A Christmas Wedding in the Cotswolds Read online

  ‘The answer is yes, of course!’ she replies, with real enthusiasm. ‘It will be my pleasure.’

  ‘The problem is that I don’t even know where to start, Val, as I’m being pulled in so many different directions and that isn’t going to ease up any time soon. You know me, I’m not one to let things slide and if I do it means I’m losing my grip. With Gray away during the week, the only quality time we get is at the weekend. And I’m taking on more and more at work to ease the pressure on Martin. Plus having to liaise with the builders and being chief organiser and treasurer for the Santa Ahoy anniversary fund, I’m like a headless chicken. We’re halfway through the year and, as far as the wedding plans go, I’ve booked Aysbury village hall for the civil ceremony and the reception, with The Bullrush Inn doing the catering. But we don’t even have a menu or a guest list yet, and Sarah texted me again this morning to give me a nudge.’

  I sink back onto the sofa, feeling deflated and demoralised.

  ‘Don’t you worry about a thing, Immi. Give me whatever lists you have and, if we can take an hour one evening to sit down and talk through your vision, I’ll get things moving.’

  My chin wavers a little as I give her a look full of gratitude and relief.

  ‘Hey, don’t get upset. There are other people we can pull in to help once we have an action plan. But you will need to be on hand to make some firm decisions quite quickly. I’m sorry the original plan for a summer wedding hasn’t been doable because of Gray’s workload. I know you were both disappointed about that.’

  I sit forward, shrugging my shoulders. ‘This is his big break, and I wasn’t about to make life difficult for him.’ I sigh wearily. ‘I wanted a simple service in a cornfield alongside the canal, with a small group of friends, and a big party for everyone in a marquee afterwards. The village hall is nice, but it’s not quite the same, is it?’

  Val chews her lip, deep in thought. ‘And Gray definitely doesn’t want to slip it back another six months to next summer? There’s so much going on and you’re carrying a lot on your shoulders, Immi.’

  ‘I know. But all we really want is a quiet little wedding, with close friends and neighbours. Gray feels guilty that I insisted on pushing back the date to take the pressure off him, but I’m totally in love with the idea of a Christmas wedding. After all, we did get engaged at Christmas and it is my favourite time of the year.’ That makes us both burst out laughing.

  ‘You did!’ Val says, grinning at me. ‘It wasn’t quite the romantic occasion you’d hoped for, though, was it?’

  ‘That’s precisely why I need your help. My perfect plans went awry, didn’t they? But,’ I hold up my ring finger, proudly displaying Grandma’s engagement ring, ‘we pulled it off. A wedding, though, is an entirely different thing and I’m floundering. I want it to be a memory Gray and I will cherish forever, but at this rate it’s going nowhere.’

  ‘Have you at least thought about a wedding dress?’

  I stare back at her miserably and Val sucks in a deep breath, shaking her head. ‘Oh, Immi. We need to sort the basics as quickly as possible and then it’s a case of attending to the finer details. I’ll do some surfing online as there will be websites with lots of handy tips and checklists.’

  ‘That would be amazing, Val. I can’t thank you enough for coming to my rescue.’

  ‘I’m excited to be involved,’ she replies, sounding a little emotional. ‘I’ll give Rona a call, too, as we can’t leave out Gray’s mum. I think she’ll be thrilled to be a part of it. What if the three of us meet up one evening this week to start the ball rolling?’

  ‘Perfect, just let me know what works for you two and I’ll bring along the wedding folder. There isn’t a lot in there, I’m afraid, but the upside is that it won’t take long to bring you up to speed.’ I give her a sheepish look, but Val’s smile doesn’t waver.

  ‘Well, that will make things easier. Once I’ve spoken with Rona, I’ll text you. Right, off you go and don’t give it another thought. Just focus on whatever’s gone wrong today down at Lock Keeper’s Cottage.’

  We stand and I give her a grateful hug.

  ‘Thank you for coming to my rescue. I know it sounds awful, as my wedding should be the main priority, but Tollie and the whole crew have worked so hard to make this tenth anniversary mean something. So many people are involved, and the money is coming in, but we have a long way to go with the fundraising if we’re to meet our target. I really need to focus on it as there is still so much to be done to make it all happen.’

  ‘I know, Immi, there’s no need to explain. Just know that everyone appreciates what you’re doing. Don’t forget to rely more heavily on other members of the committee, though. You’re shouldering way too much and there’s no shame in delegating.’

  A meaningful look passes between us. Tollie is eighty-seven years young and he’s still spritely, but one thing life has taught both myself and Val is never to take anything for granted. We both know that’s why I want to make sure everything goes smoothly.

  ‘Well, you’re a real star and Gray will be relieved to hear help is on hand.’

  ‘It’s quiet when Gray isn’t around,’ she muses. ‘You must miss his constant tapping as a tune runs through his head, and the habit he has of humming when he’s thinking is so endearing.’

  ‘Oh, I do and it’s one of the things I love about him, his passion for music. However, it’s catching, and I often end up having the same little tune stuck inside my head, too. It can be very distracting at times. Anyway, I must go. I’m just about to break the news to Tollie that, unless there’s a quick fix for this latest problem, Gray and I could well be knocking on his door and hoping he’ll take pity on us.’

  Val’s eyes widen. ‘Oh dear. It’s not the best start to your week.’

  ‘No, but it’s not all bad news this morning, is it? Thanks to you.’ The sense of relief I’m feeling is enough to lift my spirits and fortify me for what lies ahead.

  2

  I Can Feel a Headache Coming On

  I head away from Byre Cottage. The Bullrush Inn is en route and it’s unlikely I’ll be able to sneak past without being seen, so I decide to pop in to reassure Sarah that a decision will be made about the menu by the beginning of next week. Sarah and Kurt, the owners of The Bullrush, and their twin daughters, Jade and Jude, will also be guests, which adds another complication to our planning. Aside from the summer season, Christmas is their busiest time of year and catering for a wedding is an additional pressure.

  Pushing open the door and walking inside, the smells wafting out from the kitchen remind me how hungry I am. A low grumble from my stomach confirms that, but unfortunately this can only be a flying visit. I scan around but I can’t see any familiar faces as it’s still a little early for lunch. At this time of the day, the custom is usually made up of couples out for a walk along the canal, grateful to find a place that serves hearty, home-cooked food and the popular all-day breakfast. Sometimes, there are ‘day-raters’ around who have rented a berth for a night or two while they explore the surrounding area. It’s always a bonus to be able to take a break from cooking on board and The Bullrush’s reputation has travelled far and wide.

  ‘Here she is, then,’ Kurt calls out as he pushes through the swing doors, carrying a tray of condiments. ‘How’s it going, Immi? Are you here to eat, or are you looking for Sarah?’

  Kurt and Sarah are one of the friendliest couples I know, and when they arrived in Aysbury the girls had just turned seven, now they’re fourteen years old. It took Kurt and Sarah eighteen months to completely renovate the place and it wasn’t an easy time, as they did the majority of the work themselves. While juggling the demands of two very lively little girls, they managed to keep the café open while the major building works were in progress. They succeeded in turning this place into the beating heart of our community. Jude and Jade are a credit to their hard-working parents, learning from a young age how a little help can go a long way.

  A café and gif
t shop by day, every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evening, between 6–10 p.m., The Bullrush is the haunt of the Aysbury Junction Marina Anchor Club members. With the celebrated Middle Norton Brewing Company just a short journey away, the variety of beers on offer has become quite an attraction. I suspect that some of the club members have never taken the helm of a boat as captain, but they all enjoy trips out on the waterways and canals. Everyone is welcome and it’s good to see those familiar faces, despite the fact they don’t all live on the doorstep. And whenever there’s a litter-pick or work to be done that benefits the marina, they turn up to lend a hand. Now that’s a club worth joining, in my book.

  ‘I’m just popping in to let Sarah know that I’ll email her by the end of the week once my wedding planner and I have had a chat.’

  The look Kurt gives me is classic and he replies in a semi-hushed tone, ‘Oh, you have a wedding planner.’

  I nod enthusiastically. ‘Well, hopefully two, as Val intends to enlist Rona’s help to get things moving.’

  Sarah appears behind him just in time to overhear our conversation. ‘Thank goodness for that! You have way too much on your plate, Immi. It’s about time you reached out for a little support. I’ll email you a selection of menus we’ve used in the past. You can mix and match, or simply create your own buffet. It’s entirely up to you. I know how busy you are, but it would be helpful if you could give me a firm number before too long.’

  ‘I know,’ I reply, hanging my head. ‘My guest list is done, but I’ll press Gray again when he turns up on Friday night.’

  She gives me a knowing smile. ‘Oh, don’t pounce on him as soon as he arrives. I feel for you both. It hasn’t been an easy first half of the year, has it? How are the renovations going?’

  ‘Don’t ask. Problem after problem, I’m afraid, and today is no different but I can’t bear to talk about it. How are the girls?’

  ‘Jade and Jude are fine. Sometimes I find myself staring at them and wondering how they got to be so grown-up. It’s like having three women in the kitchen, now.’

  ‘And fine young women they are, too. Right, I’m off. The builders are waiting to show me the latest disaster.’

  Sarah rolls her eyes sympathetically.

  ‘Hopefully it’s something they can resolve without too much trouble. We’ll see you and Gray on Friday night, if we don’t see you before. I’ll reserve your favourite table,’ Kurt joins in amiably.

  ‘Thank you. Friday feels like an eternity away right now,’ I reply. Before Gray and I got engaged, Friday was our official date night. Sadly, there were times he couldn’t get to Aysbury at all and then we’d video call instead. It was hard to keep our spirits up as being apart was agony. And now that we’re finally living together, he’s working in London again. It’s like turning back the clock.

  ‘Have a great day,’ I call over my shoulder as I head for the door. I’m thankful to have such good friends, and once I’m out in the fresh air again the sunshine begins to lift my spirits.

  There’s a light breeze coming off the canal and I wish I’d worn a thicker jacket over my short-sleeved top. Picking up the pace, I turn left onto the towpath as a tidy-looking, fifty-seven-foot Delamere narrowboat chugs by, the couple onboard waving to me. I wave back with an acknowledging smile. They might be total strangers or people who have stopped here before whom I don’t instantly recognise, but it doesn’t matter. Boat owners who cruise the canals tend to be a laid-back, friendly bunch. That’s another thing I love about living here and Gray feels the exact same way.

  With a clear, forget-me-not-blue sky overhead and the usual hammering sounds echoing across the canal from the marina’s workshop, it’s a reminder of how lucky we all are to live here. June is my favourite month, when everything is green and luscious, with ever-burgeoning splashes of colour appearing in the hedgerows and borders to surprise and delight the walkers.

  When I focus on breathing in, I can smell the sweetness of the grass and the freshness of the air as it filters through the leaves of the branches overhead. The birds fly in and out, chasing each other and having fun. Squabbling like children over the best perch, or the tastiest grub.

  The only hint of the cornfields close by is as the breeze catches the growing stalks. There is a musical rustling in the air when the leaves flap around and the plants sway gently in waves, as if they are being orchestrated. It’s easy enough to catch glimpses of the crops where the hedge thins. The ears of corn, with their tell-tale beards, have yet to become plump and sweet, but we’ve already had an exceptional number of sunny days on and off since the beginning of March, which bodes well for a good crop this year.

  I’m about level with the far end of the car park situated next to The Bullrush when a raft of ducks, carried on the wake from the cruiser, decide to head for the bank. As they make their way up the slippery slope to my right, they begin squabbling. The older ones flop down, too intent on a preening session to care about the younger ducks, who are fighting to get ahead of each other. One of them waddles higher up the bank to settle down amongst a small patch of longer grass, close to the edge of the path. He doesn’t even tilt his head to look in my direction, having sensed I’m no threat at all. However, the moment one of the other ducks decides to join him he becomes extremely vocal. Not all ducks quack, I’ve discovered, and this one has a raspy grunt. It makes me smile as it sounds as though he has a sore throat, but he makes enough noise to scare the interloper away.

  The grass is all the same, no matter where they decide to settle, but I can see it’s like a game and as two of the ducks begin to follow on behind me being extremely vocal, I chuckle away to myself. When my phone begins to buzz, I’m delighted to see that it’s Gray.

  ‘Ah, are you missing me already?’ I enquire in a sultry tone.

  ‘I always miss you when I’m away, of course, but actually I’m phoning to say that I left my toothbrush charging by mistake. It’s tucked down at the side of the bed because I was using the shaving socket in the bathroom at the time, so you might not spot it. I’ll have to go old school with a manual brush.’ He chuckles to himself.

  It’s not exactly the romantic call I would have liked, but just the sound of Gray’s voice is a tonic. He is the reason that everything in my little world is changing and it won’t be long before these annoying little problems at the cottage will be done and dusted.

  ‘I’m heading back there right now. That’ll teach you to rush out the door.’

  ‘Can I help it if you’re way too much of a distraction? You just look so darned good with bed hair and sleep in your eyes. Monday mornings are tough, as it’s hard to leave you.’ He’s laughing at me and yet I can feel that little undertone of sadness. It’s not easy for either of us.

  We spent so much time last year wishing away the days between his visits and now it feels like déjà vu. But then it was because he was looking after Rona, getting her back to full health. Gray was juggling work and being his mother’s main support while working from home, so I’m not complaining, because now his mum is settled into a little cottage on the other side of the canal. And when he’s not around, I’m here for her.

  ‘Yes, well, that’s the price you pay for being such a successful composer. I’m sorry to cut you short, honey, but I’ll ring you tonight at nine, as usual. I’m off to see the builders before they break for lunch. Love you, mwah.’ I blow him a noisy kiss and if I could see his face now, I’d be looking at that big, goofy grin of his.

  ‘Love ya, babe. Bye for now.’

  ‘Immi!’

  I glance up to see Fisher, who took over management of the marina after Tollie retired. He’s the man who, when I first came to live here, listened to a little upstart of a teenager going on and on about how my granddad Tollie didn’t understand me. I thought I knew it all and what I wanted was more freedom to do as I pleased. Fisher managed to stop me from getting into trouble by being my sounding board. He didn’t always say very much, but when he did, I listened. And now, with Val taking o
ver my part-time job in the marina’s office so that I can work full-time at the nurseries, I miss that daily contact with him. The ritual of making him two cups of strong coffee first thing in the morning in quick succession, and knowing not to disturb him until he drained the second one, always made me smile. I also miss the times we’d spend our lunch breaks together in The Bullrush, putting the world to rights, cementing that special bond between us.

  I pick up the pace and as Fisher steps down onto the towpath I stride over to give him a hug.

  ‘You smell nice!’ I remark as he wraps me in his arms and rocks me back and forth on my feet playfully.

  ‘Do I?’ he replies cagily. I gaze up at him, shaking my head.

  ‘You’re off to Val’s for lunch, aren’t you?’ I enquire, sounding the teensiest bit accusatory. ‘You never used to let me slope off early at lunch time. I wondered why she wasn’t in work.’

  ‘Hmm… I can’t recall you ever offering to make me lunch, darling girl,’ he declares, smiling wickedly.

  I’m still getting used to thinking of Fisher and Val as a couple. But they were both battling with loneliness and, since they’ve started dating, it’s been lovely to see them getting on so well.

  Fisher’s ex-wife left him for a widower with two children of primary-school age. He was heartbroken, not just because they weren’t blessed with a child, but because he thought they’d come to terms with that blow. They were working towards a plan for a different kind of future, one that could give them a level of freedom. Step one was to be mortgage-free but that meant working longer hours in the day jobs.

  Fisher bought The Star Gazer, a fifty-seven-foot Colecraft narrowboat, spending every spare hour he had to strip her back to a shell and turn her into a pleasure cruiser. And then, with no warning at all, his world was turned upside down. Their stunning barn conversion was sold and now he lives in a modest little cottage in one of the winding lanes behind the marina. He takes little trips along the canal from time to time, but at Christmas The Star Gazer turns into The Santa Ahoy Special, which is when she really comes alive.