Wedding PLANS

May’s daughter was about to be married— so why did she look so worried?

- Kath McFadyen

Rousing herself as the train neared the station, May gathered up her belongings - a bridal magazine and a paperback - putting them inside her handbag quickly. She patted her neat silvery bob. It wouldn’t do to arrive looking like she’d been dragged through a hedge backwards.

Lastly, she checked her suitcase was still safely stowed on the shelf near the door. She felt a pang remembering her late husband Alan, who had planned all their trips with military precision. He had been a gentleman of the old school, and she still felt his loss keenly, years after his passing. They'd shared so much and travelled so far together.

‘But no time for getting maudlin now,’ she thought. ‘I've our daughter Caroline to see and she’s getting married!’

As she walked towards the station exit, pulling her case, she thought about the plans she’d started to make for her only child’s big day. She’d phoned the vicar at the local parish church, and checked that the hotel where she and Alan had held their reception could take 100 guests.

On the train, she’d been studying some of the bright white wedding dresses in her magazine. She loved the traditional ones with billowing skirts and long flowing veils. Caroline would look perfect in something like that...

‘As she surveyed the people milling about, she felt arms swivel her around and embrace her. ‘Mum! I’m so glad to see you.”

Her wonderful daughter was hugging her tightly, her mass of dark curls bouncing, her golden skin glowing. She looked the picture of health, and yet, as May gazed into those lovely brown eyes, she sensed something wasn’t quite right, a feeling of unease.