Jean got off the 145 bus in Main Street, Bray, and crossed the road to Holland’s Bar. The wind had swept wisps of her long blond hair across her eyes. She raised her hand to push them away.  Her feet felt like hot lead.  Jean, with her bridesmaid Amanda, had spent the morning in Dublin.  They had trekking from shop to shop in Grafton Street, then Henry Street, through the insane crowds.  The two girls were jaded.  They were best friends from their schooldays, but Amanda worked in Dublin all week so it was no novelty to be there today.

The ‘To Do’ list lay on the table.  Fancy bags lay at their feet, full of their purchases. The list was getting shorter.  One more trip into town should clear the rest.  They ordered sandwiches and coffees. It was only weeks to the wedding.  They were glad of the rest before the next bus to Wicklow. “I couldn’t face another trip into town Amanda” Jean said.  “We still have the dress fittings and rehearsal. Maybe I’ll get the last few things in Wicklow.  I’ve still a few flexi days to take”.

What was she getting herself stressed about?  Most things were in place, the church, the hotel for the reception.  The cars had been arranged. Her mother had ordered the cake and the flowers would be ready the day before the wedding. Julie was coming to the house to do makeup and hair.  Even her mother had been kitted out already. Her mother couldn’t wait to show off her pale blue ‘Ascot’ hat, as she called it. Jean had accompanied her to Galway a few months earlier and they found the perfect outfit in a boutique there.  Her father, a quiet man who liked to stay in the background, had been fitted out from head to toe weeks ago. She imagined walking down the aisle on his arm. She was their only child. How proud she would feel.

She thought of Jack, her tall and handsome husband to be.  Jack, and Martin, his Best Man, had their grey suits and the rest of their attire ready and waiting.  All they needed was haircuts.  The rings were in a safe place for the day. The honeymoon was booked for Nerja, a romantic coastal town in the south of Spain.

Amanda gave a sigh. Then said “What if he didn’t turn up? “What if it rains on the day?” It was the tiredness talking.  “Don’t be silly Jean”, Amanda said. “It will all be right on the day.  You’ll look gorgeous”. Deep down Jean knew it would.  She sipped her coffee.  “You and Jack are made for each other” Amanda reassured her.  “As my mother says, he doesn’t know he has you, whatever that means”.  They both laughed.  Jean said “say a prayer it will be a good day Amanda”, as she looked at her watch.  “We’d better get going, the Wicklow bus will be here soon”, she said, as they picked up all their belongings and headed in the direction of the door.