Chapter 26: Two Months Later

Except for the ankles, Melanie and Jacob were well-started on their new life together. With Jacob’s recommendation, Melanie landed a good job at an investment firm, and seeing an opening, moved sideways into a Human Resources position. HR interested her even though nobody else seemed to want the job. It turned out she was talented and soon proved her worth to the corporation by unraveling a nasty case of harrassment and protecting the victim, while the offender was sent off to be prosecuted.

In their new apartment, Amy’s room was pure princess, to the point where she laughed and said, “ENOUGH!” Two large bookshelves were bolted to the side walls, ready for her library to come.

Karla and Dan became regular guests, even after Jacob’s casts finally got cut off his ankles and the PT sessions wound down. As predicted, Karla and Melanie declared themselves sisters, and hung out frequently.

Amy and Jordan had become closely attached as well. When they asked Jordan if she minded having Karla and Dan and Jordan move in, they got the eye-roll.

“She’s here all the time ALREADY!”

April 18, 2023, Income Tax Day.

Melanie’s records were spread across the kitchen table. “What a headache. Jacob!”

“Yes?”

“Weren’t you going to marry me so I didn’t have to file and calculate all this shit myself?”

“Sure, but these taxes are for 2022 and we didn’t know each then. When do you want to marry me?”

“Um, May, May 20th, it’s a Saturday. OK with you?”

“Sure. Maybe we should get rings?”

“Yeah, probably. I’ll put them on the debit card. Not too fancy, I don’t want some robber cutting off my finger to get a big diamond. I’ll need a dress, too. And a little one for Amy.”

“You think Amy will want to come?”

“Jacob, some days I feel I should smack you. Of course she wants to come, she loves you. Don’t be stupid, just say, ‘yes, dear.’”

“Yes, dear.”

“I’m thinking Dan for your best man, and Karla for my maid of honor. Screw that language, my best woman. Jordan and Amy can be flower girl and ring bearer. Since we aren’t churchgoers, I’ll find a secular officiant. I can’t think of other guests, so we don’t need to rent a hall. Are we agreed?”

“I think so.”

“Wrong answer, Jacob. What did you say, just a minute ago?”

“Yes, dear.”

“Jordan and Amy should have coordinated dresses, I’ll speak to Karla and Dan about that, and that they need to reserve May 20th. I’m sure they will agree. OK?”

“Yes, dear.”

“I’m distracting myself. I need to finish my tax returns and get them postmarked today. Will you help me?”

“Are icebergs dangerous to ships? Certainly I will help you. And remember, next year we file jointly so my CPA will deal with all this nuisance.”