Sequel: Family Goals

Keep It Kasual

Chapter 23

*Dec. 23, 2013 11 pm*

The game did not go well for the Pens, now after a good meal and wishing everyone well for the short break, we were loaded up in my car and on our way to Montreal for 2 1/2 days. "When is our meeting with the cake people?" Kris sounded tired. Not that I blamed him.

"It's at 11 am, and after we head to Notre Dame to talk to Father Bedard before Christmas Eve Masses start. Remember we're hosting Christmas Dinner for the entire family this year. I already have some of it thanks to our earlier trip." I looked in the mirror back to our sleeping boy.

Kris sighed. "I feel guilty dumping the entire family on you like this. It is not fair for our first Christmas."

I shook my head and sighed. "It's fine Kris. I like your mom and sister. I don't know your dad, Charlene and Eric very well yet but I can be neutral if nothing else." Julienne giggled in the back. "Oh hush. Marie and Claude are glad to be coming over too. They'd rather be coming to see Alex than staying at home without him."

"I don't know how you can stand them, Kallie. Their daughter has done some awful things to you." Julienne said as we drove.

Kris chuckled. "Marie and Claude have been nothing but supportive since they found out what was going on. They like Kalista, not only because Alex loves her but also because they personally have given their word to her that she is Alexander's mother and they will not contest it."

We passed a sign telling me we were still a ways from home. "They are good people Julienne. Alex and I try to talk to them once a week on Skype so he will know them like he knows everyone else. They've warned me that they kind of went overboard with gifts for Alex." I had to laugh, I wasn't really surprised they had warned me. Alex was their only grandchild after all.

Kris laughed. "I thought we had gone overboard, if they are saying they have... heaven help us."

Julienne sighed. "You got him skates and stuff, how is that overboard?" Oh she had no clue...

I had to inform her. "Not _just_ skates and such. We got him something else too, but it's in Pittsburgh. Only part of it is here. I hope he understands." I dug out my phone and handed it to Kris. "The picture is on there and on my analog camera. I'll get it processed tomorrow before our cake tasting."

That turned our talk to the wedding and what was needed to start yet. I told Kris that Rachel liked our invitations and the idea I had for addressing them. He let me know where he was with finding a DJ, mostly he was asking friends who was good right now. "That reminds me, I need you to think about what song you want for your dance with mom. I know what dad and I are dancing to."

"And that would be?" Julienne asked from her seat.

I smiled. "This is going to sound odd, but it's Time of my Life from Dirty Dancing. It's always been our go to celebration dance, it was the first dance my mom and dad had. It's another way to include her." I'd always liked that song, dad had never let me think of it as a sad song.

Kris smiled. "Maybe mom and I can find a song to honour grandmother as well. I am not sure what we can do to honour Luc more though."

It hit me how we could honour him. "What about _our_ first dance? We haven't picked a song yet, what if we find one we like that he did too?"

Kris looked at me skeptically. "Je ne sais pas, son goût dans la musique ne serait pas bon pour cela. trop vite pour l' un, les paroles n'étaient pas toujours enfant et grand- parent amical non plus. (I do not know, his taste in music would not be good for that. Too fast for one, the lyrics were not always kid and grandparent friendly either.)" Ok, he had a point there, we needed family friendly music. "We will find everything we need. I will ask maman if she can think of anything while we are home."

When we got home, I had forgotten about the extent of the surprises I had for Kris. "What the? Kalista, what is going on?" He stepped around the dining table, well the old one.

I flushed. "Uh, surprise?" He laughed. "I told you I had more things here. The bed is all set up, you can explore our new dining set after we get some sleep." I carried Alex up to his room and made sure his bathroom was all ready for him. Julienne settled into one of our guest rooms and I went back downstairs.

*Dec. 24th, 2013 7:30 am*

"Maman? Papa?" A young voice came, invading my dreams. I knew that voice. I pulled myself towards wakefulness in time to feel Kris get up.

"Venez mon fils, nous allons préparer le petit déjeuner pour votre maman et tante. (Come my son, we'll make breakfast for your mom and aunt.)" He then leaned over and whispered in my ear. "Get that print made." He and Alex then went out to see the new dining set and all the decorating we had done when we were here before.

I slid out of bed and pulled on some clothes I kept here for making prints. Once I was sure Alex wouldn't see me, I slid downstairs. I had a lot of good shots on this roll, but only one would be printed up right now. I turned on the red light in my dark room and began processing it. 45 minutes later I hung up the shot, went back upstairs and found that I wasn't late for breakfast. Kris and Alex had set our new table for the 4 of us. "Just in time." Kris said as we kissed good morning.

"Mmm, I heard to footsteps above my head stop. I figured either the house was falling down or breakfast was ready." Alex giggled and hugged my legs. "Bon Matin mon fils. Did you help papa make our breakfast?" He nodded rapidly. "I can't wait to have some. Come. Let's find Tante Julienne and bring her down." We found her on her way down.

Breakfast was a wonderful family affair. Then my phone rang. "Hello?"

"I'm _so_ sorry to call this early Kallie, but San Marco just called. They need you to come in early, like 9 am early. I just got off the phone with them. Something about a family emergency and them squeezing you in before they leave for Quebec City." It was Rachel.

"Oh no, I hope everything is okay. We can be there if Jules is willing to watch Alex." I wrote down what was going on and got cut off by Rachel.

"Bring them. They said faster is better. I'll meet you there." She then hung up.

"We have to move. San Marco has an emergency and they need us there by 9 if not sooner. All of us can go." Julienne scooped up Alex and smiled.

"I'll get us ready while you two get moving yourselves. Come on Alex, let's go put on clothes so we can go taste cake for your maman et papa's wedding." He grinned and nodded. Kris and I got dressed and we all got out the door.

20 minutes later we were ushered into the Patisserie. "Merci d'être venus si tôt. Le chef a une urgence familiale au Québec et a besoin d'être là à midi. (Thank you for coming so early. The chef has a family emergency in Quebec City and needs to be there by noon.)" We were all seated at a special table. "Avant de nous mettre en évidence ce qui est populaire avec d'autres clients, est-il une saveur que vous êtes d'accord déjà sur? (Before we highlight what's popular with other guests, it is a flavor that you agree already?)"

I looked at Kris and we both grinned. "Chocolat." We said together. The attendant smiled and nodded. He then went into the back and we could hear him telling the chef what we said. "Do you think we made things easier or harder on ourselves?" I asked as I saw a smiling face come out.

"You made it much easier. We only have a few kinds of chocolate cake, but we have many kinds of other cakes. If you are willing I will pair those 3 cakes with the most popular fillings and then we can go from there." Alex giggled, he loved cake and chocolate was his favorite.

"Sounds wonderful." I said smiling. I had grabbed my ideas for how I wanted to look as well as color swatches. Rachel had done that much for me, gotten me organized. "Rachel did contact you about the secondary cake correct?"

The chef smiled. "She did indeed, it will be our pleasure to make that happen.". He was about to head back when Rachel came in.

"Anton, I'm so sorry to hear about your grandpere. I'm also sorry I'm late. We had a small raving bride, I had to find someone to calm her down.". She sat and Anton nodded and headed for the kitchen. "Darling I have to say you truly can roll with anything."

I laughed. "Photographer by trade, hockey wife and mother by choice. I roll with things well." Kris introduced his sister and Alex, who was much more outgoing this time. "I even remembered the cake file you had me start." Rachel grinned.

"So what is the secondary cake for?" Jules asked, both Rachel and I sighed. The cat was out of the bag.

"It _was_ going to be a surprise but I might as well tell you now. Kris is getting a groom's cake." His face beamed at me. "I decided that he deserved to have a reminder that I do listen when he daydreams at me."

"Ne pas en dire plus. Je veux que la forme soit une surprise. Je ne peux pas croire que vous feriez cela. Si je ne vous aimais pas déjà, cette serait ce qui m'a fait le faire. (Do not say more. I want the form to be a surprise. I can not believe you would do that. If I did not love you already, this would be what made me do it.)" Kris put a finger over my lips so I wouldn't spill any more.

"It's _our_ wedding, I want both of us happy with everything." Both Rachel and Jules sighed at how romantic it was. "It might be silly but it's important to me."

Anton and his assistant came out then with the first round of cake samples. They were the regular chocolate cake with several kinds of fillings. We traded back and forth what we liked until I found the hazelnut filling. I wasn't someone who normally spoke with a full mouth but _this_ was the perfect flavor for Kris' cake. "Twy dis." I muffled as I held a bite out to Kris.

I could see when the flavor hit him. "Mon Dieu! Cela est incroyable! Ainsi près de la gâteau au chocolat royal maman envoie à moi. (My god! This is incredible! So close to the royal chocolate cake maman sends to me.)" I nodded, it was very close all it needed was chopped hazelnuts.

I cleared my mouth and handed the plate to Jules, we all agreed this was the perfect cake for his surprise. I wrote it down as did Anton. "Parfait, which would you like next the milk or the white?" We looked at each other, none of us cared or seemed to.

Alex, however, was a different story. "Milk? Si vous plait. Assoiffé. (Please. Thirsty.)"

Anton chuckled. "I will bring you some with the next plates young one. Your maman et papa are lucky to have such a good boy like you." They cleared the plates and went into the kitchen again.

In the end we settled on a white chocolate cake with raspberry and vanilla creme filling for the main cake. Now Alex was getting antsy so Jules was kind enough to take him to walk Rue Marquette while we finished up the details. I was glad I had brought the entire cake file in the end. We, along with Rachel and Anton, came up with a deceptively simple design, scrollwork keys and hearts based on our invitations. The fondant would be teal while the decorations would be silver. Then we switched Kris for Jules and decided how big both cakes would be. I also provided Chef Anton with detailed photos of the chosen form of his cake.

Rachel was delighted that we got this out of the way and was even happier that we did so in about an hour. "Kallie, you have made this wedding a joy to work. I know we will be doing most of it by Skype and email until June but I am positive that everything will be smooth sailing. The next big thing to think about is flowers so please do so." Her phone chimed. "I've got to run, call me if and when you make a decision on the florists I showed you. Or with any other ideas you two come up with." We kissed cheek to cheek and she was gone.

Julienne chuckled. "She's really efficient isn't she?" We were walking down the road to the car.

I smiled. "Yeah, we talk weekly on the phone so we can keep each other apprised of what's happening on our ends. We should go see if Father Bedard is willing to do the ceremony early." Kris had gotten Alex into the car already and shortly we were on our way to the Basilica.

When we got there and got parked we found that not only was Father Bedard willing to talk about our ceremony early, he was also wanting to ask a few questions he had. "The most serious question I have is why you are not having a full nuptial mass. You are both Catholics in good standing, I just want to understand."

Kris sighed heavily. "Father I am not a good Catholic due to my job. Kalista is a much better one than I am. It is not because we do not want one, it is because I do not feel as if it is right." I took hold of his hand and squeezed. We had discussed this many times, including during our prep meetings.

Alex wormed his way into Kris' lap and cuddled up with him. Father Bedard smiled. "This makes more sense now. My son that you _try_ to be a good Catholic with your job makes you one. I have a compromise. When are you leaving on your honeymoon?" Oh that perked me up, I had no idea.

Kris smiled slyly. "We leave on Sunday afternoon. I thought that Kalista might want to go to Mass before we leave."

"Then we can easily finish up what I prefer to do, communion on that day. What Mass do you normally go to?" We told him and he chuckled. "Then be sure to go and I will have no objections. Seeing that a nuptial Mass takes the same time as a Mass if done right and your ceremony time nears the 5 pm Mass on Saturday, you have made a good choice. Now, let's talk about what readings you want."

I looked at the stack of papers he gave us and smiled. "Father, is there anything we are not allowed to use as decor? We're working on all of this at once and it would give us a direction." I read through the first readings and found the one I wanted and showed Kris who just smiled. He knew why.

He nodded. "Indeed there are. We do not allow candles others than the altar candles. Hopefully you understand why."

I couldn't help but laugh. We were sitting in the Chapel, it was all wood. "Oh I can understand why. I don't want to take away from the beauty of the chapel either. It's warm, welcoming and just gorgeous." Julienne was tapping on her tablet doing I wasn't sure what.

She must have been looking at aisle decor from other places. "What about kissing balls on the pews on the main aisle? You could even have a runner."

"Flowers of any type are welcome. We do not even insist that they stay here unlike some churches." I sighed in relief. "Tasteful decor will only add to the ceremony. Now, readings. I saw you looking through the first one. Is there one that calls to you?"

I showed him. "Ruth. It's even appropriate. I moved from Toronto to here and then to Pittsburgh. If that isn't like Ruth I don't know what is." Kris stressfully laughed. "What? I did follow you everywhere."

Kris blanched. "You know I would follow you as you have followed me mon amour." He sounded upset too.

I sighed. "I didn't say you wouldn't and I know you'd do anything to make me happy." I took his hand. "Being with you makes me happy, everything else is icing on the cake."

A young priest came in then. "Father, I have someone asking about the Engagement Blessing. More specifically if it will be tonight or tomorrow."

Father turned smiling. "I will be performing a blessing for engaged couples this evening, the timing of which is up in the air at the moment." He was glancing back at us.

Kris grinned as he got the hint. "We have tickets for the 7 pm Mass tonight Father, in hopes that our son will be asleep tonight so that Le père Noel(Santa Claus) can come visit."

He nodded once. "Bon, you have your answer Pierre. After the 7 pm Mass tonight." He then shooed the young priest away. "Well that tells me where it will be, this is good. Do you also want the blessing for a new family as well?"

I looked at Kris and we both shook our heads. "No thank you Father. We don't want to extend Mass further than it has to be." He fortunately understood. We then looked at other readings for our ceremony but I didn't see the Psalm I thought was best. "Father Bedard," he looked over at me with curiosity. "I have a Psalm I recite when I am in need of reminding that I'm never truly alone. I was wondering if we could use it for our Psalm. It's 121 verse 1 to 8." I knew it wasn't the normal Psalm but it always reminded me that I had someone else I could get help from when I needed it, just like how I feel when Kris and I are together.

Father picked up one of the pew books and read the passage. He then went and read the passage from Ruth we liked and then the Psalm. He was smiling as he laid the book down. "This is a good theme. Sticking together through everything and trusting in a loving God to get you both through it. May I make a suggestion for the Second Reading and the Gospel?"

We encouraged him to do so and he opened the pew book to 1st John chapter 4. "I would suggest verses 7 to 12." I started reading it and felt myself smiling. It was about the two of us being a reflection of God's perfect love for us. When both of us had finished and Kris was grinning at me. The father continued. "The gospel passage is also from John. Chapter 15 verses 9 to 12 and then if you would like the complete passage we read until 16."

I read all the way to Verse 16. "So our ceremony would be celebrating our love. I like that idea, I'm not so sure we need to go all the way to 16 though. It gets a bit controversial for modern sensibilities."

Kris argued. "I say we should read it all. It shows that love is that of friends and equals, not that of slaves and masters. I like that, for us to be equals in this marriage from the start. It also says that we chose each other which is very true love." I was surprised that he would think of that, let alone voice it.

Seeing our indecision Father Bedard smiled. "We have time to think on the readings and have them be parfait for vous. Truly I did not think we would get this much discussed. Why don't you think about this gospel, even pray on it and get back to me. The last bit is the opening prayer for the ceremony but I think you can find something good with only these as guidelines."

I sagged against Kris a bit. I was tired and still had a ton of things to do. "Merci Father. We have a lot to get done in a very short amount of time, not to mention having Christmas." I looked and saw that Alex wasn't flagging yet. "Perhaps it would be wise to go and rest for tonight."

We were given all sorts of paperwork to get filled out and sent back as soon as we could. Most of it was rules and regulations about what we could and could not have happen during our ceremony. It certainly did give a decorating direction for me. The more I read, the more sure I was going to do a simple decoration down the aisle, maybe even have it pull double duty at the reception too.

We then went home so we could let Alex run without worrying about him. It turned out to be a good thing we did as Christiane and Michel got to our door shortly after we got back home. "Joyeux Noël!" They both said joyously as I opened the door.

Hearing them sent Alex running. "Mamie! Pepe!" He ran into my legs as I was trying to let them in. I held him and the door while they brought several bags in. Finally Christiane had her hands free and scooped up Alex. He hugged her tight. "My Mamie."

She cuddled him while we all moved things into the kitchen for her. "Kalista, I feel horrible that you are having to cook for everyone on your First Christmas. We came over to help." She tickled Alex a little which just made him giggle.

I smiled. "Actually Maman, you have good timing. We just got home and need a bit of a break before I drag Kris to the florists we need to see." I saw Kris curl his lip in a grimace. Jules and Maman lit up though. "Let me guess, you'd like to switch who goes with me." Vigorous nods all around. I chuckled. "Fine, but no complaints if you don't like what we choose." Kris saluted me casually.

Maman decided that Julienne needed to call the florists that Rachel had given me, if only to find out how long they were open. Of the 6 shops only half would be open long enough for us to talk to them about what we wanted. Still this gave us Le Bouquet, Fachois Fleurs and Westmount Florist to check out. While I made Gramma's shortbread cookies we discussed what I did and did not want in the way of flowers. "I want to have them be an accent and not overdone. Simple is better for me, not just for the cost but it will show off the Chapel as well. I'd love to decorate the pews and have those double as centerpieces or something at the reception. Maybe even have larger kissing balls as bouquets for myself and my girls. I know we're going to have Alex and Ava in the wedding party but in reversed roles. Ava will be our Ring Girl and Alex will go down before me with a sign that's got something like 'here comes my maman' on it. Paula has said that Ava is already practicing walking down the halls at home."

Julienne laughed. "I like that you are not making Alex carry your rings, it's a refreshing departure from tradition. How will Ava carry them? Not on a pillow right?"

I opened my tablet up to the pages I had saved. "I found a double ring chest that she can carry. It's white on the outside but the lining can be any color. Dom has already said that if we need his, and I quote, awesome art skills he will be more than happy to help. I'm thinking of taking him up on that and having him paint the key and heart from our invitations onto the chest and maybe even a lacy runner if I can find one."

Julienne opened the websites for the florists we'd be visiting so we could see what they're style was. Of course they would have opinions on what flowers we should use but I had a way around this. While Gramma's shortbread was resting I called Aleks. "Hello?"

"Hey Aleks, it's Kallie. I need your opinion on flowers." Everyone said she was the go to about this so I took them at their word.

I heard her walk into a room and close the door. "Hit me, what color scheme are you thinking of?" I heard pages flipping.

I was blank, no ideas came. Kris saved me. "We want natural flowers and what might work best with our colors."

That kicked my brain into gear. "Kissing balls. They would not take away from the chapel but add to its beauty. Maybe even have larger ones instead of bouquets. Simple is good." I sounded like I was disjointed.

Aleks took it in stride. "So you're looking at florists and you want a simple color scheme and flowered decor. Kissing balls are good, classic really. With your colors I'd say white would be best. It would accent your chosen scheme. As for what kinds of flowers, that's another choice entirely. What do you want them to say?"

I thought about it for a minute. "How much I love him, that he makes me happy and I'll never want anyone but him." Kris smiled in that way that told me he felt the same way.

Aleks was flipping through a book. "OK, in white the flowers you want are the White rose, Stephanotis, White Violets, Jasmine, and Jonquil. If you want to add greenery I suggest Ivy, Myrtle and Fern. I'll go over those with you when you get back here. Thank you _so_ much for calling. I love Trina but I don't like her telling me how to cook."

I laughed. "You'll survive. Kris thinks making me cook for everyone on our first Christmas is horrible of him, I haven't had the heart to tell him that I've cooked for more people than the 18 we're hosting. Family gatherings in Gatineau are upwards of 30 people." I saw his jaw drop.

I double checked the list she gave me and we chatted for a little bit about how nice it was to have the day off then I needed to go. We had to make our first appointment. She wished me good luck and was gone.

20 minutes later we were walking into Le Bouquet for our first meeting. Of course we had looked at the work they had online and it was lovely, but as I stepped into the shop I heard an argument in progress. I couldn't tell what it was about at first, then it hit me. They were arguing over a wedding order. "I'm telling you she wanted holly not mistletoe." "That's not what's written down! Nor is it what the mother confirmed last week!" "Fine! Call the bride and double check!" I was not getting a good vibe here, which was of course when they noticed us. "Bonjour! Welcome to Le Bouquet, how can we help you?"

Julienne stepped forward. "I called about coming in for an initial flower consultation. My soon to be sister in law is only in town a few days." I waved making the man behind the counter chuckle.

"Oh yes! Come in." He set us up with books. "These are our standard arrangements for weddings. I need to make a call and I will be right back." We started looking through the books he'd given us. They were all very colorful and not at all what I wanted.

Christiane clucked her tongue. "This is not what you said you wanted. There are some all white bouquets in here but they don't have much greenery in them at all." I sighed and nodded. We had discussed on the way over what would be best for centerpieces. I didn't want over the top ones, simple clean lines was best for me.

"I agree. I'd rather be able to have my flowers be understated than loud. The colors and theme need to pop, not the flowers. I don't want to compete with my own bouquet." This was disappointing but I would be crossing Le Bouquet off my list. This feeling was made stronger when Guy, his actual name and pronounced like Americans do, came back and tried to strong arm me into much more formal arrangements than I wanted or needed. After 40 minutes I had enough. "I'm sorry but I don't like your tactics. You aren't listening to what I'm saying and are trying to get me to go over budget. This isn't the shop for my wedding."

We left and 25 minutes later walked into Fachois Fleurs. They apologized when we got there saying that they had an emergency they needed to deal with and couldn't meet with us today. We thanked them for their time and went to our final shop, Westmount Florists. When I walked in it was unlike the other two shops. There were bouquets ready to go and they were everything from a single color to multi colored, even some that were just a single type of flower. Then I saw them, they has kissing balls over their counter in many styles. An eclectic woman came out of the back smiling. "I thought I heard the bell. How can I help you?"

I sighed. "My wedding is in July at the chapel in the Basilica. I want _very_ simple flowers to line the pews that can double as display pieces and or centerpieces. I want white flowers and greenery for the bouquets themselves and I have a list."

She took it and smiled. "You have either looked these up yourself or had a friend who likes flower meanings don't you?" I was caught so I nodded admitting that it was a friend. She moved us to a table and asked if we wanted any tea. After getting us all some she sat down and went to business. "Your friend has given you a wonderful list of white flowers. These are available all year and mostly hold up well in the heat. Is there any special arrangements you will need, outside of these blooms?"

Oh I liked her a lot, Sara was her name. "Actually there are. We have multiple family members who we wish to remember and save a seat for at the wedding. What flowers would be good for remembrance?" Christiane squeezed my hand while she dabbed her eyes. She knew of whom I was speaking.

Sara paused and thought for a moment. "White Everlastings is what I would base that with, maybe with a deep pink rose and rosemary. The everlastings and rosemary stand for remembrance and a rose in that color says 'Thank you for being in my life'. How are you going to be displaying the memory bouquet? Have you thought about it?" She opened a book. "This is a portfolio of past weddings and funerals I've done with memorial flowers. Take a look through and see what you like."

She didn't rush us, letting us look and discuss the pros and cons of each one. She excused herself to help a few people but always checked in with us between them. In the end we decided that figuring out the actual memorial and then letting her decide on the best bouquet for the display would be best. So we talked about that briefly and ended up wanting to save a seat at the wedding proper and then set pictures of those whom we wished were there on a table. When we told Sara about this, she smiled. "So something in a vase that can travel would be best. You said you'd be in Notre-Dame du Sacré-Cœur Chapel with a simple set of flowers as decoration. What fabrics and colors do I have to work with so I know what would be best."

I smiled and brought out the fabric samples I had. "I have fabric samples for all the dresses with me. I thought it might be a safe bet." I laid them on the table and saw her eyes light up. "Our colors are teal and silver with blush and white as accents. The blush is because my dress is ivory lace over a pale blush tone."

"Those are sharp colors. Do you have a theme too?" I put the invitation on the table. Her smile got brighter. "I could easily incorporate this into the flowers if you wanted."

I chuckled. "We have plans to do so ourselves. We, well I, found these cute heart shaped lock and key sets. Going to put the lock on the thank you cards that will be on the tables and the key will be on our favors which are sandlewood fans. I mean it _is_ Montreal in Late July." I showed off what I had found including the Pinterest board I had created to save my ideas on.

When we finally got everything settled and the contract signed, it was an hour and a half after we first came into the shop. We said our goodbyes and got home in about 5 minutes. Alex was asleep and Kris and Michel were in the kitchen following the recipes mom and I had set out. I called Rachel from the study and faxed over what we had agreed to. She was thrilled and crossed it off the list. We then wished each other a Merry Christmas and hung up.

Kris came in shortly after that smiling. "You showed them the board." Julienne had immediately followed me and that board upon learning of it. I nodded tiredly. It had been a long day so far and wasn't over. He pulled me up and cuddled me close. "Everyone else is taking a rest, let's do the same." When my head hit the pillow I was out like a light.

What woke me was the same voice that always did. "Maman, wakey." I cracked an eye and saw Alex standing by the bed. He had started doing that since we changed his bed to toddler mode, not that I minded it meant he could go potty without waking us.

"Bonjour mon fils. Did you sleep well?" He nodded. "Bon, let's go make some food so we can wake up some more." I had long since figured out how to get out of the clamp that was Kris when we slept. Then Alex and I padded into the living room to find everyone else awake.

"Alex, we told you not to wake them." I waved a hand at Julienne.

"I would rather wake to his small voice than an alarm any day. Besides, I want to get the Tourtière in the oven so all we have to do is warm it up after." I had the filling made while we were out as I wanted to not have to worry about it too much tonight.

"How much work do you have to do for it? You aren't making a crust from scratch now are you?" I laughed as I pulled the crusts out of the fridge. Soon I slid it into the oven and found myself lifted and turned around by Kris. "Wow you two are really in love. It's almost sickening."

Soon I was taking the Tourtière out to cool and to get dressed. As I was looking at my closet Kris and Alex came in dressed in the same suits they wore when we got engaged. That made me decide that we'd all wear that color. "Well, I guess we'll match."

We took 1 car to the Basilica, good thing too. We got one of the last close spots. Good for young boys who want to walk everywhere. We handed over the tickets we had and were let into the main Basilica. We got seated nearer to the front as we would be getting a blessing. Father Bedard came out and found us and let us know that we would be getting it after the Mass was over, but we were far from the only ones. He even ruffled Alex's hair and complimented him on his suit which made Alex very proud.

Going to the 7 pm Mass was a smart idea in the end. It had a living crèche which held Alex's attention. As usual it was a lovely Mass, hard not to be when it's a Christmas Mass. At the end the entire Basilica was told that there were two engaged couples receiving the blessing after the service.

Soon Kris and I and another couple were standing before the altar. Father Bedard started the blessing. "In the Name of the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit.

Let us pray: Heavenly Father, we praise You for Your goodness in bringing us together to celebrate in joy.
Grant that all our festivities may be for your honour and glory.

We ask this grace through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Let us pray for these two couples and for their families and friends, and ask God's help for all in need." We held hands and prayed.

"Lord, bless these two couples, and help them as they prepare for marriage. We pray to the Lord."

"Lord, hear our prayer." Said by us all.

"Keep them holy and pure in their lives, deepen their spirit of prayer and love, and lead them in perfect joy. We pray to the Lord."

"Lord, hear our prayer."

"Bless their parents, families and friends, and lead us to help these two couples by our prayer and example as they prepare to marry. We pray to the Lord."

"Lord, hear our prayer."

"Have mercy on all who suffer need or pain, and through our generosity and love, bring them help and consolation. We pray to the Lord." He extended his hand over both couples and continued. "Father, hear our prayers in Your love. Bless these couples, and help them as they prepare to celebrate the sacrament of marriage. Father, we ask this grace through Christ, our Lord."

"Amen."

He then asked for both engagement rings which was easily handed over. "Father in heaven, bless + these rings, and grant these two couples Your grace, so that they may prepare worthily for the sacrament of marriage, and live as Your beloved children. Grant this, Father, through Christ, our Lord." We were handed them back and Kris put mine back on me with reverence. Father then began the final part of the blessing. "May almighty God bless you, these two couples. May He grant you love and happiness, peace and joy, and strength in trials, all the days of your life together.

May almighty God, Father, Son, + Holy Spirit, give His blessing to you for ever and ever."

"Amen." The whole thing took maybe 5 minutes then we were officially registered as a couple who was getting married at the Basilica.

We drove home and got comfy. It was time to eat and remember those who we wished were with us. We dimmed the lights and told stories about our best memories while we ate. Then it was time for us to open the gift Kris and I agreed would be a tradition we would have. Alex tore into his with reckless abandon. Inside we 3 sets of new pajamas, 3 new DVDs, reindeer attractant, peppermint hot chocolate mix, snacks for watching a movie and 2 very special things. One was a set for Santa's cookies, milk and carrots for the reindeer. The other was a very special key, only Santa could use this key. He passed out the pajamas and DVDs as they were all labeled and then ran up to his room to change.

We explained what we wanted to do and everyone agreed it was a good idea, something to add to the traditional reveillon so they went to change as well. When Alex came down we set out the cookies, carrots and reindeer attractant. We then settled in carefully and started The Polar Express. Unfortunately the day was too much for Alex and he succumbed to sleep before it was halfway done.

This was our clue. We left it running and put out all of the gifts and stockings, including what he got from my family. By the end of the movie it was nearing midnight. Kris carried Alex to his bed while I set out the picture of his balance bike. I made it look like Santa had been there and soon joined Kris in bed. Tomorrow, well when we were woken, would come too soon.
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I'm so sorry this took so long. In apology I offer this and the next chapters as fast as I can write them. I'm trying to get my fics on the same page (month) so it will be easier for me to write them.

The bakery that they are using is Patisserie San Marco as that is where their Reception Hotel sent them. San Marco's website is here.

You will notice there are no flavors on their site so I used these. They sounded so yummy!

The travel times given for all the flower shops are as accurate as I can make them. I love Google Maps!

If you've read either One More Year or The Next Year you know that Aleks really does love having flowers that mean something. This is her thing, she had to be the one to help. Here is where she found the meanings and flowers.

A Tourtière is a meat pie originating usually made with finely diced pork, veal or beef and a traditional part of the Christmas réveillon meal in Quebec.

In the province of Quebec a réveillon is a long dinner, and possibly a party, held on the evenings preceding Christmas Day and New Year's Day. The name of this dinner is based on the word réveil (meaning "waking"), because participation involves staying awake until midnight and beyond.

I found the blessing that Father Bedard uses here. . I don't know many Catholic Churches that bless engaged couples anymore but I liked that this one did.

I ended up creating 2 new boards while writing this. One so I had a place for all the food I've been using in my various fics which is here. The second is all about the Christmas Eve box. I found the idea on Pinterest and realized that my family had been doing this for years. It is here.

I won't apologize for not actually getting to Christmas Day cause that's the next chapter which I'm writing now.