through the snow in their wedding gear.’
‘Can you collect them in the tractor?’ Lottie asked.
Jay scratched his chin. ‘Maybe. Where exactly are you?’
‘Almost opposite Fellside Farm!’
Lottie had a brainwave. ‘Isn’t there a farm gate around there?’
‘Should be,’ Jay said, exchanging a glance with her, as if he’d had the same idea.
‘Hang on.’ Shayla broke off for a few moments and they heard her breathing heavily. ‘Yes, there is. About ten yards back.’
‘OK. Stay put. I’ll bring the tractor over our land and through the field to you. The farmer won’t mind.’
Shayla’s voice was laced with panic. ‘OK but can you be quick? The wedding’s in less than an hour.’
‘I think you should warn people that the bride might be a bit late,’ Jay said to Lottie.
‘I agree, especially Connor …’
Jay raised his eyebrows. ‘You could let him stew?’ he said, with satisfaction.
‘It’s tempting, but for Fiona’s sake, I’d better warn them.’
‘What state is the cab in?’ Lottie said.
‘As you’d expect for a vehicle that’s been hauling logs through the mud for days. I’ll sort that out so don’t worry but it will take a bit of time.’
Jay hurried away so Lottie picked up the phone again. When Shayla answered, Lottie could hear Keegan screeching. ‘This is an omen! It’s someone’s way of saying I shouldn’t go through with this.’
A stern Aussie voice, which Lottie recognised as Keegan’s mother, spoke up. ‘Don’t be silly, it’s just a bit of snow and don’t cry – you’ll ruin your bloody make-up.’
The next few words were muffled before Shayla came on the line. ‘Hello, Lottie, it’s all under control, then … we have absolutely no need to panic …’ Shayla said slowly, leaving Lottie in no doubt of the atmosphere in the ‘wedding’ car.
‘It is. Jay’s on his way but there might be a short delay. I’ll warn the guests if you can reassure Keegan,’ Lottie said to Shayla. ‘But maybe don’t mention the tractor just yet.’
Lottie spoke to Connor, reassuring him Keegan would only be delayed a little longer. Even so, Connor was twitchy. ‘Where exactly is she?’
‘Jay says it’s all in hand. It takes time to prepare the tractor and cab. It’s a working vehicle.’
‘Tractor!’ Connor snorted in horror. ‘I can’t believe Keegan’s going to arrive in a tractor.’
‘You’re lucky she’s coming at all.’
‘Yeah … Yes. Sorry. I’m a bit stressed.’ He nodded. ‘Thanks for talking to her. I don’t know what you said but it worked. You got me off the hook.’
‘Why don’t you go back inside and talk to your mum,’ Lottie said, keen to steer clear of any friction. She managed a reassuring smile for him. ‘This was meant to be her day too, remember?’
‘If Keegan ever makes it,’ he said gloomily.
‘They’ll get here. I have every faith in Jay.’
Connor scrutinised her. ‘Yes, I can see that.’
‘Do you want me to update your guests on the situation?’ she asked before Connor said any more about Jay. ‘Or do you want to tell them?’
‘Me? No, you do it. You’d be so much better. I can hardly speak for nerves as it is.’
‘OK. Fine.’
Lottie stood on the dais and addressed those guests still sitting in their seats. ‘We may have a little while longer to wait for the bride due to a – um – minor transport malfunction,’ she said. ‘It’s all under control and I can assure you we will have a bride. In the meantime, do please return to the drawing room for some more champagne.’
There were a few sighs but most were only too delighted at the prospect of more fizz. Connor was sinking a glass himself and Lottie hoped they wouldn’t all be sozzled by the time the actual ceremony took place. She arranged refreshments for the registrar and then retreated to an anteroom to check her phone. Keegan was over an hour late now and Lottie couldn’t even get hold of Jay.
Just as she was beginning to wonder if Keegan had changed her mind after all, Lottie received a message from Jay.
Get everyone on the steps of the house ASAP.
Chapter Thirty-Seven
Lottie walked into the drawing room and picked up the mike. ‘Ladies and gentlemen, can I have your attention, please? I have some fantastic news. The bride is on her way any time now. Can I please ask you all to either come outside to the steps of the house or keep a lookout from the window of the ballroom for the arrival of the bride?’
Connor hurried over. ‘Is everything OK?’
‘Yes. Don’t worry. She’s on her