Chapter 7
Alice
Alice gazed at herself in the full-length silver mirror in the wedding shop. Her long crimson bridesmaid dress fitted her tall slim frame perfectly. She had never felt so pretty.
Lottie poured some champagne at a nearby table. ‘It doesn’t look like you need any more alterations done, Alice.’
Alice glanced at the hem. ‘I agree. I think I’m ready.’ She turned to Ginny. ‘How about you, Gin?’
Ginny was checking out a row of shoes. ‘I can’t see myself losing any more baby weight before the wedding, so I’ll stick with this size. I’m going to pick the four-inch heels though. Help give me some height.’
Alice pointed at the flat pair. ‘I’ll take those, then we’ll level out a bit in the photos.’
Ginny laughed. ‘You’ll still be taller than me, Al. Everyone’s taller than me.’
‘Have you forgotten I’m in a wheelchair,’ said Lottie, tapping her push rim.
Ginny took the glass of bubbly Lottie offered. ‘Yeah, but you said you’re going to use the chair that stands you upright.’
Lottie smiled. ‘Only for going down the aisle. It shows off my dress better.’
Alice stepped away from the mirror. ‘Good luck to you, Gin, wearing high heels all day. Honestly, I’m taking my slippers to change into once the lights go down and the party starts.’
Ginny raised her glass. ‘That’s a good idea, chick.’
Lottie beamed. ‘How exciting is it that our Soph is getting married?’
‘I’m so glad she met Matt,’ said Alice. ‘She deserves happiness.’
‘Thank you,’ came Sophie’s voice from behind thick cream drapes.
‘You ready yet?’ asked Ginny, stepping closer to the changing area.
‘One sec,’ called back Sophie.
Ginny turned to Lottie. ‘Are you sure you want to do everyone’s hair and makeup on the day? We can always hire someone so you can just focus on yourself.’
‘I love doing hair and makeup.’ Lottie quirked an eyebrow beneath her full fringe. ‘I was winner of Miss South-West Beauty Pageant, three years in a row, remember. If anyone knows how to apply foundation correctly, it’s me.’
Alice glanced once more in the mirror. ‘I’d love to be Miss Port Berry.’ She looked at Lottie, sipping champagne. ‘What was it like, Lott, representing your hometown in the competition?’
‘Nerve-wracking at first, but then I got used to it. You tend to see a lot of the same faces in those contests, so I made a few friends during that time.’
‘You should enter again,’ said Ginny, trying on cherry-red shoes.
Lottie scrunched her nose. ‘Nah, I prefer entering charity races now. Plus, I have my art. And my gorgeous nephew keeps me busy.’
Alice cooed. ‘Aw, how is Archie? I can’t believe he’s one already. This year has flown by.’
Lottie smiled. ‘He’s doing great. Keeps Spencer on his toes. Oh, I can’t wait to see Archie in his little pageboy suit.’
Ginny nodded. ‘Robert has one too. It’s beyond adorable.’
Alice ran a finger along the smooth texture of a shoe while thinking how wonderful it would be to have a baby.
It wasn’t something she mulled over too often, as Benny was her child, so she never felt she was missing out on motherhood, but with Jamie back in her life full time, lots of locked away feelings were starting to creep through.
‘Your Benny will look a beaut as an usher, eh, chick?’ Ginny nudged Alice out of her trance.
‘Yes, he’s so excited. But he won’t tell me a thing about his outfit. Said I have to wait until the big day.’
‘Speaking of which.’ Ginny turned to the curtain. ‘How’s it going, Soph?’
The assistant pulled back the drape and Sophie stepped out, looking every bit the blushing bride.
The ladies all cooed as Sophie headed for the mirror, with the assistant splaying out the bottom of the floaty white dress.
‘Oh, chick, you look amazing.’ Ginny swiped away a tear, and Alice hugged her.
‘I feel like a princess,’ said Sophie, holding up her dark hair for the assistant to clip in place. Her green eyes sparkled at her friends. ‘And you all look so pretty.’
Alice picked up a champagne flute and handed it to Sophie. ‘Let’s have a toast.’
Everyone raised their glasses.
‘To love,’ said Alice. ‘And every happily ever after.’
‘Cheers,’ said Lottie.
The women laughed, then huddled together at the mirror.
‘I love you lot.’ Sophie sounded slightly choked.
‘We love you too,’ said Alice, water filling her eyes.
Ginny sat down on a cream loveseat. ‘Have you decided on a honeymoon spot yet?’
Sophie nodded, turning so the assistant could pin the hem. ‘Grandad is sailing us over to France on Samuel’s yacht, then we’re touring the country for a few weeks in a campervan.’
‘Ooh, lovely,’ said Alice.
Ginny chuckled. ‘I reckon Jed will be in his element on that beauty.’
Lottie smiled. ‘Sam wants to do the same thing one day. We’re hoping to sail over to France next summer.’
‘We’re not going till after Christmas though,’ said Sophie. ‘We want to spend that with Grandad.’
‘Will you be shutting up shop?’ asked Ginny.
‘No. We’ve arranged a roster while we’re away. Beth is helping while the schools are closed for the holiday, even though I told her teachers should put their feet up. But it was her idea. Plus, we have Demi, Robson, and Samuel all signed up.’
Lottie laughed. ‘I can’t wait to see Sam behind the counter, selling fish. He reckons he’s looking forward to being a fishmonger, but I told him there are skills to gutting fish.’
‘Grandad will do that part,’ said Sophie. ‘Everyone else will just be shop assistants.’
‘Sea Shanty Shack won’t be the same without you, Soph,’ said Ginny. ‘But I’m sure your temp staff will cope.’
Sophie nodded. ‘I have great faith all will be fine. Besides, Grandad could run that place blindfolded with one hand tied behind his back. And Robson’s helped out before. Plus, he and Demi have hygiene and health-and-safety certificates under their belts.’
Alice raised her glass as she swirled. ‘So, no more talk of fish, this is our last dress fitting. Let’s speak about all things romantic.’
‘Hmm,’ said Lottie. ‘Like you and Jamie.’
Alice stopped spinning. ‘There is no me and Jamie.’
Lottie widened her eyes. ‘Please try to remember we grew up together. I know you always had a thing for him.’ She glanced at Ginny. ‘In fact, it’s quite possible you were the only true friend he ever had.’
‘Well, that doesn’t mean we have a thing now.’ Alice downed the rest of her drink and sat on a velvet-covered chair.
‘You’ve let him move in with you,’ said Lottie.
‘He’s got one of the rooms, not my room.’
Lottie’s face held a sympathetic look. ‘Just be careful.’
Sophie approached them as the shop assistant went out back. ‘I thought we were all about giving people second chances. It’s why we set up the Happy to Help Hub, right?’
Ginny nodded.
‘So, I think we should do our best to help Jamie settle back here, as I can only imagine how alone he must be feeling,’ she continued.
Lottie sighed. ‘You’re right, Soph. And I will make more of an effort when I see him.’ She turned to Alice. ‘He came in my shop and apologized for smashing the window way back when. He did seem different. Just in the way he carried himself, you know.’
‘Life has a way of changing us,’ said Ginny.
‘Okay, I have an idea.’ Lottie reached for Alice’s hand. ‘How about we invite him for dinner with us at the pub one evening?’
Alice warmed at her friends’ kindness. They all knew about Jamie’s past, so she understood their concerns, but as Sophie had reminded everyone, they had created a Hub designed to give people a second chance or a helping hand.
‘I’ll ask him. See if he’s up for a mingle.’ Alice smiled a thank you at Sophie. ‘Now, let’s get back to this wedding.’