HAPPY ANNIVERSARY

A JAKE MITCHELL STORY

(SEQUEL TO "IN SICKNESS AND IN HEALTH")

By Beej

“So, how are we getting everyone up to Cloud’s Creek?”

“Hmm?” Jake lazily replied. He glanced over at the clock on the night stand. 1:15am, and he had just made love with his beautiful wife. Now, instead of relaxing in his warm embrace, she lay with her head on his chest, asking questions, while at the same time totally distracting him as she drew lazy circles with her fingers, lower and lower, across his abdomen, belly…

He groaned when she reached a sensitive spot, and she smiled, lifting her hand to caress his cheek before raising herself up to kiss him.

“I love you, Aaron Mitchell.”

“I love you back, Angeline Mitchell.”

Angie sighed contentedly and snuggled down beside Jake.

“Now, do you really want to discuss travel arrangements in the middle of the night? Angel?”He looked down at the silent form beside him, smiling as he watched her sleep. Kissing the top of her head, he settled down next to her and sleep soon claimed him, too.

The sun rose early on the clear, late summer morning in Sydney, and Angie stretched slowly as the raucous shouts of the local flock of cockatoos came through the open balcony window. Reaching out, she realised she was alone in the king-sized bed.

Just then, the bedroom door opened and Jake walked in carrying a heavily-laden tray. Stopping long enough to kiss her good morning, he carried it on out onto the balcony.

“Good morning, AJ. What have I done to deserve this?”

“You looked so beautiful sleeping there, I thought I’d treat you to brekkie on the balcony.”

“We have a balcony downstairs too, lover.”

“I know, but this one’s closer to the bed,” Jake replied, grinning broadly.

“Have you forgotten that little thing called work?” Angie asked, slapping Jake’s bum playfully.

“Ah, right…okay then, better eat up, have a shower, and get ready to face the world.”

“I have to pop in to see Drew later this morning. Will you be free for lunch?”

“If you don’t mind sharing me with Jin. Why the trip to Drew, you feeling crook?”

“Of course I don’t mind Jenny being there. In fact, I need to speak with her. I think we may be in need of her organisational skills, and I’m fine. I just need to check that Drew has his locum

all arranged for the trip. It’s only three weeks away, remember.”

“Righto. I’ll warn Jin that it’s going to be a working lunch, then.”

They chatted their way through a leisurely breakfast, and Jake reluctantly turned down the offer of a shared shower, realising that would make him even later than he was going to be already. As he came out of the bathroom, Angie reminded him of his promise to Star about running to work with her, so he dressed in his shorts, vest and trainers. Angie kissed him goodbye at the door and went out to the balcony. About five minutes later she saw Jake and Star emerge from the middle entrance of the wharf. They both looked up at her and waved, then trotted down past the other apartments and onto the boardwalk. Angie watched them run up the steps to the roof garden above the apartments across the marina and waved again before they disappeared from view.

Jake tried to take Star’s backpack from her, but she refused, telling him she was used to running with it, and as it was going to be a hot day, it only contained a lightweight skirt and top and sandals, plus her purse. They ran down the fire stairs and out to the marina. After turning and waving to Angie, they headed off. They didn’t stop until they reached the main road, running on the spot as they waited for the light to change at the crossing.

“Road or garden?”

“Garden, please,” Star smiled.

As the lights changed, they ran across the road, up the steps and through the Woolloomooloo gates into the Botanical Gardens. It was hot already so they took the path under the trees, cutting through the outdoor area of the café, waving to the staff as they passed, then around the ponds and across the grass to the harbour wall. Turning left, they kept to the path until they reached the iron gates of the garden entrance by the Opera House, then it was a short run down to Circular Quay, where they stopped as Jake bought two bottles of water. Star drank all of hers, but Jake drank half and poured the rest over his head. Star smiled at the looks of appreciation Jake got from the commuters as they passed, both female and male, and wondered if he realised the effect he had on the locals. As he trotted back from disposing of the empty bottles and smiled at her, she decided that he was oblivious to the attention he was getting.

Refreshed, they started off again, and about 5 minutes later arrived at the office building. Jake jokingly challenged Star to take the stairs, then grinned as he went straight to the lift, much to her relief.

Star headed for the girls' rest room to shower and change while Jake chased Jenny around her desk trying to hug her while he was all hot and sweaty. She eventually ordered him into his office to shower and dress in his private bathroom. Ten minutes later, he emerged fresh and dry, in a dark grey business suit. Giving Jenny a good morning kiss on the cheek, he warned her that Angie would be joining them for lunch, and went to get a cuppa before starting the day. Coming back with a steaming mug in each hand, he motioned for Jenny to join him in his office.

“Did you and Star have a nice run in?”

“Yes, thanks, Luv. It could have been a bit longer, though. Maybe I’ll take the scenic route home,” Jake smiled, sipping his tea.

“So, what’s the order of business today, boss?”

“I think we need to get as much done before lunch as we possibly can.”

“Okay, does that mean we’re in for a long working lunch?”

“You got that right...most likely go on all this arvo. She’s beginning to stress out over the anniversary weekend, and needs you to get me organised,” Jake winked.

For once, nothing interrupted their work and the morning flew by. A knock on the door told them it was lunchtime, and Angie came in the office smiling. Kissing Jake, she turned to Jenny.

“G’Day, Jenny. Did Jake warn you I was coming to lunch?”

“He certainly did. Do you want to eat out, or shall I get something delivered?”

“It’s a wonderful day, could we go out to eat?”

“Yeah, a sanger in the park sounds good,” Jake joked, getting a punch from both the girls. “Okay, I’ll call Doyle’s and see if they have an outside table available.”

They were soon in Jenny’s car and on their way to Watson’s Bay, having warned Star that they may be late back and asking her to take messages. After enjoying their meal, Jake decided it was too nice to go back to the office, so called letting them know he and Jenny wouldn’t be back. Then they headed back to the wharf, Jake having said that the apartment would be a lot better place to thrash out all the details for the upcoming party weekend.

“Okay, Jake. The first thing we need to find out is how many are coming over from Chicago, and when. Then we can work on the Sydney list.”

“I’ll put in a call later and get Mike to confirm. The weekend crew said they are all willing to man the office here from Thursday to Tuesday if that will help, so anyone that wants to come can spend Thursday getting ready for the flight on Friday, and we can arrange a Monday evening flight back down as they won‘t have to work Tuesday. I know it’s a short hop, but I’m sure they’ll need a day to recover. Angie and I are driving up on the Thursday, and I’d like to take Star up with us as we flew up last time. I haven’t told her yet, but I think she’ll enjoy the ride.”

“I spoke to Drew this morning,” Angie added. “He said that he’s arranged practise cover from Thursday to Tuesday, so he would like to come up with us as well, if that’s okay.”

“The more, the merrier,” Jake laughed. “You want to squeeze in with us, Jin?”

“No, I’ll come up on Friday on the plane. Someone has to organise the rabble down here,” Jenny grinned.

“Okie dokie, so all we really need to do is get the numbers so that we know what size plane to charter.”

“Aren’t you using the company jet?”

“No, I want Jim and the boys to be able to enjoy themselves if they are coming up and not worry about having to fly people home again.”

“That’s nice, Jake,” Angie said, squeezing his hand as she rose to get some drinks from the kitchen.

At 6:00pm, Jake made the call to Chicago, to be told Mike was in a lunch meeting. Roxanne promised to get him to call back as soon as he could. Jake asked her to make sure he called around 5:00pm local, just before he left the office, as Jake was taking Jenny and Angie for an early dinner. The girls grabbed their bags and soon found themselves sitting outside at Otto’s. Jenny was delighted as she didn’t get to eat there too often with her boss since he didn’t like getting dressed up, but as they were still in their business clothes, they were suitable for the ‘casual/smart’ dress code. They were back in the apartment well before Mike was due to call, and Jenny agreed to stay and take notes.

“Don’t you trust me to get it right, Luv?” Jake quipped.

“Of course I do, Jake. It’s your writing I don’t trust,” Jenny giggled in reply.

“Don’t think you can’t be fired,” Jake glared.

“Who would make your tea the way you like if I was?” she replied innocently.

“Fair go,” Jake winked. “I’d be up to my ears in English marmalade if I got rid of you as well, wouldn’t I. Speaking of which…” Jake jumped up from the sofa and vanished into the kitchen store room. Coming back with a miniature wicker picnic hamper, he handed it to Jenny and smiled. “I saw this, and thought of you,” he said, kissing her on the cheek.

Jenny opened the lid and her face lit up with a smile. Inside was not only her favourite brand of marmalade, but also some plum and strawberry conserve, in a brand she loved and hadn’t seen since the last time she was in England on holiday. She remembered mentioning them to Jake when she got back. He must have made a mental note of them to add to the marmalade that he had shipped over just for her. Angie grinned, knowing that she got the same response from Jake when she gave him a bag of pineapple lumps from New Zealand. She also knew that he was the same as Jenny in the way he missed things from home if he had to be in the Chicago office for too long. She never worried about him being at the London office as she knew that he could always go to the Aussie and New Zealand shops to stock up on his favourite food from home.

Jenny was still thanking Jake for the gift when the phone rang. Angie answered it and smiled when she heard the voice at the other end of the line. “Hi, Mike. How are you?”

“I’m good, Angie. Is the big guy there?”

“Yes, hang on,” Angie answered, passing the handset across to Jake as he flopped down beside her.

“G’Day, Mike. Thanks for calling back.”

“Hey, your wish is my command, o great one. So, what’s up…and don’t you dare say the sky.”

Jake laughed before answering. “I’m gonna put you on speaker phone, mate. Jinny’s here to take notes.”

“The message didn’t say this was serious,” Mike said, suddenly subdued.

“It’s not, mate. It’s just that a certain p.a. of mine has informed me that she’s not convinced of my note taking skills or of her ability to read my writing.”

“If she can’t do that after all these years, there’s no hope that she’ll start any time soon,” Mike laughed.

“All right, you two, enough larking around. Let’s get this meeting to order,” Angie said.

“Yes, ma'am,” came a reply in stereo.

“Mike, it’s only three weeks before the party. Jenny has agreed to help a certain person get himself organised. How on earth he manages to run a multi-national company is beyond me when he can’t seem to work out travel arrangements for our guests.”

“Oi!” Jake replied, throwing a cushion at Angie.

“Seriously, Mike. What we really need from you is a list of who’s coming over, and when you’re going to arrive, then we can work out flight charters this end.”

“Oh, right. You had me worried for a bit there, guys. Well, as far as I know it will just be the four from here, Alex, Roxanne, Tori and me. If Jim can get over here the end of next week, we can make a mini vacation out of it. I’ve got our cover all arranged already.”

“Good oh. I’ll just wait while Jin writes that down…ouch!” Jake yelped as Jenny slapped him. “I’ll speak with Jim in the morning and arrange a suitable day for him to leave, and get back to you tomorrow. Maybe when you go back you can take Jin with you and leave me with Alex. She’s getting violent over here.”

“No way, big guy. You deserve each other. She and Angie are the only ones who can keep you under control. So, is there anything else before I head out?”

“Don’t think so, Mike, unless these two lovely ladies have anything,” Jake replied, looking over at Angie and Jenny shaking their heads. “No, the bosses say it’s okay for you to go, mate. I’ll speak with you tomorrow. Enjoy your evening.”

“Night all. I’ll see you ladies next week.”

“Night, Mike,” both girls replied.

“Well, that was painless, wasn’t it? Didn’t really need any notes at all, did we. I’ll give London

a quick call and get their numbers, then we can get Jim to fly back via there and bring them all down together.”

Jake called the London office and  managed to persuade his manager there that it would be a good idea to allow Jason, Lynn and Marie to have some time off to come back home to Oz for a couple of weeks. He smiled, thinking it would be a nice surprise for them as they hadn’t been home for months, and they would be able to come to the farm for the party weekend and still have time to visit their families before he arranged for them to fly back to London.

By the time he’d finished his calls, it was getting quite late and he was loathe to let Jenny go home on her own. She insisted that he didn’t need to follow her home, reminding him that she had a garage door opener in the car and could get into the house through the garage, so wouldn’t be out on the street. She smiled to herself at his concern, especially as she lived in a very safe area of Sydney, but she knew he would never change. Angie came to her aid, and Jake crumpled under they dual attack, finally agreeing to let her drive home alone, on the promise that she would call him when she got in.

“And you call me mum!” she laughed, kissing him on the cheek and promising that she would do as he asked. She kissed Angie goodnight at the door, and allowed Jake to walk her down to the parking area, thanking him for the dinner as he held her door open for her.

“Drive safely, Luv,” Jake said, waving as she drove through the security gate, along the wharf service road and out onto Cowper Road. He went back up to the apartment to await her call. Twenty minutes later the phone rang, and satisfied that she was safely home, Jake and Angie went upstairs to bed.

The days flew by, but Jake was pleased to see that Angie was a lot calmer, secure in the knowledge that Jenny had taken over all the anniversary arrangements. Jake and Jenny were both happy for her to believe that was the way of things if it was making her happy. In reality, Jake had finalised all the plans by the end of February, but enjoyed winding Angie up…to a point.

The noise from reception was overpowering. Jake got up from his desk and made his way to his office door. Looking out, he smiled, realising what the commotion was all about. The gang had arrived from London and Chicago.

“Hey, Jake,” they all called out on spotting him.

“You weren’t meant to be here for another couple of days.”

“Yeah, well we tweaked your travel plans a bit,” Mike replied, giving Jake a hug. “We flew the London guys direct to LAX, then we all flew down to meet them. It saved Jim having to fly from Chicago to London, then the long way down to Sydney.”

“Good thinking, Batman. It’s great to see you all. We’ve got a suite at The Blue for Rox and Alex,” he said, smiling at the two girls. “And you three have the choice of rooms at The Blue, or taking the opportunity to visit with the folks while you’re here,” he told the London crew.

They all decided it would be cool to stay at the hotel, grinning and promising they would also make time to visit their families before they had to fly back to London.

“Okie dokie then, Jinny will sort you all out. Just make sure you’re all in the bar at 7:30 this evening…dinner’s on me.”

“Great, beef tigers all round from Harry’s,” Marie cheered.

“Well, if that’s what you want, Luv, I can get that organised for you while the rest of us go for a sit down meal,” Jake grinned.

“Go bite yer bum, boss. If you’re paying, we want posh.”

“Well, dress up nice and I’ll see what I can do,” Jake winked. “Now, off you go and get settled and I’ll see you this evening.”

Jake headed back to his office and opened the top drawer of his desk. Turning, he handed a key to Mike, who had followed him, then noticed someone else standing by the office door.

“G’Day, Ria,” he said, walking over to Tori and giving her a hug. “You keeping the old man in his place?”

“Hi, Jake,” Tori hugged him back. “He’s definitely a work in progress, but he’s getting there.”

“Yeah, it’s a shit job, but someone has to do it,” Jake ducked as Mike threw a mock punch at him.

“I see we’re in the East apartment again. Is Star still in 412?”

“Yeah, she is. You got a problem with that?”

“Not at all. It’s not worth her looking for anything more permanent.”

Jake smiled but said nothing, making a mental note to speak to Mike about Star when they got back from the farm.

As promised, Jake treated everyone to a splendid dinner that evening. He’d reserved private dining at ‘Guillame at Bennelong’, situated in the southern shell of the Opera House. It was a wonderful surprise as they all knew Jake’s restaurant of choice was Kingsley’s on the wharf. They enjoyed the meal and the spectacular views. Tori was so enthralled that she almost forgot to eat.

It was a lovely evening and they all decided to walk back to the wharf, enjoying the cooling breeze as they walked through the Domain, then down the steps and across the road back to the boardwalk. They split into two groups outside the hotel, those staying there saying goodnight and heading in through the large glass front doors, while the rest of the group turned back towards the boardwalk and down past the restaurants and marina until they got to the central entrance to the private apartments, ending up at Jake’s for coffee.

******

Dee and Sandi had the morning off. They told Jenny that they needed to buy the birthday and anniversary gifts before they headed up to the farm at the weekend. Star was more than happy to take over the reception and phone duties until they got in. She smiled as she saw Mike walk out of the lift and head her way.

Jenny came out of Jake’s office and noticed Mike talking with Star. She watched as the smile faded from Star’s face, and thought she was about to cry. Mike turned and saw her, smiled, and went into Jake’s office. She went over to Star, who had a look of despair on her face.

“What’s wrong, Star?”

“Jenny, I know the girls aren’t due in until after lunch, but I think I need to get back to the apartment. I’m not feeling too well.”

“Of course. Don’t worry, I can man the phones. We need you fit for the weekend.”

She watched as Star smiled weakly at her and then rushed off, noting that she had said she needed to get back to the apartment, not that she needed to go home. Jenny didn’t think Star was sick at all, and wondered what was really going on.

She was sitting behind the reception desk about twenty minutes later when Jake stuck his head out of his door.

“Where’s Star?” he asked, walking over.

“I sent her home, she said she wasn’t feeling well.”

“She said?”

“Yes, something isn’t right, Jake. She was fine this morning, full of beans. It all seemed to change after Mike spoke with her.”

Jake turned to go back to his office.

“Are you going to ask him what’s going on?”

“No, I’m going to ask him to hold the fort while I nip out for a bit. I’ll go home and see how Star’s going.”

“Right. If Mike asks, I’ll tell him she’s running an errand for me.”

“Ta, Luv,” Jake smiled, leaning over the reception desk to kiss Jenny on the cheek. “I’ll let you know what’s wrong as soon as I get to the bottom of it.”

Jake went to his own apartment first, surprising Angie as she came out of the laundry room.

“Hey, darling. What are you doing home?”

Kissing her, he smiled slightly before replying. “I may need your help, Luv. Star came home sick, but Jin doesn’t think she’s ill at all. She said everything was fine until Star spoke with Mike.”

“Oh, lord, you want me to come with you to check she’s okay?”

“Yes, please. You know I’m a coward when there’s a risk of tears.”

“You’re the bravest man I know, but of course I’ll come with you,” Angie said, squeezing Jake’s hand in support.

Pausing only to grab a duplicate key to Star’s apartment, “Just in case,” he told Angie, they headed off along the walkway to 412. Jake knocked, looking askance at Angie as it remained firmly closed.

“Are you sure she came back here?”

“That’s what she told Jinny…hold on, I think I heard something.”

He knocked again, louder this time, and called Star’s name, but there was only silence. Angie nodded encouragingly as he took the key from his pocket and placed it in the lock. He opened the door slowly, calling out once again as they both entered. They went down the steps from the entrance hall into the dining area and stopped dead…There were packing cases on the dining chairs.

“What the fuck…STAR!!”

Angie put her hand on his arm. “Jake, listen.”

They heard a slight noise from the bedroom. It sounded like a sob. Jake went over to the closed doors and tapped lightly. “Star?” No answer. He looked over to Angie, who nodded for him to continue. He pulled the folding doors open to reveal Star…sitting on the bed, surrounded by clothes, an open case on the floor at her feet. Her hands covered her face and she was weeping.

In two strides Jake was by her side, sweeping aside a mound of clothes to sit on the bed next to her. He gently pulled her hands away from her face. Holding them, he spoke softly.

“Baby, what’s wrong? What’s with all the boxes, and why are you crying?”

Star sniffed, wiping her nose with the back of her hand until Jake gave her his handkerchief. She took a deep breath and sighed.

“Feeling better now,. Luv?”

She nodded slowly and turned to face her boss. She opened her mouth to explain, but when she looked at him and saw the worry in his eyes, her tears overflowed once again and she found herself sobbing bitterly into his chest as his strong arms encircled her protectively. He gazed over her head at Angie, who looked as worried as he felt. She moved to sit the other side of Star, and placed a hand on her shoulder.

“Star, we’re here to help you, honey. Please tell us what happened.”

Star turned towards her and tried to speak, but all they could make out amongst the sobs and hiccoughs was one word, “Mike”. Angie looked up at Jake and saw his expression harden. Asking her to stay with Star, he moved out to the balcony, cell phone in hand.

“Yo, Jake,” Mike said, checking the caller ID on his phone.

“Mike, get your arse over to my place…NOW!”

“What’s up?”

“We’ll talk when you get here.” Jake ended the call and headed back to the bedroom.

“Star, Angie is going to stay with you while I sort things out, whatever they are. You okay with that?”

Star nodded and smiled as Jake went into the kitchen to put the kettle on. Making them a hot drink, he kissed them both on the cheek and headed back to his apartment to wait for Mike. He was leaning on the balcony rail deep in thought, when he spotted Mike jogging down past the restaurants. He went inside to wait for the security phone to buzz.

Opening the door before Mike had a chance to knock, Jake stood back to let him in. Mike smiled at him and went to sit on one of the twin sofas.

“What’s the emergency, Jake?”

“What the fuck did you say to Star?” Jake demanded.

“What do you mean?”

“She’s in her apartment sobbing her heart out, packing boxes everywhere, looking ready to do a runner, that’s what I mean.”

“I don’t under…wait up. I jokingly asked her when she was going to get her ass back to Chicago.”

“You sure you made it sound like a joke, mate?”

Mike rubbed his face with his hands and looked up at his friend. “I’m certain I did, Jake. You know my sense of humor.”

“Yeah, but does Star? She’s been down here with us longer than she was in Chicago. Seems like she doesn’t know you as well as you think.”

“What can I do?”

“Come with me now and let’s try to sort things out.”

They reached Star’s apartment and found her on the sofa safely wrapped in Angie’s arms. She looked up and smiled at Jake, but the smile quickly faded when she saw Mike.

“Star, I’m sorry if I upset you. I was just kidding around.”

Angie stood and walked over to the kitchen telling everyone she would make them all a hot drink before they sat down to work things out. Cups in hand, they all got comfortable, Jake and Angie together on one sofa, Star on the other facing them across the coffee table, and Mike on a dining chair, deciding to give Star some space. Jake asked her to explain why she was so upset.

“I know I only came down to Sydney to gain more experience with the company,” she began, nervously twisting the handkerchief Jake had given her earlier. “But I’ve been here so many months now, and have been treated like one of the family since getting off the plane, and I’m learning so much from Brian and everyone else in the office,” she paused for breath. “I was kind of hoping at the back of my mind that there may be the possibility of transferring here permanently.”

She looked at the three people watching her in silence. Angie was smiling in delight, Jake had the look of a proud older brother, and Mike looked as if he’d been slapped in the face with a wet fish.

“Did you know about this, Jake?” he asked when he finally found his voice.

“No, but it sounds like a bloody good idea to me, “ he beamed. “When were you going to let us in on it, Luv?”

“Well,” Star continued, “I thought I would wait until we got back from the farm so that Mike would know before he headed back. Then he asked me when I was going to get back to Chicago and all my hopes were dashed. I just panicked and ran. I thought my dream was shattered, so decided the best thing to do was pack up everything and go back right away.”

Jake and Mike saw the tears at the same time and both rushed over to comfort her, Jake gave her a hug while Mike sat on the coffee table in front of her, holding her hands and rubbing them gently.

“Honey, if I’d had any idea that you wanted to stay I wouldn’t have joked about you going back to the States. We wouldn’t force you to do anything you don’t want to. If Jake says there’s a permanent spot for you here then I’ll do my best to see if there’s anyone who can replace you back home.”

“Really?” Star asked hopefully.

“Really, truly. Your happiness comes first, and Jake tells me you’re becoming quite a wiz with the books, so my annual trip for the audit should run even smoother than usual.” He leaned forward to kiss her on the cheek. “Forgive me?”

Star giggled looking at his puppy dog eyes. “How can I not,” she laughed in reply.

“Okay, crisis over. Now we need to find out if Jake wants you to stay.”

“Bloody oath! I feel I need to apologise as well, though. I’ve been thinking of asking you if you wanted to stay for a while now. If I’d mentioned it to Mike earlier this would never had happened. I’d already got Jinny to get ready to apply for a change in your visa, so I can get her to go ahead with that right away.”

Star got up and hugged Jake. “Not that there’s any reason, but you’re forgiven too, boss. Now I guess I should carry on packing and look for another apartment as soon as we get back after the weekend.”

Jake let go of Star and moved back to the corner of the sofa. “Aren’t you happy here. Luv? You had the place looking like your own.”

“Oh Jake, I love it here, but it’s a company apartment so you’ll be needing it for others.”

“We’ve managed all these months with you here. We have the other apartment on the east side remember. However, if it makes you feel better we can find somewhere else for you to live…or I can start charging you rent.”

“Oh, yes, please. That would be wonderful. I’d love to stay here and be your tenant,” she cried, wrapping her arms around his neck. Everyone laughed when Jake said that was the first time asking for money had elicited such a favourable response.

Crisis over, Jake declared the rest of the day a holiday, and after calling Jenny to let her know what was happening, they all set to helping Star unpack everything and get the apartment back the way she liked it. A job well done, they all headed down to the garage and piled into Jake’s car for the trip to Watson’s bay and lunch at Doyle’s.

******

“Angie, you ready. Luv?”

“Just about,” Angie called from the bedroom. She came out, dragging her suitcase behind her. Jake sprinted up the stairs to take it from her, setting it down just inside the front door.

“Why do you have to take so much stuff when you have wardrobes full at the farm?” he asked teasingly.

“It’s a girl thing,” Angie laughed.

“Right. Wait here, I’ll go get Drew.”

Drew was coming out of his door as Jake reached his apartment, smiling as he slung his bag over his shoulder.

“All set, Drew?”

“Yep, raring to go, mate.”

“Okie dokie, we just need to get Star and we can head out.”

Jake picked up his kit bag, grabbed the handle of Angie’s case, and they all walked along to Star’s apartment. Angie knocked on the door and it burst open to reveal a beaming Star, bag in hand.

“Can I take your bag?” Drew asked, stepping forward, smiling down at Star.

“Thanks, that’s kind of you,” she replied shyly, handing over her luggage.

Angie nudged Jake and he winked back at her. They all headed down to the car, and were soon on their way north up the coast road.

“Sorry I made you get up so early folks, but hopefully we should get there early this arvo as we’ll miss most of the heavy traffic.”

“I’m an early riser, Jake, so it was no problem. Thanks again for letting me come with you, I thought I was going to get the plane with the others.”

“No worries, Star. I thought you might enjoy seeing a bit of the country on the way up this time.”

“Not that you’ll be able to see much more than a blur, the speed Jake drives,” Angie quipped.

“Nice car, Jake,” Drew said, rapidly changing the subject. “I’ve only seen it parked up before now.”

“It’s not bad, is it? Make the most of it, though. When we get to the farm, I’ll be using the 4WD.”

“Don’t worry, Drew,” Angie smiled from the passenger seat. “The 4WD is top of the range too.”

“I don’t doubt that. I’m just surprised it’s not a beamer.”

“What is it with everyone thinking I only drive a BMW?” Jake asked, smiling when he was reminded by everyone that he still had his BMW Roadster parked at the wharf.

The car was filled with talk and laughter as they made their way north. They stopped in Newcastle for breakfast, and were on their way again within an hour. Star loved watching the scenery go by, and was surprised how comfortable she was sitting next to Drew on the journey. She usually found it so hard to talk to people she didn’t know, and although she’d been in Sydney for months now, she had only seen Drew in passing, and he usually seemed in too much of a hurry to do anything more than nod to her.

Jake and Angie were talking quietly to each other when Angie put her hand on Jake’s shoulder. “Listen,” she said.

“What? I don’t hear anything.”

“Exactly. Our early birds have flaked out.”

Jake looked in the rear view mirror at the two silent passengers in the back seat. Both were fast asleep, Star’s head resting on Drew’s shoulder. Jake grinned at Angie and turned the CD player on low, as Angie reclined her seat and soon joined Star and Drew in slumber.

Star and Drew both woke up as the car pulled off the road and stopped. They sat up and watched in silence as Jake and Angie opened their doors and got out. They walked round the front of the car and returned to the open doors, this time, Angie sat in the driver’s seat with Jake taking the passenger side. Drew and Star looked at each other with the same question on their lips. Before they could say anything, Jake turned and spoke to them.

“Sorry to wake you sleeping beauties. We always swap seats when we get to this point in the journey.”

“But we’re almost there,” Drew replied looking out of the front window at the rise in the road ahead. Then it dawned on him. “Ah, I understand, mate.”

“I don’t,” Star cut in. “Could someone tell me what’s happening?”

“Jake had a bad car wreck at the top of this rise, Star,” Angie explained. “He and Mike were forced off the road. Since then, he’s not been able to drive this stretch of the road. Once over the rise, we’ll be just outside Cloud’s Creek. We’ll stop for a cuppa there, then Jake will drive the rest of the way to the farm.”

“We don’t need to stop if we’re that close, do we?”

“We certainly do, Star, “Jake said, smiling. “You haven’t tasted tea until you’ve had a cup of Mary’s Special from the tea shop. Besides, she’d be mortified if she knew we’d driven by without stopping. It will also give me a chance to get myself together, mate.”

“I understand, Jake,” Star answered, placing her hand on Jake’s shoulder. “Lead me on to this tea room, then.”

Jake was bathed in sweat by the time Angie pulled up outside Mary’s Tea Room. He took a minute to calm down before they all piled out of the car and entered the small café, finding a table by the window. Mary rushed over when she saw who her customers were, giving Angie and Jake a hug and a kiss, and smiling as Jake introduced Star and Drew.

“You staying long, Luv?” Mary asked when she brought their order.

“Just the weekend, Mary. Most likely go back down to Sydney on Monday or Tuesday. Haven’t decided yet,” Jake told her, rising to take the tray from her while she moved the small vase of flowers from the middle of the table.

“Well, I’ll see you on Saturday, and I hope you’ll call in on the way back down south. I can make up some travel packs for you all.”

“Mary, you spoil me. I think I’ll adopt you as me mum,” Jake grinned, watching Mary blush at his remark.

They all returned to the car and it wasn’t too long before they reached the farm. Jake and Drew started unloading while Angie and Star went into the kitchen to find Emily.

“Hello, darling. You made good time,” Emily said, giving Angie a hug and a kiss. “Star, welcome back, it’s good to see you again.”

“Hello, Dr. Mitchell. It was lovely to be invited.”

“Oh, Star. It wouldn’t be a celebration without you. Aaron thinks the world of you, did you know?”

“Emily, you’ll make her blush if you’re not careful. I think she knows how we all feel about her. Where’s Sam , by the way?”

“Oh, he’s down by the pool supervising the marquee people. I should think he’ll be along directly as he most likely heard the car. Star, would you like a drink?”

“Oh, thank you, Dr. Mitchell. Please let me help,” Star replied, grabbing the kettle off the range and going to the sink to fill it.

“You fit your name well, child. You certainly are a Star,” Emily smiled.

Just then the boys crashed through the kitchen door with the bags. Jake dropped what he was carrying to pick up his Grandmother and swing her round.

“G’Day, beautiful. How’s my best girl?”

“Aaron, it’s lovely to have you home. I’m wonderful now that you’re here,” Emily replied, smiling at her grandson. “Now, if you’d like to put me down, Star and I will make us all a nice hot cuppa. Why don’t you go get your uncle?”

“Right oh. Can you let Drew know which rooms you have for him and Star, then he can take the bags down?”

“Of course. G’Day, Drew. It’s good to see you again. Come with me and I’ll show you where you can put the bags.”

“Thanks, Dr. Mitchell. It’s nice to be here. It’s been too long since I came up last. Hopefully I won’t have to wait until Jake’s next birthday to see you again.”

Jake smiled at the rapport between his friend and his grandmother, then turned to go out and find his uncle. Just as he reached the door, his way was barred by someone rushing in.

“G’Day, sport. Trust you to get here when most of the work is done.”

“Hey, Uncle Sam,” Jake grinned, ducking the slap Sam was about to give him for calling him ‘uncle’. “I thought you’d enjoy taking all the glory for the success of the weekend.”

Sam laughed in reply, remarking that the weekend hadn’t started yet, and offered to take Jake and Angie out to see the marquee. When he was told that Star was making tea, he changed his mind and decided that a drink was much more important than looking at an empty tent. Emily and Drew came back into the kitchen and they all sat round the table catching up on what was happening in their lives.

Later, they all went out to the pool area to see where the party would be taking place. Star was amazed at how large the marquee was, and wondered just how many people would turn up. Angie turned to her, knowing that she was worrying about meeting strangers.

“Don’t worry, Star. You’ll know most of the guests, but a lot of the neighbours will be coming as well. I’ll make sure that you’re not overwhelmed by it all. Everyone is really friendly around here and it’s just like a big family. Just stay close to the people you know and you’ll be right.”

“I’ll look after you, Star.” They both turned to see Drew smiling down at Star. “It will be my pleasure to be your escort to the party.”

Star smiled up at Drew. She couldn’t believe that the handsome doctor was willing to keep her company during the weekend.

“Drew’s taken a shine to Star,” Angie said as she and Jake lay in bed that night.

“What makes you say that, Luv?”

“When we were by the pool I could see Star was worrying about meeting all the people that were going to be at the party, and Drew said he would love to be her escort.”

“You match making again, Angel?”

“Nope…didn’t have to this time. Drew did it all on his own. I thought there was something by the way he was talking to her on the trip up, and you saw the way she fell asleep on his shoulder.”

“Well, it’s a good thing that she’s staying in Sydney then, isn’t it? Long distance romances are

a bitch,” Jake giggled, hugging Angie to him. “Don’t go jumping the gun, though. He’s only just started talking to her so I don’t think wedding bells are in the air, do you?”

Angie just smiled and hugged her husband back. She soon fell asleep, thinking of how good the weekend was going to be.

Friday promised to be a glorious day. All the arrangements had been made, so after a leisurely breakfast, everyone decided to take it easy until the plane was due in from Sydney. Jake and Angie wanted to take the horses out, while Drew asked Star if she would like to learn to ride an ATV. She looked a little worried, but after being reassured by Jake that Drew would look after her, and giggling at his remark about Drew being a doctor, so quite able to put on a bandaid if needed, she smiled and accepted his offer.

Emily said she would stay close to the house as she was expecting Mary to drop round for final instructions. They all agreed to be back in time for a light lunch before heading down to Coffs airport to meet the plane.

By the time everyone got settled from the flight, it was early evening. Most of the guests were staying at Roches Family Hotel in Grafton.

Jake had joked to Emily and Angie that he was going to book everyone into the Albion instead as it was a stone’s throw from the Grafton Base Hospital so they wouldn’t need to drag anyone who over-indulged too far to get their stomachs pumped. He then decided Roches would be more pleasant, especially for any of the guests who had never been up country before. Jenny, Mike and Tori, Drew and Star would be staying at the farm, and Emily had rooms in the guest house all ready for them. She was pleased that it had four bedrooms. Jake had told her not to worry as Star could stay up at the main house, and wondered why his grandmother got into a flap at his suggestion.

Everyone was around the pool in the warm late spring evening, waiting in anticipation for the wonders they had been promised from Sam’s barbeque. They tested out the sound system in readiness for the party the following day and everyone relaxed with their bellies full of good tucker and their ears filled with good music. It was quite late by the time the transport came to take everyone back to Grafton, and those remaining said their good nights and headed for bed. Tomorrow was going to be a big day.

Angie woke first the following morning. She raised herself up and gazed down at her sleeping husband. “Happy birthday, darling,” she whispered, kissing her finger and placing it gently on Jake’s forehead. She slid slowly out of bed, trying not to wake Jake, slipped on one of his old t-shirts over her sleep shorts, and headed out towards the kitchen.

“Good morning, Sam,” she said sleepily to the tall figure standing at the sink, kettle in hand, with his back to her. He put the kettle down and turned to face her. “Dr. Mitchell! When did you get here?”

“About 2:00 this morning. And when are you going to call me Dad…or Ben would do?”

Angie smiled at her father-in-law and rushed across the kitchen into his open arms. Kissing him on the cheek with a, “Morning, Ben,” and a giggle.

“Aaron still asleep?”

“He was when I left him. The country air does him the world of good. He never sleeps as well in Sydney.”

“Well, let’s hope he doesn’t wake up before we get a chance for an early morning cuppa. We need to keep my being here a secret until the party, if that’s okay.”

“Oh, super. A birthday surprise. I love it.”

Ben made them both a cuppa and placed a mug in front of Angie, bending down to kiss the top of her head. “Happy first anniversary, daughter-in-law.”

“Thanks, father-in-law.”

“Hey, that’s close enough. One day I’ll get a ‘dad’ out of you I hope.”

They chatted for a while over their drinks until they heard movement from the bedroom down the hall. Ben quickly placed his cup in the dishwasher, squeezed Angie’s hand, and slid out of the door before Jake came into the room. He bent down and kissed the top of her head. “Morning, Angel.”

‘Just like his father,’ Angie thought as she gazed up at him and smiled. “Morning, AJ. Happy birthday.”

“Thanks, luv, and a happy anniversary to you. You ready for today?”

“I think I can face anything…after another cuppa. Want one?”

“Is water wet?”

“Jake, a simple yes would do,” Angie laughed, going over to the range to re-boil the kettle. “I was going to let you sleep in this morning.”

“I woke up and you weren’t there. The bed didn’t seem the place to be without you.”

“Have I told you how sweet you are?”

“Many times, my love,” Jake replied, taking the offered mug of steaming tea. When do I get my pressie then?”

“You big kid. You’re going to have to wait until the party later, but seeing how cute you look when you just wake up, here’s something on account.” Angie smiled and sat on Jake’s lap, wrapping her arms around his neck and giving him an extra special birthday kiss.

“Mmmm, that hit the spot.  Now, shall we have an early brekkie or wait for the others to get

up?”

“Oh, let’s wait for the others. I’m sure they won‘t be too long. In the meantime, we’ll go out on the porch with our tea. It’s a long time since we’ve shared the swing seat.”

“Good idea, darling. No wonder I love you so much.”

They picked up their mugs and went out the kitchen door hand in hand to sit on the swing. That’s where Emily found them a couple of hours later, fast asleep wrapped in each others arms.

The smell of bacon cooking woke Jake up and he was surprised that both he and Angie had fallen asleep out in the early morning sunshine. He nudged her gently and, both stretching and yawning in unison, they walked slowly back into the kitchen to be met with cheers and whistles from the group sitting round the table. Star and Drew moved up to make room for them both, and they were soon all enjoying their first meal of the day, happily discussing the party later on in the day.

By the time the others arrived from Grafton, the family were all around the pool. Emily was sitting on a steamer chair under a giant parasol, watching the others chase round the edge of the pool, wondering to herself who would be the first in the water. She didn’t have to wait too long to find out. Sam launched a flying rugby tackle at his nephew, and Jake hit the water seconds in front of his uncle. Drew decided to join in the fun and soon the girls jumped in too.

Luckily the new arrivals all had their swim wear with them, so a quick change of clothes and the pool was erupting as the men, wanting to show off, lined up for the diving board, and the girls just jumped in from the side.

Emily checked her watch a few hours later and realised it was time for her to make a move. Mary would be arriving at any moment, and she needed to help her set the buffet up ready for the party. She waved Jake over to the edge of the pool and told him it might be a good idea for everyone to start getting ready. Jake hauled himself out of the pool and kissed her on the cheek telling her that he’d make sure everyone was ready when she needed them to be. He rang the brass ship’s bell that was by the pool house to get everyone’s attention, then told them that it was time to make a move. Soon everyone was out of the pool and heading for either the guest house or the main house to shower off the chlorine and get dressed for the party.

The sun was setting by the time everyone was ready, and the lights strung up all around the marquee shimmered in the gentle breeze. The peace and quiet was broken by the sound of the cicadas, and then the low buzz of talking as everyone made their way to the marquee.

There was a small stage at the far end and a band began to play. The neighbours started to arrive and soon the marquee was full of people, laughing and joking, enjoying Mary’s food and drink, and singing along with the band.

When the first set was over, Jake nodded across to Mike and they went up to the stage. The next couple of hours was filled with an assortment of A&M staff, each showing off their hidden talents, much to the amusement of the rest of the guests. Jake ended up pulling Angie to the stage to sing her a love song, which led to all the female guests letting out a collective sigh.

Emily took the stage next. It was time to give Jake and Angie their gifts. They started off with Jake’s birthday presents. He was amazed that everyone there had given him something, and he loved every gift he received, be it small or large. Then Emily asked for a bit of hush. It was time for the anniversary gift. She told them there had been a delay and the gift had just arrived by courier. She turned and called to someone standing just outside the marquee.

The motorcycle courier, complete in leathers and full face helmet, walked onto the stage, walked up to Jake and Angie, and stopped to take his helmet off, pulling out a package from inside his leather jacket as he unbuckled the chin strap. As he took off the helmet, Jake stood there with his mouth open…he couldn’t believe who was standing in front of him.

“Happy birthday, son, and happy first anniversary to you both.”

“DAD!!” Jake cried, throwing himself into his fathers open arms. “I thought you couldn’t make it from the States. No wonder Emily looked worried when I said Star could have the spare room”

“Do you think I’d miss this if I could help it, son? Your Grandmother thought it would be a nice surprise for you.”

“Too right. I couldn’t have asked for a better gift. It’s been too long since we were all together.”

“I’m not the gift, son,” Ben said, handing over the package. “Open this.”

Jake took the thick envelope and ripped open the seal. Two airline tickets fell out, along with some other paperwork. Angie stooped to pick them up and held them out to Jake, who told her to open them.

Inside were two first class tickets to Barcelona, and reservations at Le Meridien, a 5 star hotel on Las Ramblas, with a room at the front of the hotel, plus internal flights to Madrid and Granada, with reservations for the Hotel Adler in Madrid and the Carmen Del Cobertizo in Granada, both also 5 star, and with five nights in each.

Jake and Angie looked at each other lost for words, then Angie began to cry. Jake took her in his arms and kissed her, then they both turned to everyone to thank them for the wonderful gift. Just then, the ship’s bell rang out and Mary announced the arrival of the chilled champagne, with orange juice for Jake.

When all the cheers had died down, Mike stepped forward and cleared his throat. “While the champagne is flowing, I’d just like to say a couple of things. Today belongs to Jake and Angie as they celebrate their first year together as man and wife, and the big guy gets another year older, and hopefully wiser.” He stopped to dodge a playful punch from Jake. “But, I thought seeing as how we have so many of our friends and colleagues together in one place, it would be a great opportunity to let you all in on a little secret.” He looked at Tori and held out his hand to her, pulling her up on the stage beside him.

“Pretoria and I have been seeing each other for a while now, and before we flew up from Sydney yesterday, she made me the proudest and humblest man on the planet by accepting my proposal of marriage.”

Mike took a red satin box out of his pocket, opened it, and took a sparkling diamond ring from its cushion, placing it tenderly onto the ring finger of her left hand.

The silence was broken by Jake punching his fist into the air and shouting, “YES!!” He hugged Mike, planting a kiss on his forehead, then swept Tori off her feet, spinning her round and kissing her soundly. “Congratulations, Ria. It’s about time you tied the old man down.”

“It wouldn’t have happened without you, Jake. Much as I hate to remind you, if that madman hadn’t attacked you in Chicago we’d never have met.”

“Glad me blood wasn’t shed in vain, Luv,” Jake laughed, giving her a final squeeze before releasing her and hugging Angie once again. The party went on into the early hours of Sunday morning and the sun was almost up before anyone got to bed.

Sunday was a quiet day with just the family, Drew, Star, Mike and Tori at the farm, with the rest of the gang exploring Grafton before getting ready to fly back to Sydney on Monday. The day was spent talking about Mike’s engagement, and Tori, Star and Angie had an in-depth discussion about what Angie should take on her trip to Spain. Jake was listening with half an ear, but in the end he decided that it would be easier for her just to pack a carry on and buy what she needed when they arrived in Barcelona. That seemed the best way to do things or they would have to charter a plane just for all her suitcases. She complained for a moment, then realised he wasn’t joking and she was going to get an entire new wardrobe out of the trip as well as three weeks in Spain with her beloved, so ended up curling up on his lap, kissing him in gratitude.

The weekend came to an end and everyone was sad to leave the farm. Jake clung to his father for the longest time, not knowing when they would get to see each other again, then they all got in the car and headed south back to Sydney.

Mike and Tori met them at the apartment when they got home, and told them there was a table booked at Kingsley’s. Over their meal he told them that he would stay in Sydney while they were away on their trip, and hoped when the time came, Jake would do the honours over in Chicago to allow Mike and Tori to go off on honeymoon. Jake said it would be his pleasure, and just asked them to give him fair warning when they set the date.

Two days later, Jake and Angie boarded their flight to Barcelona, and three weeks of total relaxation. Life was treating them well.

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