A month later preparations were well under way for Bette and Tina’s ceremony. Everyone had their own responsibility – Shane had organised the woman to perform the ceremony and would be doing both women’s hair on the day, Dana had helped them both select their outfits seperately and was in charge of the music for the reception, Alice was in charge of the practical layout of the garden for the day and the buffet that would be available after. All that was left to Bette and Tina was to write their vows and compile a guest list. The five of them sat in The Planet discussing ideas.

“So how are you getting on with the guest list?” Alice enquired.

“Okay…we’re working towards about 30 people, but still having some family issues” Bette frowned.

“What’s the problem?” Dana asked.

“We both really want our families there, but some of them won’t come” Tina explained.

“Like who?” Shane sat forward.

“My Dad likes to pretend I’m straight, so I can’t see him being up for a ***** commitment ceremony…” Bette started.

“..my Mum thinks our relationship is disgusting…” Tina continued.

“..and I haven’t spoken to my sister or my Mum in God knows how long” Bette finished.

“Wow” Dana sat there, wide-eyed.

“You got a lot of ***** going on” Shane observed.

“So which family members do you have coming?” Alice asked.

“My Dad” Tina stated.

“And?”

“That’s it” Bette folded her arms.

“Okay, so maybe it won’t be a big family occasion” Alice reasoned.

“I guess not” Bette sounded dejected.

“It’s okay guys, you’ll have all your friends round you” Shane tried to cheer them up.

“Thanks you guys” Tina smiled gratefully.

They discussed the other aspects of the ceremony and reception and how they were coming along. Alice had managed to convince Marina, the owner of The Planet, to provide the food for the reception. Dana had used some contacts of hers to secure a band, and Shane had received confirmation from the “Priest”.

“We really appreciate everything you’re doing guys” Tina thanked them “don’t we, Bette?”

“Yeah, we really do. I’m sorry I’m so moody, it’s just the stress and everything…”

“We understand, Bette” Dana patted Bette’s arm.

“So Dana, you got both the outfits sorted?” Alice tried to bring up a happier conversation.

“Oh yeah” Dana grinned “these two are gonna look totally hot”

“All co-ordinated?” Shane asked.

“In a nice, tasteful way, not a ‘we’re trying to be twins’ way”

“Can I not just get a little look at the dress? You don’t have to be wearing it” Bette begged Tina.

“The first time you are seeing that dress is when she walks down the aisle” Dana chastised Bette.

Bette pouted and Tina gave her thigh a squeeze.

“I’m so excited!” Alice exclaimed.

“Just remember who’s wedding it is” Bette warned her.

“I know, I know”

“But I wasn’t kidding about the best man thing, Al. Except we’d call it best woman, of course”

“Really?” for once Alice seemed speechless.

“Yeah” Bette smiled a her.

“Oh my God!” Alice threw her arms round Bette.

“And we’d really like it if you two would be our usher…um…usherettes” Tina turned to Shane and Dana.

“I would love to!” Dana exclaimed.

“It’d be an honour” Shane smiled.

“Are you not having a maid of honour, Tina?” Alice asked.

“I’ve got my Dad walking me down the aisle. That’s all I need” Tina explained.

This was greeted by a chorus of “Ahh”s and “that’s so cute”s from everyone.

“But I would appreciate it if Dana would help me get ready”

“Sure” Dana squeezed Tina’s hand.

“Al, you’ll be with me, and Shane can go between the two of us to sort our hair” said Bette.

“But no divulging outfit secrets” Dana pointed her finger at Shane.

“Wouldn’t dare” Shane held up both hands.

“Well I have to go to practice” Dana stood up “later guys”

As she left Shane too stood up “I got a client, catch you later”

“And I” Alice got to her feet “should probably actually visit the place I like to refer to as work”

Bette and Tina were left at the table with slightly nervous, but mostly excited smiles on their faces.