I didn’t mind waking up to an empty bed, especially when the aroma of sizzling sausages greeted me. Throwing back the duvet and pulling Sam’s faithful sloppy sweater over my head, I padded downstairs and slipped my hands around his waist.
The table was set, and he was standing at the cooker preparing breakfast, looking utterly gorgeous as usual.
‘I could get used to this,’ I smiled, squeezing him tight.
‘It’s a big day today, how are you feeling?’
I smiled, the last two weeks had been bedlam but there was no denying I’d enjoyed every second of it. Not only had I put the WI ladies through their paces but I’d chosen new colour schemes for the dance school, ordered a new sign to be erected outside, and next week there was a brand-spanking-new computer system about to be installed. It had been over a week since Mum’s arrival and she’d now moved into Honeysuckle Farm and everything seemed to be going from strength to strength. The past couldn’t be changed but we all had the future to look forward to.
In such a short time, I couldn’t wish for anything more. Since arriving in England my life felt complete, once more I had a purpose, something to focus on and work towards. I was going into the family business with Mum and both of us couldn’t be happier about that. Things were about to change for the pair of us. I’d permanently moved in with Grace, renting her spare room at the cottage, but was spending more and more time at Sam’s. I was truly happy.
‘I just need to decide what to wear,’ I answered with a smile, mentally flicking through a number of options. ‘I can’t make my mind up.’
The ladies of the WI were all meeting at the dance school around three, with the grand finale beginning on the main stage on the village green at 4 p.m. Their dresses hung ready on the clothes rail with their shoes neatly stacked underneath. They’d worked so hard in the last fortnight. No one had missed a practice and their feet hadn’t touched the ground – literally. Connie had undertaken a magnificent job sourcing all the costumes from the charity shops and the local haberdashery had provided all the sparkle and sequins to transform the outfits into utter gorgeousness. Everyone in the community had pulled together.
Yesterday, I’d spent time with Bert, perfecting his dance routine and putting him through his paces one last time before he twirled his beloved Dorothy of fifty years around that stage in front of all their friends and family. We’d even managed to sneak in a quick shopping trip to purchase a suit. Bert looked distinguished and handsome in his tuxedo and bow tie. His face beamed as he swung his carrier bag with pride and he couldn’t thank me enough.
Bert’s secret was still safe. Dorothy had no idea that she would be opening the show.
As I sat down at the table, Sam handed me a cuppa while I flicked on to my iPad. I noticed that Molly had uploaded some new photos from a radio-station bash. I’d feared the moment I’d FaceTimed her to share the news that I was staying in England. I’d miss her dreadfully, but as good friends do, she’d said all the right things to me. She was happy if I was happy but we had both been tearful. I’d ended the call with an overwhelming feeling of sadness, knowing it was unlikely I’d ever return to New York permanently. We’d promised to keep in touch and she’d hinted that next time she took a vacation, she would consider England.
Sam took the plates out of the oven and placed them on the table. ‘Here, eat up, you’re going to need your strength today.’
‘This all looks very impressive, maybe I should come for breakfast more often,’ I smiled.
‘Maybe you should.’
My stomach exploded into a hundred fireflies at the very thought of spending more time with Sam. In such a short time we’d become inseparable, spending every spare minute together.
We tucked into a hearty breakfast accompanied by Bucks Fizz. Sam had really gone to town, spoiling me. And just as we’d finished and begun to clear the dishes away, the front doorbell rang out, taking me by surprise.
‘You get that,’ he smiled, throwing a bunch of keys towards me. Opening the door, I was greeted by a delivery man who was hiding behind an enormous bouquet of blooms and a huge parcel.
‘A delivery for Alice Parker,’ he announced chirpily.
‘Thank you,’ I answered, surprised by the gorgeous scented flowers, yet puzzled by the cardboard box which wasn’t particularly heavy. Who would send me flowers and gifts here, when I lived next door, I thought, mystified.
Closing the door in wonderment, I stared at the parcel. There was a printed label on the front but no return address on the back. Laying the blooms down on the bottom stair, I eagerly began to open the box. Inside, the contents were hidden beneath delicate ivory tissue paper and on top was a card which I turned over, my heart skipping a beat.
‘Wow, someone loves you,’ Sam grinned, standing in the doorway of the kitchen.
I read the card out loud: ‘Good luck for today, you are simply the best, Sam xx’
Clutching the card to my chest, I said, ‘This is so beautiful and thoughtful.’ Swelling with happiness then trembling with excitement, I unfolded the tissue paper and lifted the most exquisite dress out of the box. My eyes were brimming with happy tears. It was a simple dress, made from a shimmery violet satin, gathered at the waist with a satin band that floated to my ankles elegantly. The soft scoop neckline, sewn with sparkles and sequins, shimmered in the light.
‘I don’t know what to say, it’s stunning.’
Sam took the dress from my hands and held it up against me. I twisted my hair, scooping it up on top of my head before letting it fall back to my shoulders. ‘What do you think?’
‘Absolutely perfect. You’ve worked so hard for today.’ He pressed a light kiss on my forehead. ‘You deserve to look like a million dollars.’
Even though I wasn’t wearing the dress yet, I already felt like a million dollars.
‘Everyone is excited for the finale and that’s all down to you. You’ve co-ordinated the event, taught the WI to dance, organised the troops, the backdrop and the costumes.’ He laid the dress back in the box and pulled me in close.
‘And saved the village from Mr Cross’s ukulele!’ I added, and we both laughed.
‘There is that, which I’m sure the village is eternally grateful for.’
Wrapped in Sam’s arms, he whispered to me softly, ‘I adore you and I’m glad you boarded that plane from the Big Apple and came into my life.’
‘I’m glad I did too.’ I snuggled in close, feeling safe and content in his arms.
Tilting my face upwards, Sam gazed into my eyes then kissed me so tenderly, sending shivers down my spine.
‘You’ve made me the happiest man ever.’
My heart burst with happiness.
‘Have we got time for …?’ he tipped me a cheeky wink.
‘Er, no! It’s a busy day!’ I needed to check on the staging, make sure the backdrop was in place and transport the chairs from the dance school to the village green. ‘As much as I’d love to climb back into bed with you, there’s no time! There’s so much to do.’
‘Spoilsport!’ He gave me that lopsided smile and his eyes sparkled as he tugged at my sleeve.
‘Don’t give me that look, you know I can’t resist that look.’
‘That was my plan.’
Sam was gorgeous. I pulled him back up the stairs, another fifteen minutes wouldn’t hurt …
All along the High Street the triangular coloured bunting weaved between the lamp-posts and flapped in the light breeze. The weather was perfect, the sun was shining and only a few clouds were dotted sporadically in the cobalt sky.
Mum and I followed the arrows on the makeshift cardboard signs hammered in the front gardens of the residents that pointed towards the village green. Sam was going to follow us down later on this afternoon. My dress was hanging alongside all the others in the dance school. We’d decided it was best if we hot-footed it over there at the last minute to get changed.
The village green was unrecognisable. Small huts bursting with colour lined the streets all the way around the green, selling items of necessity as well as luxury. We paused to look at the jewellery, the trinkets and then a little further up I spotted Bert. The Old Teashop’s stall was abundant with the most delicious cakes, pasties and sausage rolls laid out on a red-dotted tablecloth. He was shovelling cup-cakes inside paper bags and handing them out to the excited children, who were eagerly waiting for a taste. He glanced up over the crowd and caught my eye, giving us a wave above his head.
‘Where’s Dorothy? Is she with you both?’
‘Currently having her hair done,’ I shouted over. Bert tipped his cap in acknowledgement and we carried on walking.
‘It’s good to be back. I’ve missed this,’ she admitted.
‘Me too,’ I said, linking my arm through hers and finally feeling a part of a community once more.
We weaved our way through the hustle and bustle towards the far end of the green where a small crowd was gathered. I couldn’t help but chuckle when I noticed Mr Cross standing there, dressed in gaudy clothes with a small group of excited toddlers jumping and squealing at his feet to the sound of his ukulele.
There were jugglers, stilt walkers and bouncy castles. Families were sprawled out on picnic rugs, eating sandwiches and enjoying a small tipple in the afternoon sunshine.
I was beginning to feel a little anxious about the grand finale as we ambled towards the main stage but all fears were soon eradicated when I noticed Grandie standing next to Jim admiring their own handiwork.
‘Grandie,’ I shouted and he spun round. ‘Just look at this.’ I couldn’t believe my eyes, the sparkly backdrop was magnificent. ‘Brook Bridge Goes Strictly,’ I read, ‘Presented by Alice Parker.’ There was my name up in lights, something I’d always hoped for.
‘I’m so proud of you, Alice,’ Grandie hugged me and then gestured towards the judging table. ‘What do you think?’ The long trestle table was covered in a crisp white tablecloth and the seats were covered with shimmering violet sashes, the same colour as my dress. Feeling all warm and fuzzy inside, I knew Sam had thought of that special touch.
‘Oooh, look,’ exclaimed Mum, holding up a number paddle. ‘I feel all important!’
‘We need to set up the sound system, then if you’re free for coffee and cake …?’ asked Grandie.
‘Sounds perfect, see you back here in half an hour,’ I said, glancing at my watch.
Mum and I carried on walking, enjoying the jovial atmosphere.
‘Candy-floss, it’s been years since I’ve had candy-floss.’ She delved into her pocket and handed the loose change over to the man in exchange for two bags.
‘That was your phone,’ I said, already stuffing the pink fluffy mixture into my mouth. ‘It just beeped.’
Mum’s eyes were fixed on the screen.
‘Facebook message.’ At first her face was one of blind panic, then the corners of her mouth began to lift and she blew out a breath.
‘Is everything okay?’ I asked.
‘I think so. I hope so,’ she turned the phone towards me. ‘Take a look. We have a word from William,’ she spoke softly.
‘We do? And …?’ I asked, lifting an eyebrow.
‘Like I said, take a look.’
Shielding the phone screen from the sun, we stopped walking. My heart raced as I scanned the message. ‘He wants to see me, he actually wants to come and see me.’
William’s message was long. After receiving the news about my existence, he’d been shocked but also saddened that he’d missed out on twenty-three years of my life. He was married with two daughters and immediately he’d shared the news with them.
‘They all want to meet me.’ The relief was immense.
‘I know, it’s marvellous news. How are you feeling?’ Mum held me at arm’s length to gauge my reaction.
‘Stunned and amazed. I’m happy, happy we are all back together and excited that I’m going to meet my dad. I don’t think I could ever wish for a more perfect day.’
Mum pulled me in close, ‘I’m sorry about the past. If I could change it, you know I would.’
‘Mum, you don’t have to say anything. The future is what we have to look forward to. The opening of the school, working together in our own business and enjoying Grandie’s company.’
‘Happy ending,’ Mum breathed.
‘Happy ending.’ I fell into her arms and we held each other tight.