by Clare Revell
“Is he afraid I’m going to replace his mother? Because there’s no way I could do that.”
Johnny shook his head, chewing thoughtfully. “I don’t think it’s that at all. Anthony loves the Institute. He loves the prestige that goes with it. Being the son of someone famous. He’s a little too fond of the money if you ask me.” He grinned. “I hate to say it, but I fear my cousin is a snob of the first degree.”
“I see.”
“Just ignore him, like the rest of us do.”
She studied the toast in her hand. “That’s a little difficult to do.”
Johnny loaded his fork again. “The way Uncle Ollie was talking last night, he’s sick of it. He’s been talking about a change in direction for a while. Go back to grass roots preaching, rather than all the trappings the Voight Institute brings with it. Mum puts it down to his age, but I don’t think so.”
“No?”
“No. He loves you. And don’t think that will influence his decision because it won’t. He’s always been a J-O-Y man and always will.”
Connie smiled. “Jesus first. Others next. Yourself last.”
“Exactly. If it’s where God wants him that’s where he’ll go, and for not a minute longer.” He paused. “I also owe you an apology. From what I heard I inadvertently interrupted him proposing to you last night.”
She nodded. “But when Anthony tells you it’s life or death, what are you meant to do? I haven’t given him an answer yet, didn’t get a chance to.”
“May I give you a piece of advice?”
“Sure.” She finished her toast and picked up her cup.
“You’ve been writing to each other for forty-eight years. You’ve been alone for seventeen years and Uncle Ollie for ten. That’s a pretty long courtship. He loves you. And forgive me if I’m wrong, but I’m pretty sure you feel the same way about him.”
“I do.”
Johnny said nothing, just smiled.
Connie grinned. “Only I’m not meant to say I do to you, am I? I’ll give him my answer next time I see him. Will you be at the service?”
He nodded. “I will. Along with First Officer Rand. Would you and Uncle Ollie have dinner with me tonight in my quarters? A family dinner for just the three of us. Celebrate. Or commiserate, depending.” He winked.
Connie chuckled. “We’d love to. Thank you.”
Just before twenty minutes to eleven Oliver rose to his feet, stiffer than he liked. He’d spent the last two and a half hours on his knees. “I’m no spring chicken, Lord, but if this is the path You want me to take, to start over at the ripe old age of sixty-two, then I will. I am Your servant. But if I may…grant that Connie walks by my side.”
He headed up to the deck. The sun blazed down, filling the world with light and heat. The ocean, a flat calm, reflected the light back. He made his way to where the service would be held. The area was packed already and it looked like the deck hands were finding extra seats.
He couldn’t see Connie. Maybe she’d decided not to come. Then he saw her right at the back, standing next to Johnny. Her gaze caught his and she smiled. A real honest-to-Betsy smile that lit her whole face. Her eyes shone and she pulled her sunglasses down to shield them.
Johnny escorted her to a chair half way down the deck and then made his way to where Oliver stood. He held out a folded sheet of paper. “For you.”
Oliver shoved it into his pocket. It was probably Anthony again and could wait.
“You might want to read that.”
“It’s most likely Anthony. I’d rather not.”
Johnny’s lips twitched. “It’s not. You have a minute or so. Read it.”
“Very well.” Oliver sighed and pulled the paper free from his pocket. “Do I need to sit down?”
“Might be an idea.”
Shaking his head, Oliver perched on the edge of the platform and unfolded the paper.
Queen Mary 2. 29th July 2018.
Dear Oliver,
My own dearest sweetest Oliver.
This could well be the last letter I ever write to you. I figured as our relationship began with a letter so many years ago, it should end the same way.
So, like I said. The last letter.
Because I don’t ever intend to leave your side again.
Yes. I’ll marry you. As soon as possible. Today. Tomorrow. Whenever.
Love you to the moon and back, Connie.
PS. That’s love you to the moon and back and several times more.
PPS. Now I finally DO get to find out what the S stands for.
PPPS. No. That’s not why I’m saying yes.
PPPPS. One final guess. Shecaniah.
Chapter Twenty
Sunday 29th July 2018. 11:00.
Oliver glanced up, his eyes brimming with tears. The woman had put him through the wringer with that letter. A million and one emotions had flooded him in quick succession. How was he meant to preach now? All he wanted to do was run over there and hug her.
Yes. Run. Something he hadn’t done in donkey’s years. Well, since his early fifties anyway.
Before he had a chance, Johnny stood and spoke into the microphone and the moment was gone.
“Ladies and Gentlemen. Thank you for joining us on this lovely sunny day for morning worship on board the Queen Mary Two. Today we are honoured to have the Reverend Doctor Oliver Voight stand in at short notice, and lead us, then bring the word of God to us.”
Somehow pulling himself into pastor mode, Oliver stood. Moving to the mic, he announced the first hymn, “You Make Me Brave.” He’d also chosen two more traditional ones. But now all he wanted to sing was praise hymns like “Love Divine” and “How Great Thou Art.”
The hymns were picked to match his sermon on Jesus walking on the water. As he preached, his eyes kept wandering back to Connie. The smile never left her face.
The phone in his pocket vibrated mid sermon. It wouldn’t be Anthony as the time difference was wrong. He ignored it.
Once the service was over, his curiosity got the better of him. He turned away and checked the screen. Then opened the message. hi oliver. can you please call me on this number when you get a chance? it’s important. thanks. dom king, elder christchurch lyme regis.
Connie appeared by his side. “Hello. That sermon was incredible.”
He glanced up, his finger moving to hide the screen. “Thank you.” He hugged her tightly, lips pressing an almost shy kiss to her neck. There were other people around and he didn’t want to distract from the post-service high they might be on.
“You okay? You seem distracted. Is that text bad news?”
“I don’t know. I need to make a call. Then I’m all yours.”
She frowned. “Oh…okay.”
He kissed her cheek. “Five minutes. We need to talk. Don’t go anywhere.”
Five minutes turned into twenty. Connie didn’t move from the top deck. She sat on the edge of the platform Oliver had preached from, secluded from the few remaining people on deck. The majority had gone inside to eat lunch. She’d watched his face fall as he read her letter. That turned to confusion. Then to a smile. But to just run off like that without saying a word made it her turn to be confused.
Wasn’t he pleased she’d said yes? Had she made the wrong choice?
Oliver reappeared and sat beside her. “Sorry.”
“Not conducting business on a Sunday I hope,” she said, trying to be light-hearted.
He snorted. “I’ll have you know Sunday is a pastor’s busiest day. Not a day of rest. It’s all work from sun-up to sun-down and sometimes beyond. But yeah it was.” He wrapped an arm around her. “But I want to talk about this letter of yours.”
She glanced up at him. “What about it?” she asked innocently.
He tweaked her nose. “You are an evil woman. At first I thought you were saying no.”
She giggled. “You were meant to. But yes, assuming you still want me, I’ll marry you.”
“Of course I still want you.” He leaned in and kiss
ed her. Gently at first, but then one of those mind-blowing, heart-stopping kisses that left her totally breathless. The man had hidden talents she’d never dreamed off and that the world never knew about.
After he broke off, he leaned his forehead against hers.
“Need to tell the kids,” she whispered.
“Yeah, about that. I emailed Paul yesterday and asked his permission. He then emailed back to say he and the others agree wholeheartedly on the condition he gives you away.” He grinned. “He’ll do it by video call if need be. Johnny can marry us on board the ship. Then we can get a church blessing done later.”
Connie studied him. She’d always imagined a white wedding in a church, but a shipboard one sounded incredibly romantic. “Is that legal? The ship is British and…”
“Registered in Bermuda, so yes, totally legal and above board. So I was thinking maybe tonight at sunset.”
Connie gasped as her pulse began to race. “Today?” He wanted to marry her today? Wow, wow, wow. Lord, when I asked for an answer, I hadn’t expected one so fast.
Oliver nodded. “Something we’ll always remember.” His gaze searched hers. “That’s if you don’t mind moving.”
“To the States?” she asked. Her stomach pitted at the thought of leaving everything behind. Was she ready for such a massive change?
He shook his head. “No. That phone call I had to make. I’ve been offered a job as pastor of a small church in Lyme Regis, Dorset. I would start in September.”
“What did you say to them?”
“That I’d talk it over with my fiancée before I made any decision.”
Her heart thrilled. Fiancée. She was his fiancée. Soon to be his wife. “Dorset is beautiful. Can we live by the sea?”
“We can live wherever you want, honey.”
“What about the Institute?”
“It can go on without me. This is where God wants me…wants the both of us.”
They sat for a moment or two. Then she glanced up. “We should tell the kids.”
One by one she rang her children—Dorcas, Paul, Zipporah, and Micah. Each of them were thrilled and gave their blessing. Each requested a church service they could attend at some point. Paul said he’d ring her phone via his laptop just before the service began so they could all watch and he could give her away. One blessing from them all living within a two-hour drive of each other.
Oliver took a deep breath. He’d rung Abi whilst Connie was on the phone herself. “Now for the hard part.”
“It’ll be fine.” Connie smoothed her fingers over the top of Oliver’s hand.
Oliver snorted. “And if it’s not, well then he can lump it.”
Connie rose and moved to the railing to give him some privacy.
Johnny crossed the deck to her. “What did he say?”
She grinned sideways at him. “That I’m evil for scaring him with the last letter, but he’ll marry me anyway. He didn’t know whether to laugh or cry.” She took a deep breath. “He says you can marry us on board the ship.”
Johnny nodded. “Yes. I have all the documentation I need. I put it in the ship’s log and will forward the relevant paperwork to the authorities when we dock.”
Oliver came to join them. “Anthony’s not answering his phone. I’ll try again later.”
“Tell him tomorrow.” Connie took his hand. She winked. “It’s evil, but too bad. Johnny and I are talking weddings.”
Oliver smiled. “Sunset tonight, if possible.”
Johnny beamed. “Of course. The honeymoon suite is free if you’d like it. Free of charge. It’s a little bigger than the ones you have now.”
Connie rolled her eyes. “Bigger?” How could it possibly be any bigger than the one she had already?
Oliver elbowed her. “That would be lovely. Thank you.”
“I’ll have your butlers move all your things for you. And arrange dinner on your balcony after the wedding.” He tilted his head. “Though this does mean we’ll have to cancel our dinner plans, Auntie Connie.”
She grinned, loving her new title. “Maybe tomorrow instead. Johnny invited us to dinner in his cabin,” she added by way of explanation to Oliver. Then she stopped short. “I only packed the one dress and you’ve seen it.”
“There’s a dress shop on board,” Johnny said. “Pick something pretty and charge it to me.”
“I can’t,” she protested.
“Sure you can. So long as I get an invite to the church blessing and you wear the dress then as well.”
She nodded. “Sure.”
Oliver kissed her. “Go shopping, honey.”
Johnny turned to a female officer. “Dianne, go with Mrs Johnson to the boutiques. She needs a wedding dress and everything that goes with it. Ensure they charge it to me.”
After Connie left, Oliver turned to Johnny. “What do I do about Anthony?”
“Text him. Then lose your phone. Actually if you give it to me, I can ensure First Officer Rand takes lots of photos for you tonight.”
“Thank you.” Oliver took a deep breath and looked at the phone. connie and i are getting married today. i also accepted a job in england. i’ll tie up any loose ends when i get back from my honeymoon, but i’m resigning today. my vacation will serve as my notice. until the board appoints someone else, deputy director mitchell is in charge. Short, sweet and to the point.
He sent an almost identical text to Owen, suggesting he apply for the directorship in the morning. He glanced up. “Just need to send two emails and I’m done. Accepting the job in England and resigning from the Voight Institute.”
“Use the computer in the comms room,” Johnny said. “It’s encrypted and has priority over sending everything else.”
Once he’d sent the emails, he realised he still hadn’t given Connie the ring. Or bought a wedding ring for her. Well, maybe the engagement ring could serve as both for the time being.
Oliver walked towards the dining room, needing something light to keep him going. Especially as he had missed both breakfast and lunch. Passing the shops, he spied Connie in a dress shop and averted his gaze. A jewellery store caught his eye. He crossed the mezzanine, and peered at the window. A matching pair of gold bands sparkled in the light. Five minutes later, they sat boxed in his jacket pocket.
He was ready. Now all he needed was the sunset and Connie.
Finally the sun lowered on the horizon, tinging the waters with an orange glow. Connie smoothed down the ivory satin dress. She glanced in the mirror and adjusted the matching fascinator. She’d never had a proper wedding and was determined to enjoy every second.
A tap on the door diverted her attention. Who could that be and what did they want? She stifled a smile as the children’s response ran through her mind. Even now they tended to answer the phone like that when they knew it was her calling. She opened the door. “Johnny… What are you doing here?”
Johnny smiled. “I thought I might escort my new aunt to her wedding.” He held out an arm.
“Thank you. I’d like that.” Connie grabbed her phone and slid her arm into Johnny’s. Taking a deep breath, she made her way out of her suite for the last time and down the hallways and up onto the deck.
Right on cue her phone rang. She answered the video call from Paul the only way she could. “Who are you and what do you want?”
Paul beamed. “Hi, Mum. You look gorgeous.”
Connie’s cheeks burned. “Thank you.” The view on the phone changed and she could see everyone. “Oh…. You’re all there.”
Paul grinned. “Yup. I connected the laptop to the telly, so we can see properly. And yes I’m recording this as well.”
Tears stung her eyes.
“Don’t cry,” Zipporah said. “You deserve to be happy. We can’t wait to meet Uncle Oliver in a few weeks when you get back here. Who’s that with you?”
Connie angled the screen. “This is Johnny Merrick, Captain of the ship and Oliver’s nephew. He’ll be marrying us.”
Johnny waved and
looked at Connie. “I’ll go tell him you’re here. Shall I take the phone?”
Connie nodded. “Thank you.”
He headed up the aisle, talking to Paul as he went.
Connie bit her lip, nervous, happy and every other emotion that she assumed went with getting married. There seemed to be a lot of people there. She’d only expected Oliver, Johnny, and a couple of witnesses. Word must have spread about a shipboard wedding.
A violin began to play and she took slow steps up the deck to where Oliver waited.
He turned and beamed. A glorious sunset framed his white shirt and blue suit trousers. A blue naval tie finished the outfit.
She grinned as she reached him. “No tux?”
He shook his head. “I decided to go for the something old, new, borrowed, and blue.”
She widened her eyes. She’d forgotten all about that tradition. At least one of them hadn’t. “Oh, do tell.”
“Old is me.” He winked. “Blue is the suit. I borrowed the tie from Johnny and the new is my socks.” He pulled up one trouser leg to reveal a sock proclaiming “Broccolli doesn’t like you either.”
Connie laughed. “Oh, honestly.”
“There is however one thing I need to do first.” He pulled out a ring box. “I can’t really marry you until we’re properly engaged.” He opened the box.
“Oh…” Connie gasped. “It matches your cufflinks.”
He nodded. “Bought in the same shop on Jersey.” He got down on one knee. “Connie, will you marry me?”
She bit her lip, tears of delight filling her eyes. “Yes.”
Oliver slid the ring onto her left ring finger. “Perfect fit. Which means the wedding band I bought as well will do too.”
“You think of everything.” She tugged him to her feet. “Now it needs to go on the other hand for a few minutes so you can marry me.”
“Are you ready?” Oliver asked.
She nodded changing her new ring to her right hand. “Been ready for a very long time.”
He kissed her gently.
Johnny coughed. “I haven’t gotten to that part yet, Uncle Ollie.”
Roars of laughter came from her phone.
