Strength In Our Bonds (The Strength in Generations Accompanying Book)

Fairly Awkward Festivities

"I have good news." Hope turned to his wife with a large smile on his face, as he held a box of garland. "My father will be able to make it for Christmas dinner this time around."

"Oh, Hope, that is wonderful," Quistis said, surprised. "I don't think he's spent the holidays with us since Aurelie and Nora were little girls. I'm a bit concerned though, now that I think of it more. We both know your father never takes a day off."

"Yes, I'm concerned too, but I didn't dare mention it to him just yet," replied Hope. "I didn't want to risk him canceling on me. I'll surely ask when he gets here though."

"Good one. You know, I can count on one hand the amount of times I've seen Mr. Estheim in person. See? He's such a stranger to me that I have trouble referring to him as my father-in-law."

"I'll definitely ask him about it." Hope placed the box on the living room coffee table. "By the way, is your mother still coming?"

"Try and stop her," Quistis answered dryly. "You know what that means: twice the amount of vegetarian dishes."

"I'll ready a tofu turkey," Hope replied, in the same dry manner.

"Speaking of tofu, Aurelie said that she's invited Harlan over, and you know he's a pesca-vegetarian now, so..." Quistis shrugged, "Make a lot of things without meat, all right?"

"I don't mind. I'm overjoyed that our daughter has decided to marry him, you know," Hope smiled.

"Oh, really?" asked Quistis incredulously.

"Yes, Quistis. I know I was against the relationship before, but that was in the beginning of the union; before I had a chance to discover that Harlan is the perfect candidate to create our grandchildren," Hope smiled even bigger.

Quistis just laughed. "If you really think we're getting any grandchildren out of Aurelie, the two of you are farther apart than I'm comfortable with."

Hope frowned. "Go ahead and kill the mood, Quistis."

"I'm serious, Hope. You and Aurelie have grown apart these last few years, and it's disappointing to watch. As your wife, and Aurelie's mother, you understand why this upsets me."

"What do you mean? We aren't distant at all." Hope frowned. "I could call her right now, and we'd have a pleasant conversation."

"Yes, but you're not going to, are you?"

She had a point.

Before Hope could object to that, Nora walked into the room. "Hey, Mom, Dad. Ooh, are we decorating?!" She picked up a box of ornaments.

"Yes, Nora; Snow will be driving our tree here. I was-" Hope looked away, "Too short to handle it."

Quistis and Nora laughed softly.

"But, with your sister's marriage to Harlan, I suppose he'll be able to do it from now on," Hope finished. "He's tall."

"Oh, that kinda reminds me, Dad. After spending time with his family, Berrik asked if he could come over and eat dinner with us."

Her parents exchanged a look.

"Nora, we were hoping that this would be mostly a family affair this year," Hope told her.

"Oh. I see how it is." Nora turned away.

"What are you talking about, Nora?" asked Quistis curiously.

"It's okay with you guys if Harlan comes, but not if Berrik comes. We've been together since I was 15 years old- and, might I add, we've never broken up." Nora crossed her arms. "It's amazing that even though we're both adults now, Aurelie is still your favorite daughter."