Page 44 of Cherry's Jubilee

Daniel

1 year later

“The wedding’s off,” Cherry says, and everyone snickers. We’ve been having the same discussion all day. All week, in fact and neither one of us is willing to budge.

“Well, we just had our joint wedding shower yesterday, and you’re having your bachelorette in two weeks. Not to mention, we sent out engagement announcements eight months ago. It’s too late to call anything off,” I remind her as I reach into her plate and take her last piece of pineapple. Her eyes widen at me, and I shrug.

“We should do this the democratic way,” my brother Bryce says. “Let’s vote.”

“No,” Cherry says. “I don't trust half of you not to vote against me.”

"You know you can count on my vote, bestie," Ginger says.

“Daniel Cross sounds really good,” she says, imploring me to listen. She’s right. That does sound good, but it’s not happening.

“It sounds like the main character in a thriller,” Kirby says.

“But my name is Daniel Jubilee,” I remind her.

“And if he’s going to run Jubilee Financials, he has to be a Jubilee,” my dad says.

“He will be,” Cherry says. “Just because his name is different doesn’t mean he won’t be a Jubilee.”

“Or you can be Cherry Jubilee,” I counter.

All the men nod in agreement, and Cherry looks at her father with her mouth hanging open.

“Dad?” she says as if she’s betrayed. “Bonus Dad?” She looks at my father. “I thought you and I were like this?” She crosses her fingers. “I’m not surprised at Bryce and Kirby, but you two?” She points at her dad and mine. “I’m so disappointed.”

“Listen, blame your mother. She’s the one who was obsessed with French names. I wanted to name you Lorraine,” Cal says.

“Ew,” Cherry and Solange say at once.

“Think about it this way, Cherry, no one will ever forget your name,” my dad says. “Or you can go by Cherette. Cherette Jubilee sounds good.”

“Or I can keep Cross. Not all married women take their husband’s last name. That’s so last century,” she says, and I shake my head. “Oh, stop being a Neanderthal.”

“I like it,” Solange says. “It’s unique. You’ll always be the only Cherry Jubilee.”

“I like it too, Cherry,” my mom says.

“Me too,” my sister Daniella says. My other two sisters nod in agreement, and I know Cherry is outnumbered. She must know it too because she sighs in defeat.

“Let’s vote,” Bryce says again. “Raise your hand if Cherry should change her last name to Jubilee,” he says, and everyone but Cherry and Ginger raise their hands.

“Raise your hand if you oppose,” I say. Cherry and Ginger raise their hands.

“Cherry Jubilee it is,” I say before I lean down and kiss my fiancée. “That’s it. This matter has been put to bed.” She rolls her eyes and pushes against my chest, but I put my arm around her waist.

“You won’t be getting any action in bed for the foreseeable future,” she whispers.

I look down at my watch and say, “Yeah. For the next five hours.” I slap her ass before walking away.

“Come on, men,” my dad says. “Let’s go outside, smoke a cigar and pound our chests.” He smirks at Cherry when he says it.

“You’re so gonna get it, Bonus Dad,” Cherry warns.

Cherry

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