Page 48 of Compelling Urges

“Mom.”

“Don’t shout at me, Ivy.”

“I’m sorry. It’s just that we don’t have all morning to discuss Holly’s desire to adopt dogs. I just wanted to say that I love you and Dad, and I would like to know that you’ll be here for the wedding.”

“There’s going to be awedding? How on earth does that work for three people?”

“Don’t worry. We’ll work out the details, some of which will be only symbolic. Will you come? We don’t have a date yet, but I’d love to know we have your blessing.”

“Ivy… I’ll have to speak to your father. This is really a bit much to take in, and I simply cannot imagine what he’ll have to say about it. He’s off playing tennis right now, and then he planned to get the car washed, so I hope he’ll be back in time to get ready for our company. We’re having a couple over who just moved in down the street, and they seem so nice.” She gasped again. “What on earth can I tell them when they ask about our daughters?”

Ivy laughed and answered, “Tell them your older daughter Holly has a thing for stray dogs and your younger daughter Ivy is a sexual deviant.”

“Ivy!”

“I’m just kidding, Mom. Tell them whatever you want. I’m sure you’ll be able to figure it out.” She looked at the guys’ faces then and realized they were clearly stifling their laughter for her benefit. “I love you, Mom. I just have to go now and service my… I mean I have to go buy groceries.”

Her mom was probably going to launch into a tirade about Ivy cooking and cleaning for two men, but the fact was, Ivy loved to cook and when she didn’t feel like it, there was always take-out. They’d also recently hired a housekeeper to take care of the cleaning and laundry, so she said again, “Love you! Bye!” and she disconnected the call. She exhaled a long, cleansing breath. “Well, that went better than I expected, all things considered,” she told them, and they all burst out laughing.

∞∞∞

Much later that night, Ivy received a breathless call from her mother.

“Ivy! You’ll never believe this!”

“Hi, Mom. What’s up?”

“You know the neighbors I told you about? The ones we had over this evening? It turns out that they have a son who is in a relationship with a woman and another couple! They told us all about it. It’s called polyamory, in case you’re wondering. They weren’t embarrassed about it in the least. In fact, they were proud of their son and explained to us all about the philosophy or practice or whatever you want to call it ofcompersion. That’s where you get pleasure from someone else’s pleasure—like the opposite of jealousy. It sounds so lovely! He lives in Greenwich Village, so I guess that kind of thing goes on there. I think it’s sort of like what we used to call swingers, but in this case there’s more commitment. They told usall about it! I thought your father was going to have a heart attack at first, but then he calmed down and said maybe it was a good thing that people are trying new things. I don’t know why he said that, but I couldn’t keep my mouth shut, and I blurted out that you’re in what you called a triad with two men you love, and do you know what they said? They said you’re one helluva lucky woman!”

“What did Dad say?”

“Your father?”

“Yes!”

“Oh, um… he got kind of quiet, and it made me realize my timing wasn’t exactly perfect, but he acted like he knew all about it then so he could save face. You know how he is. By the time our guests left, I think he was actually fine with it. I wasn’t so sure at first, but he seems okay. He didn’t say anything bad about it anyway. He went straight to bed after that because that darn knee was acting up again, so I’ll talk to him about it again privately tomorrow, but I think he’s fine, really. I just wanted to let you know that in today’s circles apparently your lifestyle is enviable. I… well, I can’t see it for myself, but if it makes you happy, then I say it’s fine with me. I can’t wait to tell Shannon and Marie.” Her mom got the giggles then, and Ivy wondered if she may have been a teensy bit tipsy.

“Thanks for letting me know, Mom. I’m glad you approve, but I wasn’t going to change things even if you didn’t. You know that, right?”

“You always did have a mind of your own, sweetie. I’ll say good night now.”

“Bye, Mom. Love you.”

“I love you too.” She hung up giggling.

Chapter 35

Many weeks later, the wedding guests rose to their feet and stood in front of Casey in the rearranged living room of his estate. The magnificent fireplace gave the room a warm glow, and candles flickered in strategic arrangements around the area. The men were all resplendent in their tuxedoes, and the woman wore gowns of jeweled tones. All of their families and close friends were there to share the joy of three people they all loved.

It had taken a while for Ivy’s dad to be truly accepting of his daughter’s chosen path, but after plenty of reflection he finally told his wife, “The world is changing so quickly. Some of it stinks but a lot of it is beautiful. I guess I need to let some of the rules we grew up with go and be happy for them. They really are great guys, aren’t they?”

A string quartet was positioned in the back corner of the room, playingOde to Joyas—with a proud smile on his handsome face—Ivy’s father led his daughter toward Bodhi and Cooper. The delight emanating from them was infectious. When he reached the front, Mr. Chambers kissed Ivy and gave the grooms a stern, warning look that clearly conveyed his meaning that they’d better not mess up with his precious daughter.

The look made Casey chuckle to himself, and he instantly thought of how he’d react to Matilda marrying someday. He got it.

Rather than facing Casey in a row, they elected to join hands in a circle in front of him. Bodhi had suggested that this arrangement made sense to him as he felt he was marrying both Cooper and Ivy at the same time. The symbolism was not lost on the attendees as they settled back into their seats.

The music ended and Casey began, “The love of a triad is a special kind of love. It requires generosity, patience, plenty of communication, and sometimes a thick skin around the doubters of the world. Ivy, Bodhi, and Cooper have gone through their share of challenges, but more may still arise. Knowing them as I do, I’m sure they are up to facing their journey together as a unified force. I respect their bravery, and their tenacity, and the commitment it takes to set aside the easy route to take the more personal path that works for them—one that I’m sure you all know I wholeheartedly enjoy myself. In the famous words of Dr. Seuss, ‘Oh, the places you’ll go!’” He winked at Jackson and Willa who sat nearby and gave them a blinding smile. Soft laughter broke out, and as it faded away, he looked at the guests and asked, “Will everyone here make a promise right now to support Cooper, Bodhi, and Ivy emotionally in the years to come? If you agree, please say together, ‘I promise.’”

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