Friday's Child (32 page)
Abbie, dressed in a full length emerald dress, walked slowly up the aisle, a huge grin on her face. She carried a white Bible with a spray of yellow and purple freesias over the top.
Behind her came the two brides, escorted on each arm by their future father-in-law. Elle wore a long ivory silk gown, which swirled around her figure, trailing behind her. Jacqui had gone for white, with layers of lace and tulle. Both had matching veils, tiaras and bouquets. Each wore an identical beaming smile and, in Patrick’s somewhat biased opinion, looked like princesses.
The wedding began. Pastor Jack started speaking. Once the introduction was over, he began the legal declarations. Then he looked at the congregation. “If anyone here knows of any legal reason why these people may not be joined in matrimony, they must speak now or forever hold their peace.”
Silence. Patrick looked at Elle and smiled faintly.
The door at the back of the church opened and footsteps echoed. Clothes rustled as heads turned.
His heart sank.
A baby’s cry resounded and he, Liam, Elle and Jacqui spun around in unison.
Niamh and Jared slid into the front pew, a tiny bundle in Niamh’s arms. “Sorry,” she mouthed.
Pastor Jack smiled. “Don’t be,” he said. “I’m assuming the baby doesn’t really object?”
She smiled. “No.”
Patrick looked at her. “Well, am I an aunt or an uncle?”
Abbie burst out laughing. “You can’t be an aunt, Dad. You’re a man. That makes you an uncle by default.”
“Girl or boy,” he said wrinkling his nose at her. He turned back to his sister. “Well?”
“It’s a girl,” Niamh said. “Siobhan Caitlin. Born at eight ten this morning, weighing in at eight pounds ten ounces. We wanted it to be a surprise.”
Patrick’s grin matched Liam’s as applause broke out around the church.
When things calmed down, they resumed the wedding, exchanged vows and had the congregation in fits of laughter with the scrunchie line. Not a moment too soon, Patrick lifted Elle’s veil and kissed her. “I love you so much, Mrs. Page.”
“I love you too, Mr. Page.”
Liam grinned at him as he broke an equally passionate kiss with Jacqui. “This could get confusing. Two Mrs. Page’s at the reception. Three if you include Mum.”
Elle laughed. “Well, we won’t get you confused.” She looked at Patrick. “Let’s go sign the register. I don’t know about you, but I want a cuddle with my new niece.”
Patrick laughed. “Looks like our daughter got there before you.”
Abbie grinned at him, the baby in her arms.
“Means she’ll want a baby for Christmas,” Elle sighed. “Still, at least it’ll be a change from the puppy and the rabbit she’s been asking for the past few years.”
Patrick took her arm and followed Liam and Jacqui into the vestry. “No reason we can’t have all three, is there?”
She blushed. “I guess not.”
Jacqui nudged Liam. “Now there’s an idea.”
“Just don’t go getting any ideas about double births and double infant thanksgiving services.” Patrick pulled Elle close. “I want to spend a few months with my current family before we expand any.” He wrapped his arms around Elle and kissed her.
I take my refuge in the shadow of my God
Tune: Londonderry Air 12.10.12.10
I take my refuge in the shadow of my God
Under His wings, I have no need to fear.
Though terrors of the night surround me in the dark
And arrows fly, and men around me fall.
He sends an angel to protect the ones He loves
The darkness flees, it has nowhere to hide
The Lord Himself is standing right beside me
And with all of those who call upon His name.
The Lord will save you from infection and the snare
His faithfulness will be your shield and tower
And when you make the Lord Your God your dwelling place
The wicked fall, but you alone will stand
He sends an angel to protect the ones He loves
The darkness flees, it has nowhere to hide
The Lord Himself is standing right beside me
And with all of those who call upon His name.
“Because he loves Me, therefore I will save him
He calls on Me and I will answer him.
I will be one with him in all his troubles
Deliver him, and show him salvation.”
He sends an angel to protect the ones He loves
The darkness flees, it has nowhere to hide
The Lord Himself is standing right beside me
And with all of those who call upon His name.
(c) Clare Revell 2012 - used with permission
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