“No, no, and absolutely not!” Emily threw her hands up in frustration. “I can’t go to that wedding, Sophie! You know James has had this fishing trip planned with Andrew for ages. They’ve been preparing for a month I can’t cancel last minute.”
“But it’s Olivia’s wedding!” Sophie set her teacdown sharply. “Your best friend from uni! She’ll never forgive you if you don’t show up. What fishing trip is more important than that?”
“It’s sacred to James,” Emily sighed. “He rarely goes anywhere without me. Hes been talking about it all spring bought new gear, even a tent. I cant let him down.”
“And Olivia, then? She can just be let down?” Sophie shook her head. “She specifically picked the date so you could come up from York. Your place is already paid for, and youre both on the guest list!”
Emily nervously tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear. The dilemma had been gnawing at her all week. On one hand, Olivias wedding her closest friend since uni. On the other, Jamess long-awaited fishing weekend with the lads. And of course, both had to fall on the same days.
“Maybe I could just go alone?” she suggested hesitantly. “Explain the situation Im sure Olivia would understand.”
“Oh, shell understand alright,” Sophie scoffed. “And then hold a grudge for life. Remember how she sulked when you missed her birthday three years ago?”
“That was different,” Emily protested. “I just forgot. This is a proper reason.”
“Ah yes, fishing,” Sophie drawled sarcastically. “Fine, its your call. But dont say I didnt warn you.”
The conversation left Emily unsettled. Driving home, she mulled it over. Maybe she should talk to James again? Explain how much the wedding meant? But hed been so excited for the trip, counting down the days It felt selfish to ask him to cancel.
James met her in the hallway, helping her out of her coat. He smelled freshly showered, with a hint of something delicious from the kitchen.
“Dinners ready,” he announced, smiling. “Your favourite seafood linguine. How was your day?”
“Fine,” Emily pecked him on the cheek gratefully. “Met Sophie for coffee she sends her regards.”
Over dinner, the weekend inevitably came up.
“Youre sure you dont mind me going fishing?” James studied her carefully. “If the weddings that important, I could stay.”
“No, no,” Emily replied quickly. “Go, of course. You and the lads have been planning forever. I understand.”
“Absolutely sure?” He still looked worried. “Andrew says signals patchy out there, so calls might not get through. But Ill text when I can.”
“Its fine,” she assured him. “Have fun, catch loads. Ill probably still go to Olivias cant let her down. Just alone, Ill explain youre fishing.”
James nodded, but something like relief flickered in his eyes. Emily chalked it up to him not having to cancel.
Friday morning was chaos. James packed rods, checked the tent and sleeping bag, calling Andrew repeatedly to confirm details.
“Dont forget your tackle, Mr Fisherman,” Emily teased as he searched for a torch. “And may the fish bite well.”
“Cheers, love.” He hugged her tightly. “Be safe. Dont miss me too much. Give Olivia my best.”
“Will do.” She buried her face in his neck, breathing in his scent. “Though it wont be half as fun without you.”
“Youll have a brilliant time,” he kissed her forehead. “Right, Im off. Andrews waiting downstairs.”
“Bring back dinner?” she asked, walking him to the door.
“Absolutely!” He winked. “Feast for kings!”
When the door closed, Emily felt oddly hollow. Three days without James. They rarely spent nights apart, even holidays were always together. Still, the weekend would fly by especially with the wedding tomorrow.
That evening, she called Olivia, explaining Jamess absence. Thankfully, her friend took it well.
“Main thing is youre coming,” Olivia said. “Wouldnt be the same without you. James is practically a stranger anyway!”
“See you tomorrow, then.” Emily smiled. “And congratulations again. Youll be the most stunning bride!”
Saturday was a whirlwind of preparations. Hair, makeup, finding the perfect gift. Emily chose an elegant emerald-green dress that suited her, styled her hair, took her time with her makeup. One last glance in the mirror fresh, polished. Perfect.
A text from James arrived early: “Made it safe, setting up camp. Signals rubbish here. Love you, have a great day!”
She smiled and replied: “Good luck! Love you too.”
The wedding was at a gorgeous London restaurant. Emily was slightly late typical city traffic. By the time she arrived, the ceremony had ended, guests were finding their seats.
“Em!” Olivia, radiant in white, rushed over. “You made it! I was starting to panic!”
“Like Id miss this?” Emily hugged her tightly. “You look absolutely magical! Olivers a lucky man.”
“Thanks, love,” Olivia beamed. “Shame James couldnt come. But men and their fishing sacred tradition, isnt it?”
“He sends his congratulations and apologies,” Emily said. “Promised to make it up to you.”
Olivia guided her to their uni friends table Sophie with her husband, Lucy with hers, Tom with his new girlfriend. Catching up softened Jamess absence. Speeches began, toasts were raised the room buzzed with warmth and laughter.
“Wheres the better half?” Tom leaned in. “Cant believe hes skipping this.”
“Fishing with the lads,” Emily said. “Planned ages ago couldnt back out.”
“Fishing in April?” Tom frowned. “Bit early, no?”
“Is it?” Emily shrugged. “James says springs the best time. Not that Id know.”
“Well, the angler knows best,” Tom smirked, but something odd flashed in his eyes.
The evening rolled on. After dinner came dancing, games, a live band. Emily, relaxed by champagne and good company, was laughing when she noticed guests huddled around a phone broadcasting live.
“Katies Instagramming it!” Sophie exclaimed. “Come say hi to everyone who couldnt make it!”
Emily joined the group as Katie aimed her camera.
“Heres Emma, uni mate of the bride!” Katie announced. “Wave to our viewers!”
“Hi everyone,” Emily smiled awkwardly. “Weddings amazing shame youre missing it.”
“Lets show the vibe!” Katie panned the room dancing, cake-cutting. “Wait, whos that? Is that James?”
Emily followed her gaze. Near the bar, a man who looked exactly like her husband was dancing. Even in dim light, she recognised his build, his mannerisms, the pale blue shirt he wore for special occasions.
“Thats not James,” she laughed nervously. “Hes fishing. Miles from here.”
“No, thats definitely him!” Katie zoomed in. “Look!”
The phone screen clearly showed James her husband, supposedly lakeside with a rod. He was laughing with an unfamiliar woman, their ease suggesting more than passing acquaintance.
Emilys stomach dropped. The room spun. This had to be a mistake, a trick of the light. James couldnt be here.
“James!” Her voice came out shrill.
He turned. Their eyes locked. His face paled. He muttered something to the woman and bolted for the exit.
Emily followed in a daze, ignoring friends confused stares. This couldnt be real.
“Em, wait” He caught her in the corridor. “I can explain.”
“Explain what? Lying about fishing? Being at Olivias wedding where you couldnt come? Who was that woman?”
“Its not what you think,” he ran a hand through his hair. “Can we talk somewhere quiet?”
“I want answers now. Why did you lie?”
He glanced around. The corridor was empty, but music spilled from the hall.
“Fine,” he sighed. “There was no fishing trip. I lied, but not for the reason youre imagining.”
“Then why?”
“I was planning a surprise,” he admitted quietly. “For our anniversary next month.”
“A surprise? At my best friends wedding?”
“Exactly,” he nodded. “Olivia and Oliver helped. We arranged a musical number me and that woman you saw. Shes a professional singer. I was learning our first dance song to perform for you. Tonight was meant to be a rehearsal.”
“So you invented a fishing trip? Instead of just telling me?”
“If Id said I was coming here without you, youd have suspected something,” he gave a sheepish smile. “I wanted it to be perfect. Imagine your face if I suddenly sang at our anniversary!”
“Oh my God,” Emily covered her face. “You lied for a surprise?”
“I know, its daft,” he touched her shoulders gently. “Forgive me? I never meant for you to find out like this.”
“Youre an awful liar,” she said slowly. “But its actually quite sweet.”
“So youre not furious?”
“On one condition,” she narrowed her eyes playfully. “I want to hear that song now. Surprise is ruined anyway.”
“But Im not ready!” he panicked. “Weve barely practised!”
“Doesnt matter,” Emily grinned. “Ill be a very forgiving audience.”
“And I insist!” Olivia appeared. “My wedding, my rules! But afterwards, Ill give you two some space.”
Half an hour later, a flushed James stood by a mic, the singer beside him. Their wedding song began, and Emilys eyes welled up.
He wasnt perfect. He missed notes, forgot lyrics. But the love in his eyes as he sang to her was better than any professional performance.
When it ended, applause erupted. Emily simply walked over and hugged him.
“Youre incredible,” she whispered. “And I love you so much.”
“Even after the stupid lie?”
“Because of it,” she smiled. “It shows how far youll go to make me happy.”
Later, in the taxi home, James still looked guilty.
“I really meant well,” he said, holding her hand. “Nearly messed it all up.”
“Now weve got a story for the grandkids,” Emily laughed. “How Grandpa went fishing, but Grandma spotted him live at a wedding.”
“Sounds like a rom-com,” he chuckled. “No more secrets, I promise.”
“Oh no,” she shook her head. “Keep the surprises. Just invent a better cover next time. Fishing in April? Really, Tom saw right through that.”
“Lesson learned,” he nodded. “And we could still go on that fishing trip if you fancy? Andrews invited us both.”
“One condition,” she smirked. “You serenade me by the campfire. This time, no professionals.”
James groaned but agreed.
“Anything for my wife. Even if I scare off every fish in the lake.”
They both laughed, knowing this ridiculous mess had only brought them closer.
