Joe and Eddie were delighted for him, as he knew they would be. Joe appeared to be closing the door on his past sorrow. With Sinead now a part of his life, Julian could partly empathize with what Joe had suffered.
But, Eddie! Both he and Joe worried about Eddie. Eddie had visibly changed – he had become quite thin and the persistent cough was eating into his strength.
When Eddie had asked for help, Julian did not hesitate, especially as he was in between end of study and the beginning of his career in Law. For him, the process of solving the problem in Bourke was a challenge, but not an impossibility. For Eddie, it was an unsolvable problem, but one he could not let go. The final result was a relief for them both and opened the door to Eddie’s final months of ministry.
Back in the city, Julian and Sinead spent much time together, not only to make up for their time of separation, but also to plan their immediate future. Julian knew his foreseeable future in the firm was assured; Sinead was still facing interviews. But she was hopeful of a positive result shortly.
It was Sinead who made the final suggestion for their wedding.
“Julian,” she spoke quietly. “I know you would go with anything I suggested.”
“Well, most,” he laughed as he interrupted.
“We have to be practical. Both of us want Joe and Eddie as celebrants. I had no family. But suddenly I’ve become part of a great one that includes Joe and Eddie. Let’s make a date – a date both Eddie and Joe are fine with. Then, with the help of your family – who have already offered – we plan the rest.”
Both Joe and Eddie soon agreed on a date, not too far into the future. For the rest, Julian’s family very happily set about turning ideas into realities.