'And we're done', Jill said, rubbing her hands against her grubby jeans as she stepped back and admired the arrangement.
'Wow. I can't believe we're finally finished!, Joe exclaimed, smiling as he looked at the floral bouquet now resting on the altar. Gathered from the hedgerow and the sheltered bank on the east side of the meadow the flowers were tiny, sturdy little plants, determined to make their mark in the harsh landscape. Instead of picking them they'd taken the plants, roots and all, and set them in an earthenware bowl topped with some of the soft, prolific moss that was so much a part of the local habitat.
'I just love that we can plant them again tomorrow, place them back in the ground and they should flourish', she said and Joe pressed a kiss to her cheek.
'It's a beautiful idea'' he agreed.
He looked at his watch.
'But right now we'd better get ready', he said and together, hand in hand they made their way to the cottage and dressed for the event.
An hour later, back outside, wrapped in overcoats and scarves and waiting for their guests they experienced a moment of peace. The frantic preparations of the past few days were finally done and the helicopters, flying low over the property all evening were now hovering near the village, following the route of the motorcade as a fleet of minibusses carried their guests towards them.
Standing in the yard, the shelter of the tiny out houses keeping the worst of the breeze from them Joe slid his hands lightly along his wife's hips. She swooned a little as he leaned down, the scent of his shower gel and shaving foam catching her off guard, invading her senses. His cheek was soft and totally smooth against hers and she let her flutter closed for a moment before fixing them on the light spilling from the cozy cottage, the space that had brought them so much joy and comfort and wonderful, precious time together.
His lips grazed her jaw, his nose nuzzling a gap between her neck and scarf.
'Thanks so much for making all of this happen, babe', he said, his voice quiet, in sync with the calm of the moment.
She turned in his arms, his hands skimming her waist as she did so. Holding her palms flat against his cheeks she gazed into his eyes. 'We did it together, Joe. As always', she said and he smiled.
'I know. And we definitely did. But it was your idea and you came up with most of the details, the beautiful little touches and gestures and I just wanted to acknowledge that', he said with a shrug.
'It's been fun!' she said, smiling as he dipped his head and kissed her.
Lost in their kiss at first they didn't hear the rattle of the gate by the haggard as the breeze challenged the old hinges, nor the roar of the waves from the ocean that seemed to fill the yard, nor the tinkling of the thousand light bulbs that rattled above their heads, but once they were done they both had the distinct notion that they were not alone.
Jill had that feeling again; that sensation of a silk scarf rippling along her neck.
It was strangely comforting, almost playful.
The first time she felt it, that first evening she stepped inside the house she knew it was a kindly presence, a welcome of sorts and she felt that viscerally again now. Emotion rippled in her chest as the spirits of Joe's ancestors gathered behind them as if acknowledging her place within the family.
She welcomed them, harnessed the emotion, allowed it to fill her heart and soul. She stood tall and held Joe's hand tightly. Together they would welcome their neighbors and represent his family.
Joe felt her hand slip into his. He squeezed gently, his heart swelling with pride. Pride in all that his ancestors had done. Pride in the relationship he had built with his remarkable wife. Pride in the moment they found themselves in; their position in the world. It was challenging and complex and hard work but there were wonderful moments too. Inspiring events, amazing people, fun days, and nights, and he just knew this one was going to stay with him forever.
