Chapter 14

Date: An unseasonably warm autumn day in May.
Time: Approaching 3:00 p.m.
Venue: Trinity Church, lower Cashmere.

As Raymond surveyed the guests before him, his mind ran over the whirlwind of events that had unfolded since the fateful day his daughter had found a toy rabbit outside the Lichfield Street courtrooms: The tug-of-war with Isobel over the stuffed toy; the slow and painful recognition that their antagonism had been both unfounded and unfair; the unexpected blossoming of affection—all of it had led them here. And, of course, Susie had played no small part in it, her love for Isobel growing as fast as her determination to see Raymond make her the mother she longed for.

Then there were the unexpected blessings that had come along the way. Isobel had reconciled somewhat with her mother, something once thought impossible. Instead of jeopardizing her career with a reputation for combativeness, she had earned a promotion. Both of them had undergone a quiet shift in values—less driven by ambition, more attuned to the needs of people around them. That shift was reflected in the nature of those gathered here today. No one had come to this wedding for status or social expectation. They were family, work colleagues, and those drawn to the couple by something deeper.

Since the weekend of their engagement, the three of them—Raymond, Isobel, and Susie—had begun volunteering at the City Mission. Their time there had changed them in ways they hadn’t anticipated. Susie, in particular, had become a favourite among the people they met, her bright energy and open-hearted hugs an unexpected force for healing. Even now, Raymond noticed a few faces in the congregation he didn’t recognise. He supposed some were guests of Anita, their celebrant, or perhaps curious onlookers who couldn’t quite believe the transformation in him and Isobel, or even perhaps hoping for a free meal.

Some loved ones were missing. His brother and sister were off somewhere overseas, saving the world in their own ways. Isobel’s grandmother was too frail to attend, but they had visited her the day before. Though bedridden, she had beamed at the news, telling Isobel she had never seen her so happy.

Beside him, his best man, Andrew, shifted restlessly. The pair had grown closer at work after the dramatic engagement.

“Oh, for heaven’s sake, Andrew, will you keep still?” Raymond muttered. “We don’t need two of us falling to pieces here. And I know I’ve asked before, but you are absolutely certain you have the rings?”

Andrew shot him an exasperated look. “Fifth time in half an hour. Yes, I have the rings. Please, for the love of all that’s holy, stop asking.” Their celebrant, Anita—also the church choir director—grinned at Raymond and gave his arm a reassuring pat. “Don’t worry. I’ve never lost a bride yet. Or a bridegroom.”

As if on cue, the organist struck up the opening chords of the Wedding March. A hush fell over the congregation. Heads turned. And then she appeared. Isobel, escorted by her brother and radiant in ivory, walked slowly down the aisle, flower girl Susie leading the way.

Raymond had thought himself prepared for this moment, but as he met Isobel’s loving gaze, something inside him shifted. For a few breathless seconds, the world around him blurred. The people, the church, even the music—everything faded into insignificance. Then his eyes dropped, and he blinked.

Instead of a traditional bouquet, Isobel was carrying Bunny. The toy rabbit had been dressed in a tiny wedding attire, a delicate wreath of flowers encircling its head. A murmur ran through the guests. Those who didn’t know the full story looked on in bewilderment; those who did exchanged knowing smiles. Phones discreetly rose as people captured the unexpected moment. Susie, utterly composed, carried the actual bouquet, stepping lightly as if she had been born for this.