The next six weeks passed in a flash and Valentine's day arrived.Ron and Teri han not been out together for a while as there was not a lot of spare money. Ron's windfall had allowed him to book a few nights in Paris for their honeymoon. He had also ordered and paid for the bed, bought a new suit, paid Dora and Steve back the money he'd borrowed and bought the wedding ring and presents for the bridesmaids. Teri's parents had been down to inspect the barn, visit the caterers and the furniture hire people. Elizabeth was making the wedding cake. Dora said she did indeed remind her a bit of her own mum, Prudence but it was clear that she loved Teri and all the rest of her children very much. Ron felt they needed a night out so he and Teri went into Harrogate to see the farce 'Let Sleeping Wives Lie.' Afterwards they had supper in a Berni Inn. Ron had a couple of beers but as Teri was driving she only had a small glass of wine.
At Copper's Rest Dora and Steve ate steak and chips by candlelight after Jeff was in bed. Dora had been quiet during the evening and as they sat on the sofa enjoying a glass of wine Steve asked if there was anything wrong.
'I was thinking that it's almost a year since uncle died and we still haven't buried his ashes. I think I'm ready now for them to go under the tree we planted for him. I'd like to do it before the wedding.'
'Do you want to do it on the actual anniversary in four week's time?'
'Yes and I'd like it to be just you, me and Slugger. I wouldn't want Ron to be unhappy so close to his wedding'
'He'll have to know what we're doing, love- he might want to be there.'
'I was hoping he might mind Jeff for us for a while.'
'Okay- we'll see what he says.'
Back at the flat Ron and Teri had been enjoying some tender moments.
'Roll on 6 weeks time' said Ron as Teri straightened her clothes and he reluctantly put his shirt back on ready to go back to the farm.
'Time is sure to go by fast now- we'll soon be an old married couple.' she replied.
'April in Paris, Chestnuts in blossom' crooned Ron, Mr. Clegg says another 3 weeks and the loft will be ready for furniture. There's still a lot of the colonel's stuff in store- Dora says we can have what we like.'
Ron said he was quite happy to mind Jeff while the others took part in the little ceremony for the colonel. Dora had found a poem called 'The Horseman's Last Ride' that she wanted to read. Slugger wanted to say a few words about army days and Steve to say thankyou for giving him a second chance after the squire sacked him. They had all been too choked up to say anything at the funeral- it had taken a big effort from Steve to read a lesson. They were happy to let Dora's father, Arthur , well used to public occasions, say a few words. Here, in the private surroundings of the lake they paid their tributes to the one they'd loved in their different ways.
'When my time comes, this is where I want to be too' said Slugger.
Steve nodded in agreement 'But not for a long time yet.'
Dora shivered, S
teve put his arm round her and hugged her to him.' You okay now sweetheart?'
'Yes- let's go and rescue Ron!'
Later Ron himself walked down to the lake.' I wish you could be here for my wedding colonel, sir. I think you'd get on with my Teri.'
A pigeon flew down from the nearby tree and sat looking at Ron with it's head on one side. It opened it's mouth as if to speak , ruffled it's feathers then flew away high into the air. 'Cheers colonel' said Ron and rode off to see Teri.
The converted loft was bright and welcoming. The floor had been extended and upstairs were two bedrooms, bathroom and shower with toilet. Downstairs was a kitchen diner , lounge and another toilet. The whole place had central heating. The barn at Copper's Rest had also had electricity and water supply laid on. Several heaters had been fitted because the plan was that in the future school parties could come and visit the farm and in the barn they could listen to talks and enjoy their lunch. It had been swept clean and emptied of all but essentials in order to accommodate the wedding guests. The big day was now only a week away. The dresses were finished. Teri's parents had arrived and they'd had the wedding rehearsal- then a phone message came from Liverpool...