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‘We’ve not actually got to that bit yet.’ the vicar chuckled as a chorus of laughter filled the church.
Stepping forward, her sister, Lauren, took Diane’s bouquet, freeing her to hold both hands with Harry.
‘AND WITHOUT FURTHER ado, I’m honoured to welcome the newly married couple onto the dance floor for their first dance!’ The DJ boomed through the microphone.
As people stood up from their tables and lined the dance floor, Layla searched out Graham who had been sitting at the head table for the wedding breakfast. Weaving her way through the crowds, she stopped abruptly as she almost collided with him.
‘I was just coming to look for you.’ Graham chuckled as he took her hand and led the way towards the edge of the dance floor.
‘Me too.’ standing beside him, she felt him squeeze her hand as the music began and Harry and Diane took their positions in the middle of the wooden dance floor. As Diane and Harry swayed and twirled in time to the music, Layla watched them.
Gently moving Layla in front of him, Graham wrapped his hands around her waist and swayed with her in time to the music.
Leaning her head back against him, she smiled. When she’d arrived in Penworth Bay, she hadn’t imagined for a moment that she’d be here, at a wedding, with the love of her life. As a round of applause erupted around the group of guests watching, Diane and Harry indicted everyone to join them, and people swamped the dance floor.
Twirling her around and taking her hand, Graham led Layla onto the dance floor as the next song began.
Diane made her way through the dancers and patted Layla and Graham on the arm.
‘Hey, sis.’ Graham hugged her.
‘Bro.’ Hugging him back, Diane turned to Layla and hugged her too. ‘Thanks again for everything you two did in replacing my dress.’
‘Our pleasure.’ Layla grinned. ‘Congratulations! How does it feel to be married?’
‘Just the same.’ Diane laughed and looked across at Harry who was swinging Pippa around the dance floor, Hudson gripping his leg, waiting for his turn. ‘Only better.’
‘That’s great.’ Layla smiled.
‘Yes, and talking of relationships.’ Diane turned back to them. ‘Well, kind of anyway. On my way in, I noticed a poster advertising for hospitality staff.’
‘Here?’
‘Yep. here at The Fern.’ Diane shrugged. ‘I just thought I’d let you know in case, you know, you decided to make your stay down here permanent.’
Layla blinked. ‘You’re at your wedding and you noticed an advert?’
‘Of course, I did. I’ve got to look out for my little brother’s happiness, haven’t I?’ Diane laughed.
‘Thank you. I’ll take a look.’ Stepping forward, Layla hugged Diane again, mindful not to displace the veil trailing down her back.
‘You’re welcome.’ Diane grinned before making her way back to her new husband, picking Hudson up and joining Harry in swinging him and Pippa around.
Turning back to Graham, she placed her arms around him again as they swayed in time to the music. ‘I can’t believe she spotted that poster on her way in today.’
‘Haha, you see, I’m not the only one who wants you to stay.’
As they made their way around the dance floor, Layla watched as Elsie made her way ups he the DJ. ‘I wonder what song Elsie is asking for?’
‘Umm, not sure but I think we’re about to find out.’ Graham nodded as the DJ changed tracks and ‘We are family’ boomed through the speakers.
Laughing, Layla watched as Elsie gathered the bakery family around her before searching out the guests and pointing to Layla and Graham signalling them to join them.
‘Do you need any more confirmation that you’re welcome to Penworth Bay?’ Graham kissed her hand as they walked across the dance floor.
Maybe she didn’t. With Diane and Harry dancing next to her on one side and Graham, Elsie and Ian on the other, maybe she already felt as though she’d found her home.
Epilogue
