For the next couple of months , not a lot was happening . It had been a mutual desicion between Walter and Paige that they would not put bids in for any coding jobs , unless they were of paticular interest to Walter , until Ralph had completed his college year .

They had been called in by Homeland for a few jobs , mainly computer problems that Walter solved in a couple of hours . One job that had required a lot more work , had been to give a seminar on ways to spot insertions of viruses into computers . Paige had actually presented the talk , following very detailed information given to her by Walter . Walter then took on the answering of questions and queries .

Richard had need of them a few times , a couple of the jobs had included trips on Richard's private jet .

Both Aneli and Ralph , would E-Mail them everyday , on weekends they both would video call , Aneli had changed her Wi-Fi provider to one in Bulgaria .

Paige had taken the time to check out colleges who did art courses , both study art history and the basic principles of actual painting .
Aneli was very excited about the propect of moving to the States to study . Paige had explained that she would not be living with Paige and Walter as she would be staying on campus , but would be welcome , at all holiday times , to come and stay with them .

The only real downside to the plan , was she would have to start as a first year student , so the college could assess Aneli abilities . When they told Ralph about Aneli , he was very pleased as it meant he would again be able to have contact with his big sis .

In Mid November among the post one day , an envelope with an Irish stamp arrived . They could tell it was not from Walter's parents by the handwriting so they were interested to open it . They both sat on the sofa , Walter using his trusty letter opener slit the envelope and removed the letter , as he flatten it , the sender became obvious , as it was on letterhead paper .

The Church of our Virgin Mary
Callen
EIRE

Priest Father O'Connor 2nd November 2020

My Dear Walter and Paige .

I hope this letter arrives , were you are both well and happy .
Following a meeting by an Eclesiastical Tribrunal to discuss the proposed , Declarations of matrimonal nullity . (Annulment . ). Taking into account the noterized statement by Mss Happy Quinn they have agreed , that what appered to be a valid marriage in the eye of the church , was not

Simply put they have given permisson for you to marry in The Church of the Virgin Mary .

This of course only applies if you still want to get married here . If you have changed your mind and wish to get married in America . I will send , with pleasure , all the official papers i have received . These you would need to provide for the priest willing to marry you .

Please let me know , at your convience , what you would like to do .

May God Be With You .
Father O'Connor

As Walter was reading the letter out to Paige , tears began to form in her eyes and slowly rolled down her cheeks .
Once Walter had finished reading the letter he put it back on the table and with a smile on his face asked ." Well what do you think ? "

Paige wiped the tears from her cheek before answering . " It is my dream come true . I knew as soon as i saw that little church , that was where my dream wedding would be . However i knew you were divorced , so that could not happen , but now it can . "

Please do not get me wrong a marriage to you even in an old shed , would be a dream marriage for me . " She leaned into him and planted a kiss on his lips .

Walter returned the kiss and for about five minutes the world around them did not exist .

When they came up for air Walter gave Paige a smile . " How about we video call mom and dad and ask them to tell Father O'Connor we are interested . We can ask mom if she can put up with three visitors for Christmas , i am sure Ralph would like to meet them .

" Mm Christmas in Ireland , i think i would like that , it would be more like some of the Christmas cards you can buy .

" Ok , it is about 8.00pm. at the farm , let me ring mom and make sure that their computer is switched on . "

Having contacted Louise , ten minutes later the video call was connected .

" Good evening mom , i trust you are well , Paige is with me . Is dad there ? "

Louise . " Hang on son , he is on his way . Good morning to you , we are fine . "

Paige . "It is good to see you again , we have some importent news to share with you .

Louise . " Oh , oh you are pregnant Paige . "

Paige . " No ! Not yet anyway , as dad arrived ? "

Louise . " Yes he has just come in from the kitchen . "

Paige . " Good evening dad . "

Sean . " Top of the morning to you both , while it is a pleasure to see you , i presume you have some news to call twice in one week . "

Paige . " Yes we have news , but also a favour to ask . We heard today from Father O'Connor that the church have anulled Walter's wedding and he as agreed we can be married at The Church Of Our Virgin Mary . "

Louise . After screaming , she started speaking again . " That is great news . When ? "

Paige . " Well , first would you please tell Father O'Connor we would love to be married in his church . Walter , cut in." We are wondering if you could manage three guests over Christmas , so we can talk to Father O'Connor ourselves . "

Louise . " Of course we can cope and it will give us a chance to know Ralph better . I will tell the Father after Sunday mass and that you will be over here for Christmas to make some arrangments . "

Paige . " Ok, we will let you go now . Will speak to you again on Sunday . "

Louise/ Sean . " Have a nice day , hear from you soon . "

At that they both signed off .
Once the video call was completed , Paige could not hide her excitment any more . She pulled Walter into a tight hug and kissed him . Still holding him tight she started to speak .
" An irish Christmas and then an early spring wedding in that beautiful cute little church . Never in my whole life have i felt this happy and excited since i gave birth to Ralph and first fell in love with you . "

Walter smiled . " An early spring wedding , i am sure we have not mentioned anything about a date for the wedding . "

Paige gave little mouth pout and in a quiet sexy voice , replied . " You would want me to be happy , don't you ? "

Walter shrugged , he knew he stood no chance of not letting Paige get her own way . " Ok , what sort of date are you thinking of ? "

Without any thought she answered . " Easter Saturday next year . "

" That seems very specific , any reason ? " Asked Walter .

" I have always dreamed of an Easter wedding . I cannot imagine anything better than one in that little church , especially with that stained glass window . "

" Well lets hope Father O'Connor will be able to accomodate us . " Replied a smiling Walter .

As Christmas came closer , Walter informed Homeland that they would be out of the country from 20th December until the 4th of January . Once they had informed Homeland , Walter contacted Richard to tell him the same . Richards immediate reaction was very surprising . He offered to fly the family to Ireland , in one of his private jets , and then send it back to them on the 3rd January and bring them back on the 4th January , allowing the pilot a rest before the return flight .

Paige was over the moon that Richard had chosen that as their christmas present .

December 18th they were waiting at LAX for Ralph's plane to land . His plane was on time and he soon appeared in the arrivals lounge . He rushed over and first hugged his mom and then his dad . Up to now they had kept the trip to Ireland from him as they wanted to tell him face to face .

Ralph was excited he would soon be meeting his grandparents , he knew Walter was not his biological father , but he was the only person he could ever call dad . As far as he was concerned his real father was nothing but a sperm donor .
But what really made him happy , was the chance of another ride on one of Richard's private jets .

December 20th .

At 9.00am. they were picked up by a car provided by Richard . The flight plan had been presented as a 10.30am. take off . Once at the airport , they were rushed through customs by one of Richard's aircrew . By 10.15 am. they were all comfortable in their seats aboard the jet .

The pilot had already told them they should be landing at Cork airport around 7.30am. on the 21st December . Another car would pick them up at 9.30am. giving them chance to have a small breakfast and clear customs .

The flight went smoothly , all three of them managed to get a few hours sleep towards the end of the flight . They were provided sandwiches and coffee , plus other snacks whenever they requested . Hot food was not available as the kitchen area on the jet was only small , they could manage toast . All the sandwiches were pre-packed and stored in a fridge . None of this worried the three passengers , it was such a honour that Richard was pleased to allow them this ride .

Again once they had landed a member of Richard's aircrew got them through customs with no problems . A driver in a chauffeur uniform was holding a card . " O'Brian Party . " The three of them walked over to him and introduced themselves . He had already got a porter waiting to take their cases to the car .

They were soon on their way and just after noon the car was pulling up at the O'Brian farm . As soon as the car stopped , Ralph opened the car door and ran towards the house , then up the steps , before he had even reached the door , the door flew open and Louise was standing there her arms outstreached ready to hug him .

Ralph ran sraight into her arms , reached around her waist with his arms to return the hug . "Pleased to meet you grandma . "

" Falte roimh garmhac beag . " ( Welcome little grandson . )

Ralph looked up at her . " Go raibh maith agat . " (Thank you . )

Louise looked at him , surprise all over her face . " You understand Gaelic ? "

" Yes i started to study it once i saw you on a video call , mom and dad do not know . So i do not speak it at home , i know dad understands it but mom does not . I have already upset her once by speaking Bulgarian to Aneli when she was staying with us and mom felt out of the conversation . So i promised only to speak it when she was not there . It is the same with Gaelic . " Ralph explained .

" You are such a considerate young man . " Said a smiling Louise .

By now Walter and Paige had arrived at the door , after making arrangements with the driver for a pick up on the 4th January .

" What a boy you have here . " Louise said as Walter and Paige arrived at the door .
" And don't i know it . " Answered a very proud Paige .

Louise released Ralph from his hug and immediatly reached out to hug Paige . " It is good to see you again , i hope your flight was good ? "

" You cannot really go wrong on a private jet , it is first class all the way . " Explained Paige .

" Private jet ! Since when did you own a private jet ? "

Paige looked across at Walter . " Didn't you explain to your parents how we were getting here ? "

" No i just sent a text to tell them we should be here about midday . " Explained Walter in a matter of fact way .

" Walter what am i going to do with you ? " Said a smiling Paige . " Maybe we should wait until we go inside and we can explain it to both of you . "

Louise let go of Paige and pulled Walter into a hug , who closed his eyes as Paige had taught him as a way of accepting physical contact .

" Good to see you son . " Louise said as she gave him a peck on his cheek . Once she released Walter , she turned and went into the house , followed by her three visitors .

Once they had finished coffee , Louise had prepared for them and Ralph had drunk his milk . The three of them were still on L.A. time which made it about 5.00am . to them . They all excused themselves so they could go for a rest in their rooms for a couple of hours .

Walter and Paige would be in Megan's old room , the room they had stayed in on their previous visit . Ralph was excited that he was going to be sleeping in Walter's old room . As soon has he he opened the door to the room his eyes saw the blueprint Walter had downloaded those many years ago , when Cabe first came into his life .

Ralph walked slowly across the room and reached out and with a certain amount of reverence he gently touched it . It felt as if he had gone back in time and was feeling exacatly what Walter had felt the first tme he had touched it . He remained perfectly still for a few minutes , a smile growing bigger on his face all the time . Eventually he lowered his arm , walked back to the door and closed it .

Looking around it seemed that he was in a time capsule , Louise seemed not to have moved anything in the room since Walter left for America . His eyes fell on Walter's old computer , the one Cabe had given him as a gift . Looking at it Ralph's first impression was that the best place for it would be the local museum . But he could not resist going over to it , sitting on the chair in front of it , switched it on . To his surprise it immediatly started to boot up , it took almost five minutes before the screen even came alive , not the few seconds Ralph was used to . Walter had password protection , so Ralph switched it off , he knew in a matter of seconds he could over ride the password , but he decided Walter's privacy was more importent . He knew when he saw Walter , the first question he would ask was could he open up his computer .

He got up of the seat and began walking around the room , next he came across a telescope . It looked an old model , but still seemed to be operable , he would ask Walter about that as well , maybe check the Irish night sky out with it . He was becoming tired by now so he made his way over to the bed , at the side of it a small bookcase . He took a quick look at the titles , his eye was caught by a book on Astrology , he pulled it out of the bookcase , lay down on the bed and began reading .

He was woken up by someone knocking on his door . " Sweetie wake up , food as been prepared , and your grandpa has a surprise for you . " Said Paige through the door .

Palph's eyes opened and he looked down and saw the Astrology book still open resting on his chest . " I will be down in five minutes . " He shouted back to her .

Paige left and made her way downstairs , were Walter was talking to his mom and dad , she walked over and joined them . Five minutes later Ralph joined them .

" Dad , your old room is great , your computer still boots up , i promise i switched it off once i saw it was password protected . I would never look at your private work , unless you told me i could . I also found an old telescope can we look at the Irish sky tonight . "

Walter was smiling all the time Ralph was talking to him . " That was considerate of you not to break my password , although i am sure you could have in a matter of seconds . We could look together some time . The Irish sky may have to wait for another night , after you see what dad as done . "

Paige had been listening to them discuss things , with a big smile on her face . " Ok , you two it will be food before anything else . Grandma as been working hard to get it ready . "

Once they had finished their meal , Ralph was keen to find out what the surprise grandpa had . Paige insisted all the table be cleared and the washing up completed first . For once Louise allowed everyone to help so the surprise could be unveiled quicker . Once all was complete , all of them made their way outside . Sean and Walter walked over to a large tarpaulin and removed it from what it was covering .

" That is a big tree . " Ralph said .

" Yes, we thought you may like to decorate it . " Sean said with a big smile on his face .

Walter looked at the smile on Ralph's face . " I think we should put Paige in charge , with Ralph as a helper . I am sure i can guarantee you will have the best decorated Christmas tree you have ever had . "

Paige was smiling as she spoke . " Walter do not exaggerate , i would love to help decorate the tree , but it should always be something all the family gets involved in "

" It's getting cold out here , so i think the first thing we need to do is get the tree inside . We can maybe discuss who decorates it once it is standing up indoors . " Louise suggested .

With a struggle Walter and Sean managed to get the tree into the farmhouse and in position in the main area of the farmhouse . Sean with help from Ralph and Walter fetched boxes of tree decorations from a cupboard in one of the barns .

Paige and Louise sorted through all of the items , Paige was trying to come up with a theme for the tree . Unfortunately they were a complete mis match of items .

" Well it looks like it will have to be a multitude of colours on the tree , but we can work with that . Ok Walter , Sean you have done your bit , so i suggest you go and play a game of chess and keep from under our feet . " Paige said with a big smile on her face .

" With pleasure . " Walter agreed .

Once they had left , Paige gave Ralph the job of sorting out the lights as they had been jumbled in storage . After about two hours the three of them stood back from the tree .
" Ralph switch the lights on . " Paige asked .

The tree seemed to come alive once the lights came on . " Walter was correct that is the best dressed Christmas tree we have ever had . " Said a very happy Louise .

Next morning after enjoying a well cooked Irish breakfast . Louise phoned Father O'Connor to see if he could see Walter and Paige today . He agreed to meet them at the church at noon .Ralph asked if he could stay and help grandpa around the farm . Louise needed to stay to begin preparation of the evening meal as Uncle Tobin , Thomas and Connor were coming , they all wanted to meet Ralph and also reconnect with Walter and Paige .

At 11.55am. Walter pulled up in the carpark at the church . They made their way to the church and were met at the door by Father O'Connor . " Good day to you both , come on in and we can have our conversation . "

" Good morning to you , thank you for seeing us today and for what you did with regard to the annulment . "

They entered the church and followed the Father into a small office at the side of the church . " I presume you want to talk about arranging your wedding . " Father O'Connor asked his face one big smile .

Walter looked at him before answering him . " That is correct , but i am going to let Paige do all the talking , she knows exactly what she wants and i do not disagree with anything she says . "

Paiges face broke into a big smile . " Thank you Walter , that was really kind of you to say that . "

Walter returned the smile . " Anything for you my love . "

Father O'Connor sat there feeling the love flowing between the two of them . " Well would you like to tell me what you have in mind . "

Paige gave him one of her cute smiles . " First let me thank you once again for the work you have put into getting us permission to marry in your beautiful , cute little church . Remembering the story you told us the last time we were here about the two angels on the double doors , just seems to make this church so special . "

Father O'Connor just nodded his head and smiled . Paige carried on talking . " I have always dreamed of a white wedding , at Easter time . Knowing how important Easter time is in the religious calendar . Would it be possible to have an Easter Saturday Wedding ? "

Father O'Connor , looked thoughtful for a moment . " Let me just check my diary . " He opened the top drawer of his desk and removed a large diary for 2021 , he flicked through to find the page he was after . " How about 1.00pm. 1st May 2021 Easter Saturday ? "

Paige's face broke into a big smile . " That would be ideal . Are you happy with that Walter ? "

Walter smiled . " If you are , i am . "

" Shall i book that date for you ? " Father O'Connor asked .

Walter and Paige said as one . " Yes , definatly . "

Before the happy couple left the church they gave both their mobile numbers in case he needed to contact them . They also advised him Louise would be in charge , under the strict instructions of Paige . The big problem with that was they had not yet even asked Louise .

Father O'Connor did have one favour to ask . " Paige , i remember the beautiful voice you have , would you please sing a solo at the Christmas midnight mass . "

Paige looked a little shocked . " I am not good enogh to sing in a church . "

Walter looked at her . " Remember you are capable of doing what ever you want . You could be a top liner at the Hollywood Bowl if you put your mind to it . " Walter told her as he reached over and gave her a kiss on the cheek .

" Thank you Walter , you can always give me confidence . Ok Father what would you like me to sing ? "

" I thought Silent Night , before i start the service . " Replied Father O'Connor .

Paige looked a little down when he suggested that carol .

" What is wrong Paige have i offended you ? " A concerned Father O'Connor asked .

" Not really , it is just i prefer O Holy Night , i just love singing that carol . " She replied .

'Walter was quick to speak up . " Why not sing both , Silent night , before the service starts , then maybe O Holy night later on in the service . "

Father O'Connor quickly picked up on this . " Well there is a point in the service that would be ideal , but i did not want to be presumptuous . As the clock finishes stricking midnight at the mass , the tree lights are switched on and that song would be ideal to be sung as the lights are switched on . " Explained Father O'Connor .

Paige looked over at Walter for guidence . All he did was to mouth " You can do it . " That was enough for Paige .

" Ok , but i will need to practise with your organist . "

Father O'Connor's face lit up as Paige agreed . " When would you like to practise ? "

" Will the church be empty Christmas Eve. morning ? " Paige asked the Father .

" Untill midday . "

" Could you arrange for the organist to be here for 10.00am . "

" let me check and i will ring you later today . "

With that Walter and Paige left and made their way back to the car .

Paige looked at Walter . " What have i just agreed to . I don't have anything to wear . "

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Loube . Good guess as to why Paige was buying Aneli so many things .
Collins Mmmm.
As they say the rafters may be a rocking .

JerBr 23 . They most definatly did , i am sure you are correct , may be not so much . The love seems to be blooming .

Margret Gautier , Chapter 26 , Aneli will be missed by everyone i am sure .

Pearliegirl . It is a pleasure . Thank you for your patience of having to wait a week between chapters . it looks like the story will now be 32/33 Chapters .

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