Voices raised in laughter as they sat around the dining table.
"Who's ready for dessert?" Jeans voice rang out over the rabble
A chorus of agreement met her ears.
Jeans grin almost split her face in half as she stood to clear the table.
Lucien also stood "let me help you clear Jean"
As they piled the plates their friends continued to laugh and chat and as Jean got to the doorway she looked back at the table. Matthew and Alice were deep in conversation, Danny and Charlie were laughing together and Rose and Mattie were talking animatedly.
Lucien saw her looking "See I told you they would all get along didn't I?"
Jean ducked her head as she moved toward the kitchen so he wouldn't see her tears forming in her eyes.
Lucien followed her in to the kitchen. "They're a pretty special bunch aren't they"
Jean could only nod in response, The emotions too strong for her to speak.
Outside the rain poured down heavily.
Lucien moved towards her and wrapped his arms around her waist.
"It's alright Jean"
She turned to him " I just wish my boys…." She trailed off as her voice broke.
"Shhh Jean" Lucien bit his tongue as he kissed her forehead and she burrowed her face to his chest. He would never say it to Jean but he'd been incredibly cross with them about the way both boys had dealt with the news of their engagement. Jack hadn't replied to the wedding at all, in fact they'd had no contact with him since the initial phone call to let him know of the engagement. Christopher had been happy for them, but not surprised. And Ruby had declared she and Amelia couldn't possibly travel all the way to Ballarat and she couldn't do without him so therefore he wouldn't be at the wedding either. Jean had cried, Lucien had been livid. He was sure that If his own daughter was able to come to their wedding, even with their strained relationship, she would be there. However, Jeans two boys whom she had brought up, by herself, who lived in the same country, not even an 8 hour drive away, neither of the would be there to support their mother. Perhaps they thought it insulting to the memory of their father, perhaps they thought he was not good enough for Jean, whatever their reasons, Lucien couldn't help resenting them over it, and seeing how upset and hurt it made the woman he so desperately loved made him feel so helpless. He rested his cheek on the top of her head
"Them all being here, and this beautiful dinner, it's just a reminder" she faltered " It just rips my heart apart knowing my family can't be here." She corrected herself "or won't be here" she spat bitterly
Lucien cupped her cheeks with his large calloused hands and brought her face to his to stare in to her eyes "Jeannie love, This is your family. These people here. Everyone around that table has moved mountains to be here. For this dinner, for our wedding. Think on the people who are here, not the ones who aren't. These people love you and care for you, They want to be here and share our special day. Mattie traveled from London, and we weren't going to tell you just yet as the paperwork hasn't been officially signed off on, but Matthew and Danny have actually worked it so that Danny has officially been seconded to Ballarat until after the wedding.
"Oh Lucien!"
"And now that Mattie and Rose seem to be getting along well, they can help Alice plan your hens, Goodness know what she would have had you doing, dissecting bodies or profiling blood types or similar."
A small smile tugged at the corner of Jeans sad mouth at the thought of her friends.
"Ah see, that made you smile"
Jean sniffed as she gave him a watery smile
"I love you Lucien"
"That's good, otherwise this wedding would be pretty embarrassing"
Through Jeans tears she kissed his lips.
"Come on, let's get this dessert served shall we? If we take too much longer tongues will wag" he quipped.
Jean sniffed and smiled as she turned toward the chocolate pudding. "That rain isn't letting up is it?
Lucien looked skywards "They were predicting rain this evening, with possible storms" he paused "looks like they might have been right"
"So uh, do you have a girlfriend?" Danny quizzed Charlie.
"Uh, no. Not at the moment." he flicked his eyes at Rose who didn't appear to be listening.
"What? A handsome stud like you?"
Charlie felt his ears turn red.
"We uh, just broke up actually"
"Oh, was it someone in town?"
Charlie lowered his voice "uh It was Rose" he flicked his eyes to her again. "and, it actually just happened, just this afternoon."
Danny dropped his voice to a whisper "Sweet! So she's fair game then? She's not, uh 'batting for the other team' then? If you know what I mean, Cos you know I kinda got that vibe from her"
Charlie was flustered "um, I don't think so?"
"Or you know maybe both teams. Like me" he grinned
Charlie stared. Clearly life in the big city was very different than little Ballarat. He listened to the rain coming down heavily outside "I thought you and Mattie might be a thing actually, the way she always spoke about you."
"Nah mate, that ship has well and truly sailed. Think I burnt that bridge long ago. I was like the annoying little brother she never wanted"
"What are you two boys whispering about?" Mattie's voice rang out across the table.
Charlies ears glowed red hot again
"Oh, not much" Danny replied smugly as he leaned back in his chair.
"Charlies ears have gone red! That's a tell tale sign it was something embarrassing" Rose scoffed as she crossed her arms.
Danny leant over and touched Charlies ears "aww that's so cute!"
Charlie flicked his hand away "I might go see what's holding up dessert" he muttered as he started to rise out of his seat.
"I wouldn't Charlie. Not sure what its been like in this house lately but I've not even been back in the house for one day and I've walked in on Lucien and Jean snogging twice."
Charlie just raised his eyebrows in amused agreement and sat back down as they all laughed.