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“I love you.” I went on my tiptoes.
He kissed me, and the world felt better. When the kiss ended, he said, “I love you too.”
Then there was a knock at the door. He tossed a T-shirt on and raced out. I cleaned myself in the bathroom, but I heard him say, “Maman. Pedar. You’re early.”
Roxanne said, “We had a bet going and couldn’t wait.”
My eyes widened as I tugged the dress over my head. He asked, “Bet?”
Roxanne said, “If I’m right, your father donates a million dollars to my cancer foundation.”
I checked myself in the mirror and quickly brushed my hair.
Kir asked, “And if Pedar is right?”
She said, “Then I’m hosting a Labor Day party for his colleagues so he can make a deal, and I can run it as a benefit for cancer.”
Dressed, I rushed out and threw open my arms to hug everyone. “I’m here.”
His mother and father kissed both my cheeks. She said, “And you look lovely. So, what’s the big news?”
Kir stood beside me, took my hand, and said, “Maman, Pedar, Avril and I eloped in Vegas.”
I held my hand to my chest.
His father said, “That wasn’t what we expected.”
“Stop. They’re perfect together,” Roxanne said.
I breathed.
She took my hands. “Okay, so, we’ll tell everyone you’re engaged, and I’ll have Maddie plan a beach wedding at our house in the spring, unless there is a reason to push it up sooner…” Her gaze pierced me.
I said, “No, there is no reason.”
“We were both wrong, then,” his father said. “And my wife is right—we’re happy you’re part of the family now, Avril.”
Family. I’d only had my sister for years. Being part of Kir’s family was another benefit to our life together.
Roxanne then stared at me for an answer, so I smiled and said, “Kir said you’d want us to have a family wedding.”
She asked, “Is that okay?”
I hugged her. “Of course. In the spring, hopefully, my sister will be back and fully recovered. I’d want her there too.”
She pulled me close. “Perfect. Now I need to say I’m thrilled you’re my new daughter-in-law.”
Tears welled in my eyes. I hadn’t expected that. She let me go.
I said, “Absolutely, and whenever you need help with your cancer foundation, let me know what I can do.”
His father placed a hand on Roxanne’s back. “We’ll leave you two now. I know you’re going out tonight. Have a wonderful time.”
We walked them to the door and hugged and said goodbye. Kissing both cheeks was still new for me, but it was a nice custom and much warmer than a wave.
Once they were gone, and Kir had closed the door, he said, “I told you Maman and Pedar approved of you.”
Life together was good. “It’s great to hear.”
