27
Willow
Willow sat on a hard bench in the reception area of the register office, waiting for Cody to come out of the loo. Their timeslot was fast approaching, and her nerves were at an all-time high. She concentrated on breathing slowly and the thin vein running through the golden wood by her thigh.
I wonder if my parents sat in this spot. I wonder if they were as nervous as me. Ooh, hurry up, Sully. My stomach can’t take much more.
The large clock behind the main desk was ticking loudly as though its sole purpose was to tell visitors they had a schedule at the old building.
It didn’t really matter how long Cody spent in the bathroom, they would still have to wait their turn. Plus, Nora and Josephine were in the other bathroom, no doubt cooing over the sweet jasmine hand cream that Willow could still smell on her fingertips. At least the scent was one more thing to keep her mind occupied.
If Viv can sit through Brody’s sentencing, then I can sit here and wait my turn to get married .
Willow was super-proud of her aunt for going to court to face her abuser. At one point the family was sure Vivien would stay home, but she was determined to see that part of her life come to the ending it deserved. And watching Brody get sent to prison was the closure needed.
Viv looked so much happier last night. She can look forward to her wedding now .
Willow smiled, happy for her aunt, then she glanced at her flat stomach and stroked over the simple white dress.
Viv might have a baby bump on her big day. I wonder if I’m pregnant yet .
Smiling at the thought of her new journey with Cody, Willow stared over at the bathroom door. The thought of him wriggling out the window back there made her giggle to herself.
If there was one thing Willow was sure of, it was Cody’s love for her, and now she was equally sure he knew he was her one and only as well.
She wondered if turning back time would change anything. The psychic drawing had led her to the open-air theatre where she had kissed her best friend. The domino effect of her drunken whim was mind-blowing whenever she delved into her thoughts.
A happy middle-aged couple departed a nearby room, surrounded by a handful of guests. They headed outside to the steps at the main doors, and confetti filled the air for a moment.
Willow smiled, thinking of her parents. There was no way she was going to waste years of her life pining for the man she loved. She always believed her parents should have been together but gave up on them years ago. The day they surprised her with their news of love, harmony, and marriage was one of the best days ever. She couldn’t wait to see them back at the farm for the private ceremony planned.
The woman working the reception desk offered Willow a sympathetic smile, making Willow think it was quite possible she looked as if she’d been jilted.
She brushed her finger over the grain in the wooden seat, hoping someone would come along to show the staff she wasn’t alone at all.
Once the newlyweds departed for the car park, the waiting area seemed smaller, and the heat from the old radiators warmer somehow.
Willow went to twiddle with her softly curled hair, then remembered the daisy-chain headwear she was wearing so dropped her hand whilst blowing out a gentle huff.
Are you here, Grandad?
She glanced to her side.
I think you are. You’re holding my hand and smiling with pride in your eyes. That’s how you always looked at me. Yeah, I remember. So, what are you asking me right now? If I love him? Am I happy? Yes. It’s Sully. My Sully. I know you liked him. Gran loves him. You should see her. She makes such a fuss. Hey, if you see his mum and grandfather hanging around, say hi from me. Right, Grandad, let’s get this show on the road. Shoulders back, chin up, and breathe .
The door to one of the bathrooms opened, interrupting her thoughts, and out stepped Cody, giving his pale-blue shirt the once over as he approached.
‘Hey,’ he said quietly, even though there was no one around to disturb. ‘How you doing?’ He sat by her side, covering the thin vein in the wood with his thigh.
‘Better now you’re back. People were starting to stare and feel sorry for me.’
Cody laughed and took her hand. ‘Not long now.’ He gestured at the clock. ‘Could that thing be any bigger?’
Willow smiled. ‘I feel as though it’s mocking me.’
‘The countdown to your impending doom.’
‘Oi! I can’t wait to get married. This part is dragging.’
Nora and Josephine exited the bathroom together, chatting away merrily about something Willow couldn’t hear.
Nora took one look at her, then at the clock, then marched over to the receptionist. ‘Excuse me, love. What’s the hold up? We’ve got nuptials to witness.’
Willow and Cody laughed to each other as Nora demanded an explanation. The lady excused herself for a second, then came back and guided them over to a honey-coloured door.
Holding hands as they walked to the front of the room, Willow and Cody got ready for the formal part of their ceremony.
* * *
Soft lighting, the sweet scent of wild flowers, pastel petals lining a hessian runner, and cream bows attached to chairs filled the large barn on Silver Wish Farm. Nana Blackcurrant stood at the altar, introducing the newlyweds to the sitting guests.
Willow spoke first. ‘Sully. You have been my best friend for as far back as I can remember. I could say I wish I’d found our love earlier, but it’s always been there, and it will continue to be with us for all eternity. You’re all I need in this world…’ She turned to her family and grinned. ‘No offence.’
Everyone laughed.
Cody kissed her hand, and Willow continued.
‘Being with you makes me smile every day. I feel so blessed to have met you, and so incredibly lucky that you fell in love with me. You’re my soulmate, Cody Sullivan, always have been.’ She swiped away a tear and smiled, trying hard to fight back the threatening sniffles.
Cody leaned forward and kissed her cheek. He glanced at their audience, then back at Nana Blackcurrant when she told him it was his turn to say something. He bit his lip and grinned as his eyes connected with Willow’s. ‘Willow Silver, sorry, Sullivan, what can I say?’
Willow grabbed him, pulling him for a quick squeeze to show her excitement at having his name.
He laughed and moved her back so they could look at each other again. ‘Wills. My Wills, there are not enough words to tell you I how I feel about you. You’re everything and more. I don’t know life without you, and I don’t want to. Thank you for always loving me, for never letting me disappear from your life, and most of all thank you for trusting me with your heart. I promise it will always be safe with me. You will always be loved by me.’
A lump clogged Willow’s throat as water pricked her eyes. She didn’t want to crumble but it was on the cards, what with the emotions in the air. All she could feel was the purest of love. She had no idea it could be that strong. Cupping Cody’s cheeks, she kissed him gently, settling in his arms curling around her as the wedding guests clapped and cheered.
Confetti was thrown along with pastel petals as the happy couple made their way back down the aisle to cut their naked Victoria sponge cake whilst the ceremony setup was quickly transformed into the reception for the evening.
Outside, a large platform covered in twinkling fairy lights and wild flowers made a perfect dancefloor, and the mild dry evening encouraged everyone to enjoy the beautiful area.
Vivien had done a wonderful job making everything look as magical as Willow had envisioned, and Heath’s hand-carved woodland animals dotted everywhere added an extra touch of beauty. Humphrey took loads of photographs, using his high-tech equipment and keen eye, and one of Rhett’s horses, Woody, mooched close by, dressed in a large cream bow, loving every minute of being part of the team, even showing off his dance moves when asked.
Willow and Cody handed out small gifts to thank the helpers, then the music and barbeque starting up brought the party to life.
She managed to get Cody alone for a moment, tugging him to the far corner of the outdoor platform. ‘This is so perfect. It’s just what I wanted. Are you happy?’
Cody raised his brow. ‘Am I happy? Are you kidding me? I don’t think I’ve ever felt so much joy before.’ He placed the back of his hand over his forehead. ‘I’m overwhelmed.’
Willow laughed, grabbing his hand. ‘I can’t believe we’re married.’
Cody swirled her into his arms and danced slowly to the love song playing. ‘This is just the beginning,’ he whispered close to her ear.
Willow cuddled into his body, closing her eyes and absorbing the scent she knew so well.
How did I ever get this lucky? Thank you, thank you, thank you .
She felt his mouth press on her head, melting her soul into his. Oh, how she wished the day would never end. It had been one hell of a year, but rolling her head up to meet piercing blue eyes smiling her way made the world seem peaceful once more.
‘Come with me,’ he mouthed, taking her hand, leading her to the treehouse.
‘Look at the state of it.’ Willow scrunched her nose as she peered up the stripped bark.
‘It’s nothing we can’t fix, especially now I have epic carpentry skills.’
Willow giggled. ‘In other words, my dad said he’ll sort it.’
‘Hey, I’m wounded. I’ll help too.’ He looked at the tree as he placed his arm around her. ‘I want our kids to have a treehouse of dreams as well.’
The words alone warmed Willow from top to toe. ‘And a lightning rod.’
They shared a laugh and a kiss, then leaned into each other to dance once more beneath the stars.
‘We should do this every year on our anniversary. Dance by our treehouse,’ said Willow, beaming at her husband.
A waft of barbeque food floated their way as low-noise fireworks lit the sky the other side of the barn.
‘Will it include mouth-watering food and pretty sparkles in the sky?’ asked Cody.
‘Of course. And I’ll bring the magic.’
‘Hmm, what does that leave me with?’
Willow snuggled into his side as they stared at the sky. ‘You just need to bring your hot body. That’s enough.’
Cody laughed. ‘I can do that, and when the treehouse is back on its feet, or rather, branches, we can climb up there and make babies.’
‘Good to know.’
They cuddled once more as the fireworks faded away, leaving the muffled music at the wedding reception as the only noise.
Woody trotted over to nuzzle Willow’s arm, gaining her full attention. ‘Hello, have you come to dance as well?’
‘Maybe he was scared by the fireworks.’
Willow shook her head. ‘Nah, Woody’s not bothered by anything. They were pretty quiet anyway. Dad wanted some, but Mum hates them because they scare Luther, so they compromised on a few low-noise ones. Way more animal friendly, eh, Woody?’
Woody’s head bobbed.
‘We should head back,’ said Cody. ‘Everyone will wonder where we are.’
Willow pulled him back. ‘One last dance alone.’
He smiled and kissed her lips, only pulling away when Woody nudged him.
The music played, the newlyweds slow-danced, and the light-brown horse bowed before trotting off in the direction of the stables.
‘This is the best day of my life, Wills,’ Cody whispered, cupping her face.
Right in that moment, Willow could see nothing but pure love shining in his eyes, and she was sure they would both start crying any minute. Quickly, she kissed him so they wouldn’t have time for the charged emotion to swipe them off their feet.
‘I love you,’ she mumbled on his lips. ‘Now, give me a piggyback to the barbeque, and that can be your wedding gift to me.’
Cody held out a closed fist. ‘Does that mean you don’t want this wedding gift from me?’
Willow squealed with excitement, tapping his knuckles. ‘Ooh, what is it?’
‘Doesn’t matter now. So, piggyback was it?’
Nudging his elbow, she pouted. ‘Sully.’
He grinned, then slowly uncurled his fingers to reveal a gold necklace with a little golden house attached.
Willow smiled into his palm. ‘Oh, it’s lovely.’
‘It’s supposed to represent our treehouse.’
‘Can I wear it now?’
‘Of course. Here, let me.’ Cody fastened the chain around her neck, then kissed her cheek. ‘Happy wedding day, or whatever it is you’re supposed to say.’
Picking up the necklace, Willow’s heart warmed. ‘I love it. Thanks. But I didn’t know we had to buy each other wedding gifts. I didn’t get you anything.’
‘Yeah, you did. You gave me everything, and that’s enough.’
‘Oh, Sully. I’m so glad we’re here.’
He smiled up at the tree. ‘Yeah, it’s always been a nice place.’
She tapped his arm as she laughed. ‘You know what I mean.’
‘I do. Come here.’ He kissed her as she laughed. ‘Now, get on my back. There’s a burger with my name on it over there.’
Willow hitched up her long dress and clambered aboard, laughing so hard, she had to hold her bladder. Hearing Cody’s laugh mingle with hers was always heartwarming. She kissed his ear, nibbled the lobe, then pressed in her heels, telling him to giddy-up, which only made them laugh some more.
She really had found the love of her life, and no mystical or universal force would ever be able to tell her otherwise.