“Why would you do this, Francine? Why would you ruin this second-born match meant to bring good fortune to both of our families?”
“Because arranged marriages should be eliminated or only participated in if the two people getting married agree to it. And if not, which is in most cases, then love should dominate.”
“Love,” her father said in a scoffing tone, “is not a good reason to get married. Arranged marriages bring certain families together, and—”
“And this one has also accomplished that goal,” Francine said. “You are still aligned with the Grey family. Except that now, instead of two people shackled together for a lifetime getting along as best they can as friends who are not in love with each other, you have a love match with the family of your choice. Bravo.”
“We are your parents. We know what is best for you. These marriages have been planned for two decades and you’ve ruined this momentous occasion with foolish talk of love. How dare you!”
Lucy expected her gentle sister to fold or cry or any number of things, but she didn’t. She held her ground.
“What are you going to do, Mother, take my birthday away? I have no regrets.”
Lucy thought she might laugh later when she thought of Francine using Cam’s phrase.
“I can see that.” Their mother crossed her arms. “Let’s see if you regret this.” She glanced at her husband before turning to Francine. In a low, hate-filled voice she said, “From this day forward, Francine, you are no longer a daughter of mine or your father’s. I extinguish your life as you’ve known it.”
“Adeline,” their father said in surprise. “Isn’t that a bit drastic?”
“No. It’s not. Furthermore, you will be erased from our family as if you never existed. We will make Lucinda our second born and fulfill the original construct of the arranged marriage agreement. Lucinda and Axel will return to Alpha-Prime and have another grand wedding there and be showered with all the adulation, praise and congratulations due a second-born match.”
“Mother, no,” Lucy said. She wrapped her arm around Francine as their mother continued.
“I’ll give you one chance, Francine, and one only. Agree to marry Axel after we dissolve this current travesty of a marriage or face permanent exile from our midst. It’s your choice.”
Francine hugged Lucy tight.
Lucy’s stomach fell. She and Axel exchanged a sorrowful gaze. He nodded slightly, as if mentally agreeing with her that Francine couldn’t be summarily banished from the family. They’d have to end their short-lived but very exciting marriage.
“My choice is to say good-bye,” Francine said loud and clear. “I will not marry Axel Grey. He’s in love with Lucy and she loves him back. They should remain married.”
“Very well. Come along, Harrison. We have some documents to attend to.” Their mother paced a few short steps away, then stopped. She whirled around, put a bright sunny smile in place and approached the sisters again.
“I forgot,” she said with a seemingly genuine smile in place. “Congratulations on your marriage to Axel, Lucinda. As my second-born daughter, I’m so happy for you and your second-born husband to continue the family traditions of good luck and harmony.” Adeline shoved Francine out of the way to hug Lucy hard. She kissed her cheek and added, “This wedding has been quaint, but wait until you see what we have planned for you on Alpha-Prime. We love you, dear.” She kissed her other cheek.
Lucy, mouth hanging open, watched her mother face Axel.
“Welcome to the family, Son. We’re so happy you’re married to our second-born daughter, Lucinda.” She kissed him on the cheek as well. Axel didn’t say a word.
Adeline and Harrison Duvall walked out of the room as if nothing of import had happened.
“That was crazy,” Cam said, breaking the silence.
Valene bounded into the room. “I just saw your parents. They were smiling. What’s going on? I thought they’d be furious.”
“I’ve just been exiled from the family. They’re about to erase me from the permanent files of their life and make Lucy their second born.”
“Get out!”
“They just smiled and strolled off to do the paperwork like it was nothing to them.”
“You know what that means, right?”
“What?”
“My family will adopt you and I get another sister. Yay!” Valene raced over to hug both Lucy and Francine.
Lucy hugged her new sister-in-law and then moved to where Axel and Cam stood.
