A Winter Wedding at Primrose Hall (Primrose Woods #6)

Chapter 26

26

The biggest night of the Primrose Hall social calendar had arrived and Pia felt like she had as a small child waiting for Christmas to arrive, full of expectation and wonder. Wrapped up in her winter coat, gloves and hat, she stepped outside the kitchen door, where Jackson was waiting for her on this bitterly cold December evening, and took hold of his hand. Along with Rex and Ronnie, they wandered around to the front of the house to stand for a moment to admire the hall, which was looking resplendent under the glow of the floodlights. The huge Christmas tree to one side of the portico was lit by a profusion of fairy lights and Pia gasped at its beauty as though seeing it for the first time, even though she’d admired it on a daily basis ever since it had been put into place by Tom, Frank and Mateo. She would never grow tired of looking at it in awe like a small child, entranced by its twinkling magnificence. She turned to look along the length of the driveway where sculptures of woodland creatures, deer, squirrels and rabbits were illuminated against the night sky.

Jackson pointed into the distance, spotting cars turning into the grounds through the gates, and people walking in groups along the path, an air of excitable anticipation preceding their arrival.

‘Come on, we should get over there before the crowds arrive.’

Pia snuggled up closer to Jackson, the cold of the December night air biting at her cheeks and making her eyes water, the cool crispness playing at her nostrils. This had to be her favourite of all the events held at the hall, the last one of the season, and with it came a real sense of accomplishment. It was a culmination of all the hard work of the team throughout the year, a celebration that brought so many people in from the local villages and beyond, where there was something for everyone to enjoy. The light trail around the grounds was one of the main attractions and Pia loved to see people’s reactions as they took in the sights and had their photos taken against the displays. As Jackson and Pia reached the stables, the joyful sounds of the carollers greeted their ears and a shiver ran down Pia’s spine hearing the tones of ‘Good King Wenceslas’ ring out.

Pia waved, seeing Tom and Sophie, while Jackson peeled away to chat to one of the rangers from Primrose Woods. Everyone was in high spirits and wanted to come and pass on greetings for the festive season.

‘This is fab!’ Sophie said. ‘It’s my first time at the trail. I’d heard so much about it and it’s as brilliant as everyone told me. The lights, the trees, the carols, it’s just so Christmassy. Look at this.’ Sophie pulled out a brown paper bag from her jacket pocket. Inside was a hand-painted wooden decoration of a jolly Santa Claus, with intricate and colourful detailing. ‘I’ve bought it for Mum. She’s got a table-top tree in her room at the lodge and I know she’s going to love this.’

‘It’s gorgeous,’ said Pia, hugging her friend tight, knowing how much Sophie missed her mum’s presence on occasions like these. ‘Send her my best wishes, won’t you?’

‘Ah, I was hoping to catch you.’ Rex arrived and put an arm around Tom’s and Sophie’s shoulders. He looked around him before saying in hushed tones, ‘You’ll be coming back to the hall later, won’t you, as I have a bit of news I’d like you to hear.’

‘We were planning to, yes,’ said Tom. Pia and Jackson had already invited them. It was becoming a bit of a thing that they would all congregate in the kitchen of the hall after an event for a debrief and a celebratory coffee or nightcap.

‘Well, that sounds very intriguing,’ said Pia, who was only slightly put out that this was the first she’d heard of it. She gave Rex a sidewards glance, ignoring the sense of concern she felt in her chest. He had a mischievous look in his eye and a hint of a smile playing at his lips, so she could only hope that it was good news, for everyone concerned.

They huddled together, joining in with the Christmas songs, through a repertoire that included ‘O Come, All Ye Faithful’, ‘Hark! The Herald Angels Sing’, ‘God Rest You Merry Gentleman’, and a rousing edition of ‘Ding Dong Merrily on High’ that left them breathless and high-spirited as they gave their best efforts to reach the high notes.

Pia glanced at her watch, her gaze travelling around the crowd to see if she could spot a certain someone, and was relieved finally to pick out Luke’s blond hair peeking out from the hood of his zipped jacket. She caught his eye and he gave a small nod of his head, confirming that everything was set for the big moment. It was still a little while until the pre-arranged time, but Pia would be ready in position, not too close so that she would intrude on their intimate moment, but close enough to catch the moment on film. She could only imagine how Luke was feeling, as her own nerves and excitement were running away with her.

Jackson came up behind Pia and slipped an arm around her waist.

‘Well done,’ he whispered in her ear.

‘Hey! What for?’ she asked him, turning to look into his face, his dark eyes shining in the glow from the lights.

‘For organising all of this. Anyone turning up tonight can see what a fantastic show this is, but they don’t get to see all the hard work that goes on behind the scenes. Each year this event gets bigger and better, and I know that because people keep coming up to tell me so.’

‘Aw, thanks, Jackson, but you know that it’s a real team effort. I couldn’t have done it without the rest of you. I think we should all be proud.’

He pulled her to him and kissed her on the lips and she revelled in the moment of intimacy, feeling part of something much bigger, amongst so many people gathered together in the magical festive celebration. Couples, families with little tots in pushchairs, pensioners and teenagers, all enjoying the sights and sounds. In Jackson’s embrace, Pia had never felt happier, safer or more valued.

‘Oh, and by the way, happy anniversary,’ Jackson said.

‘Yes, of course, how could I forget?’ Pia hadn’t really forgotten; it had flittered through her mind earlier, as her beautiful diamond ring had sparkled in the rays of the sun filtering through the kitchen window. Jackson was out in the grounds at the time and so the moment was missed as she was quickly swept up in everything that needed doing for this evening. Then, along with a constant flow of visitors and deliveries coming to the door in preparation for the festivities, the day had run away from her.

‘Happy anniversary, Jackson,’ she said, kissing him on the lips. ‘I can hardly believe it was a year ago! That evening will stay with me forever, it was so romantic.’ She sighed, conjuring up memories. ‘And it looks as though you’ve set a precedent with your proposal,’ Pia whispered, ‘because it won’t be long now until Luke pops the question too!’