‘I’ve spoken to Ian about this. We quite like the idea of asking the children to make paper chains. We thought they’d look lovely strewn across the ceiling.’
‘That’s a good idea.’ Molly nodded.
‘It was actually Ian’s idea. He thought it would be nice if we have them over for tea at the lighthouse and make them altogether.’ Elsie looked at Teresa and Wendy.
‘Mine would love that.’ Teresa nodded.
‘Hudson too. Although I’m not sure how much help he’ll be. He might just rip them apart.’ Wendy grimaced.
‘Are you going to have anything on the tables?’ Freya asked. ‘Like any table centres or anything?’
Elsie nodded. ‘I saw an example of one in one of these magazines.’ Elsie searched through the pile of magazines, pulling one out and flicking through the pages. ‘Here...’ Turning it around, she showed everyone. ‘I think this is really sweet, having a mixture of candles and flowers on the tables. The candles almost represent the lighthouse and Ian’s job, and as for the flowers we could have peonies to match the bouquets.’
‘Oh, they’re beautiful and I love the idea of the candles representing the lighthouse.’ Brooke peered at the magazine photo. ‘If we get the candles and the flowers, I think a couple of us could make them up ourselves.’
‘That would be wonderful, if you don’t mind.’ Elsie turned to Molly and Wendy. ‘Is there anything else on the list?’
‘There’re the wedding cake and the favours, although I’d like to make a suggestion about the wedding cake, unless you’ve got something in mind?’ Wendy frowned.
‘No, you’re the expert. I’m kind of relying on you for some ideas.’ Elsie chuckled.
‘In that case, I’d love to design and make it and for it to be a surprise on the day.’ Wendy shifted in her seat. ‘Of course, if you’d rather choose your own design, I completely understand.’
‘Oh, Wendy, love, I absolutely adore that idea.’ Elsie clasped Wendy’s hand.
‘Are you sure?’
‘Absolutely. Thank you.’ Taking a tissue from her pocket, Elsie patted her eyes. ‘I have no clue about wedding favours, though. I’d love to give our guests something practical and yet lovely at the same time.’
‘How about coasters? I could make up some with the lighthouse on, maybe? And your wedding date or your names written at the bottom?’ Carrie looked across the table.
‘Now, that’s a wonderful idea. Maybe not with our names or wedding date on though. I don’t want everyone thinking they have to remember our wedding every time they use it.’
‘Okay. Great. I’ll draw up a few designs and bring them over tomorrow.’
‘Excellent. Thank you, love. Thank you, all of you. This all means so much to both me and Ian, you all helping us plan like this.’
‘It’s our pleasure.’ Wendy grinned.
‘Well, pleasure or not, I know how hard work I’ve been, so thank you for putting up with me.’ Elsie laid her hands palms down on the table. ‘Well, I think that’s it.’
‘You’re forgetting one thing.’ Diane sucked in her breath.
‘What’s that, love?’
‘Your stag and hen nights.’ Diane grinned, her eyes lighting up.
‘Oh no, we really don’t want any fuss.’
‘You could have a night out in Trestow?’
‘No, no, no.’ Elsie chuckled. ‘I’d be sound asleep before the club starts getting lively. Ian and I did wonder if we could join you all for the pub quiz the week before, though? We thought that could be our stag and hen nights.’ Elsie looked across at Wendy. ‘That’s if we can find someone to babysit little Huddy, that is.’
‘I’m sure Gavin will. He’s not keen on the pub quiz nights anyway and he’ll have Rueben, Toby and Pippa anyway, so what’s one more?’ Teresa grinned.
‘About the equivalent of twenty more children when you get Hudson and Pippa together.’ Wendy laughed.
‘That’s true. I’m sure he’ll cope. I can’t promise Hudson will get to sleep on time, though. The number of times I walk in the front door after the pub quiz, and I’m greeted by Rueben and Pippa.’ Teresa shook her head. ‘Toby, of course, loves his sleep, so he’s always tucked up in bed.’