Times of Our Lives

by Jane Waterton

  Allie raised her glass. “Well, I would like to offer a toast to you and to all you have done. I am so incredibly grateful for OWL’s. What you have provided for us is the most wonderful gift you could ever give and we will be forever grateful.”

  “Hear, hear,” the rest of the table joined in.

  Laughing, Louise bowed in acknowledgement. “Thank you so much, ladies. You have no idea how important it is to me that you’re happy living here. Now, I had better keep circulating, so enjoy the rest of your day and I’ll see you all soon.”

  “Wow, what a story,” Jenna said quietly as she watched Louise walk away to greet more visitors.

  “It makes you realise what a difference one person with passion can make,” Allie mused.

  “Well, I think it’s time we ate,” announced Meg, breaking the serious mood. “It looks like lunch is being served and if I don’t eat something soon, this champagne is going to make me do something I will probably regret,”

  “Best idea you have had all day, Meg,” Leslie quipped. “Lead on to the feast.”

  The sound of singing floated across the grounds as the gay and lesbian choirs from Canberra, Sydney and Wollongong gave their finale; a rousing rendition of the eighties hit “Celebration”. Most of the audience joined in the singing, with many people dancing on the grass.

  “Hell, I remember when this first came out,” Daphne recalled, gently twirling Sparrow around. “I must have danced to this hundreds of times.”

  “Kool and the Gang. They used to play it at Ruby’s in Sydney all the time,” Sparrow said. “God, it seems like a million years ago. I don’t think I can even remember being that young anymore.”

  The song finished to wild applause as the choirs took their bow.

  “Damn, I always hate it when they finish. They are so good I could listen to them for hours,” Daphne said, catching her breath as the singers left the stage.

  Sparrow took her hand. “They have CDs on sale. We could go over and buy one if you’d like to.”

  Daphne beamed in delight. “That sounds like a wonderful idea; a perfect souvenir to remind us of a wonderful day.”

  Meg and Allie sat quietly together in the garden. The last guest from the anniversary party had left, and many of the residents were making their way back to their homes. Allie leant her head against Meg’s shoulder, watching the sun set over the lake.

  “It was a great party,” she said softly.

  “I think Louise and Caro were happy with the way it went,” Meg agreed. “I’m so glad Amy Tang and her family came. It was wonderful to have the chance to personally thank her for everything she’s done for our community.”

  “It’s been quite a year, hasn’t it?” sighed Allie. “When you think of where we were twelve months ago and what has happened to us all since…” She shook her head. “If you’d told me we would go through all these changes in such a short space of time, I would never have believed it.”

  Meg turned, kissing the top of Allie’s head. “I have to say, I love the two of us living together again.”

  “Well, at least now, I really can keep an eye on you.”

  “We might have to prod Daphne about asking Sparrow to move in with her,” Meg mused. “If we leave it to her it’ll never happen.”

  Allie shook her head. “Darling, I really think Sparrow is perfectly capable of taking matters into her own hands when she feels they’re both ready.”

  “I suppose so. Who’d have thought that quiet, timid little Sparrow was so feisty and determined! I have to say, it is wonderful to see the effect she has had on Daphne. Of course, we still have Pat and Bella’s wedding to come; the icing on the cake as it were.”

  Allie sat up, stretching, “I do love a wedding; all that pomp and ceremony. It’s so romantic.”

  “Sometimes Allie, you are so traditional.” Meg laughed. “I really don’t think Bella is going to be in a white wedding dress complete with bridesmaids.”

  Allie slapped Meg’s arm. “I know that, but it is a fairy tale all the same, isn’t it?”

  Meg put her arm around Allie’s shoulder. “Yes, darling, it is. I couldn’t be happier for them. If two people ever deserved something wonderful, it is those two.”

  Allie yawned. “Come on, you, why don’t we go back home and make a fairy tale of our own?”

  Meg rose from the bench.

  “Only if I can be the big bad wolf,” she grinned.

  CHAPTER 35

  AUTUMN

  The garden by the lake at OWL’s Haven looked spectacular. Both staff and residents had worked tirelessly over the past week to create the perfect setting for Bella and Pat’s wedding. A large gazebo had been erected on the lawn, the supporting frame covered in soft white muslin. A jasmine covered trellis had been attached to each side and the scent of the cascading flowers carried on the gentle breeze. Draped over the roof, the muslin was tied off at each corner with rainbow ribbons. Twenty pots of red roses in full bloom created an aisle to the podium. Chairs were placed on either side of the rose aisle and these were rapidly filling with friends, family and residents.

  Pat stood in front of the celebrant’s podium with Daphne by her side. Peering at her watch, she began pacing back and forth in her small allotted area, constantly checking the entrance, until Daphne finally grabbed her hand and stilled her.

  “Hey, just relax. She will be here, you know.”

  Pat sighed, rubbing her hands on her pants. “I know. I just don’t want anything to go wrong,”

  Daphne studied her. After much consultation, Pat had decided on black silk pants, shirt and jacket, with a rainbow coloured vest and bow tie. As Best Woman, Daphne worse a matching vest, with an open necked shirt and no jacket. Seeing Daphne watching her, Pat frowned.

  “What’s wrong? Is my tie crooked?” she asked, bringing her hand to her throat.

  Daphne laughed, “No, of course not. I was just thinking how handsome you look in that outfit. It fits you perfectly.”

  “Oh, right, thanks.” Casting another worried look towards the entrance, Pat turned suddenly to Daphne “You’ve got the ring, haven’t you?”

  “It’s here, right where you watched me put it half an hour ago,” she answered calmly, patting her vest pocket.

  “And my tie’s straight?”

  “Yes, mate, your tie’s straight, but I think that Bella would marry you even if it was crooked.”

  “Yes, I know, but…”

  “I know,” Daphne repeated gently, “you don’t want anything to go wrong.”

  A flash of panic crossed Pat’s face. “What if I forget my vows?”

  Daphne gave Pat an affectionate look, placing a hand on her arm. “Do you honestly think you are going to forget how much you love Bella? Just remember all the love you feel and the words will come to you.”

  Pat nodded. “I know, it’s just…I can’t believe we’re finally doing this. The two of us have dreamt about this day for so long. We’d even discussed going to New Zealand to get married. Then Bella’s cancer came and we both pushed away the dream, frightened that it would be tempting fate to even talk about it. Now I’m standing here thinking it’s all a fantasy and I’m going to wake up to just another ordinary day.” Pat blew out a big breath. “It’s crazy, isn’t it? Nothing’s really going to be different and yet it feels like my whole life is changing.” Running her hand through her short hair, she looked sheepishly at Daphne. “Hell, I’m glad you’re here. I’d be a total basket case without you.”

  Daphne laughed quietly. “You mean as opposed to the semi basket case that you currently are?” Leaning in close, she put her hand on Pat’s arm. “And just for the record, it’s not crazy. You and Bella deserve this happiness. It’s the culmination of everything you’ve been through, the pot of gold at the end of your rainbow.”

  Pat cleared her throat, her fragile emotions threateni
ng to overwhelm her. Gazing up, she scanned the sky. “It looks like that predicted shower is going to hold off as well.”

  The weather had been an unknown factor in the planning; March in Berry was sometimes unpredictable. Bella and Pat had both wanted an outdoor wedding by the lake, but an alternative indoor setting had been planned just in case the weather didn’t cooperate. However, the day had dawned clear and bright with a slight breeze, prompting everyone to declare that it was a sign that God obviously approved of gay marriage.

  Allie held Bella’s hand as the chauffeured car carried them to the venue. When Bella had asked her several weeks ago to be Matrona d’Onore, or Matron of Honour, Allie had been incredibly touched.

  “But don’t I have to be married to be Matron of Honour?” Allie had asked.

  Bella had waved her hand dismissively. “I want someone with me that I love, and apart from Pat, I can’t think of anyone else that I would rather share this moment with.”

  “What are you thinking?” she asked Bella as the car made its way slowly to the lakeside venue.

  Bella turned to Allie. “For so many years we had to hide our relationship, worried that we would be shunned, or worse. Now I am on my way to stand up in front of so many people and, out loud, declare my love for the woman who has been the source of all my love and joy for the past forty-five years. It all feels a bit…”

  “Surreal?” prompted Allie.

  Bella nodded. “Si. Surreal, but so wonderful.”

  As the car drew to a halt, Allie leant over and placed a soft kiss on Bella’s cheek.

  “Well, I wish the two of you another lifetime of happiness.”

  The driver opened the car door, offering her hand to help Bella out. As Allie came around from the other side of the vehicle, she signalled for the music to start. Allie handed Bella the small posy of jasmine and carried out a last minute check of their outfits. Holding her arm out for Bella, she winked as her friend fell into step beside her.

  “Are you ready to make Pat the happiest woman in the world?”

  “You may have to stop me from running down the aisle,” Bella said, laughing joyfully.

  Pat turned to watch as Bella walked towards her. She had never seen Bella look more stunning. The russet gold silk suit she’d chosen set off her olive skin beautifully and Bella’s smile radiated sheer joy as she drew closer to the podium. When she stood at Pat’s side and took her arm in front of the celebrant, Pat’s eyes filled with tears.

  The celebrant stepped forward

  “We are gathered here together…”

  A hush fell over the crowd as Pat turned to face Bella, ready to make her vows. As the breeze lightly ruffled her hair, Pat gazed down into the eyes of the woman she had loved and admired for so many years. Her heart pounding, she took a deep breath and prayed her voice wouldn’t fail her as she said the most important words of her life.

  “I, Pat Maree Campbell, join with you, Bella Patricia Fiorisi to celebrate our marriage. I promise to always share the joys and the sorrows life gives us, with my hand and heart entwined in yours. I respect your strength, I honour your soul and I adore your passion. With this ring, I offer you all that I am, with love and the wish that I may spend the rest of my life in your heart.”

  Bella looked down at her hand as Pat gently slipped the ring onto her finger. Blinking back tears, she struggled to compose herself. Clasping Pat’s hand tightly, she declared her vows.

  “I, Bella Patricia Fiorisi, join with you, Pat Maree Campbell, to celebrate our marriage. With love, I promise to dance with you in times of joy, to comfort you in times of sadness and to always be your partner in all things. With this ring I ask you to continue to share a lifetime of love with me, for no matter what we may encounter together, our home is in each other’s hearts.”

  As Bella placed the gold band on Pat’s finger, she felt her trembling with emotion. Lovingly, she placed her hand against Pat’s cheek, gently wiping away a single tear.

  “Cara, Ora siamo una cosa sola, now we are one,” she murmured softly.

  The celebrant gestured to the couple, delight plain on her face. “And so as these two women have offered themselves to each other with love and respect, I announce, with enormous joy, that they are officially, legally and indisputably…married.”

  Pat bent to kiss Bella as the guests broke out in cheers and clapping. Camera shutters clicked and friends celebrated with hugs and laughter. As Pat turned to face their witnesses with Bella clasped in her arms, she found them both instantly surrounded by friends.

  Meg made her way to Allie’s side and took her hand, entwining their fingers. Quietly, they watched as Bella and Pat accepted everyone’s congratulations.

  “I just want to capture this moment and keep it in my heart forever,” Allie murmured, drawing Meg closer.

  “There is a sense of magic in the air, isn’t there? I have to admit, I cried when they said their vows. Poor Pat was a nervous wreck before you and Bella arrived. I thought Daphne was going to have to give her a sedative.”

  Allie laughed. “If I hadn’t seen Bella looking for her glasses that she had just put in her purse and heard her muttering to herself in Italian, I would have sworn that she was totally unruffled.”

  Together they followed the crowd to the lakeside edge, where the wedding photographer had already set up her camera.

  Once the official photographs had been taken, Louise called for silence from the assembled guests. “Bella and Pat would like to invite you all to join them at their reception. Could you please make your way over to the reception marquee.”

  The guests entered the dining area, marvelling at the decorations. Snowy white tablecloths, small vases of flowers and votive candles graced each table. A larger table at the top end of the marquee held a huge wedding cake, while off to the side half a dozen bain-marie’s held a mixture of hot and cold food.

  Sparrow, Daphne, Caro and Louise hurried over to join Meg and Allie.

  “A table for six then?” Allie queried.

  “Sounds perfect,” Sparrow agreed.

  Linking arms, the six women set off to find a table.

  An hour later as everyone was finishing their meal, Daphne got to her feet and tapped her glass with a spoon. As the room quietened, she nervously cleared her throat.

  “Today I have been privileged to be a part of one of the happiest events that we have experienced at OWL’s. Two of my closest friends have finally been able to have their relationship of forty-five years legally recognised. They can now be officially and truthfully acknowledged as an old married couple.”

  Waiting for the cheers and laughter to subside, Daphne winked at a beaming Pat.

  “Those of us that know this wonderful couple know their story and have been lucky enough to share part of their journey with them. We have seen firsthand the love and devotion that these two women share, and we have all been recipients of their kindness and generosity. The other night I was reading a poem that was one of my favourites as a child, and with your permission, I would like to read it as a tribute to their lives together, both past and future. The Owl and the Pussy Cat went to sea, in a beautiful pea green boat…”

  As Daphne read the poem, Caro turned to Louise to whisper, “It really doesn’t get any better than this, does it?”

  Louise’s eyes filled with tears. “It’s everything I dared to dream about all those years ago,” she replied huskily. “I can’t believe we all made it a reality.”

  “And hand in hand, on the edge of the sand, they danced by the light of the moon, the moon, the moon. They danced by the light of the moon.” Daphne raised her glass. “Friends, please join me in a toast. Pat and Bella.”

  Everyone in the marquee rose to their feet as one.

  “Pat and Bella.”

  EPILOGUE

  Six Weeks Later

  The small Citroen 2CV sped throug
h the French countryside. It was six in the morning, the early fog was starting to burn off and Meg watched as they passed fields full of well-fed sleepy cows. She smiled at Allie, who was studiously concentrating on navigating the narrow, twisting country road.

  “I wish you would tell me where we’re going,” Meg said again. “At least give me some kind of a hint as to why we’re up at this ungodly hour?”

  “Nuh uh, I’ve told you, you’ll see when we get there and not a moment before.”

  Meg sat back in her seat, pouting. Their decision to travel to Paris had been made just after Pat and Bella’s wedding. Meg had secretly arranged for it to appear that the newlyweds had just “won” a trip to Italy for their honeymoon. She knew that they both wanted to go back one last time, but their finances wouldn’t allow it. Pat had tried to remember filling out the winning form for the contest at the shopping centre, but was soon caught up in the excitement of planning the trip. Whilst she was organising the honeymoon, Meg had suggested to Allie that the two of them go back to Paris, ‘just for old times’ sake’.

  The last two weeks with Allie had finally banished Meg’s memories of her last stay in the city. Staying in a small flat in the 9th District, they spent their time together visiting galleries, antique shops and cafes. They stayed up till the early hours and slept late, wrapped in each other’s arms. Two nights before they were due to leave for home, Allie had made an announcement at dinner.

  “Oh, by the way, I’ve hired a car and we’re spending the day in the country tomorrow.”