AllFreeNovel
Share Us
‘I know that. I do.’ He nodded. ‘So? What now?’
Layla glanced back at the coffee machine. ‘We get coffee and go and save the day by picking up Diane’s dress?’
‘Haha, good idea.’ Graham chuckled. ‘First though...’
‘What?’ Layla grinned as Graham wrapped his arms around her, drawing her in for a hug and whispered in her ear. ‘I love you, Layla, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds.’
Chapter Twenty Three
Layla pulled down the hem of her dress again. Why had she worn tights? The dress was just clinging to them.
‘Don’t worry, you look lovely, and I’ll let you know if your dress hitches up again.’ Brooke touched Layla’s arm.
‘Thanks. You looked beautiful, too. I love your dress.’ Layla followed Brooke into the church, Max leading the way in front.
Brooke held out her arm, the cast felt-tipped in flowers, and laughed. ‘Do you like what Pippa did? She told me it had to match my dress.’
‘Aw, that’s really sweet, and it really does match.’ Layla grinned as they sat down on a pew behind Ian and Elsie and some other members of the bakery family.
‘It is, isn’t it?’ Brooke smiled. ‘Although, I must admit I’ll be glad when it’s off and I can get back to work. Elsie won’t have me back until it’s off. She’s insisting I rest it.’
Turning around, Elsie whispered loudly. ‘Did I hear my name?’
‘Haha, yes you did. I was telling Layla I can’t wait to get back to work, but you won’t let me until the cast is off.’ Brooke laughed.
‘Ah, I see. I’ve lardy told you that you’re more than welcome to come into the kitchen and keep me company.’
‘Yes, and I plan to. First thing tomorrow morning I’ll be there, but how are you going to cope with me not being much use, Diane on honeymoon and I’m guessing Graham will be going back to Leeds after the wedding too?’
‘Oh, he’s not leaving. He’s staying for this one.’ Elsie nodded towards Layla.
‘Well, not really for me. He wants to be closer to Harry and Diane.’ Layla shifted on the wooden pew.
‘And her.’ Elsie grinned at Brooke.
‘So, he’s going to carry on at the bakery for a bit?’ Brooke asked.
‘He sure is.’ Elsie smiled and turned to Layla. ‘I’m glad you and Graham are back on track.’
‘Me too. Largely thanks to you and the trip to Bath.’ Layla grinned. As soon as she and Graham had walked back through the bakery door with Diane’s dress, Elsie had clapped her hands and said that her plan had worked. Layla had been right; she hadn’t really needed to travel to Bath with Graham. Elsie had only asked her to go so she and Graham had been forced to talk. ‘Thank you.’
‘You’re very welcome, love.’ Elsie nodded towards the door into the church. ‘Talking of which here comes the groom and best man.’
Turning, Layla smiled as Graham walked purposefully down the aisle with Harry. He was wearing a smart black suit and pink cravat, swamped only by the pride for his brother written all over his face. Layla rummaged through her small bag as tears slid down her cheeks.
‘Here you are, love. I’ve come prepared.’ Reaching over, Elsie shoved a tissue into her hand.
‘Thanks.’ Dabbing her eyes, she gave Graham a small wave as he walked past, to which he responded by blowing her a kiss.
As the two men took their positions in front of the vicar, Brooke leaned forward and whispered to Elsie. ‘Let me just straighten your hat.’
‘Thanks, love.’ With her hat back in position, Elsie pointed once more to the door as the Bridal Chorus began playing on the church’s organ.
Standing up alongside the rest of the congregation, Layla turned to watch Pippa and Hudson meander down the aisle throwing rose petals towards the guests, shortly followed by Ruben and Toby who, having listened to their instructions, scattered them across the floor. Daisy followed next, holding little Bonnie in her arms and taking Hudson’s hand as he began drifting back down the aisle.
When they were in position, Diane, with her dad proudly walking beside her, began making her way down the aisle towards her soon-to-be husband. With her arm linked with her dad’s, Diane floated down the aisle, the elegant train of her stain-free dress cascading behind her. She grinned as Harry turned slowly around before she abandoned any attempt at walking in time to the music and instead picked up the pace before turning to kiss her dad and taking her place beside Harry.
Layla watched as Harry reached out to her, taking her hand and leaning forward to kiss her.
