bloodsong1 | Now that Zhade gave me what I need...

Bwahahaha.

I took a moment after talking to my sweetie to sit back and stretch. Sari was sounding more and more nervous during the course of the conversation. I wasn't worried about my family, or most of my friends, not liking her. Rick has had nothing but glowing reviews and we've spent enough time together, when her schedule allows, for me to see she's a strong, sensible woman. Frankly, my mother is simply thrilled that I'm seriously considering settling down and eventually giving her grandbabies. I'm the only hold out in a family of five siblings. Fortunately, Sari is healthy and still in her twenties. Of course, I'm not going to tell her this. Not yet.

I picked up my phone and dialed the next person on my invite list. Eva picked up on the third ring.

"Hello?"

"Hello! It's your favorite football player!" I caroled.

"Kev! How wonderful to hear from you!" I grinned at Eva's excited voice. We've been friends since high school. "Are you finally home for good?"

"I am home for good and I'm calling to invite you to my first official party. Clear your schedule, Madame Priestess, for this weekend."

"I thought your first official party was two months ago when you skipped out."

"That was my family, not me. This is my housewarming/birthday party and you will meet the reason I skipped out."

"Really? Well! In that case I will have Rob and Ben handle the campers this weekend and I will be down Friday night. Are your guest rooms cleaned up yet?"

"The house is guest ready and I'm happy to have you. I have a first floor room set aside just for you, as I promised."

"Aww, how sweet. I am honored to come. What do I need to bring?"

"What is it with you women and asking what to bring?" I demanded, teasingly. Eva was silent for a second, then started laughing.

"I take it your mysterious lady asked the same thing?"

"Yes and she wouldn't take 'Just you' as an answer."

"I like her already. Now answer the question."

"One of your dips would be wonderful, and any fresh produce from your blessed garden."

"Very well. I'm honored and I'm looking forward to meeting your paramour."

"Excellent. I'll see you Friday. Bye."

"Bye-bye!" I hung up and grinned. Man, it was so good to be home!

------

I smiled as I hung up the phone and headed to the door. Kev is a dear friend and I'm so glad he's retired without any major injuries and little head trauma. I couldn't watch his games. Not only do I not like football, but the thought of him throwing himself at other men and taking them down was emotionally disturbing to me. He understood and never held it against me. He even went so far as to set up a small trust for my Temple to help with off-season expenses. I walked out onto my porch and sighed happily. The Finger Lakes Temple of the Earth was my dream come true, and Kev was a source of encouragement, hard labor and financial support. I'm looking forward to meeting his girlfriend and introducing her to the Temple. My instincts told me she would be a good woman to know.

A brisk nod and I headed off to the roundhouse that was the major gathering place. Rob and Ben had been tasked with cleaning the kitchen after a communal lunch an hour or so ago. They should still be there.