Page 81 of Escape to MacLeod's Cove
She was soon surrounded by all her children and Sofia and her husband — Augi’s only relatives. One big blended family. And Kate suddenly thought of the man who she’d met one evening on the beach when she was five, and knew her grandfather would be happy with the family group that a love affair had accidentally created so many years ago.
She smiled for the photographer, and after a few re-groupings and a load more photos had been taken, Kate’s thoughts strayed back to the handsome man who was as easy to talk to, as look at. She glanced across and saw Yannis, still holding the now wriggling baby, was looking at her with a smile on his lips.
A short time later, the limousine pulled away from the church, ribbons fluttering and cans clattering, and travelled approximately two hundred yards across the village before drawing up in front of a house perched on a hill with sweeping views over the sea, the hills and the village.
‘They didn’t go far!’ exclaimed Yannis.
Kate laughed as she watched Dan lift Augi in his arms and carry her up the steep path which led to the house of Augi’s dreams.
‘No, Augi said she wanted her honeymoon to be in her new home.’ She smiled at Yannis. ‘Daniel bought it without telling Augi. He was worried she’d be angry because he hadn’t consulted her.’
Yannis raised his eyebrows. ‘That is a big purchase to make without your partner’s input.’
‘Not so much when he knew it was Augi’s dream house, maybe.’
‘True. Well, it looks like she’s pretty happy with it.’
They both laughed as Dan turned to everyone who was still clustered around the church, only a few hundred yards away from them. Dan and Augi waved to everyone before he opened the door and carried her over the threshold. The door was slammed firmly shut behind them.
‘Okay, everyone!’ said Lucy, turning to the wedding guests. ‘The party will begin at MacLeod’s Cottage in one hour!’
‘A bit unusual, perhaps,’ said Kate. ‘But Daniel and Augi wanted a break before the party. To be honest, I think Augi needed it more. She’s not used to being the centre of attention.’
‘And your son knew that and provided the space she needed. That’s nice. They make a beautiful couple. I can see how respectful they are with each other. How kind.’
Kate sniffed and wiped away a few more stray tears. ‘Yes, they are.’
‘It’s a big step, but when both of you have these attributes, as well as love, then the outcome is more certain.’
Kate didn’t know what the future held. But with her family, home, and community around her she knew it would be good. Maybe, she pondered as she watched Yannis deposit the now crying baby in his daughter-in-law’s arms, her world was solid enough to introduce a little risk.
Perhaps Yannis was right. Where love, kindness, and respect existed, perhaps it was worth taking a chance on something… or someone.
