Christmas & Wedding Plans

“Are you still upset from your run in with Brody?” Joe asked Kalisha.

“No, I’m not upset anymore. I just wish he and other people would mind their own business and leave us alone.”

“I guess they just can’t accept our relationship.”

“Because of our age difference?”

“Yes.”

“Why can’t they just accept that we love each other?”

“I don’t know. Georgiana had invited us to have Christmas dinner with her and Scott but Cheryl and the rest of the family are going to there and things might get awkward. So, I declined the invitation. Georgiana was very disappointed but she understood. So, how do you feel about just the two of us celebrating Christmas this year?”

“That suits me fine.”

“Our wedding is on Boxing day and then, we’re off to Praiano for our honeymoon.”

“Yes.”

“You don’t sound or seem thrilled. What’s wrong?”

“I can’t help feeling bad.”

“Bad about what?”

“How things are between your sister and you.”

“I feel badly about it too but there isn’t anything I can do. She refuses to accept my relationship with you. My happiness doesn’t seem to matter.”

“You and she were very close, weren’t you?”

“Yes. As children, we were thick as thieves, always getting into trouble. She was a bit of a tomboy back then. I remember once she gave me a penny for my thoughts.” He smiled at the memory. “It was a bright shiny penny which she had taken from her piggy bank.”

“Joe, it’s my fault that things are the way they are now between you and her.”

He went over to her and pulled her to her feet. “Don’t say that,” he told her. “I don’t want you to blame yourself for how things are between her and me. It isn’t your fault and it isn’t mine. She refuses to accept that we’re in love and that’s not our problem. We are entitled to be happy just like everyone else.”

Kalisha nodded.

He cupped her face between his hands. “Let’s not worry about my sister or other people,” he said. “Let’s talk about our wedding.”

“It’s going to be a small ceremony, isn’t it?”

“Let’s just say, small and intimate. Georgiana and Scott are going to be there. A few of my colleagues and friends. And your friends and several of your co-workers are going to be there.”

“And my mother.”

“Good. We will have the marriage ceremony at your church and the reception at our favorite restaurant.”

She smiled. “Yes.”

“That’s more like it,” he said, smiling. After hugging her, he led her over to the sofa where they spent hours, talking about their wedding.