Excited family members greeted Julian as he arrived at Kingsford Smith airport to spend the Christmas vacation at home. Neither Eddie, Simon nor Joe were able to take time off to travel to Sydney, but all sent welcoming messages. He was also welcomed and congratulated by his Bishop, who added, “Enjoy the break. We won’t put you to work just yet!”
“So you think you’re having a grand old holiday doing nothing!” Tom commented as they sat together in the family garden not long after arriving home from the airport.
“I was going to wait until after dinner, but now that we’re alone, here’s my chance!”
Julian looked up.
“No need to look worried,” Tom laughed. “Just to put you in the picture and see if it’s all fine with you. Meg and I have a date set, the church booked, music organized, celebration after fine – everything booked for our wedding next month except the celebrant! What does the celebrant have to say?”
Julian hugged his older brother. “The celebrant says bring it on! Congratulations, Tom! This day will be very special.” Then added, “And it will be my first wedding!”
It was a special time for the Martin household – Julian home on holidays, Christmas celebrations, followed closely by Tom and Meg’s wedding.
The day dawned warm and sunny. Nothing has been left to chance – all preparations completed. Julian felt quite calm as his brother paced in the sacristy awaiting Meg’s arrival.
Family and friends had gathered for the Church wedding. Later they would follow on to the celebrations in the grounds of the Martin home.
The fanfare announcing Meg’s arrival heralded in a liturgy of joy and blessings for Tom and Meg’s future together. Later, family and friends celebrated the joy of the day at the reception.