Christmas Eve
CHRISTMAS EVE
ONE YEAR LATER
The first official wedding held at Bancroft Manor is mine and Ryan’s. It’s an informal affair, because the last time I had a big fancy one it didn’t work out so well.
Today, it is just me, Ryan – and a village full of our closest friends. I’m wearing a beautiful, pale-green sheath dress from the room upstairs, and he is in a suit. It’s the first time I’ve seen him in one, and I feel a familiar rush of heat at how good he looks.
My parents are here, along with Suzie and her boys. I’ve only seen them once in the last year, when I flew home to take care of things. When I told my mom and sister what my new life plan was, I’d expected mockery or stern advice – but they were actually delighted for me. There were even a few tears – the happy kind.
Deirdre’s crowd from Cork have all flown over, and my family are planning a trip to stay with them in the new year.
The ballroom is packed with Murphys and O’Haras and the rest of my extended Irish family. June has flown over, and brought a surprise guest – a life-sized cardboard cut-out of Hugh Grant in his Four Weddings era, who is standing next to her.
Charles got his investment, more than he’d even asked for, and Bancroft Manor has been transformed. Bookings for the year ahead are looking good, and I should know – I manage the place. Charles is thrilled, and has also started his archaeological dig. Today, he is accompanied by his new friend Charlotte, a consultant archaeologist he’s hired to help. I suspect she’s interested in more than ancient artefacts, and I can’t say that I blame her – Charles is as dashing as ever in his tailored tux.
Georgie is on the piano as my dad and I walk down to the front of the ballroom, playing her version of ‘It’s A Wonderful World’, her hair a golden sheen down her back.
I nod to everyone we pass – to Eileen in her fancy hat, to Orla and Cormac, to Mary Catherine and her tribe. To Eejit and Jasper, sitting near the front with Allegra and Roberts.
The room is full of friendship and love, and I can’t help agreeing with the music – it is truly a wonderful world.
I wish that Nanna Nora was here with us, but I can’t help feeling that in some way, she is. She’s raising a wine glass of Guinness to us, and making a toast.
My dad and I finish our long walk, and I stand looking up at my handsome man. He is no longer the playboy, and I am no longer the girl who was dumped. We are something new now – something stronger.
Ryan gives me the grin. The feral one that always went straight to my belly. It still does, but these days, there’s so much more to it. These days, there is love.
I gaze into his eyes as the service begins, and I have absolutely no doubt that I am doing the right thing. Absolutely no doubt that this is forever.
Absolutely no doubt that I followed my heart, and it led me home.
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