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

Chapter 34

34

‘So, where did you learn to dance?’ Pia asked Jackson, when the music had switched to something more acceptable to Jackson’s ears, and he proceeded to twist and turn her expertly around the barn floor. Aware of the eyes of all their friends and family on them, she felt as though she was floating on air, as though she was, in that moment, the most beautiful woman in the world. In fact, she was certain it must be true because Jackson had kept telling her so all day long.

‘I’m a man of many talents, did you not realise that?’ he whispered in her ear as he pulled her up close, before spinning her away again.

‘Honestly, Jackson, you never cease to amaze me. You have so many skills,’ she said, ‘but I never believed for one moment that I would actually see you tripping around this dance floor as though you were born to dance.’

‘Well, I couldn’t let you down, could I? And with my two left feet, I knew I would need some help, so I’ll let you in on a secret: I may have taken one or two lessons.’

‘I knew it!’ she said, laughing, catching her breath as he took her in his arms, placing a hand on the small of her back, sweeping her around the floor with a mastery she could never have imagined. ‘That night in the bar, after my hen night, it was like meeting a stranger. It was wild and thrilling and I was literally swept off my feet. I kept replaying it over in my head afterwards and wondering if it really had been you.’

‘Err… what was that then? I’m not really sure what you’re talking about, Pia. Is there something you need to tell me? Another man?’ He narrowed his eyes at her, his brow furrowing.

‘Stop it,’ she said, laughing. ‘You definitely led me astray that night. You bad, bad man!’

‘You’re not complaining, are you?’

‘No, it was totally unexpected, that was all.’

‘Well, you know I always aim to please.’

‘I suppose there was a part of me that worried that perhaps it was unlucky to see the groom on my hen night or if it was a bad omen for our marriage.’

‘What?’ He pulled back to look into her eyes, sweeping a hand over her hair. ‘We make our own luck, Pia, and nothing’s going to change that.’

‘Yes, you’re right, of course,’ she sighed.

‘Always. And I for one thought that night was bloody magical,’ he said, his eyes shining, clearly remembering the romantic intensity of the moment. ‘Once I’d got past your eagle-eyed friends and my mother. Honestly, I had to swear on my life to them that I would get you home safely.’

She laughed, entranced by his warm brown eyes.

‘The dancing definitely fooled me. I couldn’t believe that my boyfriend suddenly had the moves of a Latin Lothario. It was honestly like being with another man.’ She giggled. ‘You know, I think I could sign you up for Strictly Come Dancing next year, you’re that good.’

‘I don’t know about that, but I do think it’s important never to take anything for granted in a relationship and to hold on to a few surprises, don’t you?’

Pia nodded. She was certain she’d received similar advice from one of her friends at Rushgrove Lodge recently and she was in no doubt that her marriage to Jackson would have plenty of surprises in store for her.

‘Only good surprises, I hope.’

‘Absolutely,’ he said, laughing, taking her in his arms as the music slowed. She rested her head on his chest, closing her eyes, revelling in the closeness and intimacy from having exchanged their wedding vows, at becoming being Mr and Mrs Moody, in front of all their family and friends.

‘You know, I think this has been the best day ever, certainly the best event we’ve ever held at the hall.’

‘Oh, by a country mile,’ agreed Jackson.

As the music changed again, and everyone joined them on the dance floor, they melted into the middle of the room, surrounded by all their loved ones.

‘So have you finally forgiven me for running out on you when we were kids?’ he asked her, running a hand over her cheek.

‘There’s nothing to forgive, Jackson. I loved you then and I love you now, and I will love you forever more.’

‘Good answer, Pia, because I never stopped loving you either.’ He held her face in his hands and kissed her on her lips, sending ripples of delight the length of her body. ‘The teenage girl I fell in love with always had a part of my heart, and finding her again, well, it was as though this, us, it was always meant to be.’

She allowed her head to fall back onto his chest, a beatific smile spreading across her face, in total and utter agreement. With Jackson at her side, she knew that her future at Primrose Hall was destined to shine very brightly indeed.