Sing a Song of Love (16 page)

“Cam did you get hold of Jessie’s parents.”  I felt terrible
and was relieved when Cam said he had.

“You’re a life saver.  Are they on their way?”

“They are; should be here within the hour.”

Jessie’s parents looked grey with worry when they turned up
and we quickly filled them in on all the details.

Jessie’s dad was shaking his head, “What a story but thank
goodness Jess is alright.  When will we be able to see her?”

It was about another hour before we were able to see
Jessie.  She was still sleeping and there were tubes everywhere, but she looked
peaceful and very much alive.  The relief was immense.

Over the next twenty four hours Jessie improved hugely.  I
had already broached the subject of our relationship with Jessie’s parents and
was relieved to find out it was old news.  And they were happy to give their
blessing on my desire to propose, as long as I promised to bring her back for
regular visits.

“We will have to figure out the details but I know Jessie would
never want to be away from you guys for long.  I’m thinking along the lines of
two homes, one here and one in Scotland, but I will talk to Jessie when she is
strong enough.   But rest assured we will always be a big part of your lives.”

Jessie’s mum gave me a hug, “Glad to hear it and welcome to the
family.” 

She gave me a bright smile and I felt like I was looking at
Jessie thirty years from now.  I liked what I saw.  It also explained, in part,
why Jessie was such a great lady; she had been blessed with loving, caring parents.

All I had to do now was pop the question.  I had smuggled
Jess in a cheese burger, to help combat the monotony of the hospital food and
had slipped the ring inside the wrapper.

“Cheese burger as requested!” 

I perched on the side of her bed and gently stretched over
and gave her a kiss.  I could feel the grin plastered across my face and hoped
I wasn’t giving the game away!

“Man this is going to taste so good.” 

She unwrapped her burger and lifted it up for a bite before
noticing the ring.

“What’s this?” 

She looked genuinely puzzled until she looked over at me.  Then
she broke into a huge smile and the joy radiating from her face melted my heart
all over again.

I took her hand in mine, “Jessica May Kearney would you do
me the honour of becoming my wife.”

“Yes Mack,” and her voice was so soft I barely heard it; her
eyes bright with unshed tears.  

I reached over and sealed the promise with a kiss. 

The last half of the tour was delayed for three months while
Jessie recovered her strength and her broken bones mended.  In the mean time we
had all shifted up to Jessie’s parents’ house in Matapouri, to rest and organise
the wedding.  The plan was to get married before we toured Australia and then
head back to Scotland. 

I had resigned from my job and was now the High Land Boys
full time manager.  My plan was to set up a recording studio at the farm, when
we got home, so we could all be based there.  It would also mean I could help
out on the farm again and I had been surprised at how much I liked the idea.  What
had pleased me even more though was Jessie and the boy’s response to it. 

Lance, Josh and Robbie had also asked Cam and Jess to join
their band.  They wanted them as more than backup singers and after seeing how
they collaborated together, I had thought it was a great idea too.  Also, Cam
was as much a part of the family as Jess and no one had wanted to break up what
we had.  They had been over the moon with the news and had said yes straight
away. 

So after Australia the plan was to go home to Scotland and hopefully
by the time we arrived the studio would be finished, along with the new cottage
for the boys. 

Jessie and I would have one of the existing cottages.  It
hadn’t been lived in for a while but Alina was organising the renovations so
that it would be ready when we arrived.  She had been ecstatic as well, at the
news of us returning home.  As she had said on the phone, it was like a dream
come true and to say thanks to Jessie for making it happen. 

They weren’t able to leave the farm to come to the wedding
as Mum and Dad were too old to travel.  As the next best thing, we were going
to organise a blessing when we arrived home.  Another celebration which my
family could enjoy.

Finally the day of the wedding dawned, bright and clear, and
Jessie had never looked more beautiful as she walked towards me on her father’s
arm.  We had written our own vows and they elicited a tear from most, as are
love for each must have been as plain as day. 

After the ceremony when everyone had a glass of champagne, Jessie’s
dad tapped on his glass to get everyone’s attention.

“Firstly a toast to the happy married couple,” and after we
had all clinked glasses Jessie’s dad continued, “And now I would like to let
Jessie in on a surprise Mack and I have been working on.  There is a special
spot up on the hill, above our farm, where a certain wee girl would go, to
while away time.  Well, I have given that piece of land to Mack as a wedding
present and he has hired builders to erect a house.  So Jessie, you and Mack
will always have a place here to call home.”

I heard Jessie’s yelp of excitement as she through her arms
around me.

“Thank you Mack, Dad, this is the best surprise in the
world. Now I can go between the two places I know I will love best.”