A Family Affair - First Born (15 page)

Tom squeezed her hand, understanding how she was feeling. “We’re nearly out of here. I’m starting to think that a cathedral wedding wasn’t such a good idea.”

Ellen only smiled, trying not to show anything but happiness on her face. The day so far had felt special, and would always be treasured in their memories. However, the idea of eloping to a private beach for a small ceremony would also have been special.

Before too long, Ellen and Tom were safely in Robert’s car. Both sets of parents and Hayden were in the cars behind, and they were all driving to the Royal Botanic Gardens for photos. Tom wanted to have the photos there, as he said it was the most beautiful place in the city.

The official photographer would also be on his way along with the security Tom had hired for the day. Tom informed her that the security team would be maintaining a wide perimeter around them in the garden to ensure no one disturbed the photos. It was sometimes difficult for her and Tom to be in public, given Tom’s business profile, and it wouldn’t be possible to create a private and special opportunity for photos without them.

Tom kissed her on the cheek. “Ellen Bradley, we’re married. Can you believe it?”

The day had certainly been a whirlwind of activity. “It happened quite fast, didn’t it?”

“Yes. Did you have a good morning with your parents?”

“The morning was perfect. Thank you for everything you organised.”

He kissed her again. “You look absolutely beautiful - more beautiful than I’ve ever seen you before.”

“You look pretty good too, you know.”

“I assume the hairdresser and makeup artist showed up as planned then?”

“Yes. The only hitch we had was underestimating the time to put on the dress. I was nearly late getting to the church. Dad had to help with all the buttons.” Ellen twisted around to show Tom the hundreds of buttons down her back.

“Wow. I’ve never seen so many buttons.” Tom smiled, obviously imagining Garry helping her get dressed.

“How was the boys’ breakfast?”

“Relaxed.”

“That’s good.”

“Hayden left us for an hour, but otherwise it was good. We had breakfast in the sunshine and got dressed at the house.”

“Where did Hayden go?”

“Not sure, actually. I’m not sure if you’ve noticed, but he can be very evasive at times. I like to think of him as my mysterious friend.”

Ellen laughed. “Yes, I’ve noticed that about him too.”

“I couldn’t have stood up there without my best man though, so I’m glad he came back in time.”

Ellen was happy that Tom could rely on Hayden’s friendship. Cold as he seemed sometimes, there was no denying the bond between the two of them. Tom trusted Hayden implicitly.

The photographer spent the following two hours in the garden with Tom, Ellen, Hayden and both sets of parents. Jack and Margaret were cordial to each other, and Ellen only heard minor bickering between them. It was an uneasy truce which wouldn’t last longer than the day.

A small crowd gathered to watch and follow their movements through the gardens, but they were kept a safe distance back by the security team. Ellen couldn’t wait to see the photos when she and Tom returned from their honeymoon in two weeks’ time.

Just when Ellen was thinking she couldn’t smile for another shot, the photographer announced that he had enough. The light was fading and it would be dark soon. Ellen’s feet were also starting to hurt, so she was happy for the wedding party to move to the reception centre.

There would be one hundred guests waiting for them in the Eureka Tower, which soared above other city buildings, allowing sweeping three hundred and sixty degree views of greater Melbourne.

When they arrived, Tom and Ellen Bradley were introduced to rapturous applause, and took their seats at the wedding table at the front of the room.

Beth Bradley’s eyes had bulged when they first walked into the room, and Ellen could see why. Everything about the reception spoke of luxury and grandeur, and was ridiculously over-the-top, if Ellen were honest. The room was beautiful, with thousands of candles, and white freesias draping over almost every surface. The lighting in the room was soft, and complemented by the city lights visible through the many large windows. A six-tiered white wedding cake had pride of place in the centre of the room, and was also draped in flowers. Behind the cake was a stage complete with piano and microphones.

Once Tom and Ellen were seated, a pianist walked onto the stage and commenced playing soft background music, and waiters entered the room at exactly the same moment carrying the entrée. Everything about this reception was immaculately timed and coordinated. Ellen knew the planner must be around somewhere with a running sheet which itemised every minute of the event.

Ellen recognised only a handful of people in the room. Kane was here, Ellen noted, and he seemed to have brought a date along. Ellen didn’t recognise the girl. Unfortunately he didn’t seem to be paying her any attention, and instead was continually looking in Ellen’s direction. He was again staring with an intensity that made Ellen shudder. He shouldn’t be here, he shouldn’t be related to Tom, and he certainly shouldn’t be looking at her in that way. It was all very unfortunate.

Margaret and Jack were also here, although there had been last minute changes to the seating arrangements to ensure they were on tables with their respective friends at opposite sides of the room. It was quite sad really – two people who were married for forty years now unable to conduct civil conversation.

Ellen could see Elizabeth and her boyfriend on a table with executives from Satinol. Everyone was with their partners, and seemed to be having a good time.

“Let’s go and walk the floor, and say hello to everyone,” Tom suggested after their mains were finished. He reached for her hand. “I’m sure there are more than a few people here who would love to meet you formally.”

Tom introduced her to person after person, and Ellen, if she were honest, immediately forgot most of their names. How Tom knew all these people she wasn’t sure, but assumed they were connected through the business somehow. Ellen tried to play her part by smiling and laughing with everyone she met.

There were numerous tables of family friends belonging to Jack and Margaret, who were introduced by each parent on their respective sides of the room. Tom introduced a few distant relatives as well, and Ellen took particular care to learn their names. Everyone complimented the arrangements so far, and said the food was excellent, and the wedding beautiful. Numerous people also complimented Ellen on her dress, which she accepted graciously.

Despite everything about the event being amazing, a part of her couldn’t wait to get out of there, and just be with Tom. She wanted to get away from all the smiling faces, fancy food and lights. After all, today was supposed to be about their relationship and love, yet it had been dominated so far by ceremony and glamour. Neither of these things represented their relationship particularly well either. Nonetheless, Tom was laughing heartily, and it was hard to want the night to be over quickly when he was enjoying himself so much. He had obviously organised the type of wedding he had always wanted.

The two of them had said hello to almost every table when the lights began to dim. A big grin covered Tom’s face, and he pulled Ellen close. “This part of the night was going to be a surprise of course, if you remember, Mrs Bradley. Nonetheless, I presume it will still be special for us.”

Ellen looked to the stage to see Nikki Lucas, the woman from the restaurant, slowly walking to the microphone. Her dress was made of red lace, which she had matched with bright red lipstick and a large red hibiscus flower in her hair. Nikki was certainly striking, and would be drawing every male eye in the room while she was on stage. Ellen no longer felt any jealousy to see Nikki though, as Tom was clearly not paying her any attention. Tom’s love was hard to fathom sometimes, yet it was undeniably true. His eyes overflowed with devotion as he led her towards the dance floor.

“Would Mr and Mrs Bradley please take to the dance floor,” Nikki said into the microphone, unaware that Tom was already leading Ellen forwards.

As they stepped onto the dance floor, all of the lights above the tables were dimmed further, making it hard to see anyone’s faces. It suddenly felt as if they were the only two people in the room, which made Ellen smile and enjoy the moment.

Tom led each step with confidence as Nikki started to sing. He had been right to book her for the night. Her voice and music was perfect for this beautiful moment. Tears filled Ellen’s eyes, as she realised this was the moment that she would remember forever. It was the highlight of her wedding day, and would be the image in her mind whenever she thought of this day.

They danced like lovers under the moonlight; each moment felt like an eternity, and when the song ended, everything was different. They were one. Tom held her in his arms, and kissed her with a wild passion that caused the room to stand and applaud. She had forgotten the guests were even there and quickly pulled out of his arms in response. Tom made a sad face while still holding onto her hand. Although slightly embarrassed, she smiled and laughed as other guests joined them on the dance floor. The dimmed lights were raised, and the special moment passed, but she would always remember it.

“I can’t wait until we are in Tahiti, just the two of us,” Tom whispered into her ear, as they started dancing to Nikki’s next song.

“Me too.” Maybe he was feeling the same need to escape as she was. There would be time for passion on their honeymoon; passion without anyone else watching. She wouldn’t pull away from him once they were there. No one would recognise Tom in Tahiti as well, and they would be able to walk wherever they chose without unwanted attention.

Abruptly Tom’s mood changed as he and Ellen both noticed the way Jack was watching Nikki as she performed.

“What’s he staring at?” Tom asked obviously concerned.

Ellen hoped Nikki wouldn’t feel uncomfortable with his attention, as Jack did seem to be mesmerised by her presence on stage. Tom shouldn’t be worrying about this tonight though. “Let it go, Tom,” Ellen advised, as they continued to dance.

He nodded his head. “Yes, yes... this is not the time.”

“Nikki is a grown woman, and I’m sure she is more than used to the attention of men.”

“You’re right, of course. I’m just embarrassed by the old man making a fool of himself.”

Strangely though, later that night Ellen did notice Jack and Nikki talking, and Nikki seemed more than comfortable in his presence.  In fact, she appeared to be positively enjoying Jack’s company. Ellen was glad that Tom didn’t seem to notice the way Nikki was leaning towards his father.

Tom woke up when the first rays of light penetrated the curtain of their luxury city hotel room. Ellen was still asleep, and curled up next to him, her head resting on his shoulder.

She was so beautiful and peaceful in the morning, and he tilted his head and upper body gently in order to watch her more closely without waking her. How had he been so lucky to find her? She had walked into his building, and shaken everything in his life to the core. He would spend the rest of his days striving to be the best husband, lover and friend that he could. He would be worthy of her love, and in return she would fill the empty gaps of his existence with a warm glowing presence. They would grow old together, he was sure.

Their wedding had been a grand affair. He had wanted to provide Ellen with the sort of wedding day that girls dream about, and with the help of one of Melbourne’s best planners, he made certain that the day had gone perfectly. He would never forget the way Ellen looked when she walked down the aisle towards him. It was the perfect dress designed exclusively for her, accentuating every curve, and highlighting her natural beauty. He had spent so many years alone, but now it was as if an angel on earth had chosen to love him.

Although each element of the wedding had been successful in its own right, Tom was glad that the day was behind them. It would just be the two of them for a couple of weeks, and they could relax in each other’s company. Tom slowly kissed her forehead as his lovely new wife started to stir.

“Morning,” Ellen said sleepily, as her arms encircled his waist.

Tom realised, without any doubt, that this day was one of the best in his life.

“What’s the time?” she murmured.

“Nearly eight,” he answered, looking at the clock beside their bed.

It had been a late night. The wedding had ended at midnight, and it had taken another hour to say goodbye to everyone before they checked into the hotel. His mother had stayed to collect some of the keepsakes from the night, and to move the wedding presents back to his house. He would have to thank her for that when they returned from the honeymoon.

It was nice to see the way his mother was finally warming to Ellen and to their marriage. Ellen had been nothing but lovely since day one of course. He knew the problem rested solely on his mother’s shoulders. But ever since she had kicked Jack out of the family home, her attitude had been softening.

Ellen sat up and smiled at him, a cheeky smile as she remembered their bedroom activities from the previous night.

He had carefully and patiently undone her long dress and Ellen had spent another ten minutes removing her makeup and the dozens of pins from her hair, eventually returning to the beautiful and natural girl with whom he had fallen in love.