The Boot - Three Years On - 20. Chapter 20

There was a flurry of activity as furniture was moved, cleaning took place and seating was rearranged to accommodate guests in the knave that had become an oversized lounge. In the dining room tables and chairs had been scrubbed clean and covered in pure white linen, the tables prepared with centre pieces and adorned with good quality cutlery that resembled stainless steel. Each place setting had a wine goblet and tumbler made from clear plastic resembling glass as well as side plate, cup and saucer that had the appearance of fine china. Pots and pans rattled in the kitchen as caterers prepared and cooked food that was filling everywhere with the mouth watering aroma of food cooking.

Deliveries had been made and received, some of the deliveries were casual items of clothing for guests to change into. Other deliveries contained food and drink for an evening buffet and were quickly stored in the small walk-in refrigerator. Everything was carefully supervised as every detail had to be just right.

In the Barton household Danny was trying to calm his new 'younger brother'. Liam was a shy cute 11 year old who had recently been fostered by his mum and dad, he was in a wheelchair provided by the hospital that treated his injuries after the accident that also killed both of his parents. Liam was scared that he wouldn't know anyone as he'd not met anyone except JJ since Kate and Steve brought him home, he also feared being mocked for not being able to walk.

“Liam will you listen to me, you look great in your new clothes so stop worrying about how you look. I've met a lot of the people we will see today and I know that they will all like you. Mom and Dad will be there and so will JJ, do you honestly think that any of us would let anyone be nasty to you?”

“Well, no, but..”

“Then shut up and get ready to enjoy yourself for once, we are going and that's that. Besides we can't leave you on your own all day can we?” Danny smiled affectionately at the young boy.

“Okay I'll try.”

A couple of streets away the Robins household wasn't much better, they had an extra guest the previous night. JJ had an important part to play today and helping a grown man who was as nervous as hell wasn't easy, being Jim's best man was an honour but hard work. Max and Stacy had agreed to Jim staying overnight as JJ had his arguments ready, stating that it was bad luck for the groom to see the bride before she walked up the aisle on her wedding day. All of the men were ready in good time and waiting for the car to arrive to pick them up.

Over in The Northern Quarter wolf whistles could be heard as The Major stepped into the lounge. “Well boys how do I look, will I do?”

“Oh I think you will more than do Pop, you know for an older man you look really hot.” Kevin was eyeing The Major up and down, wearing his dress uniform that had been altered slightly he definitely looked good. Due to his rank permission had been given for him to wear his uniform to a non military function.

“Hey I hope you're not turning my boyfriends head are you? If you are we are going to have a major falling out.” Ian was smiling when he spoke, he mentally noted that Kevin wasn't exaggerating either The Major did look good.

The men were laughing when the entryphone sounded. It was Christian Watson in full chauffeur outfit, his new limousine was on free loan today and ready to pick up the blushing bride. The major made his way down to the foyer so they could do just that.

In a few other houses and apartments around the city others were putting the finishing touches to their outfits before setting off for a wedding to remember. Most of the fuss was taking place in The Boot, guests were getting showered and changing into their new clothes which had been paid for and handed out by Christian. Eduardo, closely followed by Gary, was flitting about checking that everything was ready and that the food was up to his usual high standards, he had enlisted kitchen and waiting staff from willing volunteers at Gaucho's, they were on their day off and being paid well by a fair boss who they did not want to let down.

The limousine pulled up outside an unassuming two-up two-down in Denton, curtains were twitching as neighbours watched The Major exit the vehicle to collect Beccy. Kate, who was Beccy's matron of honour, and two other young women who were bridesmaids followed and took seats in the following limousine. Curtains fell back to their usual positions as the cars quietly and swiftly drove away with their occupants.

As the limousines pulled up at The Boot it was still the dark stoned imposing building it always has been, only brightened up by the small grounds around it. No longer was it the mess it had become, many of the guests had worked long and hard to cut back the brambles and overgrown weeds, now the grounds looked fresh and inviting. Where there had been weeds now there was grass, where there had been brambles and overgrown bushes now there was shrubs and rose bushes, by the only usable entrance there was a small garden arch covered in plants and flowers.

All of the guests had arrived and were in their seats, at the front near the alter stood Jim with his best man JJ, the groom and his young friend looked smart in their new suits. Beyond them was the registrar, then was Gay's friend the Chaplain from the MRI, he was delighted to be playing his part in happy celebrations as a change from his usual duties at the hospital.

On a nod from Eduardo, Christian pressed play on a discretely hidden stereo, the guests rose and in walked The Major in full dress uniform with Beccy on his arm followed by Kate and the bridesmaids. Beccy was dressed in a long flowing off-white dress, a veil in the same colour hid her face and was held in place by a hand made tiara created from flowers, her bouquet of white carnations, white roses and trailing baby's breath was held strategically to cover her ever growing bump, the baby was due in a little over two weeks time.

Jim and JJ half turned to look down the aisle. Jim's nervous smile grew larger as he watched Beccy walk toward him, his smile conveyed how happy he was, how beautiful Beccy was to him, but more importantly it conveyed how much love he had for the woman about to become his wife.

The ceremony went smoothly, when they were declared legally married as husband and wife Jim leaned in to kiss his bride and the whole place echoed with cheers. When the noise died down Jim led his wife down the aisle followed by JJ with Kate on his arm and the bridesmaids, all of the guests followed and they gathered in the grounds for a few photo's to be taken. Just as the last one was taken the sun was covered by dark clouds and the heavens opened, typical British weather.

“Everyone back inside quickly, make your way to the dining room and please take your seats,” shouted Eduardo. Nobody needed telling twice and in they went.

Entering the dining room everyone was told to look for the place that had their name card and not to change seats as this would confuse the waiters who knew of any specific dietary requirements. As they took their places waiters attended each table offering a selection of soft drinks or water. When the shutter to the kitchen went up the smell of food grew stronger and waiters quickly and efficiently served everyone their meal, nobody had any complaints, Jean and Joan were served a vegetarian meal, Zain and Adam were assured that their lamb and chicken were halal and they tucked in happily.

With the meal over sparkling grape juice was distributed to all tables in place of sparkling wine and Eduardo announced in turn those from the top table who were to give a speech. All of the speeches were short and each ended with a different toast, the bride and groom, the best man, matron of honour and the bridesmaids and the 'father' of the bride. Eduardo caused everyone to laugh when he intentionally dropped into his native Spanish way of pronouncing names, JJ became Señor Haimie Robins for the night much to everyones amusement. Everyone had a good time, even the shy and timid Liam came out of his shell as he found acceptance not the rejection he feared and made friends of many of the folk there. His favourite friend was The Major.

As the day wound down the waiters and catering staff started the clean up leaving the dining room and kitchen spotless, left over food was placed in the refrigerator in snack sized packs to be given out to The Boots guests the following morning. As the staff left they were each given a bonus by The Major, unknown to him they all placed it in the donation box on the way out. The guests that had homes to go to were preparing leave to enable the remaining guests to prepare for bed at The Boot.

This had been a momentous day for The Boot one full of joy and celebration. There remained only one last thing to do, wave off the bride and groom as they left for home and journeyed into their future. Guests lined the way out to the waiting limousine to wish them well. The last guest was Liam who wanted thank them for making him welcome even though they didn't know him, he blushed when Beccy thanked him for his company bending down to give him his first kiss, a chaste one on the cheek but it was still his first kiss.

It was Liam who saw Beccy trip as she got in the limousine, while Jim tried to catch her Liam screamed at the top of his voice for Gary to come quick. Gary came rushing out running to where Liam was pointing and got in the limousine, moments later he poked head out saying, “Sorry folks we have to rush.” Slamming the door shut the limousine sped off with Beccy, Jim and Gary inside.