Chapters (46)
- Cover
- Praise for Lisa Hall
- About the Author
- Also by Lisa Hall
- Note to Readers
- Dedication
- Prologue
- Chapter One
- Chapter Two
- Chapter Three
- Chapter Four
- Chapter Five
- Chapter Six
- Chapter Seven
- Chapter Eight
- Chapter Nine
- Chapter Ten
- Chapter Eleven
- Chapter Twelve
- Chapter Thirteen
- Chapter Fourteen
- Chapter Fifteen
- Chapter Sixteen
- Chapter Seventeen
- Chapter Eighteen
- Chapter Nineteen
- Chapter Twenty
- Chapter Twenty-One
- Chapter Twenty-Two
- Chapter Twenty-Three
- Chapter Twenty-Four
- Chapter Twenty-Five
- Chapter Twenty-Six
- Chapter Twenty-Seven
- Chapter Twenty-Eight
- Chapter Twenty-Nine
- Chapter Thirty
- Chapter Thirty-One
- Chapter Thirty-Two
- Chapter Thirty-Three
- Chapter Thirty-Four
- Chapter Thirty-Five
- Extract
- Chapter One
- Acknowledgements
- About the Publisher
‘I know this is unusual, but in my father’s absence I thought perhaps I should make a speech. Rupert,’ I look down at him, a fond smile creeping across my face, ‘Mr Milligan. My husband.’ I press my hands to my face in glee as a ripple of laughter fills the room. ‘Today is the start of the rest of our lives together, and it honestly couldn’t have been more perfect. The sun came out, you look adorable, and all of our family and friends are here to celebrate with us. It’s no secret to the people in this room that you have been through some hard times, and we haven’t known each other for as long as is perhaps expected, but I want you to know that I adore you. I am so ready for our life together. This is all I’ve ever wanted, and after kissing a few frogs, I finally met my prince. I’m so glad I applied for that job – even if I’m not quite as good at cleaning as I made myself out to be.’ Another swell of quiet laughter. ‘To us, Rupert, and our perfect life together.’ I clink my champagne glass against his and lean down to kiss him, feeling giddy with happiness. The room erupts with applause and as I sit back down, I see Sadie discreetly dab at her eyes with a napkin.
‘Ladies and gentlemen, the band are here, and I think it’s about time I took my bride onto the floor for our first dance.’ Rupert stands and holds his hand out to me. ‘What do you say, Mrs Milligan?’
‘Definitely time,’ I laugh up at him and get to my feet, kicking off the tiny heeled pumps that Sadie picked out for me to wear. Following Rupert onto the dance floor as someone, somewhere, dims the lights, I loop my arms around his neck before stiffening as the first strains of music reaches my ears.
‘What?’ Rupert stops, frowning as I tug my arms away, my hands flying to my mouth as my brow creases. The song is ‘Tiny Dancer’ by Elton John.
‘This isn’t our song,’ I gasp in confusion, looking up at Rupert. His face is like thunder as he gestures to Will to get the band to cut the music. ‘Rupert, did you ask them to change our song?’ The music carries on, as Will is forced to mount the stage and physically tap the singer on the shoulder.
‘No, Emily, I wouldn’t do that. I take it you didn’t either?’