Page 84 of Summer at Rachel’s Pudding Pantry

‘Wow, all your bunting and the table things you’ve made look great, by the way,’ Ben noted, taking in the decorations. He looked at Eve. ‘You’ve worked so hard on this. I can see how it’s all come together now.’ His tone was conciliatory, after having questioned and moaned about all the late nights, the hours spent by his wife on getting the details right for her best friend’s wedding.

‘Thanks,’ Eve whispered.

Rachel looked from Eve to Ben to Amelia – this wonderful little family had to stay together. She prayed they’d make it through this emotional storm that was about to blast its way into their world. And, she also silently vowed that she’d be there for them all, whatever it took.

‘Thanks for bringing Amelia over, Ben. So, are you ready for your big day, sweetie?’ asked Rachel.

‘Yes.’ Amelia had the biggest grin on her face.

‘’Melia, come and see our flower baskets. They’re so pretty. And … there’s going to be cupcakes and big cakes, and puddings, and lemon fizzy drinks. And we get to dance, and stay up sooo late.’ Maisy was full of the day to come.

Ben made to leave, ‘I’ll be off then. Unless there’s anything you need a hand with.’

‘I think we’re pretty well organised here, thanks. So, we’ll all catch up at the church soon.’ Rachel couldn’t hide the beam that spread across her face.

‘We will indeed,’ confirmed Ben, the best man raring to go.

‘How’s Tom, have you seen him yet today?’ Rachel couldn’t resist asking.

‘He’s good, Rach. Real good. I just called there to check on the rings and everything. And on that note, I’ll take Moss along with me now, shall I?’

‘Of course, yes. He’s just in his kennel. Mum’ll give you a lead. Oh, and his bow-tie. Can you please put that on him?’

‘Hah, no worries.’ Ben gave a lovely grin.

Eve smiled too, but there was such a sad, scared look behind her eyes.

Ben seemed pretty cheerful, so Tom had obviously kept schtum on Eve’s behalf – not that Rachel had doubted that. It was up to Eve and Ben to take this forward between them, when the time was right.

‘Come on then, my lovely bridesmaids, let’s get this party started. Race you to the farmhouse!’ Rachel set off with a gaggle of ‘hens’ in wellingtons behind her, plus some real chickens joining in the fun at the farmyard.

Upstairs, Rachel’s bedroom had been transformed into a bridal boudoir. They had their satin ‘Bride-to-Be’ and ‘Bridesmaids’ dressing gowns on, and a small glass of fizz to hand, and Rachel’s favourite country music by The Shires was playing in the background. The makeovers had begun! Rachel sat on a stool whilst Eve brushed, curled and then weaved her hair. Two thin plaits were made from her long fridge, which were gathered to join at the back of her head, where loose dark-brown waves fell gorgeously in a boho style.

‘That’s so pretty, Mummy. Can I have mine like that, Auntie Eve?’

‘I think that’s a brilliant idea. Amelia, would you like yours done like that, too?’

Her daughter gave a big grin and a nod, and Eve moved on to do the two little girls’ hair, whilst Hannah, who’d offered to help, set herself away with the bridal make-up. Charlotte was piling her hair into a soft up-do. The bridesmaids’ dresses in their cornflower-blue shade hung expectantly on the wardrobe door, and Rachel’s handmade bridal gown was next door in Jill’s room for safekeeping, kept to one side for its very own magic moment.

‘Coo-ey?’ It was Wendy calling from the stairs.

‘In here, come on in,’ answered Rachel.

‘I’ve just come with the flowers for your hair, girls.’

‘Oh yes, of course.’ Rachel had ordered a delicate floral garland designed to match her bouquet colours. Eve was to set it in place once her dress was on.

The girls had two mini garlands to echo Rachel’s, and the others had a pretty burst of gypsophila with a single cornflower and a pale pink rose, to pop in their hair.

‘These are gorgeous. Thank you so much, Wendy.’

‘And I’ve brought your bouquets and baskets through to the kitchen for you, all ready to collect when your transport to the church turns up. Everything’s finished in the tipi, and I’ve popped some flowers as a little extra outside the Pudding Pantry doors to welcome your guests. Just a little something from me.’

‘Oh, thank you so much, Wendy. That sounds wonderful. And you are coming along too? We’ve got a place set for you. You’re not just here to work, you know.’

‘Absolutely, wouldn’t miss it for the world, pet.’

‘Oh, well after all that hard work, come and have a glass of prosecco with us.’ Charlotte raised the half-empty bottle and found a spare flute.