Chap 4: A Romantic Getaway

Many months passed, one after another, in steady procession (as time has a habit of doing).  Ruby and Craig survived on meals like singed sausages, at least one of which Craig dropped; and overcooked spaghetti, because Ruby had gone off into her own little world and forgotten the pot on the stove.  More than once they came close to starting a fire.

Craig continued to paint and June sold them.  The old fridge gave up the ghost and had to be replaced on HP.  Ruby got her promotion to lab assistant and was slowly given more and more responsibility around the facility.  At least she no longer had to take strange concoctions.

That was when Craig suggested a radical idea  "Let's get married."
"What?" asked Ruby confused "But ... you already proposed.  I have the ring!" Her face became crestfallen, a tinge of panic in her voice.
"Exactly" said Craig, taking her into his arms. "Let's do it.  Let's go away somewhere and get married."
"Ohhh" Ruby exclaimed, her face flashing through pink relief to cherry embarrassment.
"What did you think I meant, you silly goose?" Craig laughed.
"I thought .... never mind." said Ruby, then shyly  "You really mean it?"
"Of course" replied Craig "I know the money situation isn't that great, but if we wait for it to get better we may never get there.  The bookstore can do without me for a couple of weeks and you deserve a break."
"I always wanted to travel" Ruby mused "And you'd be my husband" she squealed.
"Yes" Craig laughed again "So what do you say, are you ready to be Mrs Johnson?"
Ruby just gave him a passionate kiss.

Nine weeks later, Craig and Ruby had
-applied for a small cash loan
-booked plane tickets
-booked accommodation
-found Ruby a reasonably priced white dress suit (which she settled on with a pout)
-obtained a wedding license
and generally done a lot of planning, organising and not a little arguing.

Having decided on a European wedding/honeymoon, specifically France, they then found that visiting Paris was a little beyond their budget.  However they could fly into the outlying districts, staying in a quaint little village.


The wedding itself was a simple affair.  Ruby and Craig exchanged vows and rings in front of a few witness (whom they had just met that morning).  They would get the papers finalised when they returned home.  They spent twelve days sightseeing, tasting the local wines, cheeses and chocolates and generally enjoying each others company, uninterrupted by regular concerns.  They returned home refreshed and very much in-love.