Rolling Out the Welcome Wagon

"Do you think they’re in?" Ceri asked looking over to Max as they waited for a reply to their knocking.

"Well, the car’s still out front, and I doubt very much that Ed’s up to going for a walk, so I would say that they have to be in there somewhere."

"Oh, Max…you don’t think they’re…"

Before Ceri could finish her question the door was flung open and she was almost bowled over by the cyclone that rushed through the opening and wrapped itself around her.

After smothering her in kisses, Bron took a step back, cleared her throat and smiled. "Hey, big sis."

"Hey, little sis," Ceri replied.

"Hang on…I thought you were twins," Max remarked.

"Yes, my sweet, but I was born first, so am a massive 15 minutes older than my baby sis here. Anyway, introductions…Bronwyn, say hello to Maximillian."

"It’s Max," he cut in, taking hold of Bron’s hand and kissing her on the cheek.

"Hello…Max. I’m Bron. I’m only called Bronwyn by our parents and clients, as Ceridwen well knows."

The sisters hugged again and giggled. Then Bron remembered her manners.

"Don’t stand on ceremony, come on in. What can I do for you?"

"Ceri thought it was time to roll out the welcome wagon," Max smiled.

"I thought you’d already done that with the glorious muffins."

"Ah, little sis, there’s more," Ceri replied, picking up the insulated box that Bron hadn’t noticed.

"We figured that you were probably still too tired to think about getting something to eat, so we’ve brought something over for you."

"Enough for 4?"

"More than enough, if you want our company." Ceri remarked.

"Is water wet?" Bron replied.

They detoured into the kitchen to drop off the food, and then Bron led them through to the lounge room where Ed was propped up on the sofa, his injured leg resting on a cushion Bron had placed on the corner of the coffee table.

"Guys, I’d like you to meet my heart, Ed. Darling, this is my sister, Bron, and her partner, Max."

"Sorry I can’t get up," Ed smiled holding out his hand." It’s a real pleasure to meet you both at last, and I can see a slight resemblance between you and Bronnie."

Ceri laughed, ignoring his outstretched hand, instead opting to flop down beside him to give him a proper Rees family welcome. She wrapped her arms around his neck and gave him a kiss. When she let him up for air, Max laughed to see the flustered look on his face.

"I’m pleased to meet you too, Ed, but we Skinners are a bit more reserved," he said, holding out his hand to shake Ed’s.

Max and Ed chatted as the girls got the lunch ready, and they were soon enjoying more of Ceri’s home cooking.

"I always said you should be a chef instead of a photographer, sis," Bron remarked, patting her belly in delight.

"Nah, you know how I hate to be stuck inside all the time. I’ve got plans for setting up a studio here in the Glen, and once you’re settled in, I have a proposition for you regarding your outbuildings."

"Sounds interesting, but I’ll be spending a lot of time with Ed until he’s a bit more mobile," Bron said, absently rubbing his injured leg.

"Don’t worry, your sister has it all worked out. If you agree, it seems that she and I are going to do the physical stuff while you and Ed can supervise from the comfort of your porch," Max winked.

"Sounds like a plan, but I don’t think we can really do anything until we get this interview thing done with the local snoop. I thought I’d escaped all that kind of thing when we left DC."

"Don’t worry, Bron. Cal is a lovely bloke, and a laugh as well. Who knows, we may even be able to play a few tricks on him."

They all laughed at Ceri’s remark and settled back for a relaxing family afternoon.