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‘You will be reaching into your pocket looking for it forever more,’ said Amy laughing. ‘What is on the agenda this morning?’
‘Yoga in the garden and a light shoulder massage for the bride-to-be. Then I will run her an aromatherapy bath. Steve is going to make sourdough toast with avocado and eggs for brunch . . . oh and some fizz. I better remember to put that in the fridge.’
‘Then it’s hair and make-up time?’ Amy rubbed her hands together excitedly. ‘What time are we supposed to wake her up?’
‘Mmm,’ said Kirsty frowning. ‘That must be an oversight. I haven’t factored that in.’
Amy couldn’t help shaking her head at Kirsty. ‘That’s shocking,’ she said. ‘What a failure you are.’ She laughed. ‘Do you think we should see if she is awake?’
Kirsty laughed at her sister’s dig. ‘It’s up to you but she’s not really a morning person.’
‘Okay, first things first. Let’s take her some coffee and remind her she has a wedding to get ready for!’
Chapter Thirty-Seven
Kirsty watched as Becky expertly applied a light base of foundation to Emma’s face. Having a confident teenager in the room was rather reassuring — nothing seemed to phase her which was great as her sunny mood was rubbing off on Emma.
‘Wow, I look like I have perfect skin,’ said Emma, admiring herself in the mirror.
‘You do,’ answered Kirsty quickly. ‘You look positively radiant.’
Becky stepped back, hands on hips, to admire her work. ‘Not bad at all, Aunt Em, if I do say so myself.’
Kirsty felt tears spring into her eyes and looked at Emma who was fiddling nervously with her make-up bag. She looked up and managed a small smile. Becky was the first person to call Emma, Em, since Mum had died. It felt like another sign that their mum was watching over them.
‘Knock knock,’ said Steve, opening the door with his foot. He came in with a tray of champagne flutes and a bottle of champagne.
‘Fantastic, thanks, love,’ Kirsty smiled. ‘Now is everything under control?’
‘Yes it is.’ He kissed her on the top of her head. ‘Your dad and Tom are finishing off the bouquets and pinholes and then I will make sure they are clean and presentable. All you ladies need do is focus on your grooming and drinking fizz.’
Emma glanced around. ‘Where is Amy?’
That was a good question. Kirsty had sent her down to do a final once over of the distillery and drop in to Lilybank Cottage with a bottle of fizz for Max and his family, but that was ages ago. ‘She’s just doing a last-minute errand. She’ll be back soon.’
Emma’s phone buzzed. Snatching it up she opened a message and Kirsty watched her, feeling a ripple of panic as a frown of concentration formed on her face. Then she looked as though she wanted to cry. Oh no, what had gone wrong?
‘Emma what is it? What’s happened?’ Kirsty urged. Emma had seemed so happy after speaking to Max, and he had been so sweet. She thought everything was going to be okay. Had he changed his mind? ‘Emma, you are starting to worry me . . .’
‘It’s good news!’ she said, her voice almost a whisper. ‘Honestly, don’t look so worried. Max has just messaged me to tell me that Ruth went into labour in the early hours . . .’ She zoomed in on the photo on her phone and turned it round to show everyone. ‘And she and Oliver had a little boy called Rex. Look, isn’t he gorgeous?’
Kirsty sighed a huge breath of relief and looked at the picture of Rex. He was indeed adorable with his huge brown eyes and smattering of dark hair.
‘He just looks like all other babies,’ said Becky, her voice quite matter-of-fact. ‘Quite cute, but also let’s be honest, more like a shrivelled-up wee man. I don’t see the attraction at all.’
Kirsty chuckled loudly and Emma roared with laughter. ‘You are absolutely right, Becky,’ said Emma.
Kirsty loved her daughter more than ever at that moment for making her aunt laugh in what could have been a potentially tricky moment. ‘And thank goodness she didn’t come over for the wedding. Can you imagine? Knowing Ruth, she would have gone into labour during the wedding ceremony and that would have been that.’
Emma pulled a face. ‘It would have beenhorrendous. There would have been so much drama and we wouldneverhave heard the end of it. I am so pleased all is fine and he has arrived safely. But I agree, Kirsty. Thank goodness she isn’t here.’
Just then, Steve popped the champagne open and poured three glasses, handing one to Kirsty, Emma and Becky. ‘Sounds like there’s lots to be grateful for?’
‘Indeed. Cheers,’ said Kirsty, clinking the glass against Emma and Becky’s. ‘Here’s to a wonderful wedding day with lots of happy times ahead.’
‘Cheers,’ said Emma, beaming.
‘I’m going to leave you in the capable hands of Becky for a moment,’ said Kirsty, draining her glass. ‘And go and check on Dad and Tom and see what’s happening with the flowers.’ She also wanted to check where Amy was and if everything was going to plan.
