Anchor of Hope (19 page)

As the dinner plates were being cleared the MC announced that it was time for speeches.

The wait staff refilled everyone’s glasses for toasting.

First up was Martin’s brother, Charlie, who had travelled from California along with his wife and two adult sons to attend the wedding. Ashley was astounded at the similarities between the brothers, not only in their looks but in their mannerisms and affinity for lame jokes. She couldn’t help but laugh as Charlie recalled the story of when he first learned that his ‘baby surfer brother’ had announced he was moving to the country. The rest of the family had thought he was insane, but as they came to know Jane they understood why he was willing to leave the beach life behind.

A few others spoke, and with the completion of each speech the wedding guests raised their glasses and drank.

Ashley only took small sips, as she knew from experience how quickly one could become intoxicated sitting through wedding toasts.

Finally Henry stood up and slowly made his way to the gazebo, taking the microphone in his left hand and tucking his right hand into his pants pocket.

“For those who don't know me, I’m Henry, Jane’s father-in-law. Jane was married to our son Thomas for many, many years until he passed away. We couldn’t be more proud of you, Jane. You’ve raised two beautiful children and three wonderful grandchildren with grace and determination, despite the hardships you’ve had to endure.”

Grace walked over to stand beside Henry, placing her hand on his shoulder and giving Jane a loving smile.

“Jane, you may not be our biological daughter, but we love you like you are our own flesh and blood. Martin, we are so thankful to God for bringing you into Jane’s life. She deserves to be happy, and Martin, we welcome you into our lives with open arms. I’d like to read a verse from the Bible.”

Henry pulled a piece of paper out of his pocket and unfolded it. “It’s from Corinthians. ‘Love is patient, love is kind.’” He lowered the paper but continued to speak. “It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonour others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never ends.’”

Ashley recognised the verse, as one she had heard it many times before, but for some reason she felt her eyes welling up with tears. As the guests applauded Henry, she wiped the tears away, hoping no one had noticed.

Martin concluded the speeches for the evening telling the story of how he first met Jane. “I had just finished up work for the day. I was a painter, you see, so I headed to the beach for a bit of a surf. That's when I spotted her. She was the loveliest woman I had ever laid eyes on. She was sunbathing on the beach, reading a book and I thought I’d try to impress her with my awesome boarding skills. Well, I came off mid-wave and put my back out. She asked if I was OK, and I remember I was in a lot of pain but didn’t want to let on in fear of scaring her away. Long story short, I invited her out to dinner but had to cancel at the last minute as I couldn’t get out of bed. She came to my aid and we spent the evening in the hospital.” The guests laughed.

“We stayed in touch, and found ourselves making trips to visit one another until I finally worked up the courage to ask her to marry me. I couldn’t believe my luck when she said yes.” He turned to Jane.

“Thank you, Jane, for giving an old man like me a second chance at love, and for not laughing at me when I failed abysmally in attempting to impress you.” He raised a glass and Jane did the same, smiling at her new husband.

After the wedding cake, a chocolate mud cake, was cut and served with fresh cream and raspberry coulis. The staff then cleared the plates and moved the tables to make a space for the dance floor in front of the gazebo.

Ashley smiled as the dramatic intro to the bridal waltz song began; At Last by Ella Fitzgerald. Martin took Jane's hand gently in his own and she gazed up at him as they swayed on the dance floor. Ashley watched on, a feeling of love and joy filling her. She felt a nudge on her arm and looked up to see Bryan standing beside her, holding out his hand. She looked puzzled.

“Come on. We have to dance too.”

“Really?” Ashley asked, looking around. No one else was dancing.

“Yeah, we
are
part of the wedding party.”

She took his hand, feeling flustered at the thought that they would be dancing in full view of everyone. Jane smiled at Ashley as they joined the bridal couple on the dance floor, and Ashley couldn’t help but notice everyone watching. Bryan took her hand and lightly put his hand on her lower back, keeping a safe distance between them.

“This is awkward,” Ashley whispered.

“Don’t worry. I told Jess and Jay to come and save us after thirty seconds.” Bryan smiled.  

That should have been a relief, but the thought of dancing with Jay rattled her even more. Soon a few other couples joined them on the dance floor, including Henry and Grace. Jess took Jay’s hand and pulled him up to dance, while Meika and Coco followed suit. As the song concluded and another began. 'Have I told you Lately' by Van Morrison; one of her mothers favourites. Bryan let go of Ashley and leaned towards Jess and Jay.

“Mind if we swap?” Jay willingly obliged.

Ashley was scared her palms would be sweating.

Jay took her left hand in his and slowly ran his left hand down her back, pressing his palm flat against the small of her back. His hand was large and warm, sending chills down her spine and causing the hairs on her arm stand on end.

“I don't think we ended up dancing together by accident.” Ashley smiled nodding towards Jess and Bryan, who were whispering and smiling in their direction.

Jay leaned in close, his lips brushing against her ear as he whispered, “I don’t mind.”

He didn’t pull away but remained close enough that she could feel his breath against her hair. Her pulse raced and her feet moved clumsily as she struggled to gain control. She was expecting him to twirl her and spin her playfully like he had done at the Jamboree yesterday, but he didn’t. He was serious. He moved slowly and they swayed from side to side, allowing the music to carry them, blissfully unaware of the other dancers around them.

She closed her eyes, allowing her head to rest on his chest. He felt warm, solid and secure and she couldn't recall a time when she had felt so safe and at rest. Finally the song ended and she opened her eyes to see Sam approaching.

“May I?” he asked.

“Of course.” She smiled and Jay stepped back to be met by Meika and Coco, who were waiting to dance with him. He took their hands and spun them around, and they squealed with delight.

Ashley smiled at them as Sam began to dance with her.

“It’s good to have you back.” Sam smiled and his eyes creased up at the corners.

“It’s good to
be
back.”

She could see the concern in Sam’s eyes despite his smile. “I know you’re going home tomorrow, but I need to say this. Be careful. With Jay.”

She frowned. “I will. We’re friends, that’s all.”

“Does
he
know that?” Sam held her gaze.

Ashley swallowed.

“I mean it. He’s not as tough as he makes out,” Sam said. Ashley knew how deeply Sam cared for Jay. “He has a big heart and sometimes that works to his disadvantage.”

Ashley hadn’t considered how Jay would feel after she left. She had been telling herself over and over that they were just friends and their time together hadn’t meant anything, but perhaps she was fooling herself. She didn’t want to think about it, but now that her time there was coming to an end she would have to face the reality that this would be their last day together—and that affected her in ways that she couldn’t understand.

She nodded, not able to find the words to say. Sam seemed to understand.

“Excuse me.” She let go of his hand and turned to leave. She was beginning to feel claustrophobic amongst the other guests on the dance floor. Where to go?

The jetty.

No one else would be down there and she needed to be alone to think. A sickening feeling overcame her as the reality of saying goodbye hit her. Only hours ago she couldn’t wait to get back to her normal life back in Brooklyn, yet now the thought terrified her. She stepped onto the jetty, heart racing. She walked to the end and gazed out over the water.

Everything was dark except for the slight ripples of water reflecting the light of the moon. She clasped her fingers behind her neck and took a few steadying breaths. This week had not gone as she had expected. Instead of spending her week in utter misery, missing Steven and her work, she had savoured every moment. Everywhere she turned she saw only acceptance and happiness, and— most of all—love. She hadn’t felt this alive in a long, long time, and the thought of leaving pained her.

She stood there, unmoving, unaware of how many minutes had passed, until she heard footsteps on the pier behind her. She turned to see a large dark figure walking slowly towards her. Jay. The lights from the party were still visible, glowing through the gaps in the trees and the hypnotic sound of the violins carried on the breeze.

“I’m beginning to think you're stalking me,” Ashley said.

“I wouldn't call it stalking. More like admiring from a distance.”

She laughed. “Eww, you’re not like one of those creepy Facebook stalkers, are you?”

It was his turn to laugh. “I don’t use social media, so you’re safe.” He stepped closer to her, closing the gap. “You all right?” Jay asked. “You just took off. Did my dad say something?”

“No, I’m OK,” she replied. “Just getting some air.”

“Well there’s plenty of air everywhere, even up at the party.” She could see him smiling and it began to ease her worries.

She looked up at the sky. The stars were shining brightly, and the Milky Way was clearly visible. She couldn’t help but sigh.

“Those are called stars,” Jay said, lightening the mood further.

“I know what they are. You never see them this clearly in the city though—all the light pollution. It’s easy to forget how many they are. It’s weird to think they’re there, even when you can't see them. It’s such a beautiful sight,” she said, admiring the night sky.

“It is,” Jay agreed and although she hadn't turned to look at him she knew he was watching her.

“I'm going to miss this when I have go back home tomorrow.” She smiled weakly.

“You don't have to go you know, you could stay here.”

The idea was tempting, but she quickly dismissed it. “New York would miss me too much. The newspaper wouldn’t be the same without me.”

There was silence as she wondered if she even still had a job to return to.

“We have beautiful lights in the city too. You should see Times Square lit up at night. It is incredible. The colors, the atmosphere, the people—the whole city is incredible. If you ever get the chance you should go and see it one day.”

“I did. Once,” Jay said.

“Really, when?” Ashley was surprised at his confession.

“Years ago.” He was back to his short answers, giving the hint that he didn't want to say any more.

“So have you had a good night so far?” she asked.

“Yeah, it’s been great. Everything has been good.”

“Good food, good champagne.” She smiled.

“The food was good, but I can’t comment on the champagne. I don’t drink.” He almost sounded hesitant to admit it.

“What? at all?” She laughed. “Since when?”

“A while.” He shrugged.

“Why? That’s so weird.” Ashley was trying her hardest not to offend him, although the concept of abstaining from alcohol sounded strange.

“I find alcohol tends to dull my senses, and makes me forget things. Life is too short not to feel everything it has to offer—the good, the bad, all of it. And there are too many moments I’ve lost in the past because I was too drunk to remember. I don’t want to forget another moment,” he said, staring directly at Ashley.

She sighed and turned towards him. “I can’t figure you out.”

“What do you mean?”

“You seem so . . . I don’t know . . . perfect.
Too
perfect. You're not the Jay I remember, that’s for sure.”             

“I’m the same Jay, I can assure you, and I’m far from perfect.”             

She snickered, “Oh yeah? Well, I can’t seem to find any flaws, and it’s weird.
Everyone
has flaws.”

He laughed. “I have many flaws.”

“Go on then,” Ashley said. “Tell me.”

He raised his elbow and scratched the back of his neck. She laughed out loud.

“What?” he asked.

“You do that all the time. When you’re nervous or uncomfortable I think,” Ashley said, pointing to his arm.

“I hadn’t noticed.” He lowered his arm. “Is that counted as a flaw?”

“More of a nervous habit. So come on, let’s hear it.”

“OK . . . uhh . . . I’m overprotective and quick-tempered. Take yesterday for example.”