26 WEVE GOT A WEDDING TO PLAN. (1/2)

”It's official,” Francisca said, wriggling her fingers.

”Now that you have met him and everything, I said YES.”

”Said yes,” Rose echoed, still holding the quilt to her despite the heat of the afternoon sun. They'd been gone for hours, because it had taken her such a long time to make up her mind between the flower garden, double wedding ring and appliquéd pansy quilts. Blue, pink, pale green or lavender... none of the choices were easy. ”Said yes to what?”

”Marriage Aunt Roro,” Francisca announced and, ignoring the bundle of fabric, threw herself into her aunt's arms. ”I knew you'd love him.”

”Oh, dear.” It was the only thing Rose could think of to say. She looked past Francisca's shoulder to the young cowboy. He grinned uncertainly. ”Congratulations,” Rose told him. Maybe it would be a long engagement, long enough for them both to come to their senses.

”When?” Andrew asked, looking as if he wanted to be anywhere else.

”We're getting married on the fourth of July,” Bobby announced.

*”This year?”*

”Yes ma'am.”

Andrew caught the quilt as it dropped, leaving Rose free to finally notice the sparkling diamond engagement ring on Francisca's finger. ”Are you sure about this?”

”Yes, Aunt Roro, really sure.”

Rose looked over toward Andrew, who was busy shaking Bobby's hand. He turned to meet her gaze, but instead of looking sympathetic or triumphant he stood there, her quilt bundled up underneath his arm, and met her gaze.

”You want to go out for dinner?” Andrew asked, as if he understood her urge to escape. He even went to the passenger door and opened it for her.

”Sure,” Rose heard herself reply.

”But Aunt Roro, we've got to plan a wedding!' Francisca wailed. ”You can't leave now.”

She didn't want to plan a wedding. She wanted to have dinner with the cowboy and pretend that she was getting on a plane. Maybe she really would get on a plane. Rose turned away from her niece as returned to Bobby's wide, comfortable, air conditioned Cadillac. Andrew tossed the quilt in her lap, then shut the door.

Rose remember to wave goodbye.

”IT'S LIKE THIS,” Andrew began, after taking a good long of cold beer. To his surprise Rose had ordered one, too, and seemed happy to be drinking it.

Remembering making love to her wasn't real easy, either.

”What's like what?” she asked.

She was looking at him with those beautiful eyes of hers. For a moment he forgot what he was talking about. ”This wedding thing.” He cleared his throat. ”Bobby's never wanted to get married until now, and I have to tell you that we are all pretty damn pleased that he wants to settle down.” Andrew took another drink. ”What i want to know is why you are so against it?”

”They are too young.”

”Lots of couples are. What else?”