‘And if you have a winter wonderland theme …’ Tom started to speak then paused, squeezing his eyes tightly shut. Worry inched its way down Nell’s back, but then he opened his eyes again, carrying on as if nothing was wrong. ‘We could decorate each doorway making them into a snowy Narnia-like arch. I can twist willow and fir branches up and we can pin some holly sprigs. You won’t see it isn’t one big space.’
The mayor looked between them both, and Nell could see they were beginning to convince her. ‘But what about food?’
‘Just let me know your budget,’ said Nell excitedly. ‘And what sort of thing you’d like, and I’ll sort it out. All the food today is made by a local caterer called Niall Peters. Try some of the chocolate bark.’ She grabbed the platter and held it out for her. As the chocolate melted in her mouth, the mayor’s eyes closed with pleasure and Nell could tell the deal had been sealed. ‘What do you think?’
‘I think it’s a wonderful idea,’ Linda replied. Nell could have kissed Tom. She glanced at him with that idea in mind and an image of her lips meeting his flew across her brain. A strange feeling rose through her chest and into her heart. With his usual impeccable timing, Grandad Nigel decided to say something embarrassing.
‘Are those two being lovey-dovey again?’
As much as Nell loved Nigel, he really needed to get it out of his head that anything romantic would ever happen between her and Tom. They were friends, that’s all. So, what was this strange niggling at the back of her mind?
With a loud bang, the door to the basement bounded open and Brenda came storming out with Cat stomping along behind. Luckily, they bypassed the dining room and headed straight down the hall towards the front door.
‘Excuse me a moment,’ Nell said to the mayor and ran off to see what was happening.
‘You’re turning into a bridezilla, Catherine Wilson. I never thought it of a daughter of mine but there, I’ve said it.’
Nell’s mouth nearly hit the floor, especially when Cat responded vitriolically. ‘Ha! Bridezilla? Chance would be a fine thing.’
‘I don’t know what you mean.’
They left the building and Nell watched them climb into Brenda’s car and speed off into the distance. Nell turned and walked back into the house, seeing Niall come up from the basement looking shell-shocked. ‘What happened down there?’
‘I’m not really sure,’ he said, scratching the back of his head. ‘One minute Brenda was talking about mini chocolate macaroons and the next thing I know, Cat’s gone off on one saying that’s exactly the same thing as the Mississippi macaroons she wanted and her mum was just trying to take over as per usual. Then she demanded the Mississippi macaroons be re-instated and told her mum that the pumpkin pies were going back on the menu and if she didn’t like it, she could not bother coming to the wedding.’
Nell blinked. ‘Cat? Cat said all that?’ So, it seemed she wasn’t just shouting at Nell at the moment. Nell was beginning to seriously worry that this wedding wouldn’t be going ahead and the idea that she should talk to Kieran moved up in her mind.
‘I couldn’t believe it. I didn’t know where to put myself and Brenda looked like she wanted to stab me. I was only trying to give Cat some backup. I’ve met some intimidating mothers in my time and can normally help everyone reach a compromise, but Brenda’s …’ He didn’t finish the sentence. ‘Sorry I shouldn’t be saying anything about my clients.’
‘She’s not your client, Cat is. And don’t worry, I know what you mean. That stabbing expression? Her face is always like that. You’re not in any real danger. I’d better call Cat and see if she’s all right.’
‘Can you tell her I’m sorry and I hope she’s okay?’
‘Sure,’ Nell replied. Having heard Niall speak she felt a little reassured that he wasn’t encouraging Cat to flirt, which meant it was all coming from her. After their row, would Cat even pick up if she called? She’d been so angry at Nell.
On a day when so much had gone right, she should have been happy, dancing for joy that her hotel was full of people and becoming more and more important to the town this Christmas, but if she lost her best friend in the process, it hardly seemed worth it.
At just after three, six of the older children in the choir of St Herbert’s Primary turned up. Tom and Nell settled everyone in the lounge with drinks and refreshments when the children started to sing. The faces of the older residents softened as they watched the children perform a few carols, clapping and saying ‘bravo’ when they’d finished. Even without accompanying music they sounded beautiful and Nell found herself tearing up. Tom was by her side and when she looked up at him, he gently wiped an escaping tear away with his fingertips. When his skin touched hers she suddenly felt like everything was right with the world. He’d never done that to her before and her throat tightened unexpectedly.
She sent the kids away with a goody bag full of Niall’s treats and began tidying up the dining room and all the leftover things. But as her sense of success faded, reality came crashing in. Her relationship with Cat was going south, the pressure of the wedding was beginning to tell on everyone, and the wedding fair would be a disaster if her only couple were on the verge of splitting already. She just hoped today was a moment of madness for her best friend – something that would pass quickly and quietly. If it wasn’t, and
