might get it from me.”
She stroked her daughter’s hair.
“Much as you get on well with Elaine and with us, I know how it is to live with your family.
“There are times when you want to have a bit of space to yourself.
“I think tonight is one of them. Go and have a bit of romance before the hard work starts in earnest.” “Thanks Mum.”
They hugged again and then went out to join the others, and finish what had been a beautiful wedding celebration.
“Buddy! Did you feel left out?”
Jasmine crouched down in Elaine’s lounge, holding the little dog’s cheeks and letting him lick her face.
“You’re like Cinderella, left behind all by yourself.”