“You’re what? Getting married?”
“Mum, it’s not technically a wedding – they call it a ‘joined union’. But… yeah, I’m getting married.”
“Oh Susie, I’m so proud!” Sy had never thought that Susan would tie the knot. “When’s the big day?”
“As soon as we’ve got everything ready. Elsie really wanted to use St. Faith’s, but I talked her into something a little smaller!” Susan was planning on using her garden as the venue for both the ceremony and the reception.
“So, who are you planning to invite?”
“The family of course! However, I don’t know how best to work it – I really want Stephie there, but at the same time I also want Jon and Dad… I can’t have all three cos Steph’s only 10 and won’t be allowed to stay late.”
“Hey, don’t worry your pretty little head about it. I’ll see what your Dad and brother have to say about it and get back to you, how’s that?”
“Thanks Mum. I’ll speak to you soon.”


After leaving the family home, Susan had been mooching around in her tiny bungalow after her job application had been unsuccessful, and one afternoon she’d gone downtown for a change of scenery. Across the café she’d spied Elsie Adams, a young woman with a school-marmy air about her.
It wasn’t long before she learnt that the attraction she felt towards Elsie was mutual, and so asked her new girlfriend to move in. Before long she knew that Elsie was the one she wanted to spend the rest of her life with.


“Elsie,” Susan said, getting down on one knee just like the men did, “Would you consent to a joined union with me?”


“Of course!” Elsie was ecstatic. Susan’s tomboyish attitude had won her over from very early in the relationship, and she too had been thinking about popping the question. Susan had just got there first!


“BRR-BRR!”
“Susie, it’s for you!”
“Hello?”
“Susan, it’s Mum.”
“Hiya, what’s up?”
“I’ve spoken to your dad and your brother, and they’re adamant that Steph should come to your wedding. I’ve heard that Jasper and Serena will be there, as will I.”
“Yeah, I’ve had RSVPs from the others already. Okay Mum, if they’re happy with that, then I am too. Bye.”

One Week Later:

“Toast!” After the ceremony, Sy immediately gravitated to the bottle of champagne purchased for the occasion.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, Elsie ensured Susan made short work of her slice of wedding cake…

…while the other guests danced the smustle in the cramped living area of the bungalow.

Later that night, Elsie snuggled up to Susan.
“This has been the best day of my life so far… and it’s only going to get better from now on.” Stifling a yawn, she added, “But we can’t live here, it’s too small. How about we look for something a bit bigger over the next few months.”
Susan agreed.