It’s okay, I smiled sadly, reaching for the wine glass and taking a big gulp, trying to pluck up the courage to be honest with them. My father was a mean man, to everyone but to me especially. I don’t want to go in to the details, but he hurt me, in more ways than one.
I risked a glance up and saw the concern in Jackie’s eyes. My mind flashed back to that day in the store when I had bought the dress. I had told her my father had died, but not what type of man he was. Taking a breath, I continued. So when I was sixteen, I ran away to my Aunt’s house and she took me in, no questions asked. Hannah was just a baby then, and she’s grown up with me. Biologically we may not be sisters, but I think of her as one. Soon after my father died. And I didn’t even go to his funeral.
They both stared at me, and I could see the tears in Julie’s eyes. She was looking at me with compassion, the same look Noah had given me when he had learned the truth. I’m so sorry, she whispered, trying to discreetly wipe her eyes.
I can’t believe that happened to you, Jackie muttered, staring in to her wine glass.
It’s ok, I smiled, realising that finally, I was coming to terms with it. You know, Mrs Davis. When I first met your son, I didn’t realise how special he was. He’s helped me deal with a lot of things. You should be very proud of him.
She just nodded and sniffed quietly. I want to thank you Lily, she smiled. He may have helped you, but you’ve helped Noah too. Before he met you, he was a different man. When he walked through my door yesterday, I didn’t even have to ask him what he felt about you. It was plain to see.
That’s good, I laughed, trying to forget about my father. Whenever I spoke of him, his memory always lingered, no matter how hard I fought against it. Anyway, that’s enough of that….
They both laughed and nodded, with Julie wiping her eyes again. We were supposed to be getting drunk on wine and gossiping, Jackie smiled, walking around to top up my wine glass. Not sitting here crying like a bunch of old ladies.
Well let’s change the subject, I said, smiling as JJ rolled over and continued snoring. Jackie, I want to know everything. What the hotel’s like, how your doing your hair and how excited you are !
She beamed and began talking so fast that I had to strain to keep up. Her excitement was contagious, and soon Julie and I were laughing and joking, giving suggestions about the big day. And as I was sat there, drinking wine and listening to the pair of them giggling, things seemed perfect.
I smiled and leant back, wrapping my arm around a slumbering JJ as the three of us talked, with the sun going down outside.
Solely Noah POV :
Adjusting my tie nervously, I stood next to Dick in the garden of the hotel. It overlooked the lake and the sun above made the water glisten perfectly, making it a beautiful day for the wedding. There was no breeze and it was completely still, but I could feel the anticipation in the air. Glancing in his direction, I couldn’t help but smile as I noticed him whispering the vows he had written. He had practised saying them to me earlier and I knew he had nothing to worry about, Jackie would love every single word. Reaching out, I patted him on the shoulder and he turned to face me with a nervous smile.
Would you relax ? I said. You’ve been waiting for this day for years. Everything’s going to be fine. Trust me.
He nodded and gulped loudly, running his hands up and down his trousers. I know. It’s just my stomach is doing somersaults, he replied. And I’m starting to sweat in this suit, dude. It’s too hot out here.
I laughed and patted him on the shoulder again as he looked at the ground and resumed talking to himself ; going over and over his vows. Glancing around, I couldn’t believe how perfect everything looked, no doubt because of Jackie and her attention to detail. Rows of white chairs lined the garden with deep blue ribbons tied on the back. They were facing the lake ; and towards the archway that was lined with different kinds of flowers running through. That was the place my sister was going to have the happiest day of her life, and I couldn’t have been more proud of her.
Tugging nervously at my navy blue jacket, I stared as guests began to take their seats. Amongst them, my father walked briskly up the aisle and grinned at Dick and I. Alright boys, he said. The guy doing the ceremony says to take your positions. It’s just a waiting game now for Jackie.
Okay, Dick muttered, stepping up to his place and looking like he was going to be sick. Sure, no problem. I’m getting married now.
Way to go captain obvious, I smiled, stepping behind and patting him on the back. Welcome to the family bro.
He glanced over his shoulder and grinned, starting to look a bit more relaxed. My father extended his hand and took hold of Dick’s, shaking it briefly. I know you’re not married to my daughter yet Rich, he said. But you’ve been a part of this family for a long time. And I’ll be proud to call you my son-in-law.
That’s means a lot to me, Dick whispered, his words barely audible but filled with emotion. I just want you to know that I’ll always take care of her. I promise you that.
I know you will son, my father smiled, before turning around and walking up to the hotel to wait for Jackie.
As I fiddled with my cuff links and gazed around, my eyes caught sight of someone stepping out from the hotel doors. The sun was shining brightly and reflected off the windows surrounding the door, but there was no mistaking who it was. I watched as Lily stepped through the doors with JJ at her side, holding on to her hand. My breath caught in my throat as her eyes met mine. I had never seen her looking so breathtaking. Her blonde hair was tied back, but loose strands framed her face. The dark blue dress contrasted with her pale skin, falling just below her knees.
Wow, I whispered to myself, unable to take my eyes off her.
Lily waved at me and walked down the aisle, guiding JJ down to the front row. He looked extremely annoyed to be wearing a suit, but I only noticed momentarily before my gaze was back on Lily. She took a seat on the closest chair and lifted JJ on to the one next to her. I smiled when she looked up at me, the sun falling on the necklace she was wearing. I recognised it immediately. It was one of my mother’s.
You look beautiful, I mouthed, unable to comprehend how someone like her had chosen me.
I wanted desperately go over there and sweep her in to my arms, but I knew I couldn’t. My mother was taking her place next to JJ and everyone was seated, meaning the wedding was about to start. But just as I started to turn away, trying to focus on the task of being the best man, Lily caught my eye.
I love you, she mouthed, staring in to my eyes.
I love you too, I mouthed back, winking as I turned to face the archway.
I knew it then, at that moment. Maybe I was too young to decide something so important, but there was no mistaking it. One day I would be standing there again, only that time, Lily would be standing there with me under that archway. And she would be the one I’d recite my vows to. Taking a deep breath, I turned around when soft music starting playing and the guests’ murmuring subsided. Glancing towards the same doorway, I smiled when I saw my father walking alongside Jackie, who looked impossibly happy.
Dick gasped beside me when he saw her. Her ivory dress was fitted and the train floated along the floor behind her. The only jewellery she had on were a pair of pearl earrings, simple and beautiful, just like her. I smiled at my father but he didn’t notice. He only had eyes for Jackie. He was looking at her with such pride and I knew exactly how he felt, because it was what I was feeling to.
As she stepped up to the archway, my father let go of her hand and kissed her delicately on the cheek, a mixture of both happiness and sadness on his face. The time had finally arrived ; she wasn’t his little girl anymore. I caught Jackie’s eye as she stepped up and I smiled, letting her know how proud I was. I watched as Dick reached out and entwined his fingers with hers.
You look stunning, he whispered as they both took their places under the archway.
Jackie smiled and held on to his hand as the man began the ceremony. But after a minute the words drowned out and all I could think of was Lily ; the way she sang on the rooftop, the first time she kissed me, and the first time that I knew I had fallen in love with her.