We chatted a little about exactly what we would need to do in order to make the place as friendly to Jolene and her wheelchair as possible. Amaya and I had already started looking into caregivers for her, for when we were away at work. I was planning on taking some time away from the job myself, just to spend time around the house and look after Jolene and the baby where I could—well, and cook more often as well since Amaya seemed to love it so much.
The half-hour sped by quickly, and before I knew it, there was a knock at the door. I went to answer it, but Amaya waved her hand at me and got up instead.
“It’s Darla,” she replied. “I know it. Let me just say hello, and then I’ll introduce you guys, right?”
She opened the door, and a woman I didn’t recognize was waiting on the other side. She gave Amaya a big hug and then turned her attention to the two of us.
“And this must be …?”
“This is Jolene, my sister,” Amaya gestured to her sister, and Jolene extended her hand to Darla.
“Charmed, I’m sure,” she drawled playfully, and Darla chuckled.
“And this is my fiancé, Kristo,” Amaya continued. I got to my feet and gave Darla a kiss on the cheek.
“It’s great to meet you,” I told her. “Amaya’s told me so much about you.”
“That’s concerning,” she joked. Amaya had told me she was always wisecracking. Before I could say much more, another knock at the door sounded.
“That has to be Cleo,” I remarked, and I went over to let her in. I knew Darla had been kidding around with Amaya about dating my sister. Cleo did swing both ways, but I didn’t know how I felt about playing matchmaker. But hey, it might be fun. At least they would both have a date to the wedding if they did end up hooking up.
I let my sister in and made the introductions. Darla shook Cleo’s hand, and I noticed my sister flushing slightly red, her eyes trailing briefly over Darla’s body, but I served up dinner before things could get out of hand.
It was perfect. The food was good, the conversation was better, and Amaya held my hand under the table the entire way through. I couldn’t believe how good it felt to have our families coming together like this. I had never imagined I would find anyone who fit as comfortably in with my crazy family as Amaya, but both she and Jolene knew how to keep up with them, and it was a joy to watch.
By the time dinner was finished, Darla and Cleo seemed to be firmly into each other, flirting away as the night went on. They offered to wash up together, and I waved them on, cocking an eyebrow at my sister when Darla’s back was turned. Cleo shrugged and widened her eyes at me, urging me to keep my mouth shut, and I held my hands up in silent acceptance of her request.
“I had an amazing time tonight,” Jolene told me, beaming as we helped her into the chairlift once more. I was going to be driving her back—I had at least got Amaya to give in to me on that request—and Darla and Cleo were going to grab a drink together somewhere in the city to continue their flirtation.
“Me too.” I grinned at her. “Come on, let’s get you home.”
“Won’t be long till my home is right here,” Jolene remarked, shaking her head in disbelief. “It’s going to be amazing.”
I walked down the steps with her, considering that future, our family, all together.
“Yeah, it really is,” I agreed. We made it to the bottom at the same time, and I helped her into the car.