‘This flamin’ tie’s crooked again,’ Roy complained as he peered into the speckled mirror in the tiny vestry of the Gidgee Springs church.
With a pained expression he fiddled with the knotted grey silk at his collar. ‘Never got the hang of these things.’
‘In that case I’m deeply honoured you’re prepared to suffer for me today,’ Gabe told him as he helped to straighten the tie. ‘There, you’re looking extra spiffy now.’
‘I can’t believe Bella wanted all this finery.’ Roy stepped back to admire his surprisingly dapper reflection. ‘I thought she was a sensible bush girl.’
‘She is. But this is her only chance to be a bride,’ Gabe said with a quiet, happy confidence. ‘So she wants to make the most of it.’
If Bella had wanted to be married in riding boots and an Akubra, Gabe wouldn’t have put up a fight, but he was secretly pleased that she’d opted for a traditional white wedding in the same church where her parents had tied the knot. He liked the sense of continuity. It seemed fitting as he and Bella began their new life together at Mullinjim.
However, he couldn’t help having a dig at Roy. ‘Are you in a flap because Noreen’s a wedding guest?’
Roy went red. ‘Course not.
Gabe smiled. ‘But you are going to ask her for a dance at the reception, aren’t you?’
‘That’s my business.’
‘You’d be a good catch now you’re full-time manager of Redman Downs.’
Before Roy could respond, the minister ducked his head around the door. ‘It’s time to come into the church, gentlemen.’
‘Bloody hell,’ muttered Roy, nervously patting his pockets.
‘What’s the matter now?’
‘Nothin’. Couldn’t remember where I’d put the ring, but I’ve got it.’
Gabe clasped him on the shoulder. ‘Thanks for stepping up for me, mate.’
‘You know I’ve never done this before.’
‘Neither have I, but don’t worry, I know you’ll be perfect.’
‘I’m just so damn glad to be here.’
In contrast to Roy, Gabe felt cool and collected as they entered the church that was filled with masses of flowers and fancily dressed family and friends. Not even the spine-tingling organ music fazed him. But why wouldn’t he be relaxed about marrying his best friend? He’d waited for long enough.
He sent a smile to his mother and Ken Templeton, her new fiancé, as they sat in a front pew with Ellie. And he smiled at Bella’s grandmother on the other side of the church, sitting with Liz and Jack Roper. Just behind them, Zoe, heavily pregnant, was looking radiant and emotional as she hooked her arm through Mac’s.
Virginia, in fetching pale green silk, came down the aisle to take her place in the pew beside her elderly mother. She looked directly at Gabe and sent him a reassuring nod and a smile. For Gabe, it was easy to believe that Peter was there, too, just beside her.
The usher at the church’s door sent a thumbs-up signal to Gabe.
‘I think that means Bella’s here,’ Roy hissed out of the corner of his mouth.
‘Yeah.’ Gabe was smiling and excited as the minister took up to his position.
The organ struck a thunderous chord. The congregation rose and turned.
The minister sent Gabe a smiling wink. ‘I’ve seen Bella,’ he whispered. ‘She looks absolutely beautiful.’
And suddenly Gabe was trembling. His throat ached as if he’d swallowed a boulder.
He was no longer aware of Roy beside him or the expectant sea of people before them. His eyes were fixed on the door at the back.
He’d already seen his sister Sarah parading at home in her bridesmaid’s dress, so her appearance was no big surprise, although she looked even prettier now with flowers in her hair, carrying a lovely bouquet.
Next came Luke, handsome in a formal dark suit similar to Gabe’s, and then, stepping forward on Luke’s arm . . .
Bella.
Oh, dear God.
She looked so incredibly, breathtakingly beautiful.
Lovelier than Gabe could have ever imagined – dewy and soft and exquisite in delicate white lace. His country cattlewoman had been transformed into a fairytale princess.
He couldn’t breathe. He could only stare in wonder as she came towards him, smiling.
Smiling only at him.
Somehow Bella restrained herself from rushing down the aisle. It was a short aisle, but she felt as if several ice ages passed before she reached Gabe. He looked gorgeous in his bridegroom’s gear. All tanned and strong and sparkling-eyed.
As she proceeded on Luke’s arm, she was floating on happiness.
Only one thing was missing to mar the perfection of this day. Or rather, one person.
Bella had left spare flowers from her bouquet on her father’s grave this morning and now she could feel his love surrounding her as if he was here, watching and smiling.
And at last she reached Gabe, who was looking rather emotional and just a little awestruck.
‘Hey,’ she whispered. ‘It’s only me.’ She sensed him relax as he returned her smile.
‘Yeah,’ he murmured. ‘And it’s only me.’
She slipped her arm through his and they turned to the minister. Their future was about to begin, and whatever it held they would face it together. They were going to be very okay.