Wedding Eve

Travis and Toni

Back when they were shopping for baby items, back before Cole entered their lives it had been Travis who picked up the baby body wrap. At the time they thought it would be handy for Toni, leaving her hands free but it was Travis who used it. Cole was content to ride around on his father’s chest where he could lay his head and be comforted by the strong heart that beat there. It was only fair of course, Toni had carried him for nine months.

She stood in the doorway of his office, he was on his phone comfortably stretched back in his leather chair feet propped on his computer table talking business with someone in Sydney. Cole was asleep on his chest. Already Cole had figured out a few things. Mommy fed him and was good if something hurt. Daddy was good for everything else.

It bothered her that they would be leaving him for nearly a month and she knew secretly it also bothered Travis but he wouldn’t admit it. Having flatly stated that Cole would not be accompanying them on their honeymoon he didn’t feel like he could back up. He didn’t often back up.

Tomorrow they were getting married. A simple ceremony right here at Glenridge. Lee and Tomalee insisted on the Gazebo in the garden as a site for the wedding. Lights had been strung throughout the garden and the cake had been delivered earlier that morning by Lucy and Andy and Drew. Cole already had a playmate, when he became old enough to play.

Her mother and brother would be arriving back from Sydney within the hour. Toni dreaded that, she was afraid her mother was going to start comparing this wedding with her last one with Richie. That one seemed so far away, so far in the past she often wondered if it really ever happened. She turned out of the door and walked down to their bedroom. Her dress hung in the closet in its white bag. A simple strapless sheath of ecru lace accented with pearls. It was more than she originally thought she wanted but somehow it was right, right for this marriage and this man.

“Hey,” he said softly from the bedroom door, “did you need me?”

Toni smiled, “what a question.”

Travis smiled back yeah they were on the same track, always.

“Want me to put him in his crib?”

“I think he’s attached, grown into me.” Travis came over for her to help with the wraps.

“That’s easy to do, I’m quite attached myself and I know you’ve grown into me and me into you.”

“Umm aren’t we deep today.”

Toni carefully put Cole in his crib and stepped back into the bedroom. Travis folded her into his arms. “Last chance lady, last day as a single woman…”

“I don’t want to be single.”

“Good cause I don’t think I’d allow it,” he kissed her, “When is your mother arriving?”

“Around two.”

“I meant to ask you about Jude, what’ s going on with him, Toni. He’s been away from his family now for nearly a month.”

“They’re having a trial separation…whatever that is.”

“What about his job how can he take off like that?”

“He worked for her father, past tense…he quit. So right now he’s unemployed. While we’re gone and Mum’s here he’s going to Perth and see his half brother. “

“If he decides to stay I’ll put him to work…not here on the farm but in Sydney…if he wants it.”

“Let’s see when we come back, he might not want to work for another family member. He’ll have to take Mum home and probably see his kids.”

“I can’t imagine something like that. I thank God everyday for you and Cole.”

Toni kissed his neck, “I thank Him for you.”

“I guess It’s all in hand all we have to do is show up tomorrow?”

“That’s about it. Your Mum’s been so much help, really she’s done it all. My Mum is pissed,” Toni grinned.

“Good,” Travis chuckled. “Well it’s her own fault, taking off to Sydney when I was planning on marrying her daughter.”

“Nobody knew that but you. It doesn’t bother me, once we say our vows and are well and truly married they can all kiss my behind.”

Dinner was a family affair, Travis’s parents and Toni’s with Miss Peeg and Jude and Tee filing out the table. The wedding was to be at noon on Saturday followed by a buffet luncheon for the families and employees of Glenridge. Toni and Travis were to be on board his yacht by four o’clock.

After Michael Stanley had toasted the bride and groom to be he said, “I have to tell you something, Travis I feel really good about this wedding, about you and my daughter. You’ve given me a grandson but you’ve also given me peace of mind, something I never had with her first marriage.”

“Thank you, Sir. I want you to know you don’t ever have to worry about her for any reason.”

Michael patted his shoulder.

Toni looked down the table her mother’s throaty voice carrying over all. She didn’t worry about her here, Sarah was there to counteract her and Gena liked Sarah McGee. What a difference this night was from her first wedding.

“What are you thinking?” Jude asked her

“What a good family this is there are checks and balances and they get along well,” she smiled down at Tee, he was growing and changing, his voice already dropping down. Travis kept him busy with sports and the farm.

“It’s a handsome family.” Jude remarked.

“That includes you too. Have you talked to Gerry?”

“I have, he’s offered me his spare room. I think it’s time we got to know one another.”

“Are you going to be okay, Jude?”

“Me oh yes, I’ll take whatever is coming but it’s not all up to her. She wanted some breathing room and so this long visit over here is providing that. I’m hoping by the time I get home we can take another look. You know?”

“I hope so, for the children’s sake I hope it works out for you.”

“Well my dear I think we must be going, it’s been a lovely evening and I so look forward to tomorrow.” Miss Peeg took Toni’s hand and gave her a hug.

“Thank you, thank you for being here.”

“Are we ready? Toni, until tomorrow we’ve enjoyed ourselves tonight.”

“I’m so glad you were here,” Toni hugged her father and walked to the door with them. Travis was already there on the porch with his father, Bill.

After the goodbyes were all said, Tee went to his room to play his video games, Gena back to the kitchen to get in the way of Tomalee and Lee who were busy trying to clear the table and get the dishes taken care of. Jude went for a walk and Travis took Toni out to the gazebo holding hands they stood in the middle of it and looked at each other.

“Tomorrow right here in this spot a few words are going to make you my wife. I don’t think I’m going to feel any different than I do tonight. I couldn’t possibly love you anymore than I do but I might,” he smiled. ”It’s been a long rocky road, Toni”

“I know but it’s been pretty smooth for awhile now. I think we kind of turned over the world to get to each other and now that we’re here it feels so right. I love you Travis McGee.” She went into his arms and they kissed gently, deeply, urgently.