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Not worrying about Daisy as I already had the dog walker in twice during the day, an automatic feeder and Netflix playing all day, I knew she was living the life of luxury while I waited for the million questions my mom would fire at me over a glass of wine at the dinner table.
As dad topped off mom's glass, then handed me the bottle of red, he smiled at me with that awkward ‘good luck’ smile. Mom came in holding a plate in each hand, setting dinner down in front of us first then went back into the kitchen to get her plate.
“Joseph will be coming soon with Bethan.”
“I didn’t think Joe was back from base yet?” I asked, as mom pulled her chair in.
“He got back a few days ago, he’s been staying with Bethan at her parents. He said he has some news to tell us.”
“Watch him tell us he’s knocked her up.”
“Noah you can’t say things like that at the dinner table and besides Joseph is a good boy.”
Dinner was quiet after mom scolded dad, other than the odd question about my team, how dad’s retirement was working out for him and mom deciding she wanted to learn how to paint. Joseph hadn’t returned my text, the one I sneakily sent from under the table asking for some clue as to whatever this news was. What was worse, Joseph and Bethan didn’t arrive until we were cleaning up the table, making us wait longer than expected.
“As always, you arrive after it's time to clear up.”
Mom joked as she wrapped her arms around his neck and gave him a kiss on the cheek and then did the same to Bethan.
“It’s so lovely to have you home,” dad shouted over the sound of tonight’s sports news.
“Yes, well, like I said over the phone earlier mom I – we have some news we would like to tell you.”
I stood in the doorway of the living room as I came back in from topping up my glass and Bethan looked as if she was ready to burst from excitement. The four of them looked at me as I walked in, clearly waiting for me. Taking my seat in the smaller armchair of the sofa set, I waited for the big announcement. I had a feeling I knew what was about to come.
“Mom, dad, Kimmy,” Joseph paused, taking Bethan’s hands in his and then looked back at us smiling again, “I asked Bethan to marry me and - She said yes!”
Mom was the first one to scream in excitement and fill the room instantly with joy, dad was on his feet in an instant embracing Joe in a hug. And then mom was fawning over Bethan’s ring, a beautiful diamond ring that sparkled in the living room lights.
“Oh, it’s beautiful – oh I’m so happy.”
Mom's chorus of delights and joyfulness continued for a few minutes until I felt their eyes back on me. I hadn’t said a word as the news settled, I remembered that feeling of happiness, sharing that news and excitement with my family and friends. I liked Beth, she and Joseph had been together since right after high school. She's stuck by him throughout his military training, deployments and everything else in between. They were perfect for each other; she was a little timid, while he was the wild second child. They balanced each other out.
“Kimmy? Do you approve?” Joe sat next to me with his hand on my knee, looking at me with hopeful eyes.
“Of course – of course I’m happy. Why wouldn’t I approve?”
I shot the biggest, happiest smile I could muster towards him and Beth, bringing him in for a hug as I buried my feelings deep inside myself. I would cry at home. Not now. I wouldn’t ruin this moment for them both.
“Good, cause I need you to be my best man or best woman, sorry.”
“You are joking right? Have one of your army guys be your best man, not me.”
“Kim, you’re my sister and my best friend. Plus, you're the best person for the job. Don’t fight me on this either. You need to bring a date as well”
A date? Panic ran through me, I didn’t even know a guy to bring to a wedding. I would just be happy to be by myself. I expected Joe to wear his Mess dress uniform, along with his friends. While Bethan and her girlfriends walk down the aisle, looking like they all stepped out of a fairytale. However, I wouldn’t have any idea what type of suit I’d wear.
“Don’t worry either, Beth said you don’t have to wear a suit.” It was as if he read my mind.
“Yeah Kim, if you’d like to wear a dress, please do.”
This made me a little more relaxed, I never got to dress up anymore, so wearing a nice formal dress for my little brother's wedding was something I really wanted to do.
“Oh, mom, there’s one more thing.”
“You’re not pregnant are you?” Dad shot Beth and Joe a look of 'please dear Lord no' and Beth laughed uncomfortably.
“No! No, haha, no. Ummm,” Joe was starting to stumble over his words, like he did when he was embarrassed and beginning to feel overwhelmed.
