Early Departure

Max caught Ceri’s eye and pointed to his watch. She nodded and turned back to the small group she was chatting with. Apologising for rushing off, she looked around for the bride and groom to make her farewell.

Max had already found them and was wishing them all the best, explaining that they had to leave the reception early as they had a flight waiting at Coff’s for them. Ceri gave Toni and Richie both a kiss, and said they would see them when they got back from their honeymoon.

As they walked off to find Bron and Ed, Ceri linked her arm with Max and looked up at him. "Wasn’t it a lovely service? Alistair did them proud. You wouldn’t have thought he’d only just met everyone."

"I think he’s going to fit in nicely. I like the idea of having a vicar living in a watermill for some reason," Max laughed.

Looking around, they spotted Ed and Bron sitting at the edge of the tent. They looked up and waved.

"You go sit with them while I fetch the car. We don’t want to wear Ed out before we get to the airport."

Ceri reached up and kissed him on the cheek then went to sit with her sister until he got back.

"Max has gone to get the car. He’ll bring it as close to the tent as he can so you don’t have to walk too far, Ed."

"Thanks, sweetie. If it was anyone else I just might take offence. You and Max are family, so that’s okay," Ed replied taking Ceri’s hand and kissing her knuckles. "It’s been a nice afternoon, but I won’t be sorry to leave."

Bron gave Ed a hug and smiled. "In a couple of hours we’ll be in Sydney, just in time for a late dinner and then a nice luxurious bed in a nice luxurious hotel."

"Max got rooms overlooking the harbour so that should look lovely with all the lights. I think he said we’re on the top floor as well. He wants to show off to you both."

Just then they heard the car pull up and Bron helped Ed to his feet. Waving goodbye to the guests who noticed their departure, they settled in the car and were soon on their way to the airport at Coff’s.