No, no, and absolutely not! Emily threw her hands up in frustration. I cant go to that wedding, Sophie! You know James has had this fishing trip planned with his mates for ages. Theyve been preparing for weeksI cant cancel last minute.
But its Charlottes wedding! Sophie set her teacup down with a clatter. Your best friend from uni! Shell never forgive you if you dont show. What could possibly be more important than that?
Its sacred to James, Emily sighed. He hardly ever gets time away without me. Hes been talking about it all springnew tackle, the tent, everything. I cant let him down.
But its fine to let Charlotte down? Sophie shook her head. She picked the date specifically so you could come up from Bristol. Your place is already paid for, and youre both on the guest list.
Emily tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear, her stomach twisting. This dilemma had been gnawing at her for days. On one hand, Charlottes weddingher closest friend since uni. On the other, Jamess long-awaited fishing trip with his mates. And of course, theyd both landed on the same weekend.
Maybe Ill just go alone? she offered weakly. Ill explain, and Charlotte will understand.
Oh, shell understand, Sophie scoffed. And then shell hold it against you forever. Remember how she sulked for months when you missed her birthday three years ago?
That was different, Emily protested. I just forgot. This is a proper reason.
Sure, Sophie drawled. Fishing. Alright, your call. But dont say I didnt warn you.
The conversation left a sour taste in Emilys mouth. On the way home, she mulled it over. Maybe she should talk to James again? Explain how much the wedding meant to her? But hed been so excited about the trip, counting down the days… It felt selfish to ask him to cancel.
James greeted her in the hallway, helping her out of her coat. The smell of something delicious wafted from the kitchen.
Dinners ready, he said with a grin. Your favouritepasta with prawns. How was your day?
Fine, Emily pecked him on the cheek. Met Sophie for coffee. She says hi.
Over dinner, the conversation inevitably turned to the weekend.
Youre sure you dont mind me going fishing? James studied her face. If the weddings that important, I can stay.
No, no, Emily said quickly. You go. You and the lads have been planning this forever. I get it.
Really? He still looked uneasy. Rob says the signals rubbish out there, so I might not get through. But Ill text when I can.
Its fine, she assured him. Enjoy yourself. Catch loads. Ill probably still go to CharlottesI cant let her down. Ill just explain youre away.
James nodded, but something flickered in his eyesrelief, maybe. Emily chalked it up to him being glad he didnt have to cancel.
Friday morning was chaos. James packed rods, checked the tent, and kept ringing Rob to confirm details.
Dont forget the bait, fisherman, Emily teased as he hunted for the torch. And hope the fish are biting.
Cheers, love. He pulled her into a hug. Take care, dont miss me too much. And pass on my congrats to Charlotte.
Will do, Emily buried her face in his neck, breathing in his familiar scent. Though it wont be as fun without you.
Youll have a blast, he kissed the top of her head. Right, Id better go. Robs waiting downstairs.
Bring back a whopper? she asked, walking him to the door.
Absolutely! He winked. Feast of the century!
When the door closed, an odd emptiness settled over her. Three days without James. They were rarely apart, even holidays were always together. But itd fly byespecially with the wedding tomorrow.
That evening, she called Charlotte, explaining Jamess absence. Thankfully, her friend took it well.
Just glad youre coming, Charlotte said. It wouldnt be the same without you. James is always off doing his own thing anyway.
See you tomorrow, Emily smiled. And congrats again. Youll be the most gorgeous bride!
Saturday was a whirlwindhair, nails, picking out the perfect gift. She chose a sleek navy dress, did her makeup just right. A final glance in the mirrorshe looked polished, put-together.
A text from James lit up her phone early: Made it, setting up camp. Signals pants. Love you, have a great day!
She smiled, typing back: Good luck! Love you too.
The wedding was at a posh London hotel. Emily arrived slightly latetraffic, as always, was horrendous. By the time she entered, the ceremony had ended, and guests were mingling.
Em! Charlotte, radiant in white, rushed over. You made it! I was starting to think youd bailed too!
Like Id miss this? Emily hugged her tightly. You look incredible! Olivers a lucky man.
Thanks, love, Charlotte beamed. Shame James couldnt come. But I get itblokes and their fishing trips.
He sends his apologies, Emily said. Promises to make it up to you.
Charlotte guided her to their table, where old uni friends were already seatedSophie and her husband, Lucy with hers, Tom with his new girlfriend. Catching up helped ease Jamess absence. Toasts flowed, laughter bubbledthe atmosphere was warm, joyous.
Wheres your better half? Tom leaned in. Not skipping this, surely?
Fishing with the lads, Emily said. Planned ages agocouldnt back out.
Fishing in April? Tom raised an eyebrow. Bit early, isnt it?
Is it? She shrugged. James says springs the best time. Not that Id know.
Suppose the expert would know, Tom smirked, but something in his look felt off.
The evening rolled on. After dinner, the dance floor openedmusic, laughter, a live band. Emily, loosened by champagne, was laughing with Lucy when she noticed a crowd huddled around a phone.
Livs doing an Insta live! Sophie called. Come say hi!
Emily wandered over as Liv panned the camera.
And heres Em, uni mate of the bride! Liv turned the phone her way. Wave to the people who couldnt make it!
Hi everyone, Emily smiled awkwardly. Weddings amazingshame youre missing it!
Lets show them the vibe! Liv swivelled the camera, capturing the room. Oohwhos that dancing? Is that James?
Emilys gaze snapped to where Liv pointed. Near the bar, a man who looked startlingly like her husband was dancing. Even in the dim light, she recognised his frame, the way he moved, the crisp shirt he saved for special occasions.
Cant be, she laughed nervously. Hes fishing. Miles from here.
No, thats definitely James! Liv zoomed in. Look!
The phone screen showed his faceher husband, who was supposed to be knee-deep in a river. He was laughing, chatting with a woman Emily didnt know, their ease suggesting familiarity.
Her stomach dropped. The room spun. This had to be a mistake.
James! Her voice came out shrill.
He turned. Their eyes locked across the room. His face paled. He muttered something to the woman and bolted for the exit.
Emily followed in a daze, ignoring confused glances. This couldnt be real.
He caught her in the hallway.
Em, waitI can explain.
Explain what? Her voice shook. The fishing lie? You being here, at Charlottes wedding, where you couldnt come? And who was that?
Its not what you think, he ran a hand through his hair. Can we talk somewhere quiet?
No. Truth. Now.
James exhaled. Alright. There was no fishing trip. I lied, but not for the reason youre thinking.
Then why?
I was planning a surprise, he admitted. For our anniversary next month.
Emily blinked. A surprise. Here. At my best friends wedding.
Exactly, he nodded. Charlotte and Oliver helped. That woman? A singershe was coaching me. I wanted to sing for you at our anniversary. Tonight was a rehearsal, to see if I could handle an audience.
So you invented a fishing trip?
If Id said wedding without you, youd have suspected, he offered a sheepish smile. I wanted it to be perfect. Imagine your face if I just… started singing out of nowhere.
Christ, Emily covered her face. You lied… for a surprise?
Sounds daft now, he admitted. When Charlotte said you were coming, I panicked. Didnt know whether to skip it or hope we wouldnt cross paths.
And the photos? Howd you explain those?
Hadnt thought that far, he grimaced. Not my best covert op.
Just then, Charlotte burst into the hallway.
There you are! James, weve got to rehearse!
You knew? Emily whirled on her.
Course! Charlotte grinned. Its sweet! James wanted to do something specialwe just helped. Youre not mad, are you?
Emily looked between them. Jamess expression was equal parts guilt and hope.
I dont know if Im mad or not, she admitted. But Im definitely shocked. All this… for a song?
Our song, James corrected. The one from our wedding.
Emilys anger melted. Youre an awful liar. But… its actually really sweet.
So you forgive me?
On one condition, she narrowed her eyes. I hear it now. Surprise is ruined anyway.
But Im not ready!
Tough, Emily smirked. Consider me a very forgiving audience.
Half an hour later, a flushed James stood by the mic, the singer beside him. Their wedding song beganand despite his off-key moments, the way he looked at her made her eyes prickle.
When he finished, the room erupted. Emily hugged him tightly.
Youre ridiculous, she whispered. And I love you.
Even after the lie?
Because of it, she smiled. You went full secret agent to make me happy.
Later, in the taxi home, James still looked guilty.
Meant well, he mumbled. Nearly messed it up.
Now weve got a story for the grandkids, Emily laughed. How Grandpa went fishing, and Grandma caught him live at a wedding.
Sounds like a rom-com, he chuckled. No more secrets, promise.
Keep the surprises, she said. Just better cover stories. Fishing in April? Even Tom thought that was dodgy.
James grinned. Next time, Ill say Im at a chess tournament.
And by the way, Emily added. Youre singing to me by a campfire on our next trip. No professionals.
He groaned but nodded. Anything for you. Even if I scare every fish in the lake.
They laughed, the oddest of nights somehow bringing them closer.
