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

Chapter 30

30

‘I’m not sure I’ll ever recover from the shock.’ Rhi fanned her heart, which was still thumping nineteen to the dozen. ‘It was the best surprise ever. Did you all know?’

After the celebrations outside they’d retreated to the comfort of the kitchen at Primrose Hall, the Aga emanating a warm and hearty welcome. The dogs had greeted the returning revellers with a great deal of excitement and wagging tails but had now settled back in their beds.

Jackson had opened a magnum of champagne that had been on ice and poured a glass each for Rhi and Luke, then poured glasses for the rest of group. Sophie and Tom were there, along with Abbey and Sam, and little Willow, who was fast asleep in her buggy, oblivious to the sounds of laughter and chatter around her. Ronnie had popped the kettle on and made a mug of tea for Rex.

‘Jackson and I knew, yes,’ Pia explained to Rhi. ‘Luke wanted to arrange some fizz to celebrate the moment and we were so happy and honoured to play a small part in the proceedings. We were just thrilled that he chose the hall for his proposal. Honestly, Rhi, I’ve been more excited and nervous about this than anything else tonight.’

Jackson nodded, confirming Pia’s assertion.

‘We should have a toast,’ he announced. ‘To our dear friends, Luke and Rhi, huge congratulations on your engagement. It couldn’t happen to a nicer couple!’ Best wishes rang around the kitchen and Rhi beamed. She hadn’t stopped smiling since Luke had dropped down onto his knee to surprise her.

‘It was so romantic,’ she sighed, looking up at Luke, who had his arm wrapped around her waist. ‘I wouldn’t have wanted it to have happened at any other place on earth. Not on the sandiest beach, or under the sunniest sky. Luke knows me so well,’ she said, grinning. ‘This spot means so much to me, and this will stay in my memory forever.’

‘Well, I took lots of photos so I’ll let you have those,’ said Pia. ‘I hope you didn’t mind us gatecrashing your big moment.’

‘No, not at all. When I realised what was happening and looked around to see all your smiling, happy faces looking at me, it just made the moment even more special.’

‘Well, I think it’s very romantic,’ said Ronnie. ‘Young men these days seem so lovely and thoughtful.’

‘Oh, blimey,’ grimaced Rex. ‘I hope you’re not casting aspersions in my direction.’

‘Well, you know, if the cap fits and all that,’ she said, pursing her lips and sweeping a gaze in his direction. ‘Anyway, when are you going to tell us your big news that you’ve been keeping to yourself?’ She widened her eyes at him expectantly.

‘Bloomin’ heck, who told you?’ he said gruffly. ‘You weren’t supposed to know about that.’

Ronnie noticed Tom’s stricken expression from the other side of the table, but she wouldn’t let him take the blame.

‘Well, that’s neither here nor there, but whatever it is, why don’t you just come out and tell us? I can hardly bear the suspense.’

Rex leaned across towards Ronnie and lowered his voice.

‘Not now, Ronnie. There’s a celebration going on in case you hadn’t noticed. And my news, well, it can wait until later.’ His eyes chastised and reassured her in equal measure, but she couldn’t help thinking that he was up to something and, impatient at the best of times, she wouldn’t be happy until she knew exactly what it was.

‘Let’s have a top-up,’ said Jackson, offering a much-welcomed distraction as he grabbed the bottle of fizz from the fridge.

‘I won’t, thanks,’ said Luke reluctantly. ‘Much as I’d like to, I need to drive this one home.’

‘And while I could quite happily stay here all night long and drink champagne,’ said Rhi, who was high on the fizz and the events of the evening, ‘I should probably get home and speak to my mum. I can’t wait to tell her! She’s going to be so excited.’ Rhi dropped her gaze to her empty glass. ‘Perhaps I’ll have a little top-up before we go though,’ she said, laughing. ‘I mean, it’s not every day you get engaged, is it?’

Jackson went round and refilled the glasses, chatter and laughter rang out and everyone was caught up in the celebratory atmosphere. Later, after Rhi and Luke had left for home, amidst a chorus of good wishes, and Abbey and Sam had reluctantly said their goodbyes too, anxious to get Willow home and into her bed before she stirred, the Moody family congregated around the kitchen table where Pia and Ronnie had put on a wonderful buffet of cold meats, cheeses and breads.

Sophie exhaled a quiet sigh of satisfaction. Every time she came to the hall, she could imagine she’d been whisked away to a grand hotel on a country estate for a romantic weekend. Especially with Tom sitting at her side, casting her that wide smile of his as he tucked into the food on offer. The farmhouse kitchen was straight out of the pages of a glossy magazine, but with the dogs mooching about, the warmth of the Aga radiating around the room and the oak beams festooned with Christmas garlands, it was cosy and welcoming too.

‘What a gorgeous moment it was tonight,’ she sighed. ‘I’ve never witnessed a proposal before and Rhi’s face was a picture. She obviously had no idea! I’m so happy for them both.’

‘Well, you know, we are in the business of making dreams happen here,’ said Jackson with a wry smile, intended entirely for Pia. He was sitting back in his seat, his arm resting on her chair, his hair sticking up from where he’d run a hand through it to tidy it up, which only had the opposite effect entirely, making him appear weary but so very sexy.

‘The whole evening was great,’ she said. ‘I wouldn’t have changed a thing about it. We had our biggest turnout too and to see everyone having such a great time, well, it makes it all worthwhile.’

‘Yep, a good night’s work, I reckon. Scrap that. A good year’s work.’

‘That’s all down to your hard work and vision,’ said Tom, raising his glass in the direction of Jackson and Pia. ‘We should definitely have another drink to that. To Pia and Jackson!’

‘Aw, thanks,’ sighed Pia, who was in danger of becoming emotional from the air of goodwill that had been radiating around the grounds of the hall all night long. There was a huge sense of satisfaction knowing they’d survived a particularly challenging year, coming through it not totally unscathed but certainly stronger, more resilient and with a determination to push forward and build on the hard work and success of the last twelve months.

‘Now, you need to take a couple of days to recover,’ Ronnie said, ‘before getting ready for the wedding. You’ve worked so hard, the pair of you, and now’s the time for you to really unwind, so that you can fully celebrate and enjoy the upcoming weekend. No one deserves it more,’ Ronnie said with a kindly smile.

‘I still can’t believe that I’m getting married next weekend. It doesn’t feel real. This is all a dream, isn’t it?’ Her gaze ran round the room past Sophie, Ronnie and the others, who gave indulgent smiles, before it landed firmly on Jackson’s face. Nothing stood in their way now. The countdown to the wedding was well and truly on.

‘You’d better start getting used to the idea,’ said Jackson with a smile, ‘because it’s far too late to back out now. The champagne’s on ice, the canapés are ordered and my new suit’s hanging in the wardrobe. I had so many people tell me tonight how much they’re looking forward to celebrating with us so we can’t let anyone down.’

‘I know.’ When he said it like that, it sent tingles down her spine. ‘I’ve already picked up a whole bunch of wedding cards from well-wishers. I’ve put them on the dresser. We’ll have to open them, the evening before, perhaps.’ She fell quiet, thinking about all the preparations that had gone into their day; the invitations sent, the outfits planned, the drinks and food ordered, the flowers arranged, the disco booked, the guests expectant. Such a big undertaking for a single day.

‘I mean, you’re not having second thoughts, are you?’ asked Ronnie, who’d noticed that Pia’s attention had drifted.

‘No, not at all,’ Pia said, realising everyone had been waiting on her reply. ‘I was just thinking, that’s all.’

Thinking was it the right decision, would she make a good wife, would everything change once they were a married couple?

‘Well, that’s a relief because in just over a week’s time you’ll be Mrs Moody.’ Jackson sat back in his chair and nodded his head, as though trying that out for size in his head, his smile latching on to Pia’s. ‘It can’t come a day too soon as far as I’m concerned. Oh, and on the subject of good news, there’s been another exciting development this evening.’

Ronnie’s eyes flashed as she looked from Jackson to Rex, expecting to hear the snippet of news that Rex had been nursing to himself all night long, but she quickly discovered that Jackson was talking about something else entirely.

‘I’ve not even had a chance to tell you this yet, Pia, but I’m delighted, more than delighted actually, to announce that my big brother has finally seen sense and has agreed to join me in the new property development business. We’ll be equal partners and we’re really looking forward to working together on a more permanent footing, starting in the new year with the project up at Rosewood Farm Cottages.’

‘That’s amazing,’ said Pia, clapping her hands. ‘And such a relief too. Jackson’s being wondering what he could do to persuade you to come and work with us,’ she added good-naturedly.

‘Really?’ Sophie squealed, the news taking her entirely by surprise. She grabbed hold of Tom’s leg, unable to hide her excitement. ‘So does that mean you won’t be taking up the new job and you’ll stay at the stables?’

‘It does.’ Tom nodded, having never looked more pleased about anything in his life. ‘I thought about it long and hard, and Jackson can be very persuasive when he wants to be. Tonight, well, we talked it through again, and it seems like too good an opportunity to miss. Working within the family business here at Primrose Hall, well, I can’t think of anything better, can you?’

Rex eased himself up out of his chair and went across to hug both his sons.

‘I certainly can’t. That’s brilliant news, lads. The pair of you will be unstoppable together and it’s great to see you two looking out for each other. It means a lot to your old dad, that’s for sure.’

‘Oh, Rex!’ Pia was sure she spotted tears brewing in his eyes so she went across and gave him a big hug, rubbing his back fondly. Whether it was the aftereffects of the festive celebrations or the romance of Luke’s proposal, emotions had never been far beneath the surface this evening.

Tom turned to Sophie.

‘Thank you, by the way,’ he said, pulling her to one side.

‘What for?’ she asked, perplexed.

‘For being so encouraging and enthusiastic about the job even though it would have meant a compromise for us both.’

‘Aw, Tom, I tried to be happy for you, really I did.’ She lowered her voice, focusing all her attentions on Tom. Not that the others could hear as they were all too involved in refilling their glasses and their own conversations. ‘I’m sorry if I wasn’t always very convincing, but I really couldn’t imagine you going back into that world.’

‘Well, being honest with you, neither could I,’ he said with a wry smile. ‘I would have done it, though. I was trying to put a positive spin on it so as to convince you, and Jackson, and myself mainly, but I can’t tell you what a huge relief it is having made the decision to join the family firm.’ Sophie laughed, thinking how he made it sound like a mafia outfit, but the tight bond between the two brothers and their dad couldn’t be denied.

‘I’m really happy for you, Tom, and purely from a very selfish viewpoint, I’m thrilled that you’re going to work locally. Knowing that you’re nearby gives me a sense of security, if that doesn’t sound daft. I suppose I worried we might drift apart once you got settled in your job, that the travel and the hours might create an emotional distance between us.’

‘Are you mad?’ He looked at her, his gaze roaming her face as though she just might be. ‘I would never have wanted or allowed that to happen. My heart is very much here, with my family, but mainly with you, Sophie. I’ve found you,’ he said, taking hold of her hand and threading his fingers through hers, ‘you don’t really think I’d want to let you go now.’

Sophie’s chest filled with a sense of pride and happiness. So much for telling herself that she was happy being single, that she didn’t need a man, that she would keep her relationship with Tom on a friendly basis. Despite all her best intentions, she’d fallen in love with Tom and there was nothing she could do about that, even if she’d wanted to.

Tom leant forward and kissed her on the lips, sending delightful sensations the entire length of her body, before she reluctantly pulled away, hearing Ronnie’s distinctive voice ring out.

‘Well, it’s clearly the night for good news,’ she said airily. ‘But I’m not certain we’re finished, are we, Rex?’ she asked pointedly. ‘Didn’t you mention you had some news of your own you wanted to share with the family?’

‘Look, I was going to, but do you know, I’m sure it can wait until another day.’

‘Oh, come on, Dad,’ said Tom, ‘don’t be shy. It did sound as though you might have something important to tell us. What is it?’

Ronnie looked at Rex wide-eyed, her expression brooking no argument. She hated any kind of secret so if there was something Rex was keeping to himself then she needed to know what it was.

‘Okay, okay!’ he said, looking around him at all the expectant faces. ‘If you must know, it’s something I’ve got for you, Ronnie. A present.’

‘A present?’ she repeated. Rex’s response had completely wrong-footed her.

‘Yes, I originally thought of giving it to you tonight, but then I wondered if Christmas Day might be more appropriate.’

‘What sort of present? A going-away present?’ she asked, looking around the kitchen table to see if anyone else could shed any light on the mystery.

‘No, you silly bugger. Not a going-away present. Where on earth would I be going?’

‘Oh, I don’t know, I just thought…’ Her words trailed away, the pent-up emotion held in her shoulders evaporating with that idea. She immediately brightened. ‘Well, you’ve mentioned a present so now is a good a time as any, don’t you think? Otherwise, I will never be able to bear the suspense. What is it?’ She clapped her hands together excitedly. ‘Do you know, Pia? Sophie?’

Her question swept around the table to include everyone, but she was met with a sea of blank faces and shrugs.

‘Wait a minute then,’ said Rex with an indulgent smile. ‘I’ll go and fetch it.’

With Ronnie brimming over with excitement, trying to engage everyone in guessing what it might be, those couple of minutes seemed to stretch interminably, but soon Rex was back carrying a beautifully wrapped package, which he handed over to Ronnie.

‘Oh, my goodness, this is it,’ she gasped, taking the parcel from him, her fingers stroking the luxurious glossy paper, which had a matching gold bow tied around the middle. ‘It’s almost too special to open!’

‘Come on,’ urged Pia, ‘we’re all dying to find out what it is now.’

Tentatively, Ronnie untied the bow, pulling it straight and folding it up neatly to use it for another time. Her hands felt through the paper, pressing and squeezing to see if it would offer any clues. It was soft, with no hard edges, so Ronnie thought it might be a scarf or a top. Unable to contain her excitement any longer, she pulled back the sticky tape and the paper fell open, revealing the contents of the gift. It took Ronnie a moment while she simply stopped and stared, her mind working overtime, words escaping her, before she realised what it was.

Her hands reached out to feel the flowing cream material of the dress that she recognised instantly. With its long and flowing skirt, shirred front and pretty daisies embroidered over the lace fabric, she gasped at its beauty. On the mannequin in the shop window the dress had been eye-catching, but in the flesh, her hands stroking the delicate softness of the material, it was absolutely stunning.

‘What is it?’ asked Jackson, who was unable to see it properly from the other side of the table.

Ronnie carefully pulled it out from its wrapping, holding it up to show the others.

‘It’s a dress. The most exquisite dress ever. We saw it in a shop window in town a few weeks ago. I can’t believe you actually went back and bought it for me, Rex.’

‘Well, from the moment I saw it, I knew it was meant for you, Ronnie. It had your name written all over it. I couldn’t leave it in the shop. I had to go back and buy it. It’s around about your size, but we can go and get it altered by a seamstress so that it fits you perfectly.’

‘Oh, Rex, I don’t know what to say!’

‘Blimey,’ said Jackson. ‘For once Mum is speechless. That’s some achievement right there.’

‘Oh, stop it! It’s so thoughtful of you to do that for me.’ Was this the news he’d been so intent on telling though? She still didn’t understand. She cast her gaze towards Rex, totally overwhelmed by the gesture. Of all the things that she might have been expecting, this certainly wasn’t one of them. She stood up and held the dress against her for everyone to see and there was a collective sigh of appreciation.

‘Goodness me, that’s stunning,’ said Sophie.

‘I love it,’ agreed Pia. ‘It’s very bohemian. Very you, Ronnie.’

‘I could wear it to the wedding,’ Ronnie announced. ‘That’s if you wouldn’t mind, Pia?’

‘No!’ Rex was quite insistent. ‘It’s not for the wedding. You already have your outfit sorted for that. This is for you… to wear… to wear on another occasion. On another wedding day.’ Rex took a deep breath. ‘On our wedding day. I thought we might like to get something sorted in the new year. What do you reckon, Ron?’ Rex fumbled in his pocket before pulling out a box and handing it across to Ronnie.

She looked at it, then at him and then at the bemused faces of Jackson, Pia, Tom and Sophie.

‘Are you having a laugh?’ she asked him.

‘No, I am not having a laugh,’ he said crossly. ‘I think we should get married, Ronnie.’ He threw his hands up in the air, a big grin on his face, and she heard a gasp of astonishment from the others. ‘I’ve been looking at Jackson and Luke and seeing how these youngsters do things. They’ve got the right idea. They know what they want and they go right after it. No messing about. You’ve always been the girl for me, Ronnie. It’s just a shame that it’s taken me all these years to realise it. I was a pretty rubbish husband the first time around, but I want to make it up to you now, love. Neither of us are spring chickens, so I don’t want to waste any more time.’

Ronnie’s eyes widened as she nodded her head, still struggling to find any words.

‘I want people to know that you’re my wife. Not my ex, or my partner, or my girlfriend. We’re too old for all that kind of stuff.’ He reached out to take Ronnie’s hand. ‘I don’t want you thinking I’m going to do a bunk every time I disappear out of sight for ten minutes. I want us to have a bit of peace together. Having that heart scare brought home to me what’s important in life. And that’s my family and you, Ronnie. You really took care of me then and I realised how much it means to me to have you in my life. I don’t know what I’d do without you now. None of us know how much longer we’ve got, but what I do know is that I want to spend that time, however long it may be, with you. So, what do you say, sweetheart?’

A huge smile threatened to spread across Ronnie’s face, but she kept it at bay, still not entirely sure that she was fully understanding what he was telling her.

‘Are you absolutely 100 per cent serious about this, Rex? This isn’t one of your silly pranks?’

‘One hundred and ten per cent serious, Ronnie. I’ve got you the dress and the ring, what more could a girl want? You do like the ring, don’t you? If not, I’m sure we could get it changed. Come on, Ronnie, please don’t make me get down on one knee. I mean, I can probably get down there, but there’s no way on earth I’ll be getting back up again.’

Rex chuckled, looking round at Jackson and Tom for some moral support, but all the others had fallen into an expectant hush waiting for Ronnie’s response.

She pulled out the ring from its box and slid it onto her finger, the memory of Rhi having done exactly the same thing only hours earlier uppermost in her mind. She picked up the dress and buried her face in the fabric, before holding it up against her body again, doing a twirl in the middle of the kitchen floor.

‘Well, bloody hell, Rex, you’ve taken your time getting round to this, but of course I’ll marry you, you daft old sod. I’ve always loved you, even if you have put me through the wringer at times.’ She carefully put the dress back in its wrapping before throwing herself into his arms. ‘I love you, Rex Moody. Always have done and always will, and we’ve still got plenty of years left to spend together so don’t go making out that the pair of us are on our last legs.’

Pia’s chest filled with happiness as she bit on her lip to try and stem the tears that were threatening to fall. She needn’t have worried, though, because taking a look around her, she noticed Jackson, Tom and Sophie were struggling to contain their own emotions too. The Primrose Hall effect had definitely worked its magic tonight.