Neurosurgeon...and Mum! (15 page)

‘What?’ Laura frowned.

‘I second that,’ Cassie said, ‘as a GP’s wife.’

‘And I third it, as a GP’s daughter,’ Beth added. ‘Not to mention that the same thing happened to me almost exactly a year ago so I know exactly what you mean. I ate like a horse.’

Laura stared at them all, clearly doing rapid mental calculations. ‘Oh. My. God.’

‘Would I be right in saying six weeks?’ Beth asked, arching an eyebrow.

‘I’ve been trying not to think about it and get my hopes up, just in case.’ Laura dragged in a breath. ‘It’s too early to say anything. Not until twelve weeks and I’m really sure.’

‘We won’t say a word to anyone,’ Amy promised. ‘But you’ve just made today even more special.’

‘Why?’ Perdy asked.

‘Grown-up stuff,’ Amy said, giving her a hug. ‘But I’ll tell you why today’s incredibly special: it’s because I’m marrying you and your dad.’

‘And it’s special for me because I’m a bridesmaid and I’m getting a second mum,’ Perdy said.

Amy had to swallow the lump in her throat, and hugged Perdy just that little bit tighter.

But the lump in her throat deepened when the next knock on the door turned out to be the florist again—this time with a red rose for herself and a pink one for Perdy. And both had the same message, in Tom’s surprisingly neat handwriting: ‘I love you. And I can’t wait until we’re officially a family.’

‘Nobody’s ever sent me flowers before,’ Perdy said, beaming. ‘I love Daddy—and I love you, Amy.’

‘I love you, too.’ Amy had to blink back the tears.

The photographer arrived and took a few ‘getting ready’ pictures; then the cars arrived.

‘OK, love?’ Joe asked, squeezing her hand.

She nodded. ‘Thanks for agreeing to step into Dad’s shoes. I don’t think I could’ve faced this bit on my own.’

‘I think of you as one of mine anyway,’ Joe said, ‘and I’m thrilled to bits that you asked me. I hope for your sake that your father’s plane is on time, but if it isn’t that’s no reflection on you.’

‘I know. You and Cassie have taught me that. You both kept me grounded and you always made me feel loved.’

‘Because you are loved,’ Joe said softly. ‘You look fabulous. And I know you’re going to be happy with Tom. He’s a good man.’

‘The best,’ Amy agreed.

Tom, waiting at the altar, glanced at his watch.

Ben wheeled his chair up towards him. ‘Relax,’ he advised. ‘They’ll be here on time. Amy’s never been late in all the years Laura’s known her.’

‘Mmm.’ But there was always a first time.

Ben patted his hand. ‘This is the worst bit. Waiting. But the moment you turn round and see her walking up the aisle to you—that’s the best in the world. Knowing that the rest of your life is going to start here, and whatever fate throws at you you’ll get through it because she’s by your side.’

‘That’s true.’ It hadn’t been true of his marriage to Eloise, but Tom knew that Amy was different. She was just as ambitious and just as determined—but she made time for him and Perdy, just as he would always make time for her.

There was a flurry at the other end of the church, and Tom heard the music change to Pachelbel’s Canon. He
turned round to watch his bride walk down the aisle towards him on her father’s arm, followed by his daughter and the other three bridesmaids, and his heart swelled in his chest; he loved Amy and Perdy so very much.

As Amy joined him at the aisle, she smiled at him through her veil.

‘I love you,’ he mouthed.

‘I love you, too,’ she mouthed back.

‘We have come together in the presence of God, to witness the marriage of Amy and Tom, to ask his blessing on them, and to share in their joy,’ the rector said solemnly.

And Tom knew that the joy would be everlasting.