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

Chapter 33

33

Pia had intended to have a quiet couple of days to start the week, recovering from the excesses of the weekend, safe in the knowledge that all the public events were behind them now. Her head was still abuzz with excitement after the success of the Carols by Candlelight evening, Luke’s proposal, Rex’s proposal and now the prospect of her own wedding. She took a deep breath, reaffirming to herself that there was no need to panic. Everything was in place; it was simply a case of checking that the flowers would be delivered on time, and confirming with the caterers, the photographer and the band the timings for the day.

Today she was going to meet Tom and Frank over in the barn to brief them on what needed doing to transform the space into the perfect wedding venue, ready to welcome their guests. Just as she was about to head out the kitchen door, Jackson physically stopped her.

‘Hey, where do you think you’re going?’ he said, shaking his head. ‘Absolutely not.’

‘What do you mean? There’s still a lot to do yet, and I need to make sure Tom knows the layout for the tables and the decorations. Rex and Ronnie will be helping too so I don’t know why you’re looking so glum. It’s going to be fun.’

‘I might have agreed to us getting married here, but there’s no way I’m letting you do all the hard work getting the barn ready for your own wedding. Nope. I’m sending you away for a few days.’

‘What? No, you can’t!’ Why had Jackson suddenly taken on the harsh tone and manner of an upright Victorian gentleman? ‘Don’t be ridiculous. I need to be here, Jackson. I’ve got so much to do.’

‘It’s all organised,’ he told her. ‘You and Sophie are going away for a two-night spa visit. No arguments. Sophie has the details. I think she’s planned massages, manicures and pedicures for you both. A chance for you to properly unwind.’

‘What, but…?’ Pia wasn’t sure whether to be annoyed or delighted. She had a schedule, a table plan and a whole box of fabric and garlands to decorate the barn with.

‘Don’t worry about a thing,’ he said, as if reading her mind. ‘We’ve got it all covered between us. You’ve worked so hard this year, looking after me, the hall, the animals and my folks, that you need some time for yourself, to recover, to be your absolute best self for the wedding. Otherwise you’ll be in a walking trance come the day of the wedding. Leave it in our capable hands.’

‘What about the dogs and the animals, they’ll need…’

‘I know exactly what they need. And I know exactly how you want the barn to look. We have spoken about it in quite a lot of detail, remember.’

Her every protestation was met with a firm rebuttal from Jackson so that she quickly ran out of reasons why she should stay.

‘Did you say Sophie would be coming?’

‘Yes.’ He glanced at his watch. ‘In about an hour’s time actually, so you need to pack a bag, get on your way and don’t give a second thought to what is going on here. I promise you’ – he took her face in his hands – ‘that we will make sure everything is perfect for Saturday. You do trust me, don’t you?’

‘Yes, of course I do!’ As much as she would trust anyone with her wedding plans.

It didn’t take her long to get used to the idea though. On Jackson’s urgent shooing, she ran up the stairs to their bedroom, where her small suitcase was already opened on the bed. She hastily threw in some underwear and casual clothes, a swimsuit plus her toiletries, and her excitement built with every moment so that by the time she got back down to the kitchen, any reservations she may have had about leaving the hall in the days leading up to her wedding had completely evaporated. Especially so seeing Sophie’s grinning face when she arrived shortly afterwards to drive them to the spa.

‘Was this your idea?’ Pia asked as they set off on their leisurely journey. She was still shaking her head, hardly believing this was actually happening.

‘I’d love to take credit for it, but it was all Jackson’s doing. When he mentioned what he had in mind, I thought it was a brilliant idea and I was delighted to be asked to be part of his secret plan.’ She grinned. ‘It’s so kind of him, and just what you need before the wedding. You haven’t stopped all year and this will give you the opportunity to properly unwind. You’re going to come home pampered and preened.’

‘Oh, he’s not all bad, Jackson, is he?’ said Pia, with a smile of relief. ‘It’s so thoughtful of him. Otherwise, I would have been hastily painting my own nails and toenails on the morning of the wedding! He obviously knows me better than I know myself.’

Although it was only two days away, it felt much longer and Pia was able to relax, with only the occasional moment of panic when she wondered what she might possibly have forgotten and how they were getting on back at the hall, resisting the urge to get straight on the phone to check. Instead she made the most of the peace, enjoying some one-on-one time with Sophie, chatting and laughing and sharing stories about their respective Moody men. It was the much-needed rest that she hadn’t even realised she’d needed.

Arriving home two days later, she was welcomed warmly by Jackson and marginally more enthusiastically by the dogs, but with strict instructions from Jackson that she wasn’t to take a peek inside the barn. That delight would have to wait until Saturday, the day of the wedding.

Pia was superstitious by nature so had insisted that she and Jackson spent the night prior to the big day apart. She remained at the hall with Ronnie, while Jackson, Tom and Rex stayed overnight in a local hotel.

Waking up on that crisp December morning, Pia could quite easily have believed that it had been snowing overnight because as she pulled back the curtains and peered outside she saw that the ground was covered in a thick frost, the bare branches of the trees tipped with white icing. There was a serene calmness to the morning even if she could feel the anticipation hanging in the air, as though the trees and shrubs were aware of the enormity of the day. Pia glanced across at the barn, the Christmas tree now sporting the addition of a myriad cream bows, which would be shown off to magnificent effect when the lights were turned on before the arrival of their guests. There were beautiful natural garlands, made from spruce and eucalyptus intertwined with holly, ivy and mistletoe, running the length of the stables, and Pia couldn’t help thinking how magical it looked from the outside. In a few hours she would be stepping inside the barn to be greeted by Jackson and the thought sent goosebumps travelling the length of her body.

‘Knock, knock!’

‘Come in,’ she called excitedly, hearing Ronnie’s familiar voice.

‘Good morning!’ There was a big smile on her mum-in-law-to-be’s face. ‘How are you feeling today?’ Ronnie asked as she wandered through the bedroom door carrying a tray with a small vase of flowers, a welcome mug of coffee and a glass of orange juice.

‘Ooh, what a treat, thank you!’ When Ronnie placed the tray down on the beside cabinet, Pia stepped towards her for a hug, squeezing her tight. ‘I’m so pleased you’re here, Ronnie. I’m so nervous. Part of me wants to crawl back under the duvet, but I’m excited and happy too. Once I’m in my dress and I see our friends and family waiting for us, and spot Jackson as well, I know I’ll feel so much better. It was weird waking up without him this morning, but tonight when we go to bed we’ll be Mr and Mrs Moody.’ Pia tilted her head to one side in contemplation. ‘That’s so funny. I’ve just realised you and Rex will be Mr and Mrs Moody again soon.’

‘I know, I haven’t got used to it myself.’ Ronnie eyelashes fluttered involuntarily, and a dreamy look crossed her face, before she gathered herself. ‘I have to keep checking my ring to remind me that it’s true. Anyway, all that is for another time. Today is about you and Jackson. As his lordship’s mother, I can’t tell you what a relief it is to know that he’s found you, Pia, because I know how much you love and care for him and I can see how happy you make him.’

They must have sat there chatting, laughing and hugging for at least an hour, until Ronnie jumped up from the bed where she’d been sitting.

‘I’ve got something for you. A wedding present. Can I go and get it and give it to you now?’

‘Of course,’ said Pia, clapping her hands excitedly. ‘You didn’t need to do that though. I hope people don’t think they have to buy us a present. We have everything we need, but it’s so lovely of you.’

‘It’s from Rex as well, and I didn’t wrap it, but we hope you’ll like it.’

Ronnie came back into the room holding the neatly folded crochet blanket that she had poured all her heart, time and soul into over the last few weeks. She’d only finished it in the early hours of the morning, sewing in the last remaining ends, and giving it a gentle press, before tying it with a big red ribbon.

Pia’s eyes lit up as she accepted the blanket, fascinated by the colours, the intricacy and the craftsmanship of the piece. She opened it up and held it above her, her gaze taking in every detail of the cream and gold blanket, which was a patchwork of individually designed squares with hearts, and bobbles, and with hers and Jackson’s initials entwined at its centre.

‘Oh, my goodness, it’s beautiful. You’re so clever, Ronnie!’ Pia buried her nose in the blanket. ‘We will treasure this forever. I can’t thank you enough.’

It was big enough to cover their king-size bed and Pia couldn’t wait to show it to Jackson, knowing that the blanket would be a constant companion to them through their married life.

‘Anyway, I shall get in trouble,’ said Ronnie, looking at her watch. ‘We need to start getting ready. How about some breakfast first? Abbey, Katy and Rosie will be arriving soon.’

The morning passed in a whirl of excitable chatter and laughter, glasses of champagne and a breakfast of scrambled eggs and smoked salmon, until it was time for Pia to step into her wedding dress. As she spent most of her days in jeans and a sweatshirt, Pia had eschewed some of the more elaborate fussy gowns she’d tried on and instead opted for a simple sheath dress in soft ivory that swept her curves, the beaded detailing on the cap sleeves adding a touch of elegance and glamour.

‘Well, look at you!’ Ronnie gasped, seeing Pia in her dress for the first time. Pia had to avoid her gaze as she’d glimpsed the emotion in her eyes, matching her own bubbling feelings inside. ‘You look stunning!’

It was the same reaction from little Rosie who had looked at her in awe, her big eyes growing wide, seeing Pia in all her finery.

‘You look like a princess, Pia.’

‘Thank you, Rosie, and so do you!’ Pia took hold of the little girl’s hand and twirled her around the floor. ‘I’m so grateful you’re here today to help me. I’ve got flutters in my chest so I wouldn’t be able to do this without you. And you too, Abbey,’ she said, clasping her best friend’s hand. Rosie and Abbey, in their dusty pink dresses in complementing styles, were the perfect assistants and Ronnie took some spontaneous photos in the bedroom as they put the final touches to their make-up, with Rosie insisting on having a dusting of blusher, in the kitchen as they sipped on Buck’s Fizz, made with lemonade for Rosie, and then out on the patio beside the stone balustrade with the trees of Primrose Woods providing a perfect backdrop.

‘Come on,’ said Abbey, taking her matron-of-honour duties very seriously, ‘we need to get you across to the barn. Jackson will be wondering where we’ve got to.’

They made the short walk across the stony path, holding hands all the way, gasping as the cold air took their breath away, but it didn’t matter because they were all filled with excitement. For Pia there was every other emotion too; happiness, trepidation and a pang of sadness, thinking about her parents and missing them hugely, but gaining solace from the fact that she was certain they were looking over her today from high above.

‘Mum and Dad would be so proud, you know that, don’t you? And I’m proud too,’ said Connor, who had joined them and who was doing her the honour of escorting her into the barn.

‘Thanks, Connor, that means a lot. Having you here, your arm to hold on, has stopped my legs from shaking!’

‘Glad to be of service, sis!’

Stepping into the barn, Pia was in total awe and she might have been forgiven for thinking she’d been transported into a winter wonderland with the myriad taper candles and fairy lights, the swathes of green foliage and white blooms creating a magical effect. She had to give it to Jackson and the gang; they’d done a far better job than she could ever have managed. Exhaling the breath she’d been hanging on to, Pia immediately relaxed, seeing all her friends and family gathered to greet her. She spotted Abbey and Sam first with little Willow, Wendy and Simon, Lizzie and Bill, Luke and Rhi and so many others, all dressed up to the nines with smiling faces. She heard an appreciative gasp of delight and a ripple of spontaneous applause break out as she made her entrance. Her gaze searched out Jackson, and spotting him in the crowd caused her entire being to fill with love, pride and happiness as his eyes snagged on hers, a smile spreading wide across his face. His hand reached out to grasp hers.

‘You turned up?’ he said, looking relieved.

‘Yes!’ She laughed. Was it ever really in question? There’d been moments when she’d wondered if they were doing the right thing, if she was doing the right thing, but any lingering wisps of doubt evaporated in that instant as her fingers threaded with Jackson’s. ‘Nothing could have kept me away.’

‘You look beautiful,’ he said, taking a step backwards to run his gaze appreciatively along the length of her body.

‘You look very handsome too,’ she said in the understatement of the year, the sight of Jackson in his grey silk Italian suit, pristine white shirt and purple polka-dot tie bringing her out in goosebumps.

‘Shall we do this?’ he asked her, looking at her intently, his dark brown eyes glistening with emotion.

‘Yes, please.’ She nodded, with a smile.

The ceremony, presided over by a jovial registrar under the oak beams of the old barn, was simple, intimate and touching, with Jackson and Pia exchanging their personally written vows in a heartwarming and emotional moment for every single person in the room. When the formalities were over, the registrar prompted the happy couple to seal their marriage with a kiss and as they did so, a little voice piped up from behind.

‘Thank goodness for that. Can we have some food now, please?’

Everyone erupted into good-natured laughter at Rosie’s off-the-cuff comment, which cut through the hushed atmosphere. Several of the other guests admitted they were of the same mind as Rosie, eager to get the party started with a drink and some enticing-looking canapés.

The day passed in a haze of love, laughter and good wishes as Pia and Jackson made a point of speaking to each of their guests, and it was only then that Pia could fully relax into the celebrations.

‘All of this, it’s amazing, thank you, Jackson,’ Pia said, gesturing around her, only noticing some of the finer details of the sumptuous decorations in that moment: the gold ribbons adorning the backs of the chairs, the pinecones along the centre of the trestle tables and the mistletoe hanging from the beams. ‘I couldn’t have done it any better myself.’

‘See, what did I tell you? You need to learn to trust your husband,’ he said, his eyes shining with affection and love, his hand touching her cheek. ‘But I’m very glad you approve.’

She took another sip from her glass of champagne and an attentive waiter immediately refilled it to the top. She smiled, thanking him, but she wasn’t going to make that mistake again. She needed to keep a clear head today to ensure she could remember every single exquisite moment of what already had become the best day of her life.

‘It’s all perfect,’ she uttered.

‘Hmmm, kind of,’ said Jackson, his face crumpling in distaste. ‘Although I’m not sure about the disco. What kind of music is that exactly?’

Pia laughed.

‘I’m surprised you don’t recognise it, Jackson. Everyone knows this one. By special request from one of our younger guests.’ She nodded towards the centre of the room where Rosie, arms wide, was spinning around on the spot, perfecting a princess pirouette. Pia suspected that, like her, Rosie was having the best day of her life.