At that moment, her phone pinged. Swiping the screen, she smiled. ‘Charlie’s arrived at the Priory.’

‘You’d better get going, then.’ Rachel hugged her sister but carefully enough so as not to dislodge the flowers in their hair.

They stepped out onto Willowbury High Street and were greeted by the sight of rows and rows of fabric bunting, which stretched from one shop front to the next, all the way to the Priory. With, Holly noted wryly, Fairbrothers Bakery being the dishonourable exception. Miles had shut up shop, claiming that he was off on holiday for the week. Holly didn’t believe in coincidence, but she let it lie. She’d found a far better baker for her wedding cake anyway.

‘I’m glad you insisted on sensible wedding shoes,’ Rachel said as she took her sister’s arm and began to wander up the street. As they passed the shop fronts, waves went up from those who were staying open during the wedding and joining them in the Priory gardens later. Holly’s parents were also meeting them at the ruins, and as they reached the Priory, Holly could see her father, looking as pleased as punch to be accompanying his daughter on her wedding day.

‘Are you ready?’ he asked softly as she reached his side.

‘Absolutely,’ Holly replied. She took his arm, and Rachel followed behind as they took a stroll towards the ruined nave, where their guests were waiting for them. At the end of the nave stood Charlie, conventional in a morning suit but wearing a substantial buttonhole of spring flowers.

‘This may not be legally binding, but it certainly feels special,’ Holly murmured to him as she reached the nave. She drew a quick breath as she saw up close just how gorgeous Charlie looked in his morning suit, the purple waistcoat a vibrant splash of colour, and a perfect match for Harry’s trousers. They’d had a quieter ceremony in the chapel at Westminster last week, with just their parents in attendance. This blessing in the grounds of the Priory was less formal, but meant just as much to them both, taking place, as it was, in the heart of the town they’d both come to love. As Holly handed her small bouquet of freesias to Harry, who scuttled off back to the chair Rachel had saved for him next to her and his grandmother, Holly once again marvelled at the change in the little boy. His ‘off’ days were substantially fewer since he’d been on the new medication, and the hope that he could now live a longer, more healthy life filled her with gratitude and joy every time she looked at him.