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THE CROWD LAUGHED AND cheered as Jack made his speech. He grinned back at them and loosened his tie as he held up a hand.
“But now it’s time to get serious,” he said, and turned to Megan, giving her a smile that went right up to his eyes.
“You know how clumsy I am. I could trip over my own shadow. But as we start our new life together, know this, Megan... my tread is steadier than it’s ever been, and I’ve never been more sure of anything than I am of my love for you.
“I know that life with you will be a blessed and extraordinary one, but if the road ahead throws us a few potholes from time to time—and it will—take my hand and we’ll walk it together, no matter where it takes us. Through good times and bad, through joy and challenges, we’ll face everything head on. You and me. And if you ever stumble, I’ll lift you up.
“You’re beautiful, Megan—today, and every day, inside and out. And I give you my word, I will never stop trying to make you happy and proud. I love you, always and forever.” He raised his glass and turned back to the room. “Will you please all be upstanding and raise your glasses to this awesome, incredible woman... my wife, Megan!”
ººººººº
When the dancing, hugs, kisses, and even more happy tears had finally come to an end, and the last guest had left, Megan and Jack sat in the marquee overlooking the bay with Alec, Louisa, Nick, Claudia, Des, Sylvie, Evie and Lizzie, with a pot of coffee and a plate of sandwiches, watching the sun come up.
“I’m sorry I kicked you,” said Jack. “You know I have no control over my legs when I hear music.”
Megan laughed and rubbed her shins. “Don’t worry, I’m used to it.”
“He’s just like his dad,” said Louisa. “No sense of rhythm and a style all of his own. Dancing with him is like dancing with a wind-up toy. I’ve often looked for the key in his back, but I haven’t found it yet.”
“Very funny,” drawled Alec, with a lazy smile that made his eyes twinkle. “What we lack in dance moves, we make up for in other ways, isn’t that right, son?”
“Couldn’t have said it better myself,” said Jack, clasping his hands behind his head and stretching out his legs.
“It was a great party,” said Alec. “I haven’t been up all night since... well, I can’t remember when.”
“It was when you had gout,” said Louisa. “Except that wasn’t nearly as much fun. You know, Jack, I didn’t think we’d all be staying here tonight with you and Megan. Wouldn’t you both like a little time to yourself? I feel like we’re playing gooseberry.”
“I think it’s bloody brilliant,” said Evie, pulling the roast beef out of her sandwich and giving it to Blue. “Who gets to spend the entire day and night with their mum at her wedding? I’m here until they throw me out.”
Jack grinned. “Seriously, Mom, it’s no problem. We wanted this wedding to be a real family affair. That’s why everyone’s staying over. In any case, you’ll be heading home soon, and I don’t know when we’ll see you again, so you can stay as long as you like.”
Megan nodded. “Jack’s right. We’ve loved having you here—I’ll be sorry when we get back from honeymoon and you’ll be gone.”
“Well, we’ve loved being here,” said Louisa. “Bay View’s been a wonderful home away from home. And the next time we come back will be to visit Luca, so I don’t suppose it’ll be too long before we see you all again.”
“Listen, you come back whenever you like,” said Jack. “If we have tenants in Bay View by then, you can stay at the house with us. Maybe we should think about letting it out to someone when we get back, Megan?”
“Yeah, I suppose we could,” she said, thoughtfully, “although we need to get to know Luca first. Having other people around might make him uncomfortable, so we need to make sure he’s at ease with us before we start introducing him to people outside the family, don’t you think? I’m glad that Flora was keen that we both met him as soon as possible, though.”
“I think it’s fabulous that you’re giving up your honeymoon to meet Luca,” said Louisa. “The sooner, the better, if you ask me.”
Megan nodded. “That’s what we thought. Once we’ve spent some time with him over the next few weeks, we can take it from there. And once we feel he’s ready, we’ll bring him to meet everyone.”
“Oh, it’s lovely, isn’t it?” said Claudia, clasping her hands at her chest. “I do love having children about the place. They make everything better.”
“Well, that depends on the child,” said Des, under his breath. “I’ve met some horrors in my time that made the apocalypse seem like a birthday party.”
“Well, Luca won’t be like that,” said Megan. “I know he won’t. And he’s going to love spending time with his Uncle Des just like Lizzie and I did. Beachcombing, fruit picking, cooking, story time... you’re going to love each other, just wait and see.” She gave Des a hug. “I know you pretend to be an old grump, but you forget that we all know the real you. And you’re going to be Luca’s favourite Uncle. You see if I’m not right...”
ººººººº
“Megan, I’m going to fill up with gas before Evie and Lizzie and Shaun leave,” Jack called up the stairs. “And Evie wants to get a newspaper, so I’m taking her with me. We won’t be long.”
“Okay, drive safely. See you in a bit.” Megan made her way into the guest bedroom where Lizzie was packing her case. “I can’t believe it’s time for you and Evie to go home. I’m going to miss you so much,” she said, flopping down onto the bed. “You’ve been down this way so much recently, it’s going to seem empty without you. We’ve had the best time, haven’t we?”
Lizzie looked up from her packing. “Yeah, we have. And you know I love it here, away from all the hustle and bustle.”
Megan threw her an incredulous look. “What? You love hustle and bustle! When did that change?”
“Oh, you know. I’m not the party animal I used to be,” said Lizzie, with a nostalgic smile. “And whenever I go back home, it just highlights how peaceful it is here. Even Shaun’s reluctant to leave. I think it’s because neither of us are working at the moment that we’ve appreciated being here more. We used to take it for granted, but this visit has made us both realise how much we love it here.”
“Wow, Shaun too? Bliss Bay must have really worked its magic.” Megan grinned, then blinked back tears as Lizzie zipped up her case and hauled it from the bed to the floor.
“Don’t, or you’ll start me off,” said Lizzie, reaching out for a hug. “I’ll see you again soon enough. And when I do, we’ll have so much to talk about; Luca, your honeymoon, my new job, Shaun’s new job...” she crossed her fingers, “if they work out, that is. Either way, we’re going to see if we can fit in another weekend down here before we start work.”
“You’ll let me know about the jobs when you can, won’t you?” said Megan, with a sniff. “I understand you don’t want to tell us anything until they’re confirmed, but we’ll be waiting to hear.”
“Of course I will.” Lizzie gave Megan one final squeeze and lifted her case as the toot of a car horn sounded outside the window, sending Blue into a barking frenzy. She peered out and grinned. “Jack’s back.”
“Well, he’s with someone, because I hear two cars,” said Megan, as she ran down the stairs. She blew her nose and calmed Blue. “Who can that be with Jack and Evie, I wonder?” she said, scratching him between the ears.
She opened the door, gasped, and her hands flew to her face as she burst into tears.
There, on the drive, with brand new bodywork, a new paint job, and Evie behind the wheel, was Vinnie.
ººººººº
“Don’t expect it to go any faster, because it won’t,” said Jack. “Gary’s a mechanic, not a miracle worker. It’s the same old car, but when he said he could fix the bodywork, and the door, I thought that’s what you’d want. It’s had a full safety check and all new parts fitted, but it’s still the same Vinnie at heart.”
“I can’t believe it,” said Megan, sitting in the driver’s seat, as excited as if it was a brand new car. “I thought he was destined for the scrapheap.” She got out and flung her arms around Jack’s neck. “It’s the best surprise ever, thank you so much.”
“You know he’s not going to last forever, though, Mum, don’t you?” said Evie. “One day, you’ll have to join the rest of us in the 21st century and get a car that goes faster than you can walk. I felt like I was leading a funeral procession on the way back from the garage.”
“Don’t ruin the moment,” said Megan, with a grin. “You, of all people, should know why Vinnie’s so special. Every time I see him, I think of you.” She took a tissue from her pocket and blew her nose again. “Anyway, Lizzie and Shaun are almost ready to go. Are you all set?”
Evie nodded. “You know I hate goodbyes, so I’ve already put my stuff in their car.” She hugged Megan and kissed her on the cheek. “But I’ll be back as soon as you’re ready for me to meet Luca. I just can’t wait to have a little brother. It’s going to be brilliant.”
“Well, he couldn’t have a better sister,” said Megan. “Not if he searched the world over.” She dabbed her eyes as the tears came again and she laughed and shooed her daughter away. “Go on, get in the car before I turn into a blubbering wreck. You too, Lizzie. We’ll see you again soon.”
As she got into the car, Lizzie turned and nodded. “Yes, you will,” she said, with a smile.
