Chapter 30

Tim dropped him off at Terry’s mews house. He showered and changed his cloths. After which he caught a cab to the military tailors. Returning with a pizza he settled down to watch TV.

The next morning early he took the Celica out of Terry’s garage and drove down to Aventon. The cottage was empty he had not told Mrs Mac he was coming, wanting to be on his own. After five months of constant involvement with others the chance to be alone without having to make decisions constantly, seemed so peaceful, almost decadent. He went upstairs and began packing for Barbados and Scotland. Later he made his way down to the church and round to the grave yard. He had contacted a stone mason before he left for Afghanistan to add a sentiment to his parent’s tomb stone. Standing before it he read. ‘Always together through life together now in death. You will always be in my heart, Tour son Robert’. He smiled sadly and made his way back towards the cottage

The next morning early again, he returned to London. Finding the jewellery shop, which Terry had spoken of, he paid for the white gold wedding ring. He then once more returned to the flat this time with a Chinese take away, and parked himself in front of the TV.

He had not been in contact with Terry, since she arrived back from Barbados having flown out the week previous to ensure everything was ready at the villa. He knew she would be extremely busy finalising arrangements. He couldn’t help but feel guilty that she had had to do it all without his help.

The next morning before he went to pick up his uniform, she phoned. “Hello darling, just ringing to make sure you are all set, there will be a mini-bus to pick you all up at Inverness,” her voice sounded excited.

“I’ve only got to pick up my uniform and pack it, and that’s me done. I’m meeting the other five at Gatwick; we should be at the hotel by four. Will I see you then?”

“Yes we have the rehearsal at the church at six thirty,” her voice dropped. “Bobby are you having second thoughts?”

“No, never, I’m just lonely as hell, and want you in my arms.”

“Oh darling it won’t be long now, and I’ll be in your arms for the rest of our lives.”

The six pilots climbed out of the cramped confinement of the mini bus and moved to the hotel reception. Dave and Dick were to share one room. Tom and Bill another, while Tim was doubling up with Jeremy, as the groom Robert had a single room.

After they unpacked they met in the hotel bar where Jeremy had the drinks in. The church was only a few hundred yards away from the hotel so the seven men walked to it.

The girls, along with Mr and Mrs Kerr, were standing on the church porch, but he only saw Terry. She was in jeans as were the other girls with a thick woolly jumper. He walked toward her, his heart pounding. Taking her hands in his, they just stood there, he looking at her and her him.

“Well are ye nay going to kiss the lass, she’s waited long enough for it,” growled Angus Kerr.

He took her in his arms and their lips melted together oblivious to those around them.

“That’s enough of that nonsense,” Angus growled again, “let’s get this rehearsal over with first.”

They had a rehearsal, which Robert couldn’t remember most of, his concentration being totally fixated on Terry. He was so amazed that someone so beautiful had chosen him to spend her life with. He did remember walking to the nearby pub, going into the snug room. Angus went to the bar and ordered.

Tim Bill and Tom wasted no time in pairing off with the girls, their arms round them whispering to each other on the hard bench seats. He smiled when he saw Dave and Dick vying for the attention of Marge. Terry was with her mother, and Angus made his intention clear when he sat down on the other side of her.

Pearl leaned over and whispered in his ear. “There’s no chance for you tonight my boy,” giving him a chuckle.

After they finished the drink Angus stood up. “Right lasses you have a big day ahead of ye tomorrow, so let’s away to yer beds.” After they had all filed out he turned to the men. “Have a good night lads, but if any of ye think of taking a walk, don’t walk down by the loch, I’ve been pestered by a fox and I keep a shotgun loaded with bird shot and shoot at any noise” he said glaring at them.

“Jesus” Bill groaned, “I believe him.”

Jeremy laughed, “I’m the only one who is legally married and even I’m not silly enough to try and see my wife tonight.”

Robert woke with a thick head the next morning, dimly remembering the night previous. He went down stairs and ordered coffee. Drinking it while Jeremy tucked into a full Highland breakfast, he’s indestructible he thought. The other five arrived all looking as fragile as he, giving him some satisfaction.

At ten Sir Wilbur, Jack and Ruby with Mrs Mac and Archie arrived. After introductions they all went upstairs to their rooms.

Just before eleven Angus pulled up in his Toyota Land Cruiser and Sir Royston, Bev, Ann, Gale and Ted got out.

He introduced them, taking a moment to thank Sir Royston for him being here today. The three girls rounded on him “You said you wanted us in your harem, so what went wrong?” They asked together while chuckling.

“I still do, but I think the future Mrs Barlow may have something to say about that,” he said in mock seriousness.

As they climbed the stairs he couldn’t help but notice Dave and Dick’s eyes on the cute backside of Gale. Five months in country does that to a man he realised.

Alan and Taff arrived later with their wives having driven up in Alan’s car.

He stood alongside Jeremy by the altar feeling self-conscious in his uniform complete with sword and miniature medals on his chest, asking Jeremy for the sixth time if he had the ring safe. Finally, the organ struck up the opening bars of the bride’s entrance.