Je t’aime

*****

Once Remy and Kendra announced their engagement, life became a whirlwind. Since Kendra’s mother and brother would be coming out for Christmas it made sense to be married then. With only a few months to plan, Remy’s mother was in heaven. Rushing around, having invitations made, ordering flowers, and dragging Kendra to bridal shop, after bridal shop.

Kendra had hoped that they could have a small ceremony but after seeing Barbra’s guest list she was dismayed to find that there were hundreds of guests on the list. She was feeling frustrated that her wedding had suddenly turned into a circus, so she called Remy to see if he could rein his mother in.

He found her sitting in the park across the street from the apartment, she was huddled in her coat, looking for all the world like she had just lost her best friend. “Hey, I thought this was supposed to be a happy time.” He said, putting his arm around her.

“Well, it should be, but your mother has turned this wedding into a circus. I now have eight bride’s maids, which means an equal number of groom’s men. We have two flower girls, and I don’t know how many attendants. Don’t even get me started on the guest list. She’s got…” Kendra wasn’t able to finish because Remy had covered her mouth with an ardent kiss.

He deepened the kiss until he felt her begin to relax, “Now, let’s slow down a little and see if we can’t come up with a compromise. But, what you have to remember, is that my wedding is a big deal to the family. As the soon to be head of the family, it has to be a family affair. Held at the house, following all the traditions, and everyone is invited. The entire family will want to be there, it’ll be talked about for years.” He said, rubbing her back in soothing circles.

“It’s also a rite of passage, once we’re married there will be times it will be your responsibility to organize family meetings. Even today, a lot of our business is done with family. My mother just wants to give you a proper introduction to the family.” He finished.

Feeling a little calmer she thought about his words. She had known that this was what she had signed up for when she agreed to marry Remy. She really liked Barbra and if it would make her happy she would go along with all the craziness. Besides her mother would be thrilled to help plan a wedding like this.

“Okay how about one of our compromises, I’ll go along with anything your mother plans as long as my mother can have a say in the planning. I’ll ask her to get a hold of your mother and together they can plan the wedding, my mother will keep your mother under control.” She decided, finally feeling like she could handle the celebration that was to come.

“I’ll send her plane tickets for any time she wants, just let me know when. Do you think she could come out early?” he asked.

“Well, I doubt it, but I can ask. She could stay with us, it would be fun.” She said, beginning to get really excited.

“Maybe I’ll ask my mom if she can stay at the estate, I don’t know if I could keep my hands off you while she was here.” He said, sliding his hand up her leg, sending shivers of desire shooting through her stomach.

“You’re freezing, let’s go upstairs and get you warmed up. I can think of a few ways to get you nice and warm.” He said, his hand continuing its explorations.

*****

Kendra was on the phone to her mother as soon as the time difference would allow. Her mother, while happy about the wedding, was a little concerned about how quickly the whole thing had happened. Being involved in the process might help her to see how wonderful Remy and his family were. She was also hoping that her mom might be able to come early.

Her mother was not only thrilled with the idea but able to come early, since Remy was going to pay for the plane ticket and she wouldn’t have to pay for a hotel, it would be an entire month early. She had already planned it, but was glad that Kendra had asked. Kendra wasn’t the least bit surprised to learn that Barbra had already been in touch with her mother. They had made the plans together, just the first of many they would make.

Kendra had decided that the best idea was to just let her mother and Barbra have their way. Left on their own they would plan the perfect wedding, Barbra knew about planning and executing lavish celebrations and her mother knew her. It would be the perfect combination. In only two weeks, they had finalized the guest list, picked out invitations, and chosen the wedding party.

She was headed to the estate now to go over their choices and give her final approval. There had been no mention of the wedding dress, but she knew the topic would be coming up soon. Kendra had been willing to give on most of the decisions, but she wasn’t going to be married in anything that had underskirts, hoops, miles of lace, or jewels.

She was sad that her mother wouldn’t be there to help her pick it out but it couldn’t wait. If alterations were needed, it would take time and they were only a few months from the big day. Kendra decided that she would talk to Barbra about it tonight. Her plan was to ask Margot to go with her first, they could select a few that she liked best, then bring Barbra to see those few. She hoped to avoid any confrontations this way.

Barbra greeted her warmly when she got to the estate. They settled in the family room, which was furnished for comfort.

“I can’t wait to show you everything we’ve done.” Barbra was clearly excited.

“I’m so glad you and my mom are getting along so well, most mother in laws hate each other.” Kendra said.

Waving her thanks away, Barbra said, “Oh, she’s a doll. We’re having so much fun.”

Over the next hour, she and Barbra went over the guest list and Kendra even managed to get her to take a few names off. She loved the invitations they had chosen and was satisfied with the members of the wedding party. She didn’t know many of them, but Barbra cheerfully assured her, she would get to know them at all the engagement parties they would be attending.

“Engagement parties…” Kendra said, clearly confused.

“Oh, my yes, everyone will want to host the happy couple. The older family members will all host dinner parties in your honor. It’s a tradition that dates back hundreds of years, when a couple was engaged they would make the rounds of the elder family members seeking their approval. The dinners have survived, although the need for elder approval certainly hasn’t.” Barbra explained.

“Just how many parties are we talking about?” Kendra asked, “I have to work and nights are my busy time.”

“Don’t worry, I’ve already talked to the family and we’ve agreed on eight. One every two weeks until the wedding. That will allow the groups to be small enough that everyone will have a chance to talk to you a little.” Barbra said.

“I suppose I will need clothes for these parties. I don’t think I’ve ever owned that many outfits at once. Will you help me pick out the right things?”

“Of course, we’ll call my personal shopper and she’ll do all the work. It’s nice sometimes to have money.” Barbra said, reaching for her address book.