Rita wiped the tears from her eyes as she looked at Taylor.
"Oh, it's silly. It's just..." she trailed off.
"What's this?" Taylor asked, picking up the piece of paper in her hands.
As he read it over, you could see the anger in his eyes.
"Don't worry Rita. I won't let anyone hurt you." He assured her.
Rita smiled, though still visibly upset. Taylor wrapped is arms around her.
'How dare they do this.' He thought, fuming. 'First her parents won't have anything to do with the wedding, and now death threats.'
**********
"Barbara Walters!"
Babsie rolled her eyes.
"What is it with you and calling me names lately?"
"I told you I would have nothing to do with this wedding. What do you think you are doing?"
Babsie smiled at her overbearing Aunt.
"Why, you've just said it yourself. You said you would have nothing to do with it. And while you can speak for your husband, you can't speak for your children. They don't want to abandon their sister."
Mrs Masters glowered at her.
"Don't you dare cross me."
"Too blinking late. Rita really wants Kevin and Mary to come. She wants you two to come too, but you seem to have made up your mind."
"You little b-"
"Be careful what you do. Don't forget you still need me here. After all, what are you going to do one of those nights when you're short of entertainers. It would be very easy for me to deny your request."
"Don't blackmail me."
"Who said anything about blackmail? I do have a life you know."
There was a tense silence.
"They'll only be gone a couple of days. Not the rest of their lives." Babsie added diplomatically. "A week at the most"
"What about their responsibilities at home?"
"Mary won't miss any school - it'll actually be holidays then. And you have plenty of chefs and waiters. You'll be fine. Admit it, you and Uncle would love to have some time on your own..."
There was quiet as Mrs Masters thought it over.
"A week. No more." She said finally, and stalked off.
Babsie smiled triumphantly.
"Babsie Walters wins again." She said to herself.