Marion Lennox - Stormbound Surgeon

And joy.

‘Do you take this woman…?’

‘I do.’

‘And you, Amy. Do you take this man…?’

‘I do.’

There was such love here. Who could not wish this couple all the joy in the world?

In the last few months they’d transformed Iluka into the paradise it had always promised to be. There were a few disgruntled millionaires, but even they had been known to wander down when no one was watching and buy an ice cream from Mr Whippy. Their children played with Lionel’s kites on the beach.

One of Lionel’s kites was flying now.

No. Not one. Two of Lionel’s kites. Huge box kites, being manoeuvred by children on the beach. They must have been primed by Lionel, because Lionel himself was knee deep in water, holding hands with Marigold, and beaming and beaming.

Everyone was there.

Daisy and David. Charlotte and Malcolm and tiny Ilona- Charlotte holding tight to Malcolm with a proprietorial air that said Malcolm had better not put another foot wrong if he knew what was good for him.

The look on his face said he knew very well what was good for him and he’d found it right here.

Bertram was here, though he wasn’t venturing out into the water. He had enough to contend with-a brand-new springer spaniel puppy was trying to chase his tail and the dogs were spinning in circles of delight in the sand.

Who else? So many. Mary, Sue-Ellen, Marie, Thelma, old Robbie who’d been installed as head gardener-all the people they loved were here. It was just perfect.

The ceremony was over.

‘I now pronounce you man and wife.’ The celebrant beamed as Joss lifted Amy into his arms and kissed her.

‘My wife,’ he whispered. ‘My love.’ The whole world seemed to hold its breath as their kiss sealed their vows.

Above their heads the kites intertwined-only now there were three. Three box kites spun against the sunset, each painted crimson with huge white lettering. They’d been painted in an act of love from all the residents of Iluka Nursing Home.

One spelled JOSS.

The second spelled AMY.

The final kite spelled FOR EVER.