Loving Cousin

Mom came up and slipped her hand through my arm. "Let's go get this party started!"

I managed to put on a happy face as we went into their large living room. But it got harder as I watched Steph introducing John to our friends, and I left Mom near the bar to go join them. When I walked up, Carol squealed and hugged me.

"Kate! I've missed you so much. How have you been?"

She'd cut her hair since she'd moved away. Reaching up to touch her short locks, I said, "Your hair looks great! I've been fine. How's Brown?"

"I love it. Campus life has been so much fun. I've even met someone," she replied, holding her hand up conspicuously.

"Holy shit!" I cried, pulling her hand closer to examine the diamond on her ring finger. "You're getting married?" The diamond was bigger than my pinky nail.

"Not until after we graduate, but he said he didn't want me getting away."

"Congrats!" I said, pulling her in for another hug. "Did you bring him home for the holidays?"

"Not this year. We agreed to have one