Through the years Eddie gave of himself fully to help his parish family. But he still belonged as much as ever to his own family – adopted, but very real. Margie and Tony phoned each weekend, and he knew he could call them at any time. He visited now and then and always spent some of his annual leave with them. There would always be a place for him in their home. Kate would also phone but at no set time. Her social life was often the main topic of conversation.
And then came the call with her exciting news.
“Hi Eddie. It’s me!” as she always began.
“Hi me! What’s doin’,” as he always answered.
“Eddie – I have the most exciting news. I’m engaged! Shane is the greatest. You’ll love him.”
“Oh, Sis, how wonderful. Congratulations.”
“I knew you’d be happy for me. We plan to marry in about twelve months, once we organize everything. And of course, you just have to be the minister and do the honours.”
“Sounds okay to me. Actually it will be an honour. Tell me more about this wonderful Shane.”
She laughed. “He is wonderful. You’ll see when you meet him. And he’s had it rough. He was married before and not long after his wife took off with someone. But he’s divorced. And we’ll have a great marriage.”
She waited for Eddie to respond. Silence.
“Eddie, are you still there?”
“Yes Kate. I’m here… Kate, I can’t be your celebrant.”
“What! Eddie, what do you mean?”
“Kate, unless your Shane gets an annulment, you won’t be able to be married in the Catholic church. So I can’t be the celebrant.”
“So, you’re telling me that because Shane’s divorced you can’t marry us! Shane didn’t do anything – he was the victim. Why should he be punished? And why should he have to get an annulment? He’s been through enough. The past is gone. We are not going to bring it back up! We’re looking to OUR future together! Well… you and your church can piss off!”
She hung up.
Eddie knew this was not the time to phone back. Kate’s anger, he knew, was like a thunderstorm – full on at the time but would wear itself out.
He phoned Kate the next evening and found a very contrite sister.
“Eddie, I’m so sorry!” Her voice shook.
“I know and it’s okay. I’ve asked Shamus for a couple of days leave. I’m coming down to see what we can do.”
“Oh Eddie, thank you. I love you. I’m so sorry.” She started to cry.
“Don’t cry, Sis. It’s okay. We’ll work out something.”
True to his word and with a couple of days’ leave granted, before the crack of dawn the next morning, Eddie was on the road for the long drive ahead. Giving himself a couple of breaks on the way, he arrived to the usual joyous welcome as the sun set behind him.
As usual, on his trips back to the place he would always call home and to the people he would always call family, dinner consisted of his favourite dishes. Kate, after hugging him on his arrival and again whispering her apologies, added, “Shane’s coming over later to see you. But, as we needed time out first, he said he wouldn’t come until after dinner. And he’s dying to meet you after all I’ve told him.”
It was a happy leisurely meal, all savouring the joy of sharing time together.
Eventually the ever wise and caring Margie announced, “Tony and I will clean up. You two can relax and catch up in the lounge. Both Eddie and Kate knew they had been given the opportunity for the talk for which Eddie had come such a long way.
“Well, my little sister, “ Eddie began with a smile as they settled in the lounge room. “Tell me about your special Shane.”
“Eddie, he’s wonderful. You’re sure to like him.”
“No doubt he’s wonderful. But he’d better be wonderful always to my little sister!”
“He will – I’ve no doubt. We really do love each other, Eddie. We really do. I bet you’re smiling to yourself thinking ‘she’s blindly on love!’ And I am in love with him – deeply in love with him. We’ve talked a lot about the past too. He and his first wife married when they were both students at uni., mainly to save money. Don’t get me wrong – but not long after their marriage they both knew it had been a mistake. They had an amicable divorce and she married again shortly after – to someone she was dating while still married to Shane.”
Eddie nodded. He tried to choose the right words. “I can understand. And, from what you’ve told me, I’m pretty sure you could have that marriage annulled”… “Sometime in the future,” he added when he saw a small storm brewing in his sister’s eyes.
“No!” She was adamant. “We pray together. Sometimes we go to Church together. We’re at peace with God. There is no need to bring back the past – it’s over. We have the present and great hopes for the future!”
“Quite a speech,” Eddie smiled. “I’ve reminded you of church law. I’ll say no more about that. But a prayerful conscience is the greatest law. It’s great that you and Shane can pray together. Never let that slip!” He paused. “Well, now to the rules and regulations – for me, that is.” He continued, “As I told you, you will not be free to be married in the Catholic church without an annulment. And, as a Catholic priest, I am not permitted to be the celebrant.”
“I know,” Kate broke in. “But we want a Christian wedding. We have made enquiries. The father of one of Shane’s workmates is an Anglican minister. Shane is making enquiries and it looks as though this will work out. But Eddie,” she looked at him anxiously, “I really did want you as celebrant and I was really angry that you had to refuse. I sort of understand. I love you too much to try to make you do anything that, in conscience, you can’t do. But, please, you’ll come as my brother, won’t you?” She was pleading.
“Yes, Kate, I’ll be there. And, as your brother I will ask God’s blessing on the love and commitment you and Shane share.”
Immediately Kate jumped from her chair and hugged her brother. “Oh, Eddie, thank you, thank you.”
Shane arrived shortly after. Eddie had previously convinced himself that he would approach this first meeting with his brother-in-law to be with an open mind. Later he had to admit to himself that he had been too withdrawn. Even so, first impression was acceptance of the man his sister had chosen as her life’s partner.
The next day, the like of which he’d always bring back to mind on exceptionally problematic days, reminded him of the bond that had been forged between himself and his adoptive family. Tony had taken a flexi day so that he and Margie could spend this special time with their son. Kate joined them for lunch at a beach café. Shane was invited to dinner and, as Eddie watched his interaction with his sister, any questions of big problems in their future began to fade.
Eddie arose long before daylight the next morning and was well on his way to Brewarrina when the sun rose.