Scandal (9 page)

   Whilst on a high, Ashleigh popped in to see Simone.  She was with a customer but the thumbs up sign was enough for Simone to understand all had gone well.  There was a small bridal shop Ashleigh wanted to stop at, before catching her bus back home, so she could pick up some brochures.  Feeling any obstacles which could have got in her way had now been removed, it was finally the right time for her to move on and start to enjoy the prospect of becoming a bride.  Her new life was truly about to begin.

The flat Finn rented would become the home of Ashleigh too, once they were married.  For now though, she was still living with Simone.  Tonight, Reece and Sam were coming round to the flat for dinner.  It would be their first meeting with Finn.  Ashleigh was extremely nervous.

   The dining table was set for four people.  It looked lavishly done.  Wine sat breathing, the food was almost ready.  All that was needed were the guests.  Sensing Ashleigh was nervous, Finn came up behind her in the kitchen, slipping his arms around her waist.

   “Nervous?” he asked.

   “Yes.  You?”

   “Only a little.  If they’re anything like you I’m sure we’ll get on great.”

   “I think you’ll love them.  They’re excited to meet you.”

   “And,” he said with a smile, “I think they’re here.” 

   The buzzer had indeed sounded.  Whilst Ashleigh went to let them in, Finn made his way into the lounge.  Reece carried a bottle of wine which he gave to Finn.

   “Nice to meet you son,” Reece said as he extended his hand.

   “You too Mr Sloane.”

   “Please call me Reece.  And this is Ashleigh’s mum Sam.”

   “Nice to meet you Finn,” Sam began.  “Heard a lot about you.”

   “Please come in and take a seat.”  Finn was the perfect host, showing his expertise at dealing with people.  “Can I get you both a drink?” he asked.

   “Wine would be nice thank you,” Sam said on behalf of them both.

   “Ashleigh would you like wine too?”

   “Please.  I’ll give you a hand Finn.”

   They left Reece and Sam alone in the lounge for a few minutes to talk amongst themselves and admire the plush apartment.

   “What do you think?” Sam whispered.

   “Seems a nice lad but we have only been here five minutes.”

   “I think he’s very charming.”

   “Dinner will be another fifteen minutes,” Ashleigh announced as she entered the lounge carrying two generous glasses of wine.

   “That’s fine love,” Sam said smiling.  After a big gulp of wine, Sam thought she’d start the conversation.  “So, how are your wedding plans coming along?” 

   Ashleigh and Finn exchanged glances.  It was Finn who spoke.

   “We haven’t really got the ball rolling yet because we wanted to speak to you two and my parents first.”

   “Oh.  That’s thoughtful, isn’t it Reece?”

   “Yes.  Very,” he agreed.

   “With us both not having very big families, we were thinking about getting married in a registry office.” 

   Sam had gotten married in a church and always believed it was every girls dream to do the same.  She didn’t want to interfere but was a little disappointed for Ashleigh’s sake.

   “So, you aren’t thinking about a church wedding then?” she asked, hoping she was doing well at playing mum.

   “Sam, if they don’t want a church wedding then that’s their choice love,” Reece added.

   “Do you want a church wedding Ashleigh?” Sam asked.

   “Mum it wouldn’t be practical.  The expense is ridiculous.  On my side there’d be you, dad and Simone.  Finn only has one grandma, one auntie and two sisters, plus his mum and dad.  Oh and Neil, his best man.”

   “I see,” she said.  “What about you Finn?  Have you thought about what you want?”

   “A church wedding would have been nice but like Ashleigh said, the expense would be ridiculous for how many people there’d be.  And besides, neither of us are the religious type.  It’d be a bit hypocritical don’t you think?” he offered, glancing at Ashleigh, totally unaware about her views on God. 

   Ashleigh wasn’t quite sure why Sam was appearing to be defensive about it.  She gave her a look as if to say back off; a registry office wedding would suffice.

   “Of course, registry offices are lovely these days.  I’m sure wherever you get married it’ll be a very special day.”

   “That’s settled then,” said Reece.  “Have you set a date yet?” 

   Finn looked at Ashleigh once again, as if giving her the honour of telling them.

   “Not as such.  We just thought we’d see what was available.  Christmas time would be nice, but we thought everyone else would have the same idea.”

   “I’m sure the day will be special, whatever you choose, won’t it Reece?”

   “Yes dear.  Very nice.”  He wasn’t into weddings like Sam was, but he didn’t want to spoil things for Ashleigh.

   “Shall we go into the dining room to eat?  We can talk more there,” said Finn.

   He began to serve the chicken onto plates, putting the vegetables into dishes so everyone could help themselves.  Just before Sam and Ashleigh went into the lounge, Sam held onto Ashleigh’s wrist, pulling her to one side.

   “He’s lovely Ashleigh.  I’m so pleased for you.”

   “Thanks.  That really means a lot.”

   “Do you think he suspects anything?”

   “No.  You’re doing a great job.  Come on, I’m starving.”

   With great food, fantastic wine and good company, the evening went well.  Ashleigh told Sam and Reece about the few wedding plans they’d made so far, agreeing it would only be a very quiet ceremony.  After the wedding, they were thinking about going to the pub they’d gone to for their engagement.

   At one point in the evening, Finn began to talk about Canada.  Luckily, Reece had actually been there a few years ago so was able to talk about it as if he
had
lived there.  When they mentioned their plans to move back to England, Sam put an arm around Ashleigh’s shoulders to add to the effect.

   Before their guests left, Ashleigh arranged to meet up with Sam later in the week so they could go looking at wedding dresses.  They’d mentioned, for effect, they’d got a six month visa, hoping to extend it if they could sell their house in Canada whilst renting an apartment in Leeds.  Reece said he had contacts in the business that’d be quite happy to sell their property for them.  Finn never suspected anything untoward.  Reece asked Finn if he needed any help choosing what he’d wear for the wedding.  He thanked him, saying his best man was going to help.

   As the door closed on the evening, Ashleigh hugged Finn and thanked him for a wonderful evening.

   “That’s okay.  It was good to meet your parents at last.  It’ll be nice for you when they are back here permanently.”

   Ashleigh hated the lies which were spiralling like an ever growing web of deceit.  Sam and Reece had played the part well, adding things to the story about visas and friends who’d help to sell their house in Canada, but inside, her heart was crying out to her to make it all stop.  She knew she could
never
tell him the truth, not now Sam and Reece were involved so deeply.  The only way she knew how to handle things was to change the subject.

   “Have we to leave the washing up until the morning?”

   “Of course.  Fancy another glass of wine?”

   “Go on then.  Just a little one.”  They sat closely on the settee enjoying the quietness. 

   Kissing the top of Ashleigh’s head, Finn said, “You know when we’re married Ashleigh?”

   “Mmm,” she replied a little dozily.

   “Are you alright living here for a little longer than we originally said?  It’ll give us more time to save up a bigger deposit.”

   “That’s fine.  It’s big enough for the two of us for a while.”  He turned to look at Ashleigh with eyes searching her face.

   “Can I ask you a question?”

   “Of course.”

   “Will you want a family once we’re married?” 

   Ashleigh was a little unsure how she should answer.  It was the first time they’d ever brought up the subject of children.  The topic of starting a family brought her out of her sleepy mood.

   “I think I’d like a family yes.  What about you?”

   “Eventually, but not for a while.  We’ve got our jobs haven’t we?”

   “Yes we have.” 

   Once the subject of a family had died down, Ashleigh began to ponder about it.  She definitely would like children.  It was good to have a job she enjoyed but to have children, her own children; that would be priceless.  If she was ever lucky enough to have a child, she knew she’d make a better job of it than her mother had.  One day, her career would have to be put on hold because now the seed had been planted in her thoughts, she knew that once married, she’d be desperate to have a baby.

Chapter Eight

Ashleigh was in the bedroom of the house she shared with Simone for what would be the last time as a single woman.  They’d already agreed the room would be left as it was, for the time being anyway, for those girly sleep over’s they were planning to have.

   As Ashleigh stood looking at her reflection in the full length mirror, she remembered the first time she’d set foot in this room.  It had felt like she’d been rescued from Hell and sent to Heaven that day.  This room, in this house, with the one person she called her best friend, truly had been her saviour.  Without Simone and the safe haven she’d provided for her, Ashleigh felt she would probably have done something drastic, something to guarantee her miserable life would end.

   Her hair was clipped up today, with a couple of long curly strands decorating the sides of her face.  Her veil, resting on top of her head to reveal diamante earrings, twinkled elegantly.  The dress she’d chosen was long and white, with lots of diamonds sewn into it.  It flared out at the waist, a silk bow decorating the back.  She’d chosen to wear a fur shawl, slightly off the shoulders, just to add a bit of warmth on this bitterly cold day.

   And it was a bitterly cold December morning, with just three days to go until Christmas, but Ashleigh knew the love she carried for the man she was to marry on this very day, would warm her heart and soul forever.  Today she’d lose the surname she’d loathed for so long, the name Sam and Reece had had to adopt as their own for certain family gatherings.  Today, her life would bring with it a new identity.  The eyes which gazed back at her didn’t look like the eyes of the haunted girl she’d once been.  They sparkled with love and happiness, alive with life and vitality.

   “Mrs Ashleigh Watson,” she whispered to the reflection staring back.  “Soon I will be Ashleigh Watson.  Ashleigh Sloane will no longer exist.”  A knock on the door interrupted her thoughts.  It was Simone.

   “Can I come in Ashleigh?”

   “Yes.”

   “Are you alright?  You haven’t been crying have you?”

   “No I’m fine.  You look beautiful Simone.”

   “Excuse me!  Have you seen yourself lady?”

   “Do I look alright?”

   “You’re always so unsure aren’t you?”  Simone moved forward and placed her hands on Ashleigh’s shoulders.  “You look like a beautiful bride.  Finn will love you.”

   “Simone?”

   “Yes.”

   “Before we leave for the registry office, there’s something I want to say.”

   “Okay, I’m listening.”

   “If it wasn’t for you, all of this wouldn’t be happening today and the life I have now wouldn’t exist.  I will always be in your debt.”

   “Oh Ashleigh.  I saw you as a friend that’s all.  I saw you for who you were and helped you to find somewhere to live.  You’ve achieved all the rest by yourself because of who you are, not because of me.  Just promise me we won’t lose touch once you’re married.”

   “Come here,” Ashleigh said close to tears.  They hugged with all the passion they could muster.  “I promise we will always keep in touch.”

   “You two,” Sam shouted from downstairs.  “The taxi is here.”

   “That’s my call Ashleigh,” Simone said.  Taking one final look at her before disappearing, she said, “You truly are a stunning bride.  I’ll see you there.” 

   Simone travelled to the registry office with Sam.  Jack had arranged for the bride to travel with Reece in a 1930s Pierce-Arrow in white.  Of course, Ashleigh had protested profusely, adding there was no need to go to such expense.  Jack would have it no other way, giving Ashleigh a huge hug to reassure her how much he wanted her to travel in style on her big day.

   Reece called up to Ashleigh ten minutes after Simone had left, to inform her that the car had arrived.  Not knowing one car from another, she had no idea what lay in wait for her.  With bouquet ready, Reece escorted Ashleigh to the magnificent vehicle.  He felt as proud as any father would have done.  Her eyes glistened as she saw the vehicle standing outside Simone’s house.  Neighbours stood on their doorsteps in droves, despite the bitterly cold wind, to get a glimpse of the lucky bride. 

   “I can’t believe Jack has ordered this for me,” she whispered, before allowing Reece to help her into the truly beautiful car.

   “This is what you call a car,” Reece beamed.  “I’d never heard of one when you mentioned what we’d be travelling in if I’m honest, but I have seen them around plenty of times.”

   Once in the car, sitting comfortably on the maroon coloured seats, Ashleigh turned to face Reece.  Trying to steady her trembling lip, she dug deep, determined to stay in control for what she wanted to say to him.

   “You and Sam have been my life line, not just today but since the day you offered me a job at the cafe.”

   Reaching out, he took her cold hand with his equally cold one.  “I’m just sorry we couldn’t afford to keep you on.”

   “I was sorry too, but hey ... let’s look on the bright side.  I wouldn’t be where I am today if you had have done.  I have a job I love and soon, I’ll have a husband I love so much too.”

   “You know that Sam and I will always be around for you, don’t you?”

   “Thank you.  Without you two, well, I don’t think I need to spell it out how much you mean to me.”

   “And you to us.”

   With the slushy things now said, Ashleigh sat looking out of the window, ready to begin the next chapter of her new and exciting life.

Ashleigh had to take hold of her dress as she walked up the many steps to reach the inside of the registry office.  With its generous warmth pumping from the radiators, it wasn’t long before she stopped shivering.  Finn and Neil, together with the other guests, were waiting in the room where the ceremony would take place.  Simone helped Ashleigh with her veil, hiding her away, taking her place before leading the way.  Ashleigh held the arm of Reece with the belief he was her father.  He’d been more of a father in the few years he’d known her than her own father ever had.

   “Are you ready?” he whispered.  The twinkle in his eye made her relax.

   “I think so.”

   “Then let’s go.”

   The music of Pachelbel Canon in D Major played softly, echoing around the walls, beckoning Ashleigh to move forward.  It had been Simone who’d introduced Finn and Ashleigh to the track, saying it was the piece she’d wanted to have played at her wedding.  Ashleigh had felt overwhelmed really to think Simone was letting go of something she’d wanted so much.  But, once she’d heard the music, she knew it’d be very fitting for a bride on her day. 

   Finn saw his bride drawing nearer, smiling broadly as she floated elegantly towards him.  As she took her place beside him, Simone helped to lift her veil.  As their eyes locked for a few moments, she didn’t hear the violins playing for her anymore.  All of her attention was on Finn.  He was a fine young man, dressed in a blue suit with a white shirt and white cravat.  Ashleigh felt her knees beginning to tremble, suddenly feeling overwhelmed as she felt him close to her.  In just a few minutes, she would become someone’s wife. 

   The registrar began the simple service with both Ashleigh and Finn looking deeply into each other’s eyes as they said their vows.  Once the ring had been placed on Ashleigh’s finger, Finn was allowed to kiss his bride.  With the kiss complete, he bent down and whispered in her ear.  “You look beautiful Mrs Watson.  I’m proud for you to be my wife.”

   “You look handsome as well Finn and I’m the one who’s proud.”

  Most of the photographs were taken inside the registry office; those taken outside proving difficult.  The wind was bitterly cold, making it unpleasant to be standing around for too long. 

   Many heads turned to look at the approaching vintage car.  As it purred to its destination, Finn and Ashleigh enjoyed a glass of champagne in the back.

   “To us,” said Finn.

   “To us,” replied Ashleigh.

The pub they’d chosen for their reception was thronging with people.  Luckily, as they’d been expecting this, the landlord had cordoned off a section just for them.  A wedding cake sat in the middle of a small table waiting to be cut and there was a variety of sandwiches, pastries and buns set out on plates.  It was Jack who started the party rolling.  Chinking a champagne glass with a knife he said, “Has everybody got a glass?”  When they all shouted ‘yes’, he carried on.  “Could we raise our glasses please for a toast to the bride and groom.” 

   Everyone echoed his words.  Unused to so much attention, Ashleigh felt herself blushing several times.

   As the night wore on, it became louder and louder in the pub.  Finn and Ashleigh mooched amongst the few guests, hardly seeing each other.  Reece and Sam said several times how proud they were of Ashleigh, who truly felt they were her parents.  Jack and Madeline welcomed Ashleigh into the family, embarrassing her when they mentioned grandchildren.

   They made their exit at eleven thirty, both exhausted from the excitement of the day.  No-one seemed to mind them going.  Simone agreed to take the wedding cake home with her that evening.  Ashleigh just hoped she didn’t drop it.  She did seem rather drunk.

   Alone at last, they snuggled closely in the taxi.  There were no signs of snow even though it was bitterly cold.  They laughed as he carried her over the threshold, accidently banging her head on the door frame.  Placing her gently onto the bed, he bent over her small frame, kissing her lips tenderly.  Once again, she felt as though she was in paradise.  His hands on her body made her feel like a queen.  Not once did he rush their love making, helping her to reach heights she never knew existed.  Laying in each other’s arms afterwards, Finn turned to face Ashleigh.

   “With all the planning of today, I haven’t even bought you anything for Christmas yet.”

   “That’s alright.  I’ve got the best gift any girl could have.”

   “Thank you for marrying me Ashleigh.”

   “Thank you for asking me.”

   They talked for a while before the day finally caught up on them.  With excitement flushing through her body, Ashleigh never thought in a million years she’d be able to sleep.  With Finn by her side, breathing deeply, she said a small ‘thank you’ to God.  She’d been guided somehow by an invisible force, taking her to where she was today.  It was as though she’d been thrust into a parallel universe, exchanging the horrible life she’d had for so many years to this new one.  Everything she could have ever wanted had eventually come to her.  Knowing she had a lot to be thankful for, she was desperate to repay her debt.