Epilogue
Billy had gone all out. The Chanel suit had cost a fortune but she didn’t care, it was worth every penny—navy, cut in clean lines that made her look sharp and invincible, until Rosa walked in and she forgot how to breathe.
When Rosa arrived at the registry office and spotted her, the look on her face was everything.
No expense had been spared on Rosa’s dress either. She’d gone with a soft lemon colour rather than white—a simple design that accentuated her curves and gave just enough of a hint at what was underneath.
Together, with Imogen standing between them and acting as best man and father of the bride, they walked down the short aisle and were witnessed by friends and family as once again, they offered vows to one another—vows they were sure, this time, they would keep.
There was a private room at the back of the bar where everyone had congregated to celebrate.
Blanca’s had become a favourite spot of Billy’s over the last couple of years, and she’d introduced Rosa to it the moment they’d got back from Austria.
Spending dates locally, publicly, had been exactly what they’d needed as a couple.
“You want to dance with your wife?” Billy said, as the DJ announced the first dance and space opened in the centre of the room. Wolf whistles and cheers went up as Billy held out her hand for Rosa.
“Always,” Rosa said, taking her hand and allowing herself to be led to the middle of the room. Her hands found their way around Billy’s neck as she enjoyed the sensation of Billy’s hands on her waist.
“I love you,” Billy whispered as their favourite song played, her thumb stroking slow circles at Rosa’s waist, their bodies swaying together.
“I love you,” Rosa responded. “I think even more than ever before.”
“You only think?” Billy smiled against her ear.
“There’s always room for improvement, don’t you agree?”
“Oh, definitely.” Billy pulled back and twirled her around before yanking her back to fall against her chest. Everyone cheered and clapped before gradually pairing up and joining the happy couple to see the song out.
From the edge of the room, Imogen stood with Janka and Robbie, watching as the adults danced.
“Can you believe we caused that?” Robbie said. “Like, you literally set them up and now there they are, all loved up and kissy-face.”
“I know, I still can’t quite believe it,” Imogen answered.
“I thought by now, Billy would have moved in,” Janka said. They all frowned as they considered it.
Imogen shrugged. “It’s a weird one. We basically all live together, but instead of just me going to Ma’s for the weekend, Mum comes too. And then we all come home during the week.”
“Why don’t they just move into one place? Surely it would be easier,” Janka said.
“And cheaper,” Robbie chipped in.
“They just don’t want to rush it,” Imogen said. “But I’ve noticed that Ma’s stuff arrives,” she grinned, “and it doesn’t leave.”
“Moving in by stealth…I see where you get your sneakiness from,” Meredith said over Imogen’s shoulder.
“Yep.” Imogen grinned. “So, while they’re on honeymoon, I thought we’d plan ahead for Operation: Move Ma In. Are you all in?”
Meredith laughed. “Not a chance. We got away with it last time. Don’t push your luck.”
Imogen shrugged at her gran, and they all watched as Meredith walked away from any further trouble they might get themselves into.
“Maybe we should just leave them to it,” Robbie said. Janka nodded in agreement.
“I guess,” Imogen replied. She glanced across at Tanya eyeing up a tall man in the corner. “So, let’s work on something else.” She jutted her chin towards the scene. “He looks like he could do with a nudge in Tanya’s direction.”
They all stared across the room, then at each other. Hands went out and stacked in the middle.
Robbie whispered, “Operation: Tanya.”
Imogen’s smile turned wicked. “Let’s not waste the summer.”