As they filed into the room and found their seats, many noticed the paintings on the wall. Angie spread the word quickly that these were some of her mom’s master pieces.

The food was excellent and the company was joyous. The turducken was a big hit with all of them. Bobbie commented that since the bones were gone, Spencer sliced it like it was a roast and serve thick slices of the bird. Dylan noticed that the meat was moist compared to a traditional turkey.

Helena invited everyone to see her new painting in the Kennard-Porter study and Paris invited everyone to see the paintings in the master suite.  Tina looked at Bette down the table in a somewhat embarrass state.  Bette just opened her eyes wide and then smiled and gave a shoulder shrug in an indication of “oh, well, whatever will be will be.”

Bette engaged Alice in a conversation about the girls and how she and Lynn were doing. Alice was as happy as Bette had ever seen her. The fall had brought on a new routine with Dana in school and Allyson in pre-K. The girls were beginning to live independent lives and were not as competitive. Lynn and Alice had adapted some of the suggestions that Tina and Bette had offered during the summer and there was less stress between the two of them. The real key for them was schedule and routine and consistency with the girls.

Tina and Bobbie were talking about the changes with both boys in community college. They were both wanting to move out of the house within the next few months or at least by summer. It was looking more like Shay and Jordon would not be joining the family for the trip to Scotland. Between school, jobs, and social life, time for family trips did not seem important.

Paris and Jeanette seemed a bit frayed during dinner. They were ready for the event barring no unforeseen problem.  But they both were having some nerves about the fact that they were about to take the most serious and monumental steps of their lives. They both wanted to be married to each other, but the realization that the moment was almost upon them cause them to question even if only slightly: “Am I ready to do this? Am I up to being a spouse and be in a relationship which I pledge to be in forever?”  The answer is yes. But am I ready for this?