Page 64 of One Night with the Doctor

She glanced down at the hand holding hers and gave it a squeeze. ‘You ready for this Za Za?’

Zack, who at almost thirteen had grown a foot in the last year, squeezed back. ‘Ready when you are,’ he confirmed with that familiar cheeky grin.

His sweet face was at that halfway stage, caught between little boy and emerging man and, he looked so much like his father, sometimes it took Callie’s breath away. She hoped Andy, wherever he was right now, could see his son and be proud of the kind, funny kid he was becoming.

‘Well then, let’s go get me hitched,’ she said.

A nod at the violinist and the strains of ‘Going to the Chapel’ drifted into the quiet of the backyard setting as people got to their feet and turned their gazes to her and Zack. There was only a couple dozen guests but every one of them was beaming their happiness.

Callie’s gaze met Sebastian’s as she and Zack walked slowly down the grassy aisle. He smiled at her and her heart almost burst from her chest. In a tux that fitted him like a dream, he looked resplendent but it was the glow of love in his peridot eyes that she was here for.

It was hard to remember what her life was like before Sebastian Walker had entered it and turned it on its head but, looking back, it had felt monochrome.

And now it glistened with colour.

Geri, in a red, black and yellow frock, holding a small posy of wattle and baby’s breath was waiting for her at the end of the aisle. Brent Cartwright, also dressed in a tux was standing next to Sebastian. They both smiled at Callie as she drew to a halt in front of the celebrant, a silver-fox hottie called Allan.

The music faded and Allan smiled at Zack. ‘I believe it is you, young man, who’s giving Callie away, today?’

Zack’s chest puffed. ‘Yes,’ he said clearly.

‘And do we…’ Allan leaned in and whispered loudly, ‘approve of this Sebastian guy?’

The small congregation laughed but Zack took the question very seriously. ‘Uncle Seb is cool.’

More laughter as Allan glanced at Sebastian. ‘I think you’re in.’

With a shimmer of tears in her eyes, Callie turned to her nephew and whispered, ‘Thank you, Zack,’ as she gave him a big hug.

And then Andie, squirming in her father’s arms said, ‘Want Za Za.’ She absolutely adored her big cousin.

Sebastian let her down and Andie crossed straight to Zack who held out his hand. She took it without hesitation and Zack led her to a chair that had been reserved for him in the front row, hauling Andie onto his lap.

All that was left then was for Callie to hand over her bouquet to Geri and reach for Sebastian’s hand…

A few hours later, Sebastian was sitting alone with his new wife, watching their guests bust moves on the makeshift dancefloor that had been erected in their backyard the day before. Andie had conked out an hour ago and was lying in her pram which was parked just behind them.

‘I have something for you, Mrs Walker.’

Callie had decided not to change her name and Sebastian didn’t care a single jot but for tonight, he liked the way it rolled off his tongue.

Reaching into his jacket pocket he pulled out a small velvet jewellers box. Callie hadn’t wanted an engagement ring and had opted for a plain, thin gold band today and he hadn’t cared a jot about that either but he’d seen the chunky silver locket on a chain in the jewellery shop window a few weeks ago and hadn’t been able to resist.

‘Oh…’ She glanced at him then back at the locket then at him. ‘It’s gorgeous.’

Sebastian smiled. ‘Open it.’

Picking it up, Callie flipped it open and smiled at the picture he’d taken a few days ago of Zack and Andie, their heads close together as they sat on the couch watching Bluey together.

‘Thank you,’ she whispered as she traced a finger around their dear little faces. ‘I’ll treasure it. Can you put it on?’

Obliging his new wife, Sebastian secured it around Callie’s neck. It sat nestled into the V of her cleavage like he knew it would and he stroked it there as he murmured, ‘It looks good.’

She leaned in and kissed him and Sebastian doubted there was anything on earth that could make him happier in this moment.

Breaking off the kiss she murmured. ‘I have a gift for you, too.’

Her eyes gleamed mischievously and Sebastian waggled his eyebrows. ‘Oh really.’