Sorry it has taken so long to update – please R&R most appreciated.
It is the morning of Jane's wedding.
Chapter 9
Christian put the boxes of flowers in the car and checked down the list of jobs that Jane had given him, he just needed to go back and change into his suit and then he would go to her place. He was disappointed Syed wasn't with him, but the police had called him to attend an identity parade, so he was going to join him later at the reception. It was maybe just as well, after all, the focus of the day should be the bride and groom and he was going to busy helping out. As their parents were not going to be there, Christian was chuffed to bits that Jane had asked him to give her away, and he liked Phil. He was such an improvement over Ian, he worshipped Jane, and he had never seen his sister in such high spirits.
He arrived at the house to the sound of delighted giggles from his four favourite girls. Jane looked stunning in a cream tailored suit; Lucy and Amy were dressed in the same deep blue contrasting with their blond hair and Roxy – well Roxy was just Roxy, still teetering on high heels and looking great in a strappy, multi coloured mini dress. She was helping the others with their hair and make-up at the same down as she and Lucy were downing shots – it was a miracle that they didn't all end up looking like clowns! Amy was bouncing off the walls with excitement so Christian took his god daughter outside to let off steam with dire warnings ringing in their ears about keeping clean and tidy.
By the time he returned Amy was calmer, but the rest of the girls had been talking and he faced an interrogation led by Roxy about his love life, and his new living arrangements. He maintained a cheeky grin telling them all would be revealed in time. He was glad when the car came to collect the Roxy, Lucy and Amy and he was left alone with Jane.
"Happy?" said Christian
"Oh Christian, I never thought I would feel like this again. Phil's wonderful, I am so sure this is going to work, he wants the same things that I do and he doesn't come with baggage and complications."
"Yeh, well he got my vote when he put you upon that pedestal and treated you like a lady instead or a skivvy."
"Not to mention like a mum – you know the adoption papers are in and the agency says our chances are very good."
"Oh sis, you'll make great parents, I wish you both the very best – you know anything I can do to help I will."
"Of course I do. What about you Christian, you're serious about this bloke aren't you? I haven't seen such a sparkle in your eyes since ... well not for years. I just worry you have rushed into things."
Christian laughed at the irony, "You'll see Sis, when you see him you'll know I'm right."
He heard the sound of the car drawing up outside. "It's time, last chance to change your mind!"
"No way, and thanks Christian – thanks for all your help over the last few years, and for giving me away today."
"Jane, I would do anything for you, and really I'm so honoured that you asked me."
They hugged before he escorted her to the car. When they arrived at the Church, Jane's nerves kicked in and she started babbling about all the things that might go wrong. It took him five minutes at the door of the church to settle her back down, as soon as they entered and she saw Phil waiting patiently at the altar her panic turned to elation and Christian couldn't take his eyes off her ecstatic face as they walked down the aisle with her arm on his. It was with great pride he handed her over to Phil and as the ceremony progressed he looked down with a tear in his eye as Amy curled her fingers around his and beamed a smile at him.
As they left the Church the photographer took a few pictures but the main ones were to be taken at the reception so he watched Jane and Phil leave together and then he bundled Lucy, Peter, Bobby, Amy and Roxy into the next car and for the first time surveyed the guests as they drove away.
Their parents should have been here, he thought. Not that he particularly wanted to see his Dad but he wouldn't have minded catching up with his Mum again, but Jane hadn't wanted a fuss, and she was going to be able to see them when she was away for her honeymoon. Most of the guests were from Phil's side of the family, unlike them he had a large extended family with brothers and sisters and a raft of cousins and nieces and nephews.
There were a few familiar faces - Tanya of course, Chelsea with a very fit bloke on her arm, there was Bianca and Ricky. He hadn't seen them since he left for Barcelona. Ronnie was there too, looked like she was on her own, he wondered where Jack was. As the car sped off he spied Denise out the corner of his eye and his jaw dropped as he saw who she was talking to, Zainab and Masood!
As soon as they arrived at the reception he told Roxy to cover from him and nipped off to warn Syed, he called but there was no answer. He sent a text and shifted nervously as he saw the first of the guests arrive. He called again, but no response and eventually turned back as he heard Roxy calling him.
Inside the hotel Jane broke free from Phil, promised the photographer she would join them in a minute, then marched over and hissed in Syed's ear "What the hell are you doing here, you weren't invited. I want you to leave now before Christian sees you!"
Before he could answer a worried looking Christian turned the corner.
"I'm sorry Christian," said Jane "I didn't invite him."
"I know you didn't invite him – but I did." said Christian with a frown "Syed, we have a problem, your parents are here."
"I know Christian, they might have a problem, but we don't." Syed replied calmly.
Jane looked from one to the other – trying to figure out what was going on, finally as Christian reached out to Syed, the penny dropped and she squealed with delight.
