Travis & Toni Get Married
Toni was up at a little after five o’clock to give Cole a bottle. Usually she went back to bed because he’d go back to sleep afterward, sometimes he didn’t even finish before sleep took over. She held him tenderly and kissed him before putting him back in his crib. Her eyes filled knowing she only had a few hours left before she and Travis would leave him for three weeks at least. He hadn’t been specific on that but her mother would be there along with his mother to look after Cole.
She came back into the bedroom; Travis had rolled over on his back. She’d suggested separate beds last night and he’d looked at her like she’d lost her mind. Silly, she thought later on, they’d been together for a year and today they would be legally wed. At last she would bear the name of her son and the man she loved…McGee. There would be no going back to sleep today. She found a robe and quietly went out to the kitchen for coffee.
“Mumma?”
“Good morning, Toni. I couldn’t sleep so I got up and made coffee.”
“Everything okay with you?”
“Yes, dear I’m fine. Well today is the day…”
“Yes it is,” Toni poured out a cup.
“I’m happy for you, you’ve got everything now. A man that loves you, and I know he does. And a beautiful little boy and my God, this place…Glenridge. I’ve been here long enough to see how you live here and despite the money you live very simply.”
“Well we do. I know the money is there and Travis will only have the best, but we don’t flash it around. He says he’s a cattleman”’
“We saw the building he owns in Sydney, quite impressive. When I go back to Virginia I know I don’t have to worry about you.”
“No…you don’t and I’m glad you were still here when Travis decided it was time for us to get married.”
“He’s made all the arrangements doesn’t that bother you a little?”
“No why should it? He and I are of the same mind, Mum. I knew this was coming and I’m glad he took the step.
Travis woke up as his arm felt the empty place beside him. “Toni?” he called quietly. He got up and went into the nursery, she’d been there. Cole’s mostly empty bottle was on the little table by the rocking chair. He yawned; scratched and stretched…he was getting married today. He found a tee shirt and a pair of pajama pants and padded out down the hall looking for a cup of coffee.
“Good morning, son, I guess I can call you that now.” Gena stood up and gave him a good morning hug.
“Morning, Mum,” he winked over her shoulder at Toni.
“Is Cole still asleep?”
“He was a second ago.”
“I’ll leave you two alone and go find something to wear to the wedding, I really didn’t have time to shop you know?”
Toni laughed, “Oh I believe that, Mum…see you later.” She turned her attention to Travis and handed him a cup of coffee. “Morning, love.”
He kissed her cheek, “Back to ya.”
“Looks promising outside, no rain clouds.”
“It wouldn’t dare,” he sipped his coffee and looked out of the back door.
**
Across The Glen in a little cottage Miss Peeg was pulling things out of her wardrobe. “There is this…” she held up a dress in front of the mirror.
“Why didn’t you buy something?’ Michael propped up in bed with his tea.
“Oh, I never shop and why should I, look at all these costumes I own. This looks rather garden partyish don’t you agree?” she tilted her head.
“You’ll look ravishing, my dear.”
“Easy for you, I like a man who owns a tuxedo.”
“I have several, for what reason I forget but Tuxedo’s will never do for a noon wedding, dear…it’s not done.” He raised a brow.
**
Down at the farmhouse Sarah McGee was steaming the wrinkles out of Bill’s coat.
He sat on a chair watching her, “What is it you called that?”
“It’s a morning coat, dear.”
“We aren’t in mourning are we?”
“Not that sort,” she grinned up at him. “Travis is wearing a long coat so I thought to pull this out, when did you buy it?”
“Something I bought in Sydney I don’t think I ever wore it.”
**
“It fits you perfectly,” Gena zipped up the lace sheath and hooked the eye.
“It should, it was made for me.” Toni smiled touching her lashes with mascara.
“Has he seen it?”
“Oh no, some traditions have to be honored.” Toni replied.
**
“Hold still, Travis.” Michael had been called in by Bill to tie his bowtie.
Travis was nervously shifting from foot to foot.
“You aren’t nervous are you boy?” Bill asked leaning against the dresser in the guest house bedroom.
“I been waiting for this day for over a year, I just want it done.”
“There I call that tied,” Michael stepped back and adjusted a little. “You look very handsome, as a groom should.”
**
Josh and Ian arrived with their wives milling around the drinks table with Tomalee and Lee. Johnny and Amanda were there, Johnny no longer worked for Travis but he was now considered family as Amanda’s intended. Jimmy Kelp drove up and parked in the designated area with Nell at his side. She declined to move in with him after spending a few days at the station. Tee came into the guest house looking for Travis.
“Can I start the music now?”
“Yeah, go ahead but not the wedding music yet.”
“I know when to start that.” He grinned. Tee was playing DJ.
**
The clock in the hall struck twelve and Toni walked out of the house with her mother to the gazebo. Travis was already there with his father at his side and the official to perform the ceremony. Tee had the music they’d chosen playing and he slipped back to the group of people to watch the wedding.
By the time Toni made it to his side, Travis’s eyes were already filled and he blinked several times. She almost came undone when she saw him. The ceremony was brief they exchanged their vows and rings and he kissed her. A cheer went up started by Jimmy and Josh.
They were all smiles when they left the gazebo and received hugs and congratulations from their families.
A tent had been set up for the luncheon, it was catered giving Tomalee the day off but still she was running about making sure everything was just so and tasted just right. Lee was in charge of seating everyone and getting drinks to the table. All under the watchful eye of Kyle; this was family here and he was part of it. He was also in charge of getting them to the yacht by four o’clock and keeping Travis reasonably sober. Champagne was flowing.
At last Toni and Travis disappeared into the house to change clothes, their bags were packed and already in the vehicle. They enjoyed a last cuddle with Cole and hand in hand appeared on the porch to say goodbye. Travis had something to say.
“I want to thank you all for sharing this special day with us, a bloke couldn’t ask for a better family. We’re leaving Cole here with you to care for while we’re gone. You gotta know how much trust I’m putting into you to do that. Thank you Michael and Gena for this lovely woman,” he kissed Toni’s hand. “You all are welcome to party all night but we got a boat to catch.” He grinned and waved.
In the backseat of the SUV their eyes locked as they left the gates of Glenridge.
“My husband,” Toni said barely above a whisper.
“My wife,” he replied and pulled her to him for a kiss.
Kyle glanced in the rearview mirror and then with a grin flipped it up. He guessed he‘d be seeing plenty of that, he was going with them on their honeymoon.
