Chapter 37
Alice
Alice couldn’t believe it. She was going to be a proper bride. Her idea of one at least. No sneaking around. No empty seats behind them. No worrying what her mother would say if she found out.
The room that she had given to Jamie when he first arrived at the B&B was now strewn with clothes and makeup and wedding flowers. Some of her friends were downstairs, the others in the room with her, faffing and making a fuss.
‘I am so glad we tried on those wedding dresses in the shop now,’ said Ginny, unzipping a large garment bag hanging on the wardrobe door. ‘And that the dressmaker knew your size from the bridesmaid fitting. Sophie got in touch with her straight away, she was that excited you were getting hitched.’
Lizzie gasped as the white satin-and-lace dress came into view. ‘Wow, that’s a beauty.’
‘It was Alice’s favourite in the shop,’ said Ginny.
‘But it cost a small fortune.’ Alice stepped towards it, finding it hard to believe it was hers.
‘Jamie sold those action figures he’d had since childhood,’ said Lizzie. ‘He wanted to give you the best day he could.’
Ginny took the dress out of the bag. ‘And we’ve added wedding cake to our Christmas dinner menu at the pub. So, we’re sorted there.’
Lizzie held Alice’s arm. ‘And there is a wedding car waiting downstairs to take you to the church.’
Alice rushed to the balcony to have a peek. ‘Oh, it’s beautiful.’
‘Vintage and cream,’ said Ginny. ‘See, this is what happens when you talk weddings at a fitting. We got to hear how we’d all like our wedding day to be.’
‘And you told Jamie.’ Alice grinned as Ginny shrugged.
‘Well, he did ask.’
Alice let out a little squeal of delight. ‘Ooh, I can’t believe this is happening.’
Ginny held the dress up to Alice. ‘I’ve never been to a renewing of vows before. Do you know what you’re going to say, chick?’
Alice stopped smiling. ‘No! I haven’t had time to eat, let alone think.’
‘Speaking of which,’ said Lizzie, bringing over a plate filled with sliced banana. She popped one in Alice’s mouth. ‘I’ll get you fed. You’ve got a big day.’
‘Yes, I’m normally in the pub by twelve, helping Robson.’
‘Well, not today, chick.’ Ginny waggled the dress hanger. ‘Come on, the others will be heading for the church in a minute. Let’s get you ready, and you can nibble on food and write your vows in your head.’
‘We have a half an hour slot.’ Alice chewed her lip. ‘Best keep it short.’
‘Did you say much last time?’ asked Ginny.
‘No. Just the usual lines. It was over within minutes, and we didn’t take photos.’
Lizzie peered out the window. ‘You’ve got a photographer this time, love. That part of the wedding is on me.’
‘Aww, thanks, Mum.’
‘Yeah, well, I wanted to pay for something.’
Alice smiled. ‘Did you get a mother-of-the-bride outfit?’
‘Too right I did. I’m off to get dressed now. See you in a bit.’
Alice beamed at Ginny as Lizzie left. ‘Gin, this feels surreal.’
‘Usually does when dreams come true.’
Alice sat on the bed, delaying wearing the gorgeous dress. She just wanted to stare at it a little longer. ‘I never expected any of this. I didn’t even know Jamie would be here for Christmas, let alone anything else.’
‘But you’re happy, right?’
‘More than I knew was possible. I just wish Jamie and I had this happiness all throughout our relationship.’ Alice scoffed. ‘Not sure that’s the right word to use. I don’t think there is a word for us. We just have a bond that doesn’t go away.’
‘I think that’s called love.’
Alice smiled as Ginny tugged her up to get dressed. ‘All right, all right, I’ll get ready. Let me take it slowly. I want to remember everything.’
Ginny helped her into the wedding dress. ‘You will remember the lot. You probably remember every moment you’ve shared with Jamie.’
There had been many moments over the years. Even though Jamie had chosen wrong roads to travel, when he had spent time with her, there’d been a lot of smiles.
‘He’s part of me, Gin.’
‘Yeah, I can see that.’ Ginny nudged her arm, snapping her out of her daze.
‘So, let’s get you down the aisle.’ She gave Alice the once over, nodding her approval.
‘You’re certainly a beaut, Alice Dipple.
Oops, Stark. I’ll get used to it at some point.
’ Ginny laughed, heading for the door. ‘Get your shoes on and come down so Lottie can make you up.’
‘I’ll be down in a sec.’
Ginny smiled warmly before leaving.
Alice went over to the window to stare at the sea. A place she’d stood many times, not realizing she’d one day be standing there in her wedding dress feeling overwhelmed by love.
Glancing down at her bare wedding finger, she stroked over her cool skin, knowing soon a gold band would cover the area, and she could shout from the rooftops that Jamie Stark was her husband.
‘Bloody hell,’ she whispered.
She heard her mum call, so composed herself and went downstairs. Benny was in the foyer, wearing a dark-blue suit with a red carnation in the buttonhole.
‘Oh, Benny, you look handsome.’
‘I’m here to walk you down the aisle, Mum.’
Alice placed a hand over her heart. ‘I was going to walk down by myself.’
‘You still can if you want.’
Alice shook her head. ‘No. Not now I know you’re offering.’
Lottie was in the dining room with her makeup collection set out on a table. ‘Get a wriggle on, Alice. We’ve got to leave soon to make it on time.’
Alice quickly sat, wondering where Jamie was.
As if reading her mind, Lizzie said, ‘Everyone’s at the church. Sam’s just outside waiting to take Lottie, and Ginny’s going with them, then it’s you, me, and Benny in the car.’
‘Where’s Nan?’
‘She wanted to be at the church when you arrive.’ Lizzie went off to ask the photographer to take some pictures of Benny by the car.
Lottie finished Alice’s makeup, then tied up some of her hair, leaving some loose strands dangling down the sides. ‘I always like this look on you, Al.’ She raised a hand mirror.
‘Ooh, I look lovely. Thanks, Lott.’
Lottie handed over a red bouquet and smiled. ‘You look beautiful. Now, let’s get going, else Jamie will think you’ve jilted him.’
‘Not sure I can if we’re already married.’ Alice grinned as she headed for the vintage car, stopping for photos before they all went to the church.
‘It’s nice that you’ve got some light snow for your day,’ said Lizzie as they pulled up in the car park. ‘Magical.’
Luna was waiting in the entrance and came over to admire Alice as she stepped out of the car, stopping for more photos. ‘What a vision you are, Alice.’
‘Thanks, Nan.’
‘He’s a lucky man, that Jamie Stark.’ Luna gestured towards the aisle.
‘Is he there, Nan?’
‘Yep, looking as nervous as any groom.’
Alice could imagine. She waited patiently for her grandmother, mother, and friends to head inside, before taking Benny’s arm and a deep breath.
‘Ready, Mum?’
She smiled into his gentle blue eyes. ‘I am.’
Everyone Alice cared about was there, up front, looking as excited as she felt as Benny walked her down the poinsettia-lined aisle while soft music played.
There was a dreamy expression about Jamie, standing at the altar, with Will at his side. Alice melted on seeing her husband, who was dressed similarly to Benny.
‘You’re beautiful, Angel,’ Jamie whispered.
Alice wanted so badly to reach out and kiss him, but she turned to Father Stephen who said a few words about being blessed in the eyes of the Lord.
Jamie took her hand and slipped on the gold wedding band, and Alice felt a rush of emotion overpower her, even more so when she placed a ring on his finger. Everything about her marriage was real now, and the joy was like nothing she’d experienced before.
Ginny stood up and read out a short poem about love and commitment, warming Alice no end. Then Jamie said his vows.
‘Angel, there are no words for how much I love you. Through thick and thin you’ve stayed by my side, showing me what true love looks like.
You’re my heart and soul, my best friend, and my safe place.
’ He dipped his head and peered up through his lashes, a glow about his cheeks.
‘Alice, you’re my home, and I vow to spend the rest of my life making you happy. I love you.’
No longer caring about the rights and wrongs of the service, Alice stepped forward and kissed him hard on the lips, then backed away when some cheers echoed through the church.
‘Alice, do you have anything you’d like to say?’ asked Father Stephen.
She nodded, turning back to Jamie. ‘I haven’t had time to write anything down, but I don’t need to think much about how I feel about you.
Jamie, you’ve always been part of me. I don’t know why or how that happened, it’s just who we are.
I don’t know life without you, and I don’t want to. I love you so much, and I always will.’
They shared a gentle kiss, and their guests started to clap, Sophie adding in a loud cheer.
Alice and Jamie turned, Alice grinning, Jamie taking a small bow.
Arm in arm, they headed outside and posed for some photographs while light snowflakes fluttered over their heads.
Confetti rained over them, then Jed and Will sang out a sea shanty that had everyone linking arms and joining in while the photographer continued to snap away.
The chauffeur opened the car door for the married couple. Alice got in first, grabbing Jamie into a loving embrace as soon as he was by her side.
‘I can’t believe you did all this, Jamie.’
‘It was worth it to see the look on your face.’
She kissed him, only pulling away when things got a little heated. Giggling, she winked. ‘Later,’ she whispered, and Jamie bobbed his head.
A flower arch made of red flowers, silver ribbons and gold baubles greeted them at the Jolly Pirate, and a blown-up picture of Alice and Jamie sitting on the wall outside Seaview B&B as kids was propped by a two-tier wedding cake.
Alice laughed. ‘Goodness, where did that come from?’
‘I took that,’ said Luna. ‘It was Mabel’s birthday, and we were having a small tea party inside. I remembered as soon as Jamie showed me the picture.’
‘Nan had it packed away with my things,’ he told Alice.
‘I thought a large version would look good here today,’ said Luna.
‘Oh, it’s brilliant, Nan. Thanks.’ Alice snuggled into Jamie’s side as they both gazed at their childhood.
‘Who knew, eh, Angel?’
‘I wish I could go back and tell them. Us. Let them know everything will be okay in the end.’
Jamie placed his head close to hers. ‘If I could go back to that moment, I’d do this.’ He kissed her temple.
She pulled back and grinned. ‘When was the first time you wanted to kiss me?’
Jamie chuckled. ‘Probably when we were in our early to mid-teens.’
‘I didn’t pick up on that back then. I thought maybe when we were a bit older. More late teens.’
‘Ah, so that’s when you saw me in a new light, eh?’
Alice laughed. ‘I’ve seen you in all lights.’
‘You certainly have.’
‘And I still love you.’ She gave his waist a gentle squeeze.
‘That’s why you’re my angel.’ He pulled her around so she was in his arms, facing him. ‘It’s quite a skill you have there. Loving someone no matter their flaws.’
‘We all have flaws. We’re human.’
‘Yeah, but you always saw good in me.’ He shrugged. ‘I don’t know. You seemed to be able to see parts of me I couldn’t.’
Alice smiled. ‘My nan’s psychic. It rubs off.’
Jamie smiled back. ‘Perhaps we have a spiritual connection. Knew each other in a previous life.’
‘You don’t believe in any of that.’
‘With you, I believe in everything.’
‘Because I’m an angel?’ she teased.
Jamie beamed, filling her heart with love. ‘My angel.’