The sun was warm and the sky clear apart from a few stray clouds. Maura was standing in a hidden corner of the grounds, nervously fussing with her dress. Her bridesmaids were scattered around her in their fresh, light green satin dresses and ivory sash, chatting excitedly. Louisa, her dearest friend from college was up on her tippy toes fixing the gardenia in her hair, the tip of her tongue poking from between her teeth in concentration.

"There," she said and took a step back, "perfect."

Maura smiled. "What's the time?"

Louisa glanced at her watch and grimaced. Her parents should have been here long before now. Their plane had been due to land four hours before the ceremony and they should have been able to make it to the venue with at least an hour to spare. Her calls were going straight to voice mail.

Just then Lauren came breezing through, all efficiency and style, a walkie-talkie in one hand, a clipboard in the other and an eager assistant trailing behind.

"You look stunning, Maura," she effused warmly. "Now where is your father?"

Maura shook her head and shrugged her shoulders.

"Right, well. We can't delay the ceremony for more than another ten minutes. We need to sort out a plan B. Who else can take his place?"

"Oh… I hadn't though…I don't know.' She said blinking wide. 'I mean, he should be here, shouldn't he, it's so important he should be here and he's not and I don't know why…"

"Shhh," Lauren said. "Look at me, Maura. Good. Okay, now it's all fine, take a breath." She said and breathed deeply to encouraged Maura to do the same, "There is always a solution to a problem. Who else?"

"Korsak, I guess...but he's one of Jane's men of honour…"

"He's just been reassigned."

She turned to her assistant who was sent scampering off into the shaded path that lead to the altar. Lauren put a warm hand on her shoulder.

"Everything is going beautifully, don't worry." and she was off, breezing down the path too.

"You okay?" Louisa asked, slipping an arm around her waist and squeezing.

"I thought they'd be here." She said quietly

"They've probably been held up with the plans or at customs and haven't been able to get a message through."

"Probably. Will you try them again for me?"

"Of course."

Five minutes later Korsak came, all smiles and willingness and gave her his arm. She slipped in beside him and felt the churning of her stomach settle a little. Her bridesmaids picked up the hem of her dress so that it didn't stain on the grass, and as one, they moved towards the altar, the bright scent of flowers, grass and earth full with the promise of new beginnings. They emerged under the blossoming cherry trees onto the carpeted aisle. There before her sat all the people she and Jane held dearest. All kitted out in their finery, hats and parisoles, bow ties and dinner jackets, waiting for her and Jane to declare their love. The murmurs of their voices washed over her anchoring her to the moment.

Lauren caught her eye and she signaled that she was ready. As she stepped from under the cherry blossoms, from the corner of her eye, she thought she saw a flash of blue by the tree line. Her skin prickled. She turned her head but saw nothing. Then the string quartet began plucking the first strains of J.S Bach's Ave Maria and she gave the moment no further though. Korsak patted her hand and asked if she was ready. She took a breath, closed her eyes and thought of what she was about to do. She opened her eyes and began to walk down the aisle.

Xxx

Jane couldn't see Maura but she could hear the notes of the song drift between the trees. She was pacing backwards and forwards, clutching the green and white rose bouquet in her hand. When Lauren had apologetically stolen Korsak away, she had considered damning tradition and going to find her fiance but Frankie Jnr had pre-empted the thought and laid a steadying hand on her shoulder. He'd pulled out his cellphone instead but Maura had switched hers off.

Her father now gave her his arm. They moved towards the rows of chairs and the guests all turned to her. Her heart was thudding uncomfortably, a mixture of self-consciousness, excitement and trepidation. She kept her eyes forwards, ignoring the murmurs rippling through the crowd, she looked, instead, at Maura who stood now at the altar.

Her golden hair was half up, half down, soft ringlets falling gently down her back, the rest twisted up. The dress was exquisite, a v-neck halter top and sparingly adorned with a pattern of gems across the breasts. The taffeta skirt fell down in waves. The back plunged low and then had three pearl buttons at the small of the back. It was sophisticated and sexy. Jane looked to Maura's face searching it for signs of worry or sadness and a grin spread across her face in response to Maura's glowing face. As she arrived, she kissed her father, then gave her bouquet to Frankie Jnr and slipped her hands into Maura's.

"You okay?" she whispered

"I'm fine, Jane."

The ceremony was simple and short. They exchanged vows they had written themselves, Jane's voice softened with trembling and despite her best efforts, the tears did fall and Maura wiped them away with her fingertips. Their words were simple. They spoke of love, understanding and sharing. Of joy and gratitude. They promised honesty, communication and presence. They exchanged rings and when they kissed, Jane slid her arms around Maura's waist and pulled her close, much to the delight of the cops scattered throughout the guests who shouted and clapped. She gamely scowled at them.

They were then whisked away for photos and by the time they were done the sun was setting. The rest of the bridal party had already joined the guests for the reception and the photographer had taken his last few shots of them silhouetted against the sky. They found themselves alone for a moment and Maura stepped into Jane's arms.

"My love." she said.

"No one has ever looked as beautiful as you." murmured Jane. She pulled off her grand-mother's ring and slid it onto Maura's finger next to her wedding ring, shushing any protests.

"It's made for you." she said and it was. It fit perfectly and seemed to shine more brightly against the pale skin of her middle finger and as Maura gazed down at it, she looked like she wanted to speak but couldn't.

"Maura speechless. Now that's a first!". They both laughed but Jane knew how much receiving a family heirloom meant to her.

They were walking bare feet over the grass towards the reception and enjoyed the feel of the cool grass against their skin. As they rounded the corner, all the guests were gathered outside, champagne in hand and there in a cage sat two white doves.

"What's this….?" Jane asked. Cautiously.

"It's a little something I organised." Maura said reaching for her hand and pulling her along, "I did some research on Italian wedding traditions and liked this one."

"You'll have to enlighten me on this tradition, Maur."

"Well, the releasing of these doves symbolize the love that we have for each other."

"Of course." She said drily, "how could I not know."

"You don't like it?"

"No, honey, I think it's very sweet and romantic. And I'm glad you didn't go for the cutting of a log with a two handed saw instead."

"It was my second choice." Maura said, her dimple showing.

Bathed in the pinks and oranges of the days end, Maura and Jane each gently held a dove in their hands. Side by side they stood and together they released them. A beating of wings and they were gone, disappearing together into the distance. The guests clapped and a chorus of 'kiss the bride' erupted.

"Now, this tradition I do know," Jane said with a wicked twinkle in her eye. She scooped Maura into her arms and dipping her low and kissed her passionately.