The weekend rolled round again, and Beth glanced at me across the breakfast table. "Can we spend some time on planning the wedding today?"
"Oh wow, Beth," Sarah breathed, "this is going to be amazing."
She leaned to whisper in Beth's ear, and Beth nodded, glancing at me. "Definitely."
"I promised to give you some venue suggestions, didn't I," remembered Sarah, reaching for her phone. "See, there's this place - it's a farm, but the barn they've converted is fabulous, and you can have animals as part of the day if you want."
"I'd thought about owls or something, actually," Beth ventured. "That bird of prey place was great."
She turned her engagement ring on her finger. "Some people have the owl bring their rings, don't they."
"We could go and take a look," I suggested.
An hour or so later we were in the car, Sarah giving directions. "Look, there's the sign."
We turned in, parking under a tree, and made our way to the reception area. "Hi, can I help you?" the girl behind the desk greeted us.
"My fiancΓ©e and I -" I indicated Beth "- are planning our wedding for next summer, Sarah suggested we might like to look here."
"Of course," she smiled, getting up and coming round to us. "I'm Philippa, I'd love to give you a tour."
Our first stop was the barn, already decorated in ivy and other greenery. "That gives me an idea," Beth mused. "Is it OK if I take pictures?"
"Sure. We have a wedding tomorrow, actually, lovely couple. A bit alternative, but I think it's going to be great fun."
Next Philippa took us to the dining area, conservatory-style with a view out across fields. "If you take a seat, I'll go and get you example menus."
She grinned. "You can try some cakes, too, RenΓ© has a real touch with the baking."
We chose a table, and after a few moments Philippa returned, setting down a tray. "Go ahead."
Beth picked up a square of chocolate cake. "Mm - oh, my goodness - that is to die for."
Sarah tried the sponge, biting her square in half and handing me the remainder. "This is good too."
Philippa glanced between me and Sarah, obviously a little puzzled at our familiarity, but seemed to shrug to herself. "Some couples have a cake with different tiers, chocolate then fruit or sponge."
"Mm, good idea," managed Beth round a piece of fruit cake, and I grinned at her, rolling my eyes.
She swallowed her mouthful and looked from me to Sarah and back. "This place seems perfect."
She glanced at Philippa. "Can we see what dates you might have? Next June, if something's available."
Philippa pulled out her phone, tapping on the calendar. "Sure. How about Saturday the fourth?"
Beth thought for a moment. "That'd be perfect - exams will be finished, hopefully the weather ought to be kind. And anyway, if it does turn out wet, you've got plenty of space inside."
"Booked for you, then," nodded Philippa. "If you email us your details, we can sort out deposits and all that."
"Wow," Sarah ventured as we walked back to the car. "You two don't hang about."
Beth glanced back up the path, then leaned across to give her a quick kiss. "You found us the perfect place for our day, Sarah - thank you."
"Ready for lunch?" I queried. "Or has that cake filled you up?"
"Oh, I think we could manage something," nodded Beth. "We've not been to the burger place in ages, have we."
McDonalds on the road towards town it was, then back to the house. "Can we do lists now, Sarah?" queried Beth. "Or I'm sure I'll forget half the things I've been thinking of."
The afternoon flew by as we tossed around ideas, made decisions. "Tim -" Beth queried as a thought occurred to her, "- what about a best man for you?"
She smiled at Sarah. "I already have my maid of honour, after all."
I saw unmistakeable tears at the corners of Sarah's eyes. "Thanks, Beth."