Chapter 8

“So, Jordan, I gather that you two plan to get hitched as well?” I asked Denise’s girlfriend in front of her, making both of them blush.

“Yeah, I believe so. I haven’t ... popped the question yet, but that’s the idea. I just didn’t want to pop it without a rock, you know. And I know too much about conflict diamonds to buy just any rock. It has to be ... cruelty-free. However, if Denise will accept a proposal at another woman’s wedding ... sans diamond,” Jordan gestured toward Denise, who broke down into tears.

“Yes, yes, yes ... if you’re asking what I think that you are ... yes, I’ll marry you! I’ll marry you as soon as I can. Screw the rock! I just want to be your wife!” Denise hugged and kissed Jordan repeatedly, clearly being deliriously happy now.

“Well, I’m no priest or rabbi, neither of them likely to perform a lesbian wedding, anyway, but I’ll do the honors if you wish it. I’m an ordained minister nowadays, thanks to the Internet. Just say the word, girls. If my sister is that confident in a lover that she wants to walk down the aisle with her, more power to her. Then again, maybe Xander would want to officiate. It’s your call,” I recalled that Xander was basically almost clergy now.

“Hey, I am an ordained minister, too, just for the record. I would love to preside over Aunt Denise’s wedding to Aunt Jordan. See, I already think of you as family, Jordan. How about it?” Xander announced.

“Then it’s settled, no offense, bro. But, yeah, I like the idea of a Buddhist novice presiding and Xander and I really bonded while we were out of the country together. He has grown to know me better and vice versa, not to mention developing a friendship with Jordan. We’re much closer than we used to be,” Denise explained, hoping that she didn’t hurt my feelings.

“None taken. Like you said, you had time to get closer to my son. Which is good, an aunt and nephew growing closer together like that. Not all forms of family bonding involve, well, you know,” it was my turn to blush just a bit, unusual as that was for me nowadays.

“Yes, I do. Well, as long as we’re on the same page, just know that I don’t judge whatever dynamic you have. I just don’t want details, other than the fact that you’re ... all intimate with each other. That’s good. You’re all good folks and I want you to be happy, okay? That’s all that counts with me. Now, give me a hug, won’t ya?” Denise hugged me very tightly now.

“Hey, Aunt Denise ... so, this is Aunt Jordan. Meet Billie, my wife! She was my husband, but that’s a long story. I still love her either way,” Amy introduced them at last.