Page 18 of The Fun Part
“Absolutely,” Rowan says in answer to Mom’s question on couples and their expectations. Rowan’s blue eyes land on Cooper with total adoration. “That’s how I was with Cooper from the beginning. Open and honest.”
Cooper inclines his head, neither agreeing nor disagreeing. I don’t remember them being all that clear with each other. Wasn’t there a huge problem with Rowan going from jilted bride to being “rescued” by my brother? I seem to remember a lot of bumps on that ride.
“Thank you, Rowan,” Mom says.
We eat in silence for a few moments. Dad’s a great cook.
Finn shoves his brown hair away from his eyes while declaring with a strong and sure voice, “I’ve been clear withOlivia with expectations and all.” Except they’re only email pen pals. Olivia lives in LA and travels with my famous friend Shayla Adler as her right-hand woman. Finn’s too young for Olivia. He’s still in college, but he doesn’t care about their four-year age difference. He met her last year, and his romantic poet heart was instantly smitten. Olivia, on the other hand, was baffled as to what in the world he wanted with her. I bet he writes her poems and she tells him about her busy schedule.
“You mean for your email relationship?” Cooper asks Finn.
Finn points his bread at Cooper. “Things can evolve.”
Mom smiles. She and Finn share the same romantic tendencies.
Cooper smirks. “Keep emailing her your poetry. I’m sure you’ll get there.”
Rowan elbows Cooper.
“Ow!”
Rowan gives Finn a sweet smile. “I’m sure Olivia appreciates hearing from you.”
After we finish eating dinner, Mom and Dad exchange a silent communication that has me sitting up straighter. Something’s up.
“Your dad and I have an announcement,” Mom says. “We’re doing a vow-renewal ceremony in April, and you’re all invited.”
“Like a wedding?” I ask.
“A little more low key,” Dad says. “It’s a romantic way of affirming the relationship.”
Mom totally coached him on that. I about die trying not to laugh. Cooper can’t hold it in, and Dad tosses a green bean at him.
“Yes,” Mom enthuses. “What could be more romantic than saying I’d marry you all over again? Right, warrior beast?”
“Right, warrior princess,” Dad says, his warm gaze radiating love. They set a high bar. Okay, their nicknames are weird, but that’s just them.
Mom turns to Rowan. “And it could be a wonderful add-on to our business.”
Rowan jumps in enthusiastically. “Weddings, sologamy ceremonies, and vow renewals. We can cover all generations. I love it.”
Sologamy is a ceremony where a woman marries herself, pledging a commitment to self-care and love. Guys can do it, too, but so far none have. It’s something that Mom’s former business partner, Ally, got into, and now it’s part of their business.
Mom beams. “Speaking of sologamy, Mackenzie, Rowan, how would you like to have a sologamy ceremony? Maybe with some friends? I’m sure Harper would be on board.”
“I’d love to,” Rowan says.
Mom claps.
“Sure,” I mumble. Rowan’s doing it, and it would look bad if I said no. I do want to support Mom’s, well, their business now, even if dressing up for a ceremony at a place for weddings isn’t really my thing.
Rowan smiles. “I should try out all of our business options.”
“We need to get married before we can have a vow renewal,” Cooper says.
Rowan cups his jaw and kisses him. “I look forward to it.” They’re planning a simple justice-of-the-peace ceremony this summer. Some people might find that strange considering she works at the best wedding venue in the area, but it’s also where her first wedding was supposed to be held, so it’s understandable she wouldn’t want to go back to the scene of the crime.
“I’m not sure about Harper,” I say. I can’t imagine my cousin doing something so touchy-feely as a sologamy ceremony.
