Page 26 of Home This Christmas

TWENTY-ONE

A few hours later, June has returned my laundry and I’m dressed and ready for the wedding.

There’s a tap on my door and I open it to see her looking pretty in a pale pink dress, and an oyster-coloured faux fur bolero.

Next to her is her husband, Joe, who I’ve never met as he spends so much time in the kitchen, and we’re introduced for the first time.

‘Are you ready, hun?’ June asks.

‘I am, although I don’t really feel dressed for a wedding…’ I am wearing my trusty black trousers and a blue blouse I had packed and not yet worn.

I had considered not bothering going to the church service, but what else would I be doing other than sitting here with my feet up? Besides, it’s true, I want to get on them and become accustomed to using the crutches.

Outside, I walk carefully with June beside me, and soon enough I am taking a seat in the beautifully decorated church. The interior takes my breath away as I take in the stunning flower displays and the cream candles gently flickering at the front of the church.

The violin quartet playing at the front of the church suddenly changes to the traditional wedding march and Marilyn slides into the seat on the other side of me.

‘Are you okay?’ she whispers.

‘Fine. It’s a distraction being here – it might stop me from crying in my room.’ She gives my arm a little squeeze in response.

There are collective gasps as the beautiful bride slowly makes her way down the aisle.

The man I assume to be her father cannot keep the smile from his face as he escorts her to her awaiting groom.

I feel a punch to the heart when I realise it is something my father will never be able to do for me, should I ever marry.

As the ceremony is about to begin in front of the packed-out church, I glance around, and my eyes fall on Nathan. I feel my mouth go dry and my heart beat that little bit faster. He locks eyes with me and smiles, and my pulse rate goes through the roof.