Easter Saturday was a glorious day. Ruby looked delightful in a straight dress with scalloped hem and sweetheart neckline. Her unruly brown hair was held secure by a pretty band of rosebuds and blue silk ribbon. Johnny walked tall beside her, a proud good-looking fellow who had all he wanted out of life.
Maureen and Cicely were maids of honour; Maureen wore a cornflower blue gown that draped over her wheelchair and made it look like a splendid carriage, and Cicely paired up with a matching gown that swept the ground as she walked.
The reception was upstairs at the Rose and Crown where Ted used to drink with his pals. All in all, it was a wonderful affair, and everyone said so.
When they had a moment alone, Ruby and Maureen talked about all the things that were closest to their hearts. ‘I never really thought you would sell the milliner’s, Ruby,’ Maureen told her. ‘I’m very glad you did, but you worked so hard for it, I never thought you would let go.’
Ruby told her something then. A secret she had not told anyone else. ‘I fell out of love with it.’
‘But I thought it was all you ever wanted… a business of your own?’
‘So did I,’ Ruby admitted. ‘But sometimes we can be wrong. Sometimes the stars in our eyes blind us to the love in our hearts.’
‘You don’t regret it then?’
‘No. I don’t regret it. Luke’s estate will sell the business to Gabriel’s just as he planned. But, thanks to his father, I’ve been fairly compensated and now I don’t owe anyone a penny. In fact, there’s even a little money left over in the bank.’
She lapsed deep into thought before saying softly, ‘I’ll never know whether, if things had turned out differently, I might have fought tooth and nail to keep the business going. To be honest, Maureen, Johnny said something very wise to me when he came to Derwent Street. He asked me where my family and loved ones were. He made me realise just how empty my life had become.’
Maureen squeezed her hand. ‘I’m glad you’ve come back to us, Ruby.’ She saw a certain glint in her eye then, and it made her ask, ‘Have you really done with ambition and all that?’
Ruby thought for a moment before saying wickedly, ‘Who knows? When Johnny and I have raised our family and the world begins to open up to us, who knows?’ She bent forward and whispered into her friend’s ear, ‘But I’ll tell you this. Whatever I do in the future, it won’t be on borrowed money. More importantly, it will be with Johnny by my side and my family around me. Or it won’t be worth doing. I’ve learned that much.’
Johnny came to her then. ‘All right, sweetheart?’ he asked, bending to kiss her.
Ruby pressed her face to his. ‘We’re so lucky,’ she said. ‘We have each other, and we have our families.’ The two of them gazed across the room to where Lizzie and Johnny’s mam were looking so proud and pleased with themselves. ‘Oh, Ruby Miller, I do love you,’ he murmured.
‘And I love you,’ she whispered, reaching up to put her arms round his neck. She thought about all those wasted years when she had fought against that love. And she knew that in the years to come she would treasure their every moment together.
Suddenly, Lizzie’s voice sailed through the room. ‘Would yer look at that!’ she called, pointing to where Lottie was stuffing a cake into her mouth. ‘Anybody’d think the little bugger were half starved!’ The room echoed with laughter. Ruby felt her hand in Johnny’s, and her heart soared with joy. For a while she had been lost, but now she was home again. It was a wonderful feeling.