Marta’s first language is Spanish so she is teaching Keira (and me) some common Spanish words/phrases Abuelo/Abuela: Grandfather/Grandmother Buenas tardes : Good afternoon Carino: Term of endearment for a loved one Lo siento: Sorry Mi familia: My family Padre: Father Te amo: I love you

Wednesday starts off grey and rainy. Marta is determined to have her barista shift before the wedding, but Keira already has Wednesdays off work. After checking what she can harvest she decides to spend some time at the rec centre working on her handiness. She needs to level up in logic and handiness for her next promotion and some mean watcher has made skill gain harder since her last rotation. When more sims arrive she gets tense and leaves, can’t be too early to her own wedding.

Keira: It’s sunny! Oh thank the watcher

Joey: You alright

Keira: It was pouring in San Sequoia, I was certain we wouldn’t be able to get any photos after the ceremony

Joey: *laughs* different places, different weather. Or maybe the watcher just cheated it (I didn't Joey what are you implying?) Okay, you ready to sign your life away

Keira: *laughs* You would say it like that. Come on, I still need to get in my dress

The wedding gets underway with Harvey escorting Keira up the aisle.

Harvey: *sniffles*

Keira: Dad... are you crying

Harvey: You used to practice your bride walk around the house when you were a kid, now look at you

Keira: *laughs* I remember

Harvey: I'm so happy for you Keira

Keira: Look dad, everyone got here without problems. That’s got to be a good sign

Harvey: Yes, let’s hope it lasts. I want you to have the wedding of your dreams

Keira: If my bride shows up then that is what I’ll have

Harvey: I’ll leave you here then. Very good luck my darling. I’ll go collect your bride. Remember, no peeking

Keira: *laughs* she has made me promise not to look early

Harvey: See you soon

And so Harvey heads back down the aisle to where Marta has entered the church. She has no sims to give her away so the couple decided it would be nice for Harvey to escort both brides.

Harvey: Are you ready Marta

Marta: *sniffles* I’m so ready to be married to your daughter *smiles*

Harvey: Hey now, we better get you up there before you wash away

They wait until the music cue then Harvey and Marta begin the journey up the aisle.

Slowly they walk down the aisle and Keira can feel her nerves increase. She wants to turn before Marta is there but knows today is about promises. She needs to let Marta know she’ll respect her wishes. So Keira waits with baited breath as she hears people in the church murmur, clearly impressed with something.

Marta: Oh Harvey, you talk of me washing away. You might wash with me

Harvey: *sniffles* I’m fine. I’m just so... so... happy

Marta: Me to

They approach the altar and Harvey releases Marta, returning to his seat sniffling away. Marta tiptoes and taps Keira on the shoulder.

Marta: Carino, I’m here, you can turn now

Keira turns and is mesmerised. She knows Marta is a beautiful woman but the person in front of her takes her breath away. Marta looks angelic with her hair cascading over her shoulder and seems to be radiating love.

Marta: *whispers* Buenas tardes carino

Keira: Hola sweetheart. Watcher you look… gorgeous *sniffles*

Marta: *giggles* That was the effect I was going for. You are beautiful, I knew you’d look even better than I imagined

Keira: *sniffles* Want to get married

Marta: With my whole heart

The officiant steps up and the group sing a few hymns before the vows get underway. Keira is up first.

Keira: Sweetheart, I can still remember the first time I saw you. I was supposed to be studying for some test or other and into the music room below walked one of the prettiest women I have ever seen. You seemed nervous, as we now know that was because you were breaking in

At this line the crowd lets out a quiet chuckle and Marta sniffles.

Keira: When you sang it was like you became larger than life. I couldn’t hear all the way up there but I wanted to. You became my favourite show, and meeting you was better than any season premiere. I have always dreamed of finding my soulmate, my partner in life, and sweetheart *sniffles* in my wildest dreams I couldn’t have imagined someone as real... and perfect for me... as you

Marta lets out a small sob and Keira leans forwards to wipe the tear away.

Keira: Te amo. I understand now why Anakin turned the galaxy upside down for Padme and why Mal couldn’t stop himself standing up for Inara. Your love helps me be the best version of myself. One that takes risks, one that doesn’t run from challenges, and one that is absolutely completely in love with you

Marta: *sniffles* carino

Keira: Life with you has become my favourite saga, one that I hope will carry on for years to come. Your courage inspires me *sniffles* and your heart is where I feel safe. I am so excited to find out what life has in store for us. I’m not afraid of it because I know, come what may, I need only look to my side and you’ll be there

Marta: *sniffles* Lo siento, I just need a handkerchief

The crowd lets out a collective giggle and sniffle as Keira helps Marta dab away some of the pools under her eyes.

Marta: My turn. Carino *clears throat* I was returning to life when I met you. Somehow you made all the mantras I repeated to myself real. Suddenly I did feel worthy... and strong... and that *sniffles* I am enough. For so long I only saw what was wrong with me but getting to know you, seeing how hesitant you were to claim your strengths when I wanted to shout them from the rooftops... it showed me I needed to embrace all of me. You make me proud. Proud to be me and to have won your heart.

Marta: Before you, life was a song I could never figure out the tune of with the melodies and bridges throwing me off track. I know now why I was never in sync. My life was always meant to be a duet, one of me and you *sniffles* and I am so happy to be promising my forever to you

Keira: *mouthing* I love you

Marta: *sniffles* My abuela and abuelo were followed quickly to the forever save by my padre and mama but... in this church I feel they are with us, and I know in my heart they all would love you. Ma familia, if you can hear me, know I am the happiest I have ever been. Carino, I feel as though the watcher sculpted us for each other, and every day I give thanks for finding you, and you loving me. You will always be my favourite song, the one I cannot get out of my head

Keira takes the first ring from Joey and holds it over Marta’s finger.

Keira: I, Keira Foster, take you, Marta Aymee Romero, to be my watcherly wed wife. I solemnly swear I shall be your best friend, your shelter in a tempest and the wind in your wings. In front of our familia, our friends, and the watcher, I promise to love and cherish you, for as long as our souls exist. Te amo sweetheart

With her vows complete Keira slides Marta’s ring on, feeling so happy she’s sure she’ll explode.

Marta wipes some more tears and does her best to compose herself, taking Keira's ring from Alexander.

Marta: I, Marta Aymee Romero, take you, Keira Foster, to be my watcherly wed wife. I solemnly swear I shall be your best friend, your shelter in a tempest and the wind in your wings. In front of our familia, our friends, and the watcher, I promise to love and cherish you, for as long as our souls exist. Te amo carino

The brides can’t take their eyes off each other and the rest of the service is a blur.

Officiant: By the power invested in me by the watcher I now pronounce you, wife and wife

Keira sweeps Marta into her arms, dipping her low before pulling her in for a kiss. The church erupts in cheers but the two women hardly notice it, they’re full of love.

Marta’s first language is Spanish so she is teaching Keira (and me) some common Spanish words/phrases Bueno: Good, fine, okay Buenos días: Good morning Carino: Term of endearment for a loved one Cómo estás?: How are you Gracias: Thank you Qué?: What? Si: Yes Te amo: I love you

Keira: Did you have a good day

Marta: It’s not over yet is it

Keira: No, we’ve got another day here

Marta: I’m more interested in the night

Keira: Are you now

Marta: Come to the couch, I’ll give you a preview

Giggling the women lay down on the couch and have a good old fashioned make out.

Marta: Te amo carino

Keira: I love you to sweetheart, te amo

Marta: Shall we play chess again

Keira: You really want to

Marta: I think I’ve got the understanding of it now

Keira: Okay

Marta: Remember, don’t go easy on me, play properly

Keira: I promise

It’s the shortest game of chess I’ve ever watched, it’s all over in less than half a sim hour! Keira is the winner of course. After chess it's time to check out the hot tub.

Marta: This is nice, I feel so relaxed

Keira: Me to. I wonder if it’s powered by geothermal energy

Marta: Que?

Keira: Oh, like if they harnessed the heat of the volcano to heat the water

Marta: People can do that

Keira: Si. It’s a renewable energy resource. We don’t need to create anything to get our power, we use what the earth is already doing

Marta: I love how smart you are

Keira: I’m not that-

Marta: You ARE smart carino, it’s okay to say so

Keira: Get over here, I want to snuggle my sweet wife

Marta: *giggles* as you wish. Are you enjoying the honeymoon? I was worried you wouldn’t like it since you’ve lived in Sulani

Keira: I love it! It’s uninterrupted time with you, nothing could be better

Marta: What did you say before… when in Sulani?

Keira: *fake shock* Mrs Romero are you propositioning me for hot tub woohoo

Marta: *smiles* Yes Mrs Romero I am

Giggling again the two women disappear beneath the surface and show off how good they are at holding their breath underwater.

Marta: Buenos días carino. Cómo estás?

Keira: Estoy... bien. What would you like to do today?

Marta: I was thinking… maybe you could show me the ocean

Keira: I’d love to! What about it would you like to see

Marta: Pretty fish. Oh and cute dolphins!

Keira: Deal. But remember sweetheart, dolphins are wild creatures. We shouldn’t approach them, only interact with them if they interact with us

Marta: *smiles* My wife the marine biologist

Keira: I’m more a professional marine mammal feeder at the moment but gracias

Cute honeymoon pics? YES. Then off we go to swim to the reef where we can snorkel.

Marta: You’re such a good swimmer

Keira: I’ve just had practice. Surely you swum in Cuba

Marta: Si but I enjoyed playing in the sand more

Keira compensates for Marta and every so often stops swimming to let Marta catch up and overtake her before swimming another short distance. Wives stick together.

Marta: *squeals*

Keira: Are you alright sweetheart

Marta: *quietly* Carino I see a dolphin *happy noises*

Keira: Just remember, let it approach you

Marta murmurs agreement and continues following Keira to the buoy. The dolphin swims right alongside them playfully blowing bubbles. Keira is happy to see it looks in good health while Marta is ecstatic that she’s able to be this close to one.

The dolphin did not come alone, it brought two friends with it! They stick around while Keira and Marta snorkel around the reef to Marta’s delight. She wishes Keira had brought her underwater camera to capture the cuteness but the event will just have to live in her memory.

After snorkelling the women head to a nearby patch of sand and trees. After surveying the view Marta surprises Keira with a gift.

Keira: What is this

Marta: I found a fossil yesterday while you were getting the pineapple and thought you would like it

Keira: Gracias sweetheart, ohhh a raptor claw! Just like Jurassic Park! I love it, te amo

Marta is swept up in the romance today and serenades Keira after she draws her a sand heart. Marta’s voice is Keira’s favourite sound and while she listens, she thanks the watcher for letting her hear it for the years to come.

After some semi scandalous sunbathing the women both get tans, proof that they’ve been on honeymoon! After an afternoon of chatting with the lifeguard and resting on the beach it’s time to head back to the lodge and pack for home. Goodbye Sulani, it’s been beautiful!

Back to San Sequoia. First things first, unpacking all our Sulani collectables and arranging the wedding/honeymoon photos. We also display the wedding topper by the computer, and the playful wooden sculpture Keira finished the morning of the wedding. It’s a seal, how perfect is that?

Marta: Welcome home Mrs Romero

Keira: Gracias for having me

Marta bursts into giggles and Keira sweeps her close for a kiss. After a quick dinner the pair head upstairs for some more woohoo, I guess jetlag isn’t a sims problem. This ends the Romero household for this rotation. It was a big one but there’ll be more to come as they figure out what they’ll do about having kids.

Marta’s first language is Spanish so she is teaching Keira (and me) some common Spanish phrases/words Abuelo/Abuela: Grandfather/Grandmother Ay dios mio: omg equivalent Buenas noches: Good evening / Good night Carino: Term of endearment for a loved one Cuídate!: Take care De nada!: You’re welcome/no problem Lo siento: Sorry Padre: Father Por favor: Please Si: Yes Te amo: I love you

With the departure of the Fosters leaving the couple alone, Marta has broken out the face paint to adorn her and Keira. It’s another way of honouring their ancestors.

Marta: Hold still por favor

Keira: I am holding still

Marta: Shhhh, moving your lips counts

Keira: Why didn't we do this before dinner

Marta: I haven't done it for ages so I'm not sure I'm good anymore. I didn't want the dinner thrown apart by focus on my lack of painting skill. Just one more line… there! All done, I’ll take a picture to show you

Keira: Wow this looks great! You’re really going all out this year

Marta: *sighs* I felt bad for all those years Liam didn’t let me make one

Keira: I should have done more than kick his ass

Marta: Carino violence solves nothing. He's in prison for now, let's not think of him

Keira: I’m sorry we didn’t make one at Alexander’s house, I didn’t realise what it meant

Marta: De nada. I didn’t say to you, how could you know

Keira: I suppose. But don’t let us miss it again

Marta: Si. I promise

Keira: Do you… do you think they would have liked me

Marta: I know they’re happy I’m happy but si. Padre would be happy you're active, he was to. And mama would love to talk to you about the ocean life

Keira: You think

Marta: Si. Being so close to the ocean was what she loved about Cuba. She missed it when we moved to Texas

Keira: Well I’m glad you left for Windenburg. Even though it was because…

Marta: Everyone was gone? I didn’t have to leave after padre and mama died. I had the community still but I felt alone. I don’t feel alone anymore

Keira: I’m so glad I worked up the nerve to propose

Marta: *giggles* It’s good you did or I would have had to do something extremely romantic

Keira: I mean… you could still do something extremely romantic if you wanted?

Marta: Maybe I’m saving it for the honeymoon

Keira: Can I get a preview

The two embrace on the sofa, feeling warm and fulfilled.

Abuelo Manuel: Did you see Rafael? She cooked the chimi to perfection. Remembered what we taught her

Padre Rafael: Si padre, she did a good job

Abuela Maria: Will you two shush, I’m trying to listen

Manuel: Corazon I think their conversation is finished

Mama Aymee: *sniffles* She looks so happy and grown up

Rafael: Ay dios mio, you’ll make me cry mi vida

Aymee: Lo siento. I just… we didn’t see our daughter for so long

Maria: You heard what that fiancé said, she’ll make sure Marta does the ofrenda now. She’s a keeper

Manuel: Do you think there will be a new generation next time we visit

Aymee: That would be nice *sniffles* even if would make me cry

Keira: The place definitely feels full when everyone is here, I thought we got a big unit

Marta: We did, people just fill it well

Keira: Am I meant to feel like I’m being watched

Marta: You’re meant to feel loved. I always want you to feel loved

Keira: I feel loved whenever I look in your eyes. Shall we go to bed

Marta: Si, I’ll just say buenas noches to everyone

Keira: We can leave the ofrenda up longer than tomorrow morning if you like

Marta: No. They’ll all be back in the forever save by then

Maria: Are you snooping

Manuel: No! I can’t snoop on what is out in the open, can I?

Rafael: I’m happy she’s still got these photos

Aymee: Liam didn’t take everything from her

Rafael: If I was still alive-

Manuel: There’s no point thinking about what we can’t do

Maria: She’ll be bueno

Rafael: Mi vida, it’s time to go

Aymee: Can’t I just watch her for another five minutes

Manuel: Dawn is coming, we must get back

Aymee: Buenas noches Marta, I leave all my love with you, te amo

In the morning Marta returns the living/dining room to its normal layout while Keira is on laundry duty. Taking their clothes to the shared laundry she wonders why so many people have left their washing in the machines. Being a helpful sim, she moves stuff to the dryers. Fingers crossed none of the clothes shrink!

Marta has harvested what she can from the garden and is singing to herself when Keira walks past in her work clothes.

Marta: Ay dios mio, is it 8am already?

Keira: Si. Te amo sweetheart

Marta: Te amo! Cuídate! Where did I leave my work gear?

Luckily she’s only a few minutes late to the local coffee shop, the perks of a quick commute. After an uneventful shift, where she mostly daydreamed about the upcoming wedding, she gets back home and hangs the washed clothes on the line. When Keira arrives back they go see the Staples.

Here Oli and Vernon are on the move! Marta scoops up Oli while Keira chats.

Marta: Do you want to hold him carino

Keira: Uhh, what if I break him

Margarita: You won’t, he’s sturdy

Marta passes over Oli, giving his tummy a cheerful tickle on the way.

Marta: You hold him for a bit, I’m going to play with Vernon

Keira: Okay but-

Marta: Who’s adorable Vernon? Is it you?

Keira: Sorry if we’re pushing in

Stefan: Don’t be silly. With two infants any helping hands are good

Keira: I think this is part of her plan to convince me to have kids sooner

Margarita: *laughs* I have to say she’s doing pretty well with Vernon, I love it when they laugh

Keira: Uh, anyway, we were wondering, since you’re a baker on the side Stefan, would you consider making our wedding cake?

Stefan: Sure thing! I have a free day tomorrow. Any special requests?

Keira: I think she said she’d like a pink one

Margarita: We had a pink wedding cake!

Stefan: Here, I’ll take him off your hands

Keira: Gracias

To her surprise Keira feels sad giving the infant back, especially as he smiles and giggles at her. Marta’s plan might be working.

Keira: Marta, sweetheart, time for dinner

Marta: Si, coming. Gracias for having us

Margarita: It was lovely to see people who can talk back

The whole group laugh as Stefan puts Oli on the playmat. Let me tell you, he is not happy our sims are leaving. After bursting into tears he glares angrily at his parents while we leave.

Marta’s first language is Spanish so she is teaching Keira (and me) some common phrases Spanish words Abuelo/Abuela: Grandfather/Grandmother Barrio: Neighbourhood Buenos días: Good morning Carino: Term of endearment for a loved one Gracias: Thank you Hasta luego: See you later Lo siento: Sorry Mi familia: My family Padre: Father Si: Yes Te amo: I love you

Poor Marta has an awful night with Burning Belly. She drinks green tea while checking out some midnight building show, forever hoping the nausea will die down. When it does she’s able to nap for a few hours. But before long her stomach forces her up and back to the tea and TV. Who is this house flipper person? Marta wants to improve her handiness but she doesn’t think that he looks trustworthy…

Keira: Good morning sweetheart. How did you sleep

Marta: *yawns* in patches but I feel much better now

Keira: That’s great news!

Marta: Oh you must come! I finished the ofrenda last night

The couple head downstairs and Marta excitedly shows Keira where she’s set up the bottles of wine and larger sugar skulls amongst the food she grilled.

Marta: Do you like it

Keira: Of course but I’m hardly an ofrenda expert

Marta pushes herself to tiptoes and kisses Keira on the cheek.

Marta: You will be carino

Keira: Why the sugar skulls?

Marta: Abuela, Abuelo, Padre and Mama each have one of the big ones, their names are carved in them to honour them. Then the four smaller ones on the second level, there’s one each for abuela Maria’s ancestors, abuelo Manuel’s ancestors and the ancestors of Mama’s parents.

Keira: I’m surprised you found someone here who makes them

Marta: The woman has made them for over 60 years

Keira: Wow, no wonder they’re so detailed. Why are we having chimi for breakfast, I thought it was for dinner

Marta: Family tradition carino. Every year Abuelo Manuel would make chimi with Padre. He claimed they were the best in town so he made extra to give away, you know to all the people to busy working to cook. We always had more than we needed by Dia de los Muertos so he would have us feast at breakfast as well as dinner

Keira: That’s cool, gracias for telling me

Keira volunteers to do the dishes and is glad to hear a healthy Marta singing away like normal as she collects their gear for the gym space at the rec center. Marta takes a moment to stop by the ofrenda and talk to her family before they leave.

Marta: Buenos días mi familia. Don’t be mad at me for not having a proper ofrenda in years, por favor. Liam never let… well, he’s gone now so what he stopped me doing is past. But I have Keira now, you’ll meet all her familia tonight. I hope you like them. Te amo, hasta luego

After a few hours at the nearby church service the couple make it to the rec center. It’s pretty quiet here by midday, the couple guess since the weather has less clouds the people in the area must be enjoying outdoors. Keira gets on a workout machine in the corner while Marta finds space to roll out her yoga mat. There’s no room in their unit and the ground outside was too muddy to risk it. Keira watches Marta as she stretches away. She’s always in the zone when doing her yoga, the oversized cat headphones ensuring the only sounds she hears are her beats.

After what seems like hours Marta lies down to finish her routine. Keira takes that as a cue to finish up her own exercise.

Marta: All done carino?

Keira: Si

Marta: *giggles* I guess we need to clean up before we receive your family

Keira: *smiles* Are you proposing what I think you’re proposing

Marta: *innocently* The showers are there to be used are they not

Keira: *laughs* you win

The pair head off to the changing rooms where they lock themselves in a suite and make very good use of the shower. Perks of leaving the house.

The Fosters arrive and are called to eat and share stories of those who are no longer with them.

Kayleigh: Oh Marta dear this looks delicious

Marta: I hope you enjoy it

Samir: Is any of it meat?

Reece: Don’t worry boss, I’ll grab you some chicken

Carson: Please tell me you vacuumed

Marta: Uh, not today lo siento

Carson grumbles but goes and grabs a plate.

Harvey: So how exactly do we do this

Marta: There’s no script. We just share tales of ones we love who are gone that we wish to honour and remember. Who wants to go first

The Fosters all look a bit hesitant so Marta figures she may as well start.

Marta: Let me tell you about my Abuela Maria. She was born back in Mexico. Growing up she was known as the girl who was always falling over. We think she had an inner ear problem but there were not many doctors in her barrio so we don’t know. She would fall over if she went too fast which she would do a lot *laughs* she was a speed loving kid, always had someone to go see

Keira: And she grew up to become a teacher. She emigrated to the Dominican Republic with a group from her college and that’s where she met Marta’s abuelo Manuel. He insisted on walking arm in arm to help her balance but later admitted that was just so he could be close to her

The girls start eating again, clearly having finished the tale.

Charlie: I… I had a great dog called Allie

Keira’s parents and siblings all murmur in agreement. They grew up with Allie and all had affection for her.

Charlie: She was always a good dog. She stuck to me like glue. I remember one time out on a run I twisted my ankle and she stood barking until a car stopped to help me

Carson: I miss her

Charlie: Me to. She’ll always be my first furbaby

Kaori: My grandmother Sachiko was a light in the darkness for me after my parents passed. No matter how angry or sad I got she always made sure I had everything I needed. Her favourite thing to do was garden. She was always out cutting from whatever plants we had and making big bouquets too send to others on the mountain

Harvey: What about your parents Samir

Harvey is obviously just trying to include Samir in the conversation but the large man looks very uncomfortable, having already perched himself on the lone chair by the stairs.

Reece: Actually dad we talked and I’m going to share a bit about his parents if that’s all right

Reece looks to Marta for reassurance and she nods.

Marta: We do not have to remember those only connected by blood, familia is much more than that

Reece: *smiles* So his ommi, Nadia Hadji, gave the best hugs in the whole world. Regardless of if she was in a good mood or not, she always had time for hugs. Samir fell out of a bunch of trees when he was little and when he’d get home his ommi would patch him up. When he was all clean she’d kiss every plaster before giving him a giant squeeze and letting him run off

Marta: That’s lovely

Samir digs into his food trying to ignore the blush in his cheeks.

Reece: His ab, Othman Hadji, loved the woods and the animals that inhabited it. He’s where Samir got his love of nature and he remembers having many adventures with his ab through the woods. Just like I remember having with dad

Harvey smiles and pulls Reece in for a hug.

Kaori: My dad’s the one who taught me how to snowboard. Or rather tried to teach me how to snowbard

Marta: I have so many questions already

Kaori: My dad wasn’t from Mt Komorebi, he was traveling there when he met mum and had never seen snow before

The evening passes with the family sharing stories of all those they have loved and lost over the years. Kaori’s parents Emica and Daiki had a lot of fun around Mt Komorebi which didn’t always impress Kaori’s stern grandfather Shigeru. Of course all the Fosters remember their shock at discovering Sachiko and Shigeru had become enemies, and divorced. Then Shigeru announced he’d married Geeta, a woman none of them knew.

Samir of course had lost his parents and he suspected his grandparents, no one pressed him on the subject. Both Kayleigh and Harvey’s parents were all in the forever save now, Harvey’s dad was there before even Charlie was born. At last the family understand why Harvey is so eager to become a grandparent. The sims were all gone now but as the stories continued to be shared and everyone got full bellies, the room did feel as though there was more life in it than just the sims that had still beating hearts.

Kayleigh: Thank you for including us Marta, it was nice

Marta: Dia de los Muertos is for familia

Kayleigh: Well I’m very glad you’re part of ours. You to Samir

Samir: Hmm? Oh, ah… thanks?

When the parents are out of earshot Keira pops over to her brother and his boyfriend.

Keira: You have to tell me, you must be responsible for that thing on his neck

Samir and Reece blush but while Samir is less than eager to elaborate, Reece is happy to report the hickey is intentional.

To wrap things up we have a couple of group photos and thank everyone for coming.

Marta’s first language is Spanish so she is teaching Keira (and me) some common phrases Ay dios mio: omg equivalent Buenas tardes: Good afternoon Carino: Term of endearment for a loved one Gracias: Thank you Mi familia: My family Por favor: Please Qué?: What? Si: Yes Te amo: I love you

Keira: Mum! You didn’t say you were coming

Kayleigh: I didn’t think I needed an appointment to see my daughter and future daughter in law

Keira: Of course not but Marta is feeling unwell

Marta: Buenas tardes Kayleigh. I’ll be fine, Keira is just… overreact

Keira: I mean your parents died from flu complications, can you blame me for being nervous when you get sick?

Marta: No. But look, I’ll have more tea

Kayleigh: I’m so excited for the wedding, have you decided on a venue yet

Marta: Si. I was wanting to have it in the church in Willow Creek

Kayleigh: All the way there?

Keira: It’s the oldest church in the save mum, it’s got history

Marta: Si. Our marriage is not just us, it’s the watcher as well. A church is the right place to honour that

Kayleigh: I always admire your devotion. I’m sorry we couldn’t meet your parents

Marta: Their spirits will be here tomorrow. Keira and I would like all of you to come over for dinner. Then I can tell you about them, and you’ll be able to know them

Kayleigh: If you want us at your celebration then of course

Marta: Si. You are part of mi familia now

Kayleigh: And will our family be growing soon?

Keira: Mum! You sound just like dad

Kayleigh: We’re not getting any younger. Life is short and your dad and I would like to have some grandkids. Every time Aaron sends Harvey a cute picture he almost goes green with envy

Marta: Keira and I do want kids one day

The couple look at each other, feeling the warm fuzzy feeling of home

Kayleigh: I just wanted to say, well your dad wanted me to say, whatever expense there is, we’ll pay it

Marta: Que?

Keira: Are you sure mum? I mean it could be quite expensive for us. Whether we get a sperm donor or try that new science method that allows for same sex pregnancy to start, the cost will likely be high

Kayleigh: I know but your dad and I can’t take the money with us to the forever save. We may as well use it while we’re here

Marta: *smiles* we’re going to be parents carino

Keira: I mean eventually, there’s no big rush is there? I’m only 23

Kayleigh: Wait until after the wedding at least or the dress won’t fit

Keira: We’d need to wait until after honeymoon as well. And even then-

Marta: Gracias Kayleigh, it’s very generous. Will you let us have some time to talk about it

Kayleigh: Of course, I’m just glad you’re receptive. I best be off, don’t get up, I can show myself out

Kayleigh leaves and Marta turns to Keira.

Marta: What’s wrong carino

Keira: I… Sweetheart I want kids with you, I do, but… *softly* so soon?

Marta takes her hand and kisses it lightly.

Marta: There’s no rush but think about it por favor? I’d carry them so it shouldn’t interfere with your work much. I’d like to grow our familia sooner rather than later

Marta goes for another nap while Keira scratches her geek itch playing party frenzy online with Joey, James and Alexander.

Joey: Do you not want to be a mum

Keira: I do. I just… I spent so much of my life waiting for my person and now that I’ve found her I want time with just us. Is that selfish?

Alexander: I don’t think so. Remember I stole my person

James: You can’t steal what is given to you love. Wait- what car am I again?

Joey: The blue one. No, Rilian! Zio Joey is trying to see the screen!

Keira: What’s he doing this time

Joey: Trying to find new places to hide his half eaten meals. I better go tell Devin, later bros *drops out*

Keira: I need to go to the romance festival anyway. Will I see you guys there?

James: Saturday is date night

Alexander: I have plans that involve you, me and a posh restaurant. We'll get a nanny for Milton

Keira: *laughs* have fun being wealthy

Alexander: Always

Marta: You’re letting me out

Keira: I would never try pin you in. I’m not-

Marta: I know carino, I was joking

Keira: Somehow I imagine I couldn’t keep the romantic in you away from this festival even if I wanted to

Marta: So *coyly* what do we do here

Keira: What a leading question. You know sweetheart some would say you’re a tease

Marta: Taste me and find out

Keira smiles and pulls Marta close in a passionate embrace. They stay tangled in each other for a while but pull apart before Marta can get too breathless.

Keira: You need rest still

Marta: Now who’s the tease

Keira: Come on, let’s get some of the tea

Marta goes to the fountain and finds herself humming along to the music. She loves singing but she knows it’s probably best to rest rather than sing a ballad. She’s deep in her imagination when *clanks* the cup she picked drops to the bottom of the fountain.

Marta: Ay dios mio!

Stranger: Are you okay

Marta: Si, gracias

Marta sheepishly fishes her cup up from the fountain and looks around, hoping no one else has seen the blunder.

Marta: See, I’m drinking tea. I do listen to your advice

Keira: *laughs* I suppose it’s prettier than the tea we have at home

Marta: You’re the pettiest thing anywhere carino *blows kiss*

Keira: Stop, you’re making me swoon!

Marta: My daily goal. Have you thought more about what your mum said

Keira: Yeah. I guess… I just don’t want to share you with anyone

Marta: *sighs* Keira, no one belongs solely to someone else. Tell me you understand that? You need to share every person in your life. I’m becoming your wife but we won’t be each other’s property

Keira: I knew it would sound like that. I don’t mean I want you to myself in a controlling way, I mean, I’m worried kids would steal all your attention and I’d be forgotten

Marta: Carino… let me get us some food

Marta grabs them some Ramen and comes back to the table.

Marta: I know that your first girlfriend said she got bored of you but I promise, I’m never getting bored of you. Te amo

Keira: I love you to

Marta: If you want some time as just us before having kids then we can, bueno? But when we get around to having kids I will not love you any less

Keira: Okay, I’ll try work on my feelings. I do want to see what beautiful kids we can make

Marta: Me to!

Marta: Gracias for the date

Keira: I thought your spirits needed lifting before tomorrow

Marta: Tomorrow will be happy, you’ll see

Keira: If you say so. For now... can I have a hug

Marta: aww, of course carino

The couple head home and still feeling the effects of the tea take time to enjoy each other properly. Keira still gets feelings of inadequacy which can be hard to balance with Marta’s need to feel uncaged. But they love each other. Love is a skill and these two are happy to grow their skills together. Whatever they may feel, they’ll work on it together.