“No – we did have a list that we took great care in writing and we figured out times deadlines for all the jobs we wanted but it went out of the window when Bette got sick” Tina explained

“Yeah – I guess so – so just rings  – is that all the two of you need ?”

“No – we don’t have outfits “

“WHAT ! “ Helena was shocked “No dresses “

“The thing is that we haven’t decided if we both want to wear a dress “ Tina explained

“I would feel happier if I was wearing trousers but until Tina decides what she wants to wear I cannot decide”

“You cannot know what each other is wearing “ Helena said

“Yes we can and yes we will be sleeping together the night before “ Bette said

“Oh come on  – what about tradition ?”

“We are gay women having a commitment ceremony so heterosexual traditions mean squat to us “ Tina said

“Come on – its part of the fun “ Helena objected “What do you say Shane ?”

“I went to a commitment ceremony a couple of months ago and the whole party and the brides worn jeans “

“Thanks Shane “

Helena was sounding grumpy today and Tina winked at Shane

“Helena – this is our wedding “

“But it will be fun if you come and stay with me before the wedding and Shane stays with Bette and we keep the two of you apart “

“No “ Bette said “ Tina and I want to wake up together “

“But its only one night and its tradition “

Shane looked at Bette and could see her starting to lose her cool. She knew from a couple of conversations with Tina that Bette did have a shorter fuse than before her illness. According to Tina Bette often needed to just go off on her own and get herself under control. Shane knew Bette well enough to know that her fuse was starting to fizzle

“You need something old, new, borrowed and blue. There is something nice about two gay women acknowledging traditions. I cannot believe how unorganised you two are – so unlike both of you “ Helena persisted