One day at a time. (Part 2 of the story of Joanne and Paul. Now complete!)

Chapter 32 - June 20th 2004

Joanne sat in her kitchen, surrounded by Grace, Mary, Stella and Heather as her wedding make up was being expertly applied.

"Keep it simple!" she instructed the girl, hired by Grace, "I don't want to look like a painted doll! It's not me."

"Relax mum," Grace tried to comfort her. "You're looking amazing! Especially your hair!"

Finally done, Stella handed her a mirror. She was beaming. "You look beautiful Joanne! Absolutely stunning!"

Joanne looked at herself. Turning this way and that, she took in her hair and make up. She was now sorry she'd given the poor girl so much grief. Stella was right, she did look good. She put the mirror down and turned to the hairdresser. "Thank you, seriously thank you! You've worked wonders! I'm so sorry I gave you so much grief whilst you were doing all this!"

The hairdresser grinned at Jo. "I'm used to this Mrs Johnson. Bridal nerves, make up and hair dressers are never a good mix!" She gave Joanne a hug and wished her well then began to pack her things together Once she had left, Grace took charge.

"Ok ladies, first things first, Paul insisited we have this with our breakfast!" She held up a bottle of champagne.

Joanne grinned. "Then get it open! It will help calm my nerves!"

Within a few minutes, the five woman were toasting each other and giggling. Suddenly there was a knock on the door. Stella jumped up and went to open it.

"Joanne!" she called. "You have a visitor!"

Looking puzzled, Joanne walked through to the hallway.

"This is your fifth bridesmaid!" Stella declared, stepping to one side.

"HELENA! You said you couldn't make it! OH HELENA!"

"Do you think I'd miss the wedding of my best friend in the world!" Helena exclaimed, "No, I flew back early to be with you. I've left the rest in OZ!"

They hugged, Joanne tried not to cry so as not to smudge her make up. They all walked through to the kitchen where more champagne toasts were made. Then the girls, including Helena, went upstairs to dress. Joanne was eager to see what they looked like as their choice of dress was a surprise. Joanne had decided on the colour but all the dresses had been designed and made by Stella. They all walked downstairs to her.

"WOW! You look amazing! Oh Stella, thank you! They all gave Joanne a 'twirl' so she could get the full effect of the lilac sheath dresses which hugged their curves perfectly.

"Right ladies," said Stella grinning at Jo's reaction, "You'll have to excuse myself and the bride. It's time we got her dressed too don't you think?"

Joanne and Stella slipped upstairs. Joanne looked as her dress was unveiled. It had been several weeks since her last fitting and she was keen to see it. Stella lifted the cover from it and Joanne gasped. It was even more stunning than she remembered. Stella stepped towards her and helped her into her dress. The style mirrored that of her bridesmaids, but was made from a soft gold silk that draped and hung perfectly on her body. It was to be topped with a delicate tiara and short veil.

Stella handed her a box. "This is your tiara Jo."

She opened it. "That is so beautiful!" Joanne fingered the delicate white metal and clear stone set tiara.

Stella smiled. "Did you read the label Jo?"

"What? No?" She looked for it then read the label attached to the box. "To my wonderful Joanne. A gift for my beautiful bride. I can't want to see you today. All my love - Paul xxx"

She looked up at Stella. "Something tells me that this isn't a dress piece is it?"

Stella shook her head.

"Stella McCartney, your father has more money than sense!" Joanne told her grinning, "But this time, he's forgiven. This is stunning!"

Finally she was ready. Descending the stairs she saw the reactions of her bridemaids. They were blown away with everything.

"I want to say thank you Stella! I am so delighted with everything you've created. You're so clever. Thank you!"

A car horn beeped.

"That's your car mum." said Grace, her smile showing her excitement. "James' will be here too!"

Nodding, Joanne walked towards the door and out to the car. She climbed in and found her son Jame waiting for her. He looked stunning in a smart morning suit and top hat in his hand. He kissed her and told her she looked beautiful. The car set off, a second car close behing carrying her bridesmaids. The journey was short and very soon she found herself stood outside the church where she had worshipped for over twenty years. Slipping her arms through James', they entered the church. Joanne heard the Bridal March begin. She took a step forward.

The church look beautiful, covered in flowers on the pew ends and all the way up the aisle. Friends and family smiled as she walked towards Paul. She could see him now, looking towards her, smiling, brother Michael by his side as his best man. He looked gorgeous, all dressed up in his morning suit. Once safely delivered to her husband to be, James' gave his mother a soft kiss in the cheek and the service began.