CHAPTER EIGHTY-ONE

A WEEK AND A HALF LATER

It was early morning and Jack and Martha were lying in bed together; enjoying the peace and quiet. Laila was fast asleep in her crib, and they were taking the chance to spend some alone time together.

In a few hours time, things were going to get hectic. The wedding was in two days and they needed to get the last few things organized. Her other two brothers Dave and Greg; and Greg's wife Lisa and their one year old son Zac, would be arriving later that afternoon.

"I can't wait to see the boys," Martha told Jack; her head resting on his chest. "I'll finally get to meet Lisa and little Zac. It's exciting," she said.

"I'm looking forward to meeting them all too. I just hope they think I'm worthy," Jack laughed.

Martha smiled. "Of course they will. You get on well with Macca, so you'll get on well with them too," she told Jack.

"So are they staying here while they're visiting?" Jack then asked.

Martha nodded. "Greg, Lisa and Zac are going to stay in Laila's room. Your dad is going to bring over the sofa bed from his place, so I can put it in the room," she explained. "Davie is going to stay at the apartment with grandad and Macca. And mum is going to go and stay at Sal's for a few days," she finished.

"Speaking of Sal's; are you staying there tomorrow night? Coz you know the bride and groom aren't allowed to spend the night with each other," Jack laughed.

"Actually, I'll be staying next door," Martha smiled.

"Does that mean one of us could sneak over the fence to see the other during the night?" Jack joked.

"You could try but you'd probably die," Martha grinned. "My brothers would kill you if they found you sneaking around in the night trying to get to me," she told him.

"Well then, maybe we should make up for that time now," Jack smirked down at Martha.

"What did you have in mind?" Martha asked in a husky voice.

Jack wrapped his arms around Martha's waist and pulled her closer to him; holding her tightly against his body. "Maybe I should just show you," he growled playfully in her ear as he peppered tiny kisses down her neck.

"Okay," Martha giggled as Jack began to show her how much he loved her.

8888888888888888888888888888888888888888888

Alf, Roo and Macca had gathered at Jack and Martha's place. They were sitting and chatting patiently together; waiting for the rest of the MacKenzie's to arrive. Except Martha who was anxiously pacing back and forth across the room.

"Will you please sit down," Macca urged.

"Sorry, I'm just really looking forward to seeing them. It's been so long," Martha exclaimed.

"They'll be here soon," Jack smiled at her as he walked passed and went to the front door. "Infact, a car is pulling up into the drive way right now," he turned around and told Martha.

Martha gave out a little squeal and jumped up and down on the spot. "Go and get Laila," she said to Jack as she took off out the front door. The others closely followed behind.

"Davie," Martha screeched as she threw herself at the closest brother.

"Hey bug," he smiled as he wound his arms around her and hugged her.

Greg coughed and cleared his throat; trying to get Martha's attention. He looked at Dave and pushed him away. "How about you shove off and let the oldest and most handsome brother get a hug," he laughed. He then looked down at Martha and scooped her into a hug. "Miss me?" he asked.

"Tons," Martha answered as she held him tight. "I see you haven't changed muchYou're still totally up yourself," she laughed as she pulled away from him.

"I try," Greg exclaimed with a grin.

The next few minutes were spent introducing everyone. Martha's brothers were really excited about meeting her biological family, and they were especially excited about seeing little Laila.

They had all now gone inside and Jack was passing beers around. "He seems like a good bloke," Dave whispered to Martha after Jack gave him a beer.

"He is. Why do you think I'm marrying him," Martha said with a laugh.

The rest of the afternoon was spent getting to know each other, and talking about old times. Martha's brothers told all sorts of embarrassing stories about her. Tony, Lucas, Ric and the Hunters all dropped in to say hello. Jack was getting on really well with her brothers and she couldn't have been happier. And Martha really liked Lisa, and little Zac was such a cutie.

They were all like one big happy family now.

8888888888888888888888888888888888888888

PLEASE REVIEW