Chapter 3
CHAPTER 3
PEN
E veryone turns as the orchestra plays Handel’s Eternal Source of Light Devine. Lois and Nick, April’s half-siblings, followed by a grown-up-looking Lottie, step through the entrance of the marquee, their baskets filled with rose petals. All three are sporting the widest grins as they make their way forward, sprinkling petals as they go.
A gasp goes up as April appears, her arm linked through that of her foster father, Julian. I glance at Caleb. His eyes glisten as he watches her walk toward him. Their eyes meet and lock, and it’s as if no one else exists.
The atmosphere is electric, as everyone holds their breath.
A lump forms in my throat as I watch the scene unfold. Kris’s hand takes mine. I lower my gaze to our intertwined fingers, then back up to his face. I offer him a smile, dropping my head to his shoulder as I return my gaze to the happy couple. A weight settles in my chest.
April is glowing. Under her veil, her long, blond hair is half pinned up in tiny swirls against her head. Her makeup is minimal and flawless, her natural radiance and grace shining through. Her gown is simple yet classic. A princess line dress that hugs her dancer’s curves. The intricate lace bodice overlay shimmers as she makes her way past us.
As she reaches him, Caleb steps forward. His face fills with wonderment and love. I’m not sure if they’re aware of those around them, having once again got lost in each other. It’s always the same when they’re together. The constant touches, the silly grins, the yearning looks.
Lottie steps forward and reaches for April’s bouquet. April jumps as if snapping back into the present, making everyone chuckle and Caleb grin. She turns and whispers something to Lottie, who nods, clutching the bouquet to her chest, before stepping back and sitting beside her dad.
Julian steps forward and places April’s hand in Caleb’s, and a pre-emptive cheer goes up, making them both smile.
Lottie whispers something to her dad, drawing my attention. Elijah looks down at her. My heart twinges when his arm comes up and around her shoulder, his love for his daughter shining through.
The vicar speaks.
April and Caleb exchange their vows. The loving couple at the front tumble over their words, their voices wavering as they’re both overcome. By the time they’re pronounced husband and wife, there isn’t a dry eye in the house.
Caleb helps to lift April’s veil, his hands moving to cradle her face, his thumbs wiping away her tears. Her hands clasp his wrists before she reaches up and brushes a tear from his cheek. They laugh as they stand lost in each other, leaving us, their guests, in no doubt of their love.
My stomach clenches at the sight, surprising me. It’s not like I haven’t seen these two around one another.
“You may now kiss the bride.”
Caleb cradles April’s face in his hands before drawing her towards him. Their lips touch, and my stomach flips as their kiss deepens.
I break out in a hot flush. Is this what drives Mum to read her romance novels? Is this the love, passion, and soul-mates she always talks about? I turn my head to where she’s sitting next to me, her cheeks damp. I smile and place my free hand over hers, giving it a squeeze. She turns her head and looks at me, her eyes glistening, before being drawn back to the happy couple. The marquee erupts in whoops and cheers. That’s what happens when your guest list is made up of close friends and family.
By the time they break apart, smiles have replaced most tears. I doubt anyone watching questions their love for one another.
Kris hands me his handkerchief, which I accept, dabbing at the corner of each eye.
“Thanks,” I say, smiling at him. “I think I got something in my eye.”
“Love does that to people,” he says, smiling across at me. “It was an emotional ceremony. Caleb is a lucky man.”
I wonder, for the first time, if his wedding to his first wife, Annie, was like this. Full of love and excitement for the future. A future that was ripped from them both.
“He is,” I say, squeezing his hand. “He’s spent a long time looking for his person, and I’m so happy he’s finally found her.”
“You’re going to miss them,” Kris says.
I smile at him.
“I will, but it’s not like I’m leaving the planet. I’ll be travelling back and forth with work. We can catch up then.”
We stand up, and I slide my arm through his, stepping into his side.
An excited voice comes from nearby. “Aunty Pen, Kris!”
We turn to face an eager Lottie walking towards us.
“What do you think?” she says, stopping in front of us and giving us a twirl, showing off her dress and new shoes.
“You look beautiful and so grown up. I almost didn’t recognise you,” I say, earning myself a grin.
I can’t believe she’ll be turning fifteen in a few months. Gone is the little girl, replaced by a beautiful young woman. A sense of sadness descends as I know once I move, I’ll no longer be her first port of call as I have been over the years.
How time flies.
I pull her in for a hug.
“How is my favourite goddaughter?” I ask, shaking off my melancholy. “Are you all set for your trip to Italy?”
Lottie laughs. “I’m currently your only goddaughter. And I’m good.” She rolls her eyes. “Dad has had me check everything twenty times to ensure I haven’t forgotten anything.”
“That’s what Dads are for,” I tell her.
“I better go. Dad and Granny need my help. Granny has given us all a list of jobs to do,” she says before turning tail and leaving us as quickly as she appeared.
My eyes drift to Elijah, who is deep in conversation with his mother.
“She’s a lovely girl,” Kris says.
“She is. She’s had a tough time with her parents’ divorce. But she’s coming through it,” I say, watching as she joins Elijah, his arm snaking around her shoulders.
“She’s got an amazing network of people around her,” Kris says, his eyes following mine.
I watch Lottie’s face light up as Franny says something to her.
“That she does.”
I move towards the exit, feeling the need to get some air, the marquee becoming claustrophobic.
“Let’s get a drink,” I say, taking Kris’s hand and leading him toward the house and the fully stocked bar.
We step inside and find Caleb and April surrounded by their friends.
“Pen,” April calls over as we walk in.
I smile at her as we change direction.
She steps forward, and I pull her in for a hug.
“Congratulations. You look beautiful,” I say before holding her away from me and taking in her gown. “You look like a princess, as Lottie would say.”
“She did when we were getting ready.” April chuckles. “I can’t believe we got through our vows. I don’t think I’ve ever felt so nervous.”
I squeeze her arm. “There wasn’t a dry eye in the place,” I tell her, making Caleb chuckle. His arm slides around her waist, her body curving into his.
“Including us,” Caleb admits, laughing. “Not long now. This will be you two in a few months,” he adds, shaking Kris’s hand. “Pleased you could make it, Kris.”
“I wouldn’t have missed it,” Kris replies. “It was a beautiful ceremony.”
Caleb and April look at one another. If this was a cartoon, little birds and love hearts would float around them right about now.
We step away as more guests move forward to congratulate them.
“A drink?” Kris asks.
“Please,” I say before we make our way towards Gabriel, Leah, and little Callum.