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‘Yes, yes. Let’s do this. Come on, Hudson and Pippa. Are you two going to hold my hands as we practised? And Rueben and Toby, loves, you know what to do?’ Elsie took Hudson’s hand and held her other one out for Pippa. ‘That’s it, Pippa, over here.’
Pippa skipped towards Elsie as Rueben and Toby, dressed in their smart light grey suits, stood slightly in front of them.
Evie stepped into position next to Freya as the church organ began to play the Wedding March and two of the ushers, Charlie and Scott, held open the doors to the church. As she began walking down the aisle behind Daisy and Wendy, she glanced behind at the sea of the dusky pink fabric of the bridesmaids’ dresses as Teresa and Molly walked behind them followed by Jessie and Olivia, Lauren and Diane, Paige and Carrie, Brooke and Nina, Heidi and Gemma and Jessie.
As they filed into the pews at the front of the church, Evie smiled at Ian, who dabbed a red and white checked handkerchief at his eyes before turning and facing down the aisle.
Looking back down the aisle, Evie grinned as Rueben and Toby began walking between the pews, gently throwing pale pink rose petals on the floor in front of them. She could see the look of love fill Ian’s face as Elsie walked towards him, her hands holding Hudson’s and Pippa’s.
As Elsie neared Ian, Teresa ushered Rueben, Toby, Hudson and Pippa towards her whilst Wendy stepped forward, ready to take Elsie’s bouquet for her. Evie could see Elsie and Ian’s eyes lock together, the world falling away as they came together to promise their love for one another.
Chapter Twenty Seven
The bakery was packedto the brim. The tables full and extra chairs lining the walls. Friends, family, and regular customers had all hurried from the church to the bakery, all eager to arrive at the reception venue before the happy couple, all wanting to share the magic of the day by greeting Elsie and Ian.
‘They’re here. Everyone, grab a glass of something bubbly.’ Diane clinked a spoon against her champagne glass, signalling everyone to get ready.
Standing up, Evie held her glass, watching as the bakery door swung open. A few seconds passed before Ian walked across the threshold, carrying Elsie in his arms.
‘To Elsie and Ian! Congratulations!’
A loud cheer rang through the bakery as Ian lowered Elsie to the floor and smoothed down her dress.
‘Oh, look. Look at this.’ Gripping her new husband’s hand, Elsie pointed to the candles surrounded by pale pink peonies on the tables, the white swathes of fabric covering the counters and enveloping the bakery in a magical, serene embrace, the colourful paper chains hanging from the ceilings created by the children and the lively bar decorated by Gavin.
‘And these, where on earth...?’ Ian shook his head as he indicated the numerous photographs tacked to the walls of himself and Elsie over the years.
‘We have our sources.’ Stepping forward, Connor laughed and indicated the fabric-covered wedding counter on which their wedding cake stood.
Covering her mouth with her hands, Elsie gasped. ‘Oh Wendy, this is just wonderful. Thank you so much.’ Walking across to Wendy, Elsie drew her in for a hug. ‘My beautiful, talented Wendy, it’s absolute perfection.’
‘Are you sure you like it?’ Wendy picked Hudson up, sitting him on her hip.
‘Like it? We love it.’ Ian hugged her before drawing away and ruffling Hudson’s hair. ‘Your mum’s a very talented lady, she is.’
‘It’s all wonderful. All of it. Thank you so much for all the time and effort you’ve put into transforming the bakery into such an amazing wonderland.’ Elsie looked around the room. ‘Thank you all of you for taking the time to share our special day with us.’
