Sally’s Honeymoon: Book 4 Of A Contemporary Romance Short Story Series by A.J. Temple Page B

please?"
    Bill dutifully lifted their over-night bags and hefted them up the narrow staircase to the bedroom; returning just a few moments later.
    Sally quietly asked Robert where the toilet was. “Oh, sorry Sally. It’s just through the hall and down a couple of steps – you can’t miss it.”
    Sally excused herself then headed off to find the ‘little girls room.’
    “So then Robert; you have been busy; and now a married man it seems! How on earth did you manage to catch such a gorgeous looking young woman?” Samantha asked him, with a smile playing on her lips.
    “Well auntie – it’s a long story. I’ll have you bored senseless by this evening no doubt!” He replied, as he mentally asked himself the exact same question.
    ******

Chapter 2
    As Robert expected, Sally was made to feel very much a part of the family – as indeed she now was – by both Samantha and Bill. Later that evening, they insisted that that they would treat him and Sally to a meal down at a local restaurant.
    “Honestly Robert, it’s the least we can do, especially as we could not make it to your wedding. Bill’s cousin really picked the most inconvenient time to pass away!”
    “Ha ha, never mind Auntie – I’m sure he had little choice in the matter – the cousin I mean!”
    “Yes, well life is like that I suppose – all the more reason to make the most of it Robert !”
    Bill came into the room carrying a light jacket for Samantha.
    “Ok kids – are we all ready to go then? I for one am getting a little peckish!”
    Within ten minutes they were seated at a table in the village restaurant; Robert explaining to Sally that it was in fact a traditional village Public house or ‘Pub,’ called ‘The Ploughman’s Rest’ that had started selling food as a way of supplementing their income, and keeping the customers from moving on. Now it was very well known in the area for its good food; and people travelled from all around the area to eat there.
    “So Sally, are you looking forward to your cruise? I must say it sounds fabulous!” Samantha said as they scanned the menu before ordering.
    “Definitely! I have often dreamed one day of visiting Europe, but must confess that the furthest I have been is Scotland.” She went on to explain that while an exchange student at Dalkeith House, her ‘Host Parents’ Tom and Elizabeth had shown her around.
    “Ah yes; that would be the couple you were visiting when you had the unfortunate accident?”
    “That’s right. Though I sometimes wonder about the nature of ‘fate.’ If it weren’t for that car accident, I would never have met this rogue here!” Sally said playfully as she wrapped her arms around Robert.
    “Hey hey! Remember there are old folks here – you’ll have to get yourselves a room, if you are going to carry on like that!” Bill laughed at their display of affection.
    “Oh Bill , you leave them alone – it is their honeymoon after all; you were once young and romantic yourself, if you can remember that far back!” Samantha looked at him theatrically, from the side of her eye. “Hmm, well maybe not!”
    Robert and Sally laughed , as he made a face at Samantha; before Robert piped up.
    “You two really, you’re like a couple of kids sometimes! Anyway, here comes the waiter for our orders.”
    On Bill ’s recommendation they all ordered the ‘Traditional Steak and Ale Pie,’ with a side helping of boiled potatoes, and vegetables in cheese sauce; Helped down with a bottle of Italian Shiraz; and a Cola for Bill as he was the appointed driver. As predicted the food was excellent, the only ‘complaint’ coming from Sally, that it was just too much for her to handle in one sitting!
    “So ; getting back to the cruise - tell us, what ports are you visiting?”
    “Hmm, let me try and Remember , Bill… We leave from Southampton as you know, then sail to the first port of Gibraltar, then Barcelona. From there it’s Cannes, Civitavecchia, Naples, Cagliari, and