After a spaghetti dinner, neatly twirled by Karen and Paul, less efficiently by Timmy and me, we reluctantly put Summerside behind us and returned, first to Newton to drop of the children, and then my hotel. Paul purchased a bottle of wine to celebrate. A do not disturb sign was hooked on the door. I felt a passing pang of guilt making passionate love so soon after church but my conscience took a back seat to my lusty body. I chased Paul home after midnight. He would pick me up in the morning for our Sunday assessment of the furniture and contents at his Newton home. It wasn't looking forward to the chore.
In spite of the lateness of the hour, I called my sister. After all, the news was significant enough for a late night wake up.
"Do you smell smoke?" I asked as she answered in a groggy voice.
"What's burning?"
"My bridges. We just set the date and bought a house. I'm about to give notice and move up here and change my life a gazillion percent. I'll be a mother to two wonderful kids even though I don't know what I'm doing. I drank most of a bottle of wine 'cause Paul's driving home after we had four hours of fantastic sex. Otherwise, it's just a ho-hum day."
Suzie screamed loud enough to hurt my ears. "Good for you!"
We talked about the wedding; who would attend, and a myriad of details. It was tentatively decided that Suzie would remain with the children after the marriage service while Paul and I honeymooned on Cape Cod. She broached the subject of our mother attending my wedding and I enthusiastically agreed. I told Suzie about my furniture dilemma. She was all for brand new and very expensive while I her conservative sister, wanted to wait and see. I promised once I moved north, we'd see one another as frequently as time allowed. I'd also visit Maureen and her twin boys in nearby Rhode Island. The due date of the birth of Maureen's baby was close to my wedding date but Suzie was convinced her grandson would wait for his new uncle. It was after two A.M. before I closed my eyes.
The front hall and waiting-den of Paul's home were as far as I'd ventured but I harbored no curiosity about viewing the rest of the place. This was the old North family's venue and I was no part of it. Nor did I foresee finding joy in touring the expansive building and choosing items from his life to add to the remainder of mine. I realized my foolishness, resolving to make practical choices without the influence of petty jealousies.