Chapter 24 Wyatt
WYATT
Wyatt was conscious of Edith sitting close to him, how warm she felt and how beautiful she looked.
This evening, she was wearing a white dress with a wide brown belt and leather sandals.
Her chestnut hair was pulled back loosely, letting soft waves frame her face and brush against the smooth curve of her neck.
Silver hoops glinted at her ears, and a lone pearl on a slender chain nestled against her chest. Her scent of vanilla and wildflowers was tantalising.
He yearned to press his nose against her hair and then her slender neck.
He was very aware of her presence and of the effect it was having on him.
That he knew her so well, that he had cuddled her and kissed her everywhere, watched her face as he made love to her, and known how to please her did not escape him.
They’d had an incredible connection, some might say a once in a lifetime connection, and he had walked away from it.
He cursed the foolish younger man he’d been while understanding that he had done it thinking for the best.
When Finn, now a few margaritas in, stood up and called for music, Pearl fetched some Bluetooth speakers from inside and set them up in the garden. Finn linked his phone so he could play what he called ‘The Finn and Titus Playlist’.
The first song was Whitney Houston’s ‘I Wanna Dance with Somebody’ and soon Thora, Lucas, Pearl, Ellie, and Finn were up dancing.
Titus was telling Wyatt about his plans for expanding his business, and Wyatt was half listening. He was trying to pay attention, but Edith was still holding his hand, and he didn’t want to ever let go.
‘Edith!’ Rosie skipped over to them. ‘Come and dance.’
Edith glanced at Wyatt. ‘I don’t know… I…’
‘Oh, come on!’ Rosie grabbed Edith’s other hand, and Wyatt suppressed a groan as she let go of him and went with Rosie.
Wyatt watched as she kicked off her sandals and danced on the grass with Rosie. The others gathered around them, and they all let loose. Soon, Reggie joined them too.
Titus laughed. ‘Well, they’ve got Reggie strutting his stuff now as well. What a family, eh?’
Finn and Thora were singing at each other, and Wyatt wondered what that was like for Titus and Lucas, but neither of them seemed to mind.
But then Thora and Finn parented two children together and were the best of friends.
Lucas was holding Big Barry as he danced, and the dog seemed to be having a wonderful time.
‘So… you and Edith, eh?’ Titus said with a grin.
‘What about us?’
‘You leapt in to save her when things went wrong with the venue. You’re a hero.’ Titus winked.
‘I did what any decent person would do.’ Wyatt grinned back. ‘My best friend is getting married to the man of his dreams. I’m the best man, and it’s my responsibility to help you have a wonderful wedding.’
‘Thank you for that.’ Titus nodded. ‘It’s much appreciated. But the bonus of that has been that you and Edith have worked together, and what a fabulous team you make.’
Wyatt’s eyes strayed from Titus to find Edith among the dancers. The white of her dress shimmered under the fairy lights and garden lamps. She was swinging her hips with the rhythm, lips lifted in a delicate smile, and her hair cascaded freely over her shoulders.
‘God, she’s beautiful.’ He startled. Had he said that out loud?
‘She is.’ Titus nodded. ‘And she only has eyes for you. Can’t you try to work things out?
She’s a lovely person, and she clearly has feelings for you.
Life is too bloody short to waste time, Wyatt.
Imagine if you go back to the US after the wedding and miss your chance with her.
I don’t think you’ll get another shot like this. ’
Wyatt bowed his head and rubbed his eyes. One of his hands still smelt of Edith’s perfume, and he wished he could keep it like this forever, never wash her away, never leave her again.
‘I don’t know how to make this work,’ he said forlornly.
‘Yes, you do.’ Titus reached over the table and patted his arm. ‘You do, but you’re scared, and that’s OK. Life is scary, but it’s better with the person you love by your side. Now come on, let’s dance!’
‘I’m not a dancer.’ Wyatt huffed.
‘I call BS. I’ve known you a long time, remember, and I know you have some moves there. So, no more faffing around. Get up and dance with the woman of your dreams!’
Wyatt laughed as he stood up and followed Titus over to the others.
The air was heady with the scent of roses and lavender, and as he approached the group, his breath caught as the music changed to the Bee Gees’ ‘More than a Woman’.
Edith’s eyes met his, and she came to him, as if pulled by an invisible force.
Everything else fell away.
They smiled, remembering together what this song had always meant.
Edith accepted his hands. He drew her close. And then they danced.
It was like they were eighteen again at a university ball. Everyone around them was young and filled with excitement about the future. Life seemed like an adventure, and there was so much possibility out there for them. They could do anything, go anywhere, be anyone.
He twirled her around and around and her skirt swirled around her legs.
When he stopped, he pulled her closer and then leant her backwards so he could lose himself in her eyes.
Her gaze was filled with a thousand promises, words she’d said and those she had yet to say.
And then he pulled her close again, and she rested her head against his chest. They moved slowly, their bodies pressed together, his chin resting on her hair.
He closed his eyes, wanting to think of nothing but her and what she meant to him, of how much he wanted her in his life and how much he had missed her. Edith had been everything. She was still everything, and he had been a fool to let her go.
When the song ended, they slowed to a stop, but Edith stayed where she was, and while he opened his eyes, he didn’t let go. He was afraid to let go because he didn’t know how to make this better.
Finally, she tilted her head to peer up at him. ‘Walk me home?’ she breathed.
‘Are you sure?’
‘Yes.’
They helped tidy up the gardens, then Edith put her sandals back on and they said their goodbyes. The others were staying for one more drink, which gave Wyatt and Edith the opportunity to slip away together.
On the path that led from the café, Edith took his hand, and they walked down towards the village — towards her home, and towards the start of something Wyatt had been scared to even dream about.
But sometimes it seemed even the most impossible of dreams could come true.