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‘You’re doing enough already, love. You and Graham taking over the bakery counter has been such a help.’ Elsie smiled kindly at her.
‘Absolutely! There’s no way I’d have been able to go off gallivanting here and there with Molly and Wendy if it hadn’t been for you.’ Diane grinned at Layla before turning to Graham. ‘And you too, of course, bro-to-be.’
Graham grinned and rubbed the back of his neck. ‘Always here to help, you know that.’
‘Yes, thank you, both of you.’ Harry turned to face the rest of the table. ‘And all of you. We really do owe you. I know it was a crazy decision to get married so quickly and it really wouldn’t be possible without all of your help.’
‘Oh, stop it.’ Elsie dismissed his thanks with a wave of her hand. ‘We’re family and that’s what family does, rally around and make the impossible possible.’
‘Still, thank you.’ Diane grinned and picked up her half-eaten doughnut again.
Chapter Fourteen
‘Well, I think that’s it for tonight at least.’ Elsie looked at the clock above the bakery counter. ‘You’d all best get off home.’
‘Yep, I need to go and make dinner.’ Teresa stood up. ‘Although, I might just be lucky, and Gavin may have made it just to stop the kids from complaining.’
‘Yep, me too. Connor will need to get to his shift at Baywater Delights soon.’ Wendy rolled the large piece of paper up. ‘See you all tomorrow.’
‘Do you want a lift, Molly?’ Teresa looked across at Molly.
‘Oh, that would be great, thanks.’
‘Bye, loves. Take care driving home.’ Elsie stood up. ‘I’ll get this lot tidied up.’
‘You finish your coffee. I’ll take care of these.’ Layla pushed her chair back before stacking the plates and mugs on the tray.
‘I’ll give you a hand. Give you three the chance to talk.’ Standing up, Graham picked up a stray mug and followed Layla through to the kitchen.
‘Wow, can you imagine planning a whole wedding in just over a week?’ Layla shook her head as she began stacking the dishwasher.
‘Nope, I cannot.’ Graham shook his head. ‘Or if I did, I certainly wouldn’t have the courage to make it a big, traditional one like they’re doing.’
‘That’s it. I think it could be feasible – just – if it was a small wedding. You know a ceremony followed by going back to your house or a meal at the pub for a reception but to get everything organised like they are...’ She shook her head. ‘Are you having many people from your side of the family going?’
‘A fair few, yes. Grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins. The usual.’ Graham shrugged.
‘I bet you’re looking forward to seeing them all?’ Layla put the last of the mugs in the dishwasher and turned it on.
‘I am. Mostly.’ Graham’s face clouded.
‘What does that mean, mostly?’ Layla walked towards him and stood in front of him, taking his hands in hers.
‘Ha, well...’ Taking one hand from her, he ran his fingers through his hair. ‘My cousin is with my ex, so family functions are always a little bit odd for me.’
‘Your cousin is seeing your ex?’
‘Yes, actually, they’re married. They got married last year.’ Graham shrugged. ‘I wasn’t invited, understandably, and apparently missed out on a great evening of dancing and drink.’
‘Wow. I’m so sorry to hear that.’ She searched his eyes, trying desperately to see a hint as to whether he still held a torch for her or not. ‘That must have been tough.’
He shrugged and took her hand again. ‘Not really. It would have felt strange going to the wedding.’
‘Right, I bet.’ She nodded. He wasn’t giving anything away. ‘I meant it must have been tough, your cousin getting together with your ex. It must still be tough seeing them together?’
‘Yes, and no. Of course, at the time I was devastated, but that was three years ago now and I’ve had time to get used to the idea. They’d been having an affair behind my back.’
‘Your cousin?’
