Dinner Date

Ed smiled when Bron told him that they were invited to dinner with Ceri and Max, then burst out laughing when she added that Ceri was driving down to get them.

“It’s just up the hill a ways,” he noted.

“I know, darling. She doesn’t like to think of us stumbling back down to get home.”

“Ah, sounds like she’s planning to ply us all with drink once we get there.”

“You know what her dinners are like. I think she said something about Max going over to see the General about a few bottles of his best.”

“What’s the celebration?”

“There isn’t one,” Bron replied, turning to head into the kitchen before Ed could see her smile.

“Okay, honey; just as long as I don’t have to get all tarted up.”

“Don’t worry, darling; it’s only family. They won’t care if you turn up in your sweats.”

Ed had followed her into the kitchen, and placed his hands on her hips, kissing the back of her neck. “I wouldn’t do that to you, darlin’, even with family.”

Bron turned in his arms and kissed him, “Thank you, my love. Have I told you today how much I love you?”

Ed grinned, “Once or twice.”

“So, what’s on the menu for tonight, my darling?” Max enquired as he placed the white wine in the fridge.

“It might depend on what wine Maximus gave you,” Ceri replied.

“We’re in luck, he gave me red and white, and so the choice is yours.”

“Bless his heart, he’s so generous. I think we could have white with the starter then.”

“Oh, going all posh are we?”

“Not really, Max. I thought I’d do a three course for a change, but there’s no dress code.”

“Do you think we should let Bron know, so she doesn’t try to force Ed into a suit?”

Ceri laughed at the thought, then assured Max that her sister would know that casual was always fine, unless it was a special occasion and they decided to eat out.

“So, starter?”

“Fish, but just what is for you to find out later. Then I’m leaning towards lamb. I think I did beef that last time they came over. I got some nice fresh shanks when I was in Coffs yesterday. We could do with a butcher and fishmonger here in The Glen. I wonder if the Braddock’s will have provision for that in their store once they have everything done and dusted.”

“That would be a great idea, maybe I should mention it to them as their bank manager,” Max mused. “Now, onto the important bit…dessert!”

“I’m thinking about maybe a choice of two, a strawberry angel layer cake with vanilla frosting, and a pavlova.”

“Mmmm, meringue...love it.”

“You’d be happy with a bowl of banana custard,” Bron smiled.

“I’m just off to pick them up, Max. Be back in ten minutes.”

“Okay, love. I’ll open the wine and let it breath. See you in a bit.”

Bron was watching out for the car and called to Ed. “She’s on her way, darling.”

“Ready as I’ll ever be,” Ed replied. He slipped on his shoes and gave them a quick wipe on the back of his slacks. “How do I look?” he asked Bron.

“Good enough to eat,” she replied.

“Well, maybe we should just stay here then…” Ed smiled. “Hi, Ceri,” he added as the back door opened.

“Hello, handsome,” she said, kissing him on the cheek and giving him a hug. “Hi, sis, you both ready?”

“Ready, eager and hungry,” they both answered.

Dinner was a complete success, and as Bron helped Ceri scrape the dishes and stack them in the washer, max and Ed went out onto the porch for a cigar.

“That was one fine meal, Max. We might come visiting more often now I’m getting more mobile,”

“You know you’re welcome any time, Ed. I’m pleased to see you without your cane tonight.”

“I’m determined to leave it at home as much as possible now. I’m even thinking about going into The Glen to have a look round. It’s been a while since I’ve been able to get there.”

“You’ll find a lot of new businesses popping up. Everyone will be pleased to see you, Ed. They always ask me how you are when they come into the bank.”

“Man, this is a caring community isn’t it? I think we struck gold when we all decided to settle with the ladies after they inherited. I can’t imagine ever going back to the rat race, even if I passed the medical.”

“I know what you mean, Ed. I’m quite happy to have the bank just opening four hours a day. It gives me something to do without taking up my entire life, and Ceri doesn’t seem to mind me being home more either.”

“I thought Bron would be sick of me cluttering up the place, but she seems to quite like me around. I really don’t deserve her.”

“Ed, don’t you realise yet that she lives and breathes for you. Ceri and I haven’t seen her this happy. She loves you with all her being.”

“I think I’m just about coming to terms with that, Max. Since we met in the hospital all that’s been going round in my head is that I’m too old for her, and wondering what she sees in me. I could see in her eyes it wasn’t pity, but why would she love me?”

“That’s something you’ll have to ask her, my friend. Just be happy in the fact that she does.”

Just then the girls came out with a tray containing four glasses and a bottle of cognac. They all sat down to enjoy their nightcap before Ceri took Ed and Bron back home.”

“It was a wonderful night,” Ed said, as he slipped into bed next to Bron.

“It was a wonderful night,” Ceri whispered, as she cuddled up to Max.