Gangsters
Part fourteen
The
wedding day dawned, bright and beautiful. The sun was shining and the sky was
blue.
"All
the birds are tweeting and everybody's happy," muttered Linzi sardonically,
"Except for the bride." She shivered slightly in her nightgown.
Caterers were already bustling about the marquee set up on the lawn. She gave it
one last glare and turned away as there was a knock at the door.
"Haven't
you even started getting ready?" exclaimed Kim impatiently.
"I
was just thinking." Replied Linzi glumly. Kim put her arm round Linzi's
shoulders.
"Look
this is a big day for everyone. Can't you at least try to make the best of it?
For your mother." She urged. Linzi shrugged defeatedly.
"Okay
I'll act happy when she's around." She promised.
"And
the groom." Prodded Kim.
"Alright
I'll even smile at him occasionally." Said Linzi, disappearing into the
ensuite bathroom to change.
"Come
on Linzi," sighed Kim, "He's a nice man. You haven't given him a
chance at all. Couldn't you have even given him that?" There was silence
from the bathroom. "I know you weren't happy about how this wedding was
arranged but you could at least try to like Billy." Linzi poked her head
round the bathroom door and glared at Kim.
"Is
the lecture over?" she queried. Kim shook her head.
"I
promise you I'll keep nagging," she said, "What is everyone going to
think if the bride spends all day glaring at her husband."
"Or
tries to hit him with a rolling pin again." Quipped Lissa who'd entered
unnoticed. Linzi glared at her over her shoulder as Kim buttoned up her dress.
"Did
you want something?" asked Linzi. Lissa nodded.
"Your
bouquet." She said handing it to Linzi. Kim settled the headdress on
Linzi's head and stepped back.
"There."
She said in satisfaction. Maria came in with Pia, Gabrielle and the twins
peeking behind her.
"Oh
you look beautiful." She gasped tears springing to her eyes.
"Mama
don't start crying now," groaned Linzi, "Wait 'til the wedding."
"Just
think, the next time you come into this room it will be as a married
woman." Sighed Maria. Linzi stared at her. She hadn't given a thought to
anything after the wedding. She glanced around the room her gaze resting on the
bed. Linzi shivered slightly. She didn't even want to think about that part of
it. She wondered if there had ever been a marriage where the groom had slept on
the floor. Linzi bit her lip. From the memory of Billy's kisses she didn't think
he'd be too keen on that idea.
They
made their way down to the cars and headed to the church.
The
church was packed. Billy sat next to Chris at the front and fidgeted.
"What's
wrong?" hissed Chris.
"You
do think she'll turn up?" asked Billy anxiously.
"Yeah,
she'll be here. Don't worry." Chris reassured him hoping he sounded
convincing. There was a rustle from the congregation and the strains of the
wedding march struck up. Billy sighed with relief as he and Chris got to their
feet.
Linzi
leant on her father's arm as they walked down the aisle. She wished it was
longer, she wanted to put this off for as long as possible. In all too short a
time she was standing next to Billy. She glanced at him through lowered lashes.
He looked quite nice his frock coat and top hat. She mentally kicked herself.
'Stop thinking like that,' she told herself, 'you'll be liking him before you
know it.'
The
wedding went without a hitch except that the best man was so busy ogling one of
the bridesmaids that he had to be nudged to remind him to hand over the rings.
When the priest asked if anyone had any objections Linzi caught Kim glaring at
her and stayed silent. In no time at all the priest was proclaiming them man and
wife. Billy lifted back her veil.