The Lover's Children novel Chapter 19

JAMES

The hall looks stunning.

Well done, Mitch…

Flowers on every table. The place settings beautifully hand made. The log-stacked fire (Thank you, Michael) roars. The hearth is swagged with holly and mistletoe which I know Charlotte spent hours picking and arranging. Fairy-lights twinkle and glimmer, framing the tree and the vast picture window.

I’m rather proud of that window. It’s always good to have an idea, but seeing it become reality is even better. I’ll admit it, at least to myself. I’m feeling smug.

For now, the room is mainly taken up with the dining tables. Later, they’ll be cleared and the band will set up for an evening of music and dancing.

From the side-door, the caterer raises his hand, catching my eye.

Good to go?

I give him a thumbs-up, then raise another thumb to Kyle, Ryan’s brother and Best Man.

He stands, tapping his glass with a spoon. “Excuse me, everyone. May I have your attention, please. I believe our meal is ready, so if you’d all like to take your seats…”

I don’t sit. Kyle may be Best Man, but I’m here as well, to ensure things run smoothly. Michael and Richard too. One old aunty gets herself lost. I guide her to her place. Then I reunite a small boy with his mother.

I see Michael, clearing the way for a young woman with a toddler in a buggy, pulling out her chair at the table by the window. Richard, at the far end of the same table, is showing a couple with their boy to their seats opposite Klempner and Mitch.

Charlotte and Beth are at the head table with the Bride and Groom of course. Charlotte gives me a wave and a grin.

Yes, it is going rather well…

Ranks of waiters file out from either side of the hall, loaded with platters and dishes.

Very professional…

A good practice run for Ryan and Kirstie if they really want to open it as a restaurant…

More waiters enter, now with the wine…

What was it they chose?

Oh, yes. Riesling and Merlot...

Not my own first choice, but then, it’s not my wedding; two wines that make for easy drinking and suit most palates.

Everyone found their place?

Yup…

Satisfied that everything is as it should be, I take my seat, just down from the head table, unfolding the napkin. A waiter sets my starter in front of me. Cold weather: I opted for the soup: broccoli.

A cheese crust bubbles on the top. Savoury steam rises from the bowl.

Smells good…

Other fragrances drift deliciously in, dill from the salmon, ginger and herbs from the mushroom wellington chosen as the veggie option, garlic from the chicken kiev that was my own choice…

… At the front, by the main window, the door bangs open, bringing the wind with it, along with dust and snow and whatever other crap it’s carrying. Georgie barges into the hall, yelling and waving her arms.

What the Hell?

I can’t hear what she’s saying, but snow swirls through behind her, the draught whisking up tablecloths and making the tree ornaments bob and glitter and jingle.

What’s she playing at?

Always the fucking centre of attention…

Faces turn. At the head table, Ryan stands, consternation written large. He glances my way, brows raising in question.

My temper snaps and I shout over the hall. “Georgie, close the damn door and sit down!”

She ignores me, bawling out at the top of her voice. “Back! Everybody get back!”