Isnt it a bit odd to hold their anniversary now? Lucy muttered, rolling her eyes. They finally find the time to celebrate, and its in the middle of nowhere. A fragment of a disgruntled voice drifted over to her. She realized it was Ians brother Zach, who had invited them to his twentyfiveyear milestone a silver wedding.
Ians phone blared insistently until he finally answered. It was his cousin Tom from the village.
Hey, Zak, whats the news? Ian said cheerfully. Alls well here, how are things on your end? Saturday work for you?
Sure, Ill let Lucy know. Of course well be therewhere else would we be? Tom chuckled.
Lucy stepped into the sitting room.
Isnt it terribly inconvenient, this anniversary? she said. They pick a date and then set it in a hamlet.
She heard the tail end of Zachs irritated remark and pieced together that he was asking them to come for the silver wedding.
Meanwhile, Ian and Lucy had just decided to part ways. Lately theyd been drifting apart, arguments piling up like broken plates. Two days earlier theyd announced the split. Lucy had no heart to attend a silver weddingnot the mood for it.
Maybe you could go on your own, Ian? After all youre his brotherinlaw, she suggested, glancing at Zachs wife, Milly. Weve always been on good terms, popped over for tea now and then
And how do we show up at their celebration and announce were separating? she wondered aloud.
The bus from the city to the village was a fourhour slog, and their ancient Ford had been gathering dust in the garage for three months. It used to be the trusty family car for trips to Zachs hometown of Littleford, but now it sputtered on its last breath. Lucy didnt know whether to pour money into a repair or buy a new one. Their impending divorce had upended every plan.
Ian, mulling his own thoughts, muttered, Lucy probably wont go, shell bail. If I go alone Ill have to tell Zach and Milly were splitting. Theyll have a field day, asking why now, at a silver wedding no less. It feels like a punch in the gut.
Seeing Lucy enter, Ian said, Zach called. Shall we head over, or not? We wont bring our love troubles into his party. Lets just go and deal with the split later.
Lucy nodded. Fine, its their celebration, lets be there.
The bus halted, and the driver announced, All right, everyone off. The bus wont go any further.
What do you mean it wont go? Ian protested. The village is only five miles away!
The roads a mess, the rain just stopped and the tracks clogged, the driver replied. I cant push it any further. If you want a lift, youll need to find a ride or walk.
Ian and Lucy stepped out, a duffel bag in Ians hand. A fivemile trek was far from their idea of a romantic getaway.
What, wait for a lift or just trudge on? Ian asked.
We could wait till morning, but Im ready to walk, Lucy said.
Grumbling at the driver, they set off, Ian leading, Lucy trailing along the ditch. The lane was a nightmare of puddles, but the verge was passable.
Its strange how Lucy stays so quiet, not even a sigh, Ian thought. At home shed be wailing. Here she just bottles it upshell explode somewhere down the road, Im sure.
Halfway through, a stand of oak trees loomed, the village just beyond. Ian expected Lucy to start snapping, but she kept her pace, silent.
He stopped, dropped the bag, and asked, Tired?
I could rest on that fallen log, she pointed to a snagged branch.
They sat, gazing at the golden light. The evening was still young, birds chirped, butterflies fluttered, leaves rustled, crickets sang. Lucy recalled a similar walk twenty years ago, when theyd rolled into Littleford for Zachs wedding, tables already set, guests waiting.
Look how everythings grown, she said. The woodlands are taller, the oaks grander.
Time flies, Ian replied. Remember that day when the cars wheel almost fell off? You were in a wedding dress, heels clicking, I in my suit, both slogging along the ditch while Zach changed the tyre. We gave up and walkeddidnt take long, but you did end up with a blister.
Ah, that blister! Lucy laughed. Good thing Zach fixed the car quicklyyouth!
After a brief rest, they continued. The walk was silent, each lost in thoughts. Ian remembered school hikes with his mates, while Lucy, a city girl, had never camped out.
Lucy, exhausted, mused, When the sons off serving, well finally split. Hell hate it, but what can we do? Its decided.
The lane gave way to the village nestled in the valley.
Its gorgeous, Lucy said. Summer here is lovelybright colours, warm sun.
Indeed, its always beautiful, come spring, autumn or even winter. Weve arrived at different times over the years. Shame about the car, thoughotherwise wed be there already, Ian replied.
They pushed open the cottage gate, stepped onto the courtyard, and found Zach already arranging tables. He rushed over, hugging them.
Did you walk all the way? he exclaimed. Wheres the car? Why didnt you call? Id have met you. The roads a nightmare, but I could have taken the back way.
We didnt know the bus would quit, so we ended up on foot. At least we got fresh air and a view, Ian shrugged.
Lucy! Milly embraced her, eyes shining. How wonderful youre here! Its been ages. Tomorrow we celebrate the silver weddingtime has flown.
Zach and Ian chatted, then, after a quick change of clothes, everyone sat down to dinner. After a long evening of laughing and reminiscing, they retired to a tiny bedroom with a brandnew sofa. Milly proudly showed off the fresh couch.
Look, we just bought it, she announced, fluffing the cushions. Good night, you two.
Lucy slipped out of her coat and curled up against the wall, leaving most of the sofa for Ian. He glanced at the couch, then lay down at the edge.
Lucy, why are you hugging the wall? Theres room for both of us, he said. Your legs must be aching after that walk.
Its not the legs, she replied dryly.
Ian tugged the blanket from her feet and began massaging her feet.
Alright, stop that, Ian. Itll pass, Lucy said, trying not to laugh.
Itll be easier once the swelling goes down, he murmured.
The next day they helped set tables in the garden, greeting guests. Conversation started soft, then grew louder, music rang out, people sang, couples dancedtypical village revelry.
Can you believe it, Ian? Twentyfive years with Milly, all the good and the bad, Zach boomed, raising his glass. We argue, we make up, we never stay mad long. I love my Milly, shes mine forever!
Enough, Zach, his wife whispered, giggling.
Everyone should hear how wonderful my wife isshes the best in the world! Zach shouted, prompting applause and cheers.
Ian watched Lucy, both of them taking in the happy couple. How could they possibly announce a split at a moment like this?
The air seemed saturated with happiness, wrapping everyone in a warm glow. Ian looked at his wife with fresh eyes and thought, My Lucy isnt any worse than Milly. Misunderstandings happenthats life. Why decide to part now? No, I dont want to lose her.
He pulled Lucy into an unexpected hug; she stared back, surprised, then saw tenderness, a hint of something new. She felt the same. Maybe the celebration had softened both their hearts.
Perhaps happiness has finally caught up with us, Lucy mused, smiling as Ian planted a kiss on her cheek.
The following day saw barbecues, long chats, and Ian never letting Lucy out of sight. If she drifted, his gaze followed.
Later, Zach drove them back in his van.
At home, Ian, as if nothing had changed, asked, Lucy, what shall we do with the car? Repair it, which will cost a fortune, or buy a new one? Sell it and add the money? Im not keen on taking the bus to Zachs again.
Its up to you, Lucy replied. If we need a new car, lets get it. You know your gear better than I do.
Then tomorrow morning well hit the motorshow, have a look, maybe find something decent. We still have to travel together, after all.
The talk of divorce faded, as if it had dissolved on its own. Their son had returned, married, and life settled into a comfortable rhythm. Lucy and Ian remained, oddly content.
