The Chocolate Lovers’ Wedding (30 page)

I’ve put a notice on the door and have closed Chocolate Heaven for the day, even though it goes against the grain. I want this party to be perfect for Nadia so that she has some fantastic memories to take away with her and I wasn’t going to be able to throw that together in the blink of an eye. When Autumn is working here full time it will certainly make life a lot easier.

This morning, I left Crush fast asleep in bed and came in here early. I’ve spent the last few hours decorating the café. Now it looks ready for a celebration. I’ve pinned paper pom-poms in pastel colours all over the place. On each table is a floral-scented candle in pretty glass holders. They smell good enough to eat. I bought some flowers from the florist down the high street and made small bunches which I’ve put in jam jars decorated with ribbon. There’s a mix of pink roses, lilac sweet peas, gypsophila and some sprigs of herbs. Gorgeous. Eat your heart out, Jane Packer. I glance at my watch. Plenty of time yet. No need to start panicking. But I have a little panic, nevertheless.

As I knew I’d have a lot on my hands, I ordered the buffet from a local deli and they’ve done me proud. They delivered all the food a few minutes ago and now I’ve arranged the various dishes on the tables I’ve put out along one wall. There are mini canapés topped with brie, smoked bacon and grapes, Wensleydale with carrot chutney, smoked salmon with cream cheese, and New York pastrami with a gherkin and horseradish garnish. We’ve got mini cheese and onion muffins which I’m going to warm in the oven upstairs when everyone arrives. I put the platter of roasted tomato, spinach and feta quiche at one end next to a selection of delicately sliced antipasti meats. There’s a platter of seafood waiting in the fridge, plus a selection of olives and a basket of rustic bread to go out when we’re ready. I stand back and admire my handiwork. I think that should keep us going for a while.

I’ve ordered a cake from Alexandra which will form my centrepiece and she’s going to bring that with her to the party. It’s a three-tier sponge cake filled with raspberries and drizzled with white chocolate. It’s one of her signature pieces and is fabulous. Very popular for weddings now. I’m adding some of the summer cupcakes and lots of lovely chocolates for after our coffee.

Needless to say, this has all cost a fortune, but Autumn and Chantal have very generously chipped in to cover the cost. Nadia has no idea that we’re putting on such a fabulous spread. She thinks we’re having a bit of cheap chardonnay and cake. I can’t wait to see her face. She’ll be thrilled. I do love a surprise!

I’ve made a great playlist – nothing that will make us cry. Well, not much. And my lovely Crush gave me some money to buy myself a new dress. I was just going to wear something that I had lurking in my wardrobe, but when I was raking through my clothes and muttering darkly, he insisted on treating me. So last night I dashed out after work, caught the last hour of late-night shopping and bought myself a fab little number. It’s light chiffon material in the palest pink, with a low v-neck and some figure-hugging drapes across the bodice. At the waist there’s a delicate diamante embellishment, then the skirt falls to the floor with a waterfall skirt. I’m going to look like a little angel in it. And, best of all, it was reduced.

It’s hanging on the back of the door in the next room and when I’ve done all the tasks that could involve me spilling food or drink down myself, I’ll get changed. Can’t wait.

Next, I put out all the fizz. To keep costs down – a bit – we’ve gone for Prosecco instead of champagne and nothing wrong with that. It’s very tempting to sample a glass, but I must keep a clear head until everyone else comes. The guest list is much the same as Chantal’s wedding, except Nadia’s sister and her boys are coming along, too. I didn’t hear back from her parents but would assume they’re not coming and her brother-in-law is ‘busy’. Thank goodness.

By the time I’ve fiddled and twiddled, time is marching on and I grab my fab new frock and nip to the upstairs flat to have a shower. It seems weird being up here, but it’s a nice place – two bedrooms, biggish living room, nicely fitted kitchen. Crush and I could do worse than move in here. We’d certainly have more space than we do now. Perhaps I’ll talk to Marcus about it. I haven’t spoken to him since he came into the shop and told me he was heading off to Dubai and, if I’m honest, it feels a bit weird. It’s not that I miss him. Not at all.

Actually, I do. A bit. Not much. But, you know, it’s been OK working for him and it will be odd not seeing him on a daily basis. However, as Crush says, times change, people move on. It’s time for Marcus to be part of my past and not my future. Sad, though.

I quickly shower and rub myself down with the towel that, thankfully, I remembered to bring with me. Next, I refresh my make-up and regret that I haven’t had time to have my nails done. Never mind. No one’s going to be looking at those. Then I slip on my dress and have a quick appraisal in the full-length mirror in the bedroom. Looking smokin’ hot, Lombard! And ever so slightly demure. Which, I think you’ll agree, is a killer combo.

As I make my way downstairs, my phone rings. I hitch my skirt and make a dash for it.
‘Hey,’ I say to Crush. ‘I was just upstairs in the flat getting ready for the party.’
‘I’m sorry I missed you this morning,’ he says. ‘I was going to come and help you, but I’ve not long woken up.’
‘That’s OK. You’ve had a busy week and you need your beauty sleep.’
‘Are you all ready for the party?’
‘Just about. I’ve put almost everything out. I want one last pass.’
‘Can you come and meet me for half an hour? There’s something I want to show you.’
‘Noooo,’ I say. ‘Not now. I’m all spruced up. Everyone will be here soon.’
I can hear Crush suck in his breath. ‘It’s really important.’
‘Nothing can be that important.’
‘Trust me. It is.’
‘What is it?’
‘Hmm,’ he muses. ‘Can’t really say, but it will be to your advantage.’
‘We could go any time in the week, once the party’s over.’
‘I’ve sort of made an appointment for us,’ he admits. ‘I thought you wouldn’t mind. I can’t really cancel now.’
‘Oh, Aiden.’
‘Half an hour,’ he pleads.
‘I can’t get on the Tube, I’m all poshed up. I haven’t really got time to get changed again.’
‘Stay as you are. It’ll be fine. Jump in a taxi.’
‘Are you changed and ready for Nadia’s party? Then we can come straight back here.’
‘I will be,’ he promises.
I give in. It’s so rare that he actually asks me to do anything for him that I can’t really argue; it must be something essential.
‘OK. Where are you?’
He gives me the address and I jot it down. ‘I’ll be there in ten minutes, if I can hail a cab easily.’
‘I love you,’ he says. ‘See you soon.’
I hang up. Now I’m really stressing. And it was all going so well. I have a quick whizz round the room. Is there anything I’ve forgotten to do? I don’t think so.
Oh, I wonder why this couldn’t wait? Then I smile to myself. I know exactly what Crush has done. I’m onto his game. I bet you a pound he’s found premises where we could have our own café. Grinning to myself, I dash out into the street and wave frantically at the first cab I see.

The taxi pulls up at my destination. I see Crush waiting for me on the pavement on the other side of the road. He looks so handsome in his smart grey suit that my stomach flips. He’s really pushed the boat out for Nadia’s party. I thought he might just rock up in his jeans and a decent shirt. But no. He’s really gone to town. His hair is freshly washed and I watch him as he runs a hand anxiously through it and paces up and down.

Fumbling with my change, I settle the taxi fare. ‘Thanks, love,’ the driver says. ‘Enjoy the wedding.’
I look blankly at him and then he drives away and leaves me standing there.
It’s only then that I realise Crush is outside the register office we’d previously booked for our ceremony and my mouth goes dry. When I glance up, Crush is grinning broadly across at me and I hitch up my skirt and weave my way through the traffic to reach him.
‘Hi,’ he says, bashful.
I take in the beautiful Georgian building that’s so familiar. ‘Is this what I think it is?’
‘If you think that you’re going to be marrying me in . . . ’ Crush checks his watch, ‘ . . . ten minutes, then yes.’
I feel as if all of my breath has been knocked out of me and put a hand to my chest. ‘You’re kidding me?’
‘No.’
Throwing my arms round his neck, I whisper, ‘Thank you. Thank you.’
‘You’re not cross?’
‘No. Why would I be? This is the most wonderful thing that’s ever happened to me.’
Crush blows out a wavering breath. ‘You don’t know how relieved I am to hear that.’
‘So the party at Chocolate Heaven, that’s going to be our wedding reception?’
He smiles. ‘Yeah.’
‘Nadia knows?’
‘She does and I don’t think she minds one bit that we’ve hijacked it. Cunning, eh?’
Almost as cunning as one of my own very cunning plans. And they really can be quite cunning.
‘Well,’ I laugh. ‘I’m glad I made it look so pretty. It certainly looks fit for a wedding.’
He takes in my dress. ‘You look every inch the beautiful bride.’
‘Thank you. It couldn’t be more perfect.’
‘I
nearly
cracked and told you as I know you’d want to look your best. But that’s really stunning.’ He looks thoughtful. ‘However, maybe something is missing.’ He punches a number into his phone and says, ‘OK.’
A second later, Chantal, Nadia and Autumn plus entourage pour out of the coffee shop a few doors down. They dash up the road and swamp me with a group embrace. Of course they’re all here! How could I be married
without
the Chocolate Lovers’ Club being present? They all hug me tightly.
‘I’m going to have words with you lot,’ I tease. ‘Fancy not telling me! I thought you were my friends.’
Autumn and Nadia are wearing their bridesmaid dresses from Chantal’s wedding and she has one to match.
As well as Jacob, Miles and James, Clive and Tristan are here.
‘You came all the way from France?’ I shriek as I see them.
‘It was a close call,’ Clive says, ‘but we made it.’
‘How could we stay away?’ Tristan adds.
I squeeze the life out of them both. Then, standing at the back, I see my mum and dad. Mum’s crying. That makes my eyes prickle with tears as well.
‘Don’t cry,’ I tell my mum as she takes me in her arms while Dad stands and looks awkward. ‘You’ll start me off.’
‘I’m so pleased for you,’ she says. ‘You’ve got a lovely man there, darling. A keeper.’
‘That’s the plan.’ I pull away, shaky and look round my friends. ‘So you knew? All of you knew?’
Much nodding and giggling.
‘It was very short notice,’ Chantal says. ‘But we thought it was for the best. I hope we were right. I’m so glad Aiden took it in hand.’
‘Me too,’ I say tearfully.
From behind her back she produces a bouquet and presents it to me. The bouquet matches the flowers I’ve just put out in Chocolate Heaven.
I gape at Chantal. ‘How did you know?’
‘I spoke to the florist yesterday. She told me what flowers you’d bought and I asked her to make up something to match. Do you like it?’
‘I love it.’ By some miracle, the colour of the roses matches my dress and the smell of the sweet peas is heavenly. ‘It’s gorgeous.’
‘We’d better get inside,’ Crush says. ‘They know I’m here, but I was on tenterhooks that you’d actually come.’ I put a hand on his arm. ‘Why didn’t you say anything?’
‘You’ve got so much on at the moment that the wedding was becoming just another stress. I thought I’d take that away from you. All that matters is that we’re married. The rest is just fripperies. I want you to be my wife, Lucy Lombard, and I want it now.’
I reach up and kiss him. ‘So do I.’
‘When we’ve got time, we can go on a wonderful honeymoon and maybe even renew our vows on a white sandy beach or with Elvis in Vegas, if that’s what you want.’
Putting a finger to his lips, I say, ‘Nothing could be better than this.’
We hold each other tightly.
‘But I’ve no idea how you managed it without me finding out.’
‘I didn’t actually cancel our booking, I just rang them and postponed it. All the paperwork was still in place. Luckily, they had a space come free at the last minute and I was able to coincide it with the party you’d got planned for Nadia.’
‘You’re so clever,’ I tell him and, suddenly, it all hits me. I get a flush of excitement and do a little dance on the pavement. ‘I’m getting married!’ I shout out, startling a few innocent people passing by. They smile indulgently at my outburst.
The girls do a happy dance with me.
‘Let’s go,’ Chantal says, looking at her watch. ‘We don’t want to miss your slot.’ She ushers us all inside.
Our guests go ahead of us, but Crush and I hang back on the pavement. He tilts my chin and looks into my eyes. ‘Are you absolutely sure that you want this?’
The love I see in his face almost has me undone. ‘I’ve never wanted anything more in all of my life.’
He takes my hand and, grinning like loons, we head into our wedding.

The Mayfair Library is a truly beautiful place for a wedding. I don’t know why I didn’t realise how stunning it was when Crush and I first viewed it. The sun streams through the stainedglass windows, lighting up the small but chic space. The walls are the most delicate shade of blue and there’s an imposing, ornate oak fireplace. There are shelves of vintage, leather-bound books on either side of it. It’s the best place ever for a wedding.

But, do you know what? We could be getting married in a swamp and I’d be happy. It’s not how great the venue is or how much you’ve spent on the cake, it’s the love in your hearts – and we have that in abundance.

My heart’s pounding like a drum as Dad and I stand in the doorway at the back of the room.
Our guests are waiting in their seats and I can already hear my mother sobbing again. More importantly, the groom is here. And that’s not always been a given at this stage in my previous wedding experience. Jacob is by Crush’s side as his best man.
‘Ready, Lucy?’ Dad asks.
I nod.
‘You look gorgeous,’ he says.
‘Thanks, Dad.’
‘There’s still time to back out,’ he whispers. ‘No one will think any the worse of you.’
‘Get a grip, Dad,’ I mutter. ‘This man is the love of my life. I can’t wait to be his wife.’ It’s all I can do not to run down the aisle and jump into Crush’s arms.
‘As long as you’re sure.’
And I am. Completely sure. Mr Aiden ‘Crush’ Holby is all that a husband should be. We’ll have a long and happy life, half a dozen kids – well, maybe two – and we’ll still hold hands when we’re ninety.
The music starts. We don’t have a song that’s ‘ours’ as such, but I smile when I hear the tune. ‘I Knew I Loved You’ by Savage Garden. It’s ideal.
Yet, when Dad and I set off, in step, I realise that I’m shaking. I feel as if I’ve waited all of my life for this. I always thought I’d marry Marcus, but I know now that I’ve found my soulmate, my partner in life, the man I want to grow old with. A tear rolls down my cheek and I hurry my dad up as I just can’t wait to get on with the ceremony.
Then Aiden and I are standing alone together in front of the registrar and my heart is so very happy that I think it might burst. I have never before felt such elation. Not even after
masses
of chocolate!
Chantal stands and reads a beautiful passage that Crush has chosen from the novel
Captain Corelli’s Mandolin
, about two lives growing together and becoming entwined like the roots of a tree.
I hardly hear the words of the ceremony. All I can see is Aiden. Everything else is a blur.
While I’m feeling all dream-like and high, he says, ‘Stop gazing at me, Gorgeous. It’s your turn.’
‘What?’
Everyone laughs.
Then I take a deep breath and with a voice that’s loud and clear say, ‘I, Lucy Lombard, take you, Aiden Holby, to be my husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, from this day forward until death us do part.’
Now everyone’s crying; Aiden says his vows and I can tell from the love in his eyes that he means every word.
The registrar smiles benignly at us. ‘I now pronounce you husband and wife.’ She turns to Aiden. ‘You may kiss your bride.’
And Crush takes me in his arms and kisses me deeply. Our guests cheer and burst into applause.
I’m married. And it was as simple as that.
I turn and look at our friends and family and feel the love in the room. These people will support us for the rest of our days.
‘Are you ready, Mrs Holby?’ Crush says.
‘I am,’ I answer my husband.
He threads my arm through his and the music plays again. This time it’s The Cure and ‘Friday I’m in Love’.
And, with joy in my heart and the man of my dreams on my arm, I step forward to start married life.