The Runaway Groom - Chapter 1

Following Lucy and Tara, Sue walked into the church and sat on one of the pews near the front of the small church. Smoothing her dress down over he knees, she automatically began to search him out, her face showing disappointment when he was nowhere to be seen.

Checking her watch, she saw that it was a little after three. Glancing up, she smiled when she saw their friend standing at the altar, nervously wringing his hands together. She’d never seen one man look so nervous before. She kept watching as he glanced towards the church doors, then back towards the vestry. She thought it was usually the groom that was nervous at weddings, not the best man. She turned back and saw Lucy watching her, smiling.

“You’re looking for him aren’t you?” Lucy asked.
“What? I’m just looking round the church. The flowers are beautiful aren’t they?” Sue said, making an extra effort to look at her surroundings.
“Yes they are, but don’t change the subject Sue. Are you okay with this?”

Sue sighed deeply and looked away briefly before turning back. She knew what her friend was referring to and couldn’t let her know the truth about how she felt.

“He made his choice Luce.”
“Yes, but I have a feeling he didn’t have all the information. You never told him how you feel did you?” Lucy asked her friend.

Sue sighed again, realising that she couldn’t lie to her best friend. She just shook her head and saw Lucy roll her eyes at her.

“Sue, I thought we’d agreed that you were going to say something to him.”
“No Luce, you agreed. I never said anything of the sort. He wouldn’t have asked her to marry him unless he loved her so I’ve just got to accept that and move on.”

With that, Sue turned her head away from Lucy, effectively ending the conversation. She looked towards the altar, just in time to see Bobby turn to Myles. Not meaning to eavesdrop, Sue saw what was said between the two men, and then saw Bobby look towards the door. Knowing that something was wrong, Sue stood and approached Bobby.

“What’s wrong?” She asked.
“She’s here.” Bobby said, pointing towards the door.
“Okay, go and get him.” Sue told him, indicating towards the vestry.
“I would, except…..” Bobby paused “She is here but he isn’t.” He explained, “Jack’s gone.”