Better late THAN NEVER

Hilary was stunned and puzzled. Why had her friend kept such a big secret?

What!’ Hilary gasped as she glanced at her phone. Dave looked up and came to stand behind her. ‘Peter and Pam have announced their engagement!’ ‘The Bradshaws?’ ‘Yes. Is it some kind of joke?’ Hilary asked.

‘Perhaps they just never got around to getting married,’ Dave said, clearly losing interest.

‘But we’ve known them for 20-odd years. Our boys grew up together.’

‘It’s their business,’ said Dave, picking up his coffee and the paper, and going over to sit by the window. Hilary stared at her phone in disbelief.

‘Have you replied then?’ Dave asked.

‘What should I say? That we’re pleased, or shocked?’ She was doing her best to keep back the tears. ‘You probably think I’m stupid, but it feels like a betrayal.’

‘I think you’re overreacting, but then you and Pam are close. Just say congratulations and be done with it.’

Hilary took her husband’s advice and sent their congrats. She wanted to add the well-known fact that she’d never been a bridesmaid!

Later, while preparing tea, Hilary was still stunned by her friend’s announcement.

‘I can’t believe Pam never said anything,’ she said.

‘How many people have you actually told that we are married?’ Dave asked.

Hilary went to answer, but stopped. ‘OK, probably none, but I have mentioned our anniversary meal or that you bought me some flowers.’

‘And would you remember if Pam had ever said anything similar to that?’

‘I don’t suppose so,’ she conceded. ‘Come to think of it, she doesn’t have any wedding photos on display.’

‘Nor do we,’ Dave reminded her. ‘Perhaps our friends will now speculate as to whether we’re married or not.’

‘You know that it’s only because we couldn’t afford a professional photographer and the snaps we do have aren’t very good. My one regret.’

‘So, what’s the big deal?’

‘I guess I feel cheated. We’ve been friends for a long time. I thought I knew her, but clearly I don’t. It’s upset me.’

As March turned into April, Hilary received another message from the Bradshaws.

‘It says they’ve gone away to a secret destination for a simple wedding celebration.’

‘Good for them!’ Dave said. ‘They’ve sent a photo. They’re on a beach somewhere, and it isn’t Blackpool!’

‘Lucky things!’ Dave looked at the picture. ‘Some Caribbean island, by the looks of it. I wonder if they took the lads?’

‘I don’t think so. Ben’s a teacher and it’s not school holidays, and Joe’s wife is heavily pregnant.’

‘So that’s cleared up that mystery,’ added Dave.

‘Perhaps it was the imminent arrival of their first grandchild that’s prompted them,’ Hilary mused.

‘It’s probably more for practical or financial reasons,’ Dave said. ‘I mean, if one of them dies…’

‘You don’t think Pam’s ill, do you?’

‘No,’ Dave said quickly.

‘Nor Peter, but it would be the sensible thing to do, and he never was much of a romantic!’

‘A Caribbean island is romantic, though,’ Hilary replied, studying the simple white dress her friend was wearing. It had a bodice embroidered with flowers and she was carrying a bouquet of orchids.

Suppose it’s too late to be your bridesmaid now! she texted, along with a sad face emoji.

‘It’s ironic too,’ she said aloud. ‘With Easter approaching, time off, and no plans. I could have done it.’

A moment later she received a reply… April fool!

‘No!’ groaned Hilary. ‘You wait until I see her.’

‘She got you good and proper,’ Dave laughed, giving her a hug.

‘You knew, Dave?’ Hilary was incredulous.

‘There’s more.’ Dave led her into their bedroom.

Two cases had miraculously appeared, brought down from the attic, and on the top of hers lay a lilac envelope.

Inside was a note from Pam, an invitation and two airplane tickets.

Hilary gasped. ‘I’m the fool! They are getting married, but not until next week. She’s asked me to fly out and be her bridesmaid!’

Happy tears began to run down her cheeks. ‘I suppose you knew that all along?’

‘We better pack,’ Dave grinned. ‘A taxi is coming to pick us up later. And don’t worry, Pam’s already bought you sun cream and a choice of bridesmaid dresses! See, she is a good friend, after all.’

Dave passed Hilary the box of tissues.

‘And, I may not be much of a romantic either,’ he smiled. ‘But I have organised a professional photographer. I thought we could renew our vows so we can have a photo to put on the mantelpiece? Better late than never?’

THE END

Sarah Swatridge

‘I guess I feel cheated’