I glanced behind me. "Ready, girls?"
Evie turned to look at Sally, getting a hesitant nod. "Yes, Mummy."
Kate signed to the organist, and the familiar strains of the wedding march rang out. I took a deep breath, and stepped forward, matching my pace to the music. I saw heads turning in the congregation, but my attention was on the single figure standing at the front of the church. Tim turned, and I drank in the expression on his face as he saw me. When I reached the front, I handed my flowers to Evie and she took her seat next to Sally, whispering excitedly until Tim shushed her gently.
"Dearly beloved..." began the vicar, and the next few minutes seemed to pass like a dream, Tim and I holding hands to make our vows, then slipping on the rings we'd chosen. I heard a whispered "Yay!" as the vicar declared "You may now kiss the bride," and Tim leaned across to press his lips gently to mine.
"Losing your touch?" I teased in a whisper.
He grinned. "No, but I think our guests would be a little... surprised, if I did what I want to do right here."
"Promises, promises," I grinned.
The girls led us out of the church, everyone else following, and we crossed the short distance to the church hall where Kate and her helpers were setting out the buffet. "Feeling like something to eat, Mrs Smith?" queried Tim, and I nodded, smiling softly as I watched him fill plates for us.
We took our seats at the top table, and I glanced at Tim. "Ready for your speech?"
He nodded apprehensively, getting to his feet and clearing his throat. "Everyone... Thank you for being here on our special day, and thank you to everyone who helped with catering and decorating the church. Please enjoy the meal, and a little later we'll push back the chairs and turn up the music."
He sat down, and I grinned. "Short and sweet."
When we'd finished eating, we circulated among our guests, stopping at the table Kate had set especially for Evie and her friends. "OK, girls?" Tim queried.
Evie nodded. "We're having a really fun time, Daddy."
Tim glanced at the clock on the wall. "Evie, darling, Mummy and I need to get going soon - is that OK?"
"Of course, Daddy. I'll be fine with Grandma."
Tim turned to me. "Want to go and change?"
I smiled. "I won't be long."
I caught Kate's eye, and she followed me up the stairs to the room where we'd stashed my going-away outfit. She helped me out of my dress - "I'll make sure it gets back to the house safely" - and watched as I changed.
"So, just you and Tim for nearly a week," she hinted, the tone of her voice giving away the direction of her thoughts. "Planning anything special?"
I returned her grin. "Let's just say I packed a couple of fun extras in the bottom of my case."
She stepped back, examining me with a critical eye. "Perfect."
There was applause as I stepped back into the room, and Tim joined me, taking my hand. "Thanks again, everyone - we'll see you soon."
I leaned down to kiss Evie. "Be good, darling."
Evie nodded solemnly. "I will, Mummy."
She pressed her cheek against my bump. "And Charlie will be good too."
I brushed back a tear. "Bye, angel."
Tim held the car door for me, and I settled back in my seat. "How long's the drive? I still don't have a clue where we're going."
He chuckled. "It's just under four hours, but don't worry - we can stop and stretch our legs on the way."
We were quickly on the motorway, and I felt my eyelids growing heavy. "It's been a lovely day, darling, but I think all the emotion has tired me out a little."
Tim smiled. "Have a bit of a sleep, my love - I'll be fine driving."
I must have drifted off, and when I opened my eyes we were passing an exit. "Gosh, we are pretty far north, aren't we."
Tim nodded. "Want something to eat? The next service station is the last one before we turn off."
I shook my head. "Let's just get there..."
A few minutes later, Tim pulled off the motorway, concentrating on the signs, and the road started to climb, passing through pine woods. I shifted in my seat, and Tim glanced at me. "You OK?"
I gave him a slightly sheepish look. "Um, I need to pee."
He looked concerned. "There aren't any more services on this road, I checked."
I shrugged. "Not a problem - just pull over. You do remember the first time we went for a walk together, right?"
A knowing smile gradually spread across Tim's face. "I get it."
He glanced in the mirror, and pulled onto the verge, switching off the engine. He got out, walking round to my side and opening the door for me. I walked a few steps towards the trees, then slipped my panties down to my ankles and crouched, looking over to make sure Tim was watching. I let myself relax, and my stream started to splash on the pine needles. "That's better."
When I'd finished, I fixed my eyes on Tim's face as I pulled my panties back up and smoothed my skirt. "OK, darling?"
He nodded, grinning. "Don't know why I like that so much, but I do."
We got back in the car, and again Tim concentrated on the map. "There should be a turn on the right in about a quarter of a mile."