Maybe she was just growing up.
We could only hope.
I hoped. A lot.
The family got together almost every weekend for dinner, and this week Mom had made a slow cooker full of chili. While we usually ate on Saturday nights, a cold front was due to come through tomorrow, and probably drop at least a foot of snow on us by nightfall.
Tonight was a better idea.
“You girls, be nice,” Mom said as she crossed to the dinner table where Summer and Autumn had spread the wedding-planning stuff out. Mom’s dress jingled more than a Christmas elf.
Christmas was a few weeks back. Mom still had some of her decorations out. Like that creepy little elf on the top of the fridge that looked like he could jump down and come to life ala that movie Child’s Play.
The thing gave me the chills. I hated it.
“Winter was just trying to point out problematic issues that…” Mom’s voice trailed off as she glanced at the bridal magazines spread between Summer and Autumn on the kitchen table, then back at me. “That could come up,” Mom finished.
Mom had not been happy about my groom’s bachelor night activities way back when. And from the look on her face, she remembered far too well that wedding.
Not that anyone would forget that…
Ugh.
“Don’t plan my bachelor party,” Matthew Hennessey said as he came into the kitchen, empty pop can in his hand. “I don’t want one.”
“You liar,” Louie said, entering behind him. “You just don’t want to go to the strip club.”
“Have you seen the strippers out there at Mandy’s Beach House?” Matthew glanced at Louie.
“I have busted a few there for drugs,” Louie said, grinning.
“My point exactly,” Matthew said.
“And when were you there, mister?” Summer said, glancing at Matthew. “Why would you know what they look like?”
The tips of Matthew’s ears turned red.
“Matthew?” Summer said.
Autumn started laughing. “You might as well confess. She’ll find out who you went with soon enough.”
“In my defense, it was before you,” Matthew said. “I did have a life before last summer.”
Summer’s arms crossed. “Well, I hope so.”
Matthew raised his eyebrow like he wasn’t sure if Summer was mad or agreeing.
Frankly, I was a little boggled myself.
Louie laughed and slapped Matthew on the shoulder. “You sure you want to be a part of this family?”
Matthew slipped over to his bride-to-be. “They got nothing on you, babe.” He kissed her cheek.
Summer grinned.
I rolled my eyes.
“We are completely normal,” Mom said as she shook her hips, jingling more. She grinned, which only made everyone in the room laugh.
