Page 138 of Perfect Three

Grandfather moved to stand alongside the marriage celebrant who took over the official part of the ceremony.

Lucy was so proud the wedding blended western tradition with this wonderful First Nations counterpart.

Sebastian’s First Nations relations and the guests from theGundungurratribe sang while one of his ‘brothers’ and Billy played didgeridoo after the official part of the ceremony had been completed, and while she and Jack signed the register.If the native guests thought it was strange that three people were marrying, no one commented or seemed to mind in the least.They just seemed happy to know that Sebastian was happy, although they always called him by his skin name ofJungarrayiand Jack byJakamarra.

The aunties made a big fuss over Lucy, insisting she must come to stay with them soon.They had found out she was working with Billy, and it seemed to clinch the fact that she was accepting of their traditions.

Jack and Sebastian overheard, and Sebastian told them they intended to comejukurra.Lucy had no idea whenjukurrawas, but she hoped it would be soon.Sebastian then rattled a long sentence to the aunties and they dissolved into laughter.

Sebastian winked then told everyone in English they wanted to show Lucy Kakadu during the wet season and then travel to Ulu?u.

When the uncles heard, they joined the women in celebrating.

Lucy was touched by their acceptance of her, especially when Sebastian’s grandfather told her with quiet dignity that when she came to visit, he would bestow her skin name officially.

Following the ceremony, they traveled the short distance to the restaurant for the reception, where Brad had outdone himself.The restaurant had taken no bookings for the day.If anyone dropped in and wanted a meal, they would have to be catered for outside.The inside was given over to the wedding reception.Tables were decorated with fresh flowers and balloons in pretty pastel shades to match the gorgeous dress Lucy had chosen.Although Lizzie was positive the decorations were chosen to match hers.

It was lovely to see family and friends who accepted Lucy’s different decision.There had been a few people who had said no, but most came.Jack’s parents came down from Queensland.It was the first time Lucy had met them.They were confused about the relationship and could only understand that Jack was married.They asked her if Jack and Sebastian had broken up.Fortunately, Jack overheard and tried explaining to them what his relationship was.Lucy didn’t think they quite got the idea that it was a three-way thing, but they wished him and Lucy the best.

Grandfather declared the spit-roasted meats ‘good tucker’ and told Lucy she should be very honored the men had paid such a handsome amount for her.

Allison confided to her mother in a quiet moment that she was overjoyed to see Lucy looking so happy.

“I’m sure the future can only get better, Mum.I sincerely hope eventually the two families will become the best of friends.”

Lucy thanked her but secretly thought her two men would find it hard to forget what had happened.

Everyone laughed, danced, and ate the evening away.About ten-thirty, the two men spirited her away after an emotional farewell to their family and friends.

Geoffrey drove them to the Carrington Hotel for the night.

Lunchtime the next day, they were flying out.Lucy still had no idea where they were going.The men had packed for her and refused to give away any hints.

Geoff drove them to the airport and at last she was able to see their destination.Sebastian had booked tickets for them to visit his family and then travel to Ulu?u for their honeymoon, but he and Jack had kept it a surprise.

“Is that what you were telling the aunties?”

Sebastian laughed.“Yes, I told them we were comingjukurra,that’s tomorrow, but said they weren’t to let on because it was a surprise.”

“A surprise?It’s beyond that and it’s just wonderful!”

Lucy felt like a kid again as they flew.When they landed in Darwin, she was barely able to contain her excitement.They stayed the night in the Double Tree Hilton hotel, then early the next morning the men piled her into their hired jeep.They set off for the four-hour drive to Yuendumu where most of Sebastian’s relatives lived.

Sebastian explained that they could have flown there, as the wedding reception guests had, but he wanted the jeep so they could drive to some of the sights and visit some people in the vast area.

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