Chapter 38 Edith
EDITH
As Wyatt stood up, Edith knew instantly that he was nervous.
The way he held his phone, the way he kept clearing his throat and the way he rubbed at the back of his neck all told her that this was a big deal for him.
She sent out a wave of positive vibes, hoping it would help him stay calm as he spoke.
‘Hello everyone!’ Wyatt said, smiling. ‘When I was first asked to be best man, I was delighted. I thought, I’d get to come to Cornwall, arrange a stag do, drink champagne and wear a nice suit.
Then Titus reminded me I’d have to make a speech, and suddenly I was wishing I’d taken standup comedy at university. ’
Laughter rippled through the guests. Edith laughed too, watching as Wyatt’s shoulders lowered now that he’d broken the ice with his audience.
‘I met Titus years ago, and I knew straight away that he was a good man. He has a steady presence that really suits the work he does and that also makes him a brilliant friend. He’s the kind of guy we all need in our corner because he will always have your back.
I was so happy for Titus when he told me he’d met someone and was falling for him.
When Finn walked into Titus' life, he lit up with love. Their joy is, I’m sure you’ll all agree with me, infectious.
How can anyone not be happy when they see how much love these two men share? ’
He took a sip of his drink before continuing.
‘Being here today is a reminder that love can bring so much joy, but it’s not just about the happy times; it’s about standing strong together through the tough times too.
’ His eyes wandered over the gathering and finally they met Edith’s, and her heart jolted.
‘True love doesn’t demand that a partner be flawless or faultless.
In life, we all make mistakes, and we all cause hurt at times, but it’s not always intentional.
It’s not… it’s not reversible as much as we might wish it was.
But true love… it waits, it forgives, and it offers you a chance to come home again.
I have seen this in Titus and Finn as they’ve negotiated their way through some challenges and become even closer.
They have been brave to make this wonderful commitment to each other, and I, for one, admire them for it.
I also, as I am sure you will agree, want to wish them a long and happy life together surrounded by the love of their family and friends.
Please raise your glasses to the happy couple for reminding us that the best love stories aren’t about perfection but persistence, about showing up day after day and choosing to be together. To Titus and Finn!’
Glasses were raised and champagne was sipped, and then the band hired for the evening started to play.
As music filled the air, Edith looked over at the top table.
Wyatt’s words circled in her mind like gulls over the sea.
While he was talking about Finn and Titus and their love story, a lot of what he said rang true for her.
Loving someone was about being brave because you had to choose to trust them and to put your faith in them every day.
But his other references to not being flawless, faultless and about forgiveness — were they in some way directed at her?
Before he told her whatever he had to share, did he want her to know that he wanted her forgiveness?
To know that he believed he was flawed and had faults but that he had loved her, regardless?
She picked up her glass and finished her champagne and then stood up. She would do the rounds and check on everyone and then help Pearl and Ellie tidy things up for the evening party.
When the tables were cleared of plates and glasses, and the sun’s fading warmth cast long shadows over the gardens, space was made for a dance floor. Fairy lights glowed in trees and around the pergolas, and candle flames flickered in jars on the tables.
Edith had located her wrap, and she slid it around her shoulders as she walked around, the sweet scent of honeysuckle heady in the air.
‘Hey.’ Wyatt had appeared at her elbow. His shirt collar was open, and she could see the hollow of his throat, the pulse that beat beneath the skin.
She felt the urge to press her lips to his skin to breathe him in, to fall into his arms and ask for one more night with him when they could forget the past and just be together.
‘Walk with me?’ he asked, holding out his hand.
Edith nodded, her heart pounding as she took his hand and they walked around the gardens and up to the bench overlooking the bay.
The time had come to hear what Wyatt had to say.
Wyatt thought it was something terrible, but she couldn’t imagine what could be so bad that he’d never been able to share it with her before.
When they reached the bench, Wyatt sat down first and gestured for her to join him.
She did, close but not quite touching. They were silent for a while, losing themselves in the horizon's beauty painted in pastels of blue and pink.
Edith let herself admire it, allowing its vastness to anchor her even as a quiet apprehension settled in, bracing herself for whatever Wyatt was about to say.
Wyatt took a shaky breath then said, ‘I’ve rehearsed these words thousands of times over the years but never been able to find the right way to say them.
I have failed to make them sound gentler than they are.
Failed to find a way to explain that doesn’t make me look like some kind of ogre.
But I’ve made peace with the fact that I need to tell you the truth, to explain why I’ve always been closed off, and I hope you will hear me out.
I hope once I’ve told you that you won’t hate me, but I will understand if you do. ’
Edith swallowed hard. This wasn’t easy to prepare for because she could only think that he’d either cheated on her or someone else or hurt someone. What else could be that bad?
But instead of allowing the anger to creep in, she reached for his hand and took it between both of hers. Whatever it was, she had nothing to lose now and at least she would finally have the chance to understand why Wyatt behaved the way he did.
The time had come for the truth, and she would hear him out with an open heart and mind. He deserved that much at least.