Page 11 of A Wedding in Tuscany

‘There’s something else.’ She shakes her head slightly. ‘You can tell me, Cat.’

She gulps and this odd look transforms her from happy bride-to-be to someone about to face the gallows. ‘I’m worried about us living together,’ she says, her voice barely audible. ‘I’m not sure it’s what I want.’

Now this I don’t get. I love living with Josh. I love our home, the one we’ve made together. I could probably go the rest of my life without another trip to IKEA, however?that place is a nightmare. Regardless, Cat has accepted Jean-Luc’s marriage proposal and my guess is that he thinks living together was implied.

‘You’re not saying anything. It’s strange, isn’t it, not wanting to cohabitate?’ she asks.

‘Yeah, it is. I don’t know many couples who are married and live in different cities, Cat. Not on purpose, anyway.’

‘But what if …? What if living together fucks up everything we have?’

‘I don’t know. But, Cat, if this is how you feel, then why did you say yes when he proposed?’

‘Because I love him so much, Sez. And I got all caught up in the moment but … ever since we got off the call with Mum and Dad, it became real and …’ She shrugs, then huffs out a breath through her nose.

‘Cat, you have to tell him how you feel.’

‘Really?’

‘Um, yes! I think he will notice if you maintain different addresses after the wedding!’

‘Shhh.’ She looks at the door to the study, worried.

‘Sorry,’ I say, though it’s unlikely he heard me all the way from the kitchen?the two rooms are at opposite ends of the flat. ‘Look, all I can say is that living with Josh makes me happier than I ever thought possible. Just give it some time, okay, and if you still feel this way in a few weeks, then you have to tell him.’

‘Maybe.’

‘Cat.’

‘All right. I should go. Dinner will be ready soon.’

‘Okay.’ Now I’m the one letting her off the hook.

‘Let’s talk next weekend?discuss plans and such,’ she says.

‘’Kay. Love you.’

‘Love you too.’ She ends the call.

When Josh comes into the lounge room, he catches me staring off into space, pondering why my sister accepted Jean-Luc’s proposal when it seems that she doesn’t want to be married. ‘You okay?’ Josh asks.

I smile brightly at him. ‘Yep. Just about to jump in the shower.’

‘Cool, I’m heading out. Steaks on the barbie tonight?’ he asks. It’s so cute how he’s adopted these Aussie-isms.

‘Sounds great.’

He lands a soft, lingering kiss on my lips and leaves for work. I just love our life together.

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