Chapter 28

Things were quiet at my office. I did have a visit from Roger. He was there to talk about Angela and to advise me that dates for both his wedding and his sister’s wedding had been set. He and Ange would be married in two weeks. As soon as she was finished with her school and apartment, they would leave for Landers. He wanted the six of us to get together over the weekend. I told him that I thought that would work but would need to talk to Jam tonight.

Mason and Anna had also set their date for two weeks after my wedding. I realized that I would be making two trips to Landers. Roger suggested that, for his wedding, we would need to arrive Thursday. There would be two rehearsals. Anna’s wedding would use the same protocols so wouldn’t be as lengthy for rehearsals.

After he left, Anna came by to talk. She said, ‘We’re getting married after you and Jam. I’m concerned. Six more weeks is a long time to wait.”

“Haven’t you been waiting for a while already?”

She was shy. “No, not really. Mason and I became active when in high school. Whenever we got together, we have had sex. Over the last few years, it’s turned to love. Jar, I know you don’t believe that way but it works for us.”

“I don’t but what I believe is for me. I don’t force my beliefs on others but won’t permit them to force their beliefs on me either. Who I am and how I am suits me. If who you are and how you are suits you, then, we’re good.”

“Okay. Mason and I probably won’t go to church much once we’re married or even before. That’s not the way I was raised. My father only goes on certain days. Mason follows that program normally. That’s one reason why getting married in Landers and living here will work for us.”

I smiled. “What’s the other reason?”

“It will keep me from being under my father’s eye. That hasn’t always worked well. Mason and I have wanted freedom. Except for the issues with Roger, we would have married. I can’t be Queen of Landers with a commoner husband.”

“Doesn’t that let me off the hook?”

“Not if you marry Jam. I think that’s part of why my father made you both royal and in the line of succession. Anyway, Dad’s in good health and Roger is straightened out. You shouldn’t have to worry about taking the throne.”

“I’m not really. It just seems to pop up all too often in the media. After a while, you get paranoid.”

Anna grinned. “Jar, I can see you getting pissed but not paranoid.” I laughed with her.

Anna smiled. “We want you in Landers after you marry for as much time as you can afford. My father likes you as do Roger and I. Actually, Roger is in awe of you.”

“Hopefully, his focus is Angela. I know her focus is him.”

“Yes, she’s tough, too. I think they are happy but she will bring some changes into his life. She believes like you do. She will make some changes as she lives in Landers.”

“Anna, I’m curious about one thing. Will Angela be queen?”

“Yes. Our laws are sexist on this point. Angela receives royal status through Roger as his wife while Mason would not receive such status as my husband. It’s not fair but is real. It wouldn’t surprise me if Angela changes the law in a few years. I think that would be a good idea. Its time has come.”

We spent a little time talking about Mason and Jam and their friendship. Then, she left. We would eat lunch together. Everyone was there but Angela. Teachers don’t leave for lunch or really get one away from students. She taught elementary age kids. She enjoyed it and I knew it was going to tough for her to leave it all behind. She loved Roger but I knew my friend. I knew she would find something to do in Landers.

Lunch was fun. Jam was there and had time. The five of us enjoyed each other’s presence though missed Angela for her humor and positive manner. I could tell that Roger missed her. He was quieter than he had been lately. We finally parted with Anna and Roger going to the Anderson house and the other three of us going back to our jobs.

I was trying to make plans for my new position though I knew would be missing with weddings and my honeymoon. My new admin, Miriam, was proving to be a big help with scheduling and tracking projects as I put them together with people in my department. It was different to have people in my department rather than be part of someone else’s department. Slowly, but surely, I was putting my personality into the group. I hope they will be better thinkers willing to take a calculated risk in their decisions. I explained in one meeting that I expected people to try things. I just wanted them to know why even if I didn’t agree with their reasoning. I said that we will talk about reasoning to improve their calculation of risk. I wanted people to feel it worth trying something new or different.

I went home to be met by my fiance. He came to the door and I said, “I saw you earlier today.” I grinned.

“Yes, you did but I couldn’t kiss you like I will in a second.” He pushed the door closed behind him and then took his time kissing me thoroughly. I helped and it was passionate. We finally came apart. We were both a little breathless. We stumbled over to my sofa and sat down together.

“I’m glad no one saw us do that or we would have to get married.” I grinned.

“We’ll just have to do something about that.” He smiled. “I have a chore for us if you’re willing.” I nodded. “I thought we might go ring shopping.”

I kissed him again. “That sounds good. We can catch supper somewhere.”

He nodded, took my hand, and led me out to his SUV. We went to a jewelry store and shopped for ring sets. In short order, I had three favorites picked out. I said, “Jam, any one of those would be great. I like all three. Do you have a favorite?”