be perhaps too much to ask â but Bellaâs mother was thankful that her daughter had been generous enough to include her in the special day.
As the music changed pace they turned to see Fiona enter the modern, slightly wacky, church. She made her way up the aisle, which had been decorated with crystal roses and Moroccan carpets and bottles of musk oil. The latter were wedding gifts from Zee Zeeâs family.
All faces strained to get a look at The Dress.
Bella wiped away a tear. Here at last was her dream dress. No longer a dream, and worn by the most special person in her life.
At Fionaâs side was a man she recognised. It couldnât be, but it was. Those hazel eyes and shy smile ⦠Yes! Her boyfriend of all those years ago was walking his daughter down the aisle.
Fiona had said there might be the odd surprise, but Bella thought it was just the unusual drumming. She had prepared herself by bringing the earplugs she used for long coach journeys.
Bella looked again. He had hardly changed. A slightly stockier version and not bad-looking at all. Bella assumed he must have a lovely wife and family somewhere and felt a stab of regret. Perhaps he had other children. Perhaps there would be a step-family to meet. Bella drove away these thoughts. Instead she focussed on The Dress. It perfectly reflected Fionaâs beautiful gleaming skin and bright hazel eyes. The rose and the crystals shone in the sunlight of the church. The antique lace fluttered, the chiffon sparkled and everything looked as it was supposed to do. It was surely a moment to savour.
The vicar had already proved himself a modern kind of vicar with a sense of humour. As Fiona reached for her husband-to-beâs hand, Bellaâs mother and Bella held each otherâs hands to brace themselves for more bad jokes.
âIt seems this young couple have a lot to be thankful for,â said the vicar. âNot only is our bride a wonder at whipping up an audience, but her mother is just as good at whipping up a de-fuzzed coconut. A photo of which takes pride of place next to the collection box. Hint hint. Welcome to the entire audience of Finger Food  ⦠Some of you camped out last night to get a seat today â¦â
The old people in the crowd cheered.
âGo Fiona! Go Bella!â
Zee Zee roared with laughter and hugged his bride while he winked at Bella. Bellaâs mother looked quite shocked but managed a smile. She had to be on her best behaviour from now on. She had a lot to make up for.
At the wedding party afterwards, Bella tucked into the rose and crystal wedding cake. Through the happy crowd, Fiona approached, with a tall man on her arm. Bella felt her stomach twist at the sight of the familiar face.
âHello, Ian,â she said, battling to keep the tremor from her voice.
He still had the same twinkle.
Fiona leaned in to whisper in her motherâs ear. âHeâs a widower, has been for years! Kids live in Australia. How neat is that?â And with a quick kiss on Bellaâs cheek, Fiona slipped away.
Ian cleared his throat and offered Bella a small object from behind his back.
A small slice of carrot cake with a rose and a crystal on top.
As the music changed pace they turned to see Fiona enter the modern, slightly wacky, church. She made her way up the aisle, which had been decorated with crystal roses and Moroccan carpets and bottles of musk oil. The latter were wedding gifts from Zee Zeeâs family.
All faces strained to get a look at The Dress.
Bella wiped away a tear. Here at last was her dream dress. No longer a dream, and worn by the most special person in her life.
At Fionaâs side was a man she recognised. It couldnât be, but it was. Those hazel eyes and shy smile ⦠Yes! Her boyfriend of all those years ago was walking his daughter down the aisle.
Fiona had said there might be the odd surprise, but Bella thought it was just the unusual drumming. She had prepared herself by bringing the earplugs she used for long coach journeys.
Bella looked again. He had hardly changed. A slightly stockier version and not bad-looking at all. Bella assumed he must have a lovely wife and family somewhere and felt a stab of regret. Perhaps he had other children. Perhaps there would be a step-family to meet. Bella drove away these thoughts. Instead she focussed on The Dress. It perfectly reflected Fionaâs beautiful gleaming skin and bright hazel eyes. The rose and the crystals shone in the sunlight of the church. The antique lace fluttered, the chiffon sparkled and everything looked as it was supposed to do. It was surely a moment to savour.
The vicar had already proved himself a modern kind of vicar with a sense of humour. As Fiona reached for her husband-to-beâs hand, Bellaâs mother and Bella held each otherâs hands to brace themselves for more bad jokes.
âIt seems this young couple have a lot to be thankful for,â said the vicar. âNot only is our bride a wonder at whipping up an audience, but her mother is just as good at whipping up a de-fuzzed coconut. A photo of which takes pride of place next to the collection box. Hint hint. Welcome to the entire audience of Finger Food  ⦠Some of you camped out last night to get a seat today â¦â
The old people in the crowd cheered.
âGo Fiona! Go Bella!â
Zee Zee roared with laughter and hugged his bride while he winked at Bella. Bellaâs mother looked quite shocked but managed a smile. She had to be on her best behaviour from now on. She had a lot to make up for.
At the wedding party afterwards, Bella tucked into the rose and crystal wedding cake. Through the happy crowd, Fiona approached, with a tall man on her arm. Bella felt her stomach twist at the sight of the familiar face.
âHello, Ian,â she said, battling to keep the tremor from her voice.
He still had the same twinkle.
Fiona leaned in to whisper in her motherâs ear. âHeâs a widower, has been for years! Kids live in Australia. How neat is that?â And with a quick kiss on Bellaâs cheek, Fiona slipped away.
Ian cleared his throat and offered Bella a small object from behind his back.
A small slice of carrot cake with a rose and a crystal on top.
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