“Aren’t they lesbians?”
“Merry doesn’t seem to think so.”
“Speaking of Merry, how is she?”
“She’s great. She said yes, Uncle Ralph.”
“Finally! Hallelujah.”
In the background, Jason heard Dottie asking what Ralph was so happy about. Ralph muffled the phone, but his voice still came though. “Jason said Merry accepted. They’re getting married soon.”
After a pause Ralph said, “Dottie’s giving you a thumbs up. She’s on the patio. When will it be?”
“January twenty-second.”
“Thank God it’s before spring training. You must be relieved.”
“I’ll say. So have you found a place for our honeymoon?”
“Yeah, this place we’re at now is great. Yesterday we visited an island known for its history, but I wouldn’t recommend it. I’d say some of that pirate blood must still be running through the native’s veins.”
“Uh-oh. That’s not good. So where are you now?”
“St. John’s. It’s very private. Just like you wanted. You can sail, snorkel, and they even have a campground if you want to rough it.”
Jason laughed. “I’m sure that’s just what Merry had in mind for her one and only honeymoon. How’s the resort?”
“Nice, but there’s an even better one nearby. We checked itout earlier today. Dottie’s having the best time quizzing all the managers.”
“I’ll bet she is. Hey, maybe travel writing could turn into a good sideline for her. She said she was a good writer.”
“That’s something I hadn’t thought of. But what about my job? You’ll still need a maintenance man, won’t you?”
“Of course. Your job is secure. I just think it might be a good idea if Dottie had a hobby.”
“You’re absolutely right. So, what’s Merry going to be doing after the honeymoon while you’re in spring training, besides, um, the expected?”
“She found something called the Traveling Nurse Corp. She’s looking into either that or the possibility of a per diem job. She doesn’t have to worry. Nurses are needed wherever we go.”
“And you’re okay with her working?”
“I’m okay with whatever makes her happy.”
“I guess she makes you pretty happy, right?”
“Very. I couldn’t be more fortunate.”
“Has she met your folks yet?”
“Ah, no. That’s the next hurdle. We’re getting her family and ours all together on Christmas. That way everyone can meet everyone, and we can announce the big news.”
“You aren’t telling anyone before that?”
“No, we decided to keep it a surprise.”
“Oh, boy. Good luck with that.”
“What? You sound worried.”
