At the front row of the chairs on Ollie’s side, she could see Stella beside Eric, Ollie’s father, looking full of health and happiness, and Lily was thankful for the experimental treatment that had done wonders for him. Beside them she could see Victoria’s cousin’s husband and the little boy who was proudly showing off his boutonniere but all eyes were on the bride. Behind, sat Ollie’s cousin Andrew, who she’d heard so much about over the Christmas period, looking much less angry and stressed than she’d imagined him to be.

On the other side at the front row, Ellen took her seat beside the chair designated for her husband, and next to them were Victoria’s cousin and her daughter, whose face was a mask of concentration and pent-up energy as she had yet to take ownership of Victoria’s flowers. Lily just hoped that would be enough to make the little girl happy.

In the rows of chairs behind, Lily recognized Victoria’s brother, Charles, and saw her own mother, her eyes shining with love and understanding which Lily forced herself to acknowledge, then she moved on. Hani and Helena Pukui, Malie’s parents, sat beside her – his large Hawaiian frame almost exaggerated by the petite blonde form of his wife. Selena and Noel Tayler beamed pure joy as they watched Zoe, then Malie and Lily herself come down the aisle.

She passed Jasmine, Nisha and Taylor, Victoria’s students from the class she taught, sat beside Sarah and Paul from her work in the pub, with their partners, all beaming and full of happiness for Victoria and Ollie. And then came a few faces from the town, and even Mrs Whittaker looked happy for possibly the first time ever. The thought had Lily stifling a laugh.

She reached the top of the aisle to stand beside Malie and Zoe and turned in time to see Victoria take her final steps towards the arch, her eyes bright and fixed firmly on Ollie, even when the photographer snapped about seventy pictures of them together at the top of the aisle, then ran round the back to take some more.

Lily quickly and discreetly fanned out the back of the dress and the train, and slid back in line with the girls, Malie giving her a gentle nudge on the shoulder, and Zoe leaning her head slightly towards Malie, whispering in a contented sigh, ‘They’re getting married.’

To which, Lily and Malie replied ‘Shot,’ in a whisper, causing all three to smile their secret smile.

‘We are gathered here today …’

As the gentle words of the celebrant began, Lily tried to keep her eyes locked on the happy couple, but couldn’t help occasionally running her gaze over the guests. At first she didn’t realize what she was looking for. But then, when unsuccessful, she realized it was Henry.