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‘Yes,’ said Kirsty. ‘Mum and Dad had that magical ability to always whip up something tasty to eat, from nothing.’
‘I’ve definitely not inherited that,’ said Amy, laughing. ‘Seriously, though, you have done such an amazing job with this place and with the kids. They are brilliant.’
Kirsty smiled brightly at her. ‘Thank you.’
‘I know it’s not been easy, but do you ever regret leaving London and your jobs there?’
Kirsty shuddered. ‘Not for a single moment. I have never regretted leaving that behind. This is what we both wanted, and it was important for the kids to have the freedom we had as kids.’
‘I envy you. I hope that doesn’t sound bad. But you seem so content and together.’
Kirsty grimaced. ‘That’s all a front. I can assure you I am like a swan. Perhaps calm on the outside but there is a lot of flapping about going on under the water.’
Amy giggled.
Kirsty tipped her head to the side. ‘Coming back to where you’re from is always emotional. Especially just now with the wedding and Mum not being here. Don’t forget that you also had a break-up before you came back so you’re bound to feel unsettled.’
Amy nodded thoughtfully. ‘You’re right. I think I lost a sense of who I was when I was with Ross. It was as though I was going through the motions if that makes sense?’
‘I know things will sort themselves out for you, Amy,’ Kirsty advised. ‘You will be absolutely fine.’
Amy smiled, grateful that her sister was saying exactly the right things to lift her spirits. ‘I know — things do have a way of working out. Look at all the worry Emma has been holding these past few weeks.’
Kirsty nodded. ‘I am so glad they’ve spoken, and everything is okay for the moment. They may have a few challenges ahead of them but it’s so clear they love each other and that is the most important thing.’
Amy loved how wise Kirsty was. She really was a perfect big sister. Grabbing her for a hug, she whispered fiercely in her ear, ‘Thanks for all you do. I love you, Kirsty.’ She was surprised when she felt Kirsty suppress a sob and clutch her tightly. ‘Don’t cry, come on sis, we can’t have puffy eyes today of all days, can we?’ she said, trying to lighten the mood.
Kirsty cleared her throat, pulling away. ‘Changing the subject completely, then, I’ve not had a chance to ask how things went with James at the pub?’ She grinned.
At the mention of his name, Amy couldn’t stop a smile from spreading across her face. However, she didn’t answer straightaway but instead contemplated for a moment. ‘Lovely,’ she said, her voice soft. ‘When I’m with him it’s like being with someone I know really well. I feel . . . comfortable if that makes sense?’
Kirsty nodded as she watched her sister.
‘He’s a good listener, he’s funny and smart andgetsmeand I can’t actually believe that we lost touch for so long.’
‘Sometimes life can be funny like that, can’t it? Who would have thought that the time you come back for your sister’s wedding is when he would be back here and involved in organizing the big day.’ Kirsty smiled wryly at her.
Amy nodded, ignoring her sister’s nuanced words. ‘Especially when we haven’t seen each other for so long. I was a bit worried there might be a bit of an atmosphere between us, but it’s been absolutely fine. I suppose we were teenagers when we last saw each other and a lot has changed.’
Amy wanted to tell her about the connection she felt with James and the spark of electricity that buzzed between them whenever she was near him. That she loved the smell of him, the way he moved his hands when he spoke to her and the way he looked like she was the only woman on earth. She pushed away the memory of his hand lingering on hers as they walked back from the pub. She had the sense that he wanted to kiss her. She definitely wanted to kiss him, but she’d held back, too.
Today wasn’t the right time to share this insight with Kirsty or anyone. She would have to try and hold herself together for the wedding. The last thing any of them needed was any more drama, especially after the week they had all had.
‘Right then,’ she said, springing up from the window seat. ‘We have a wedding to prepare for. Isn’t it a beautiful morning?’ she said, pointing outside. The sky was now clear blue, the sea was still and the sun was casting a warm golden glow on the garden.
‘Just perfect and exactly what we ordered,’ said Kirsty.
‘It’s almost like Mum is smiling down on us all.’
‘Let’s hope she continues to smile at us all day then and that the rain doesn’t make an unexpected appearance.’
Amy flapped her hands dismissively. ‘Stop worrying, sis, it will all be fine. Now tell me what the plan is for waking up the bride-to-be?’
Kirsty reached into the pocket of her pyjama bottoms and pulled out a crumpled piece of paper.
‘The spreadsheet?’ asked Amy.
‘Indeed. Although it’s becoming a little bit tatty. If I’m honest I will be glad to get rid of this!’
