[JEMMA]

I met Mom and Dad for breakfast the next morning. I took them to the Sun Dial Restaurant at the top of the Westin Plaza Hotel. The Sun Dial is famed for revolving around so you could see the entire city without moving from your table. It's the fifth tallest building in Atlanta and you could see Stone Mountain on a clear day. While we caught up on things, I would point out things as the restaurant turned; Tiffany's condo, the building where Tan worked, CNN headquarters, the general location of the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library.

"What are you going to do with your girlfriends tonight, honey?" Mom asked, while she rested her hand on mine, patting it.

"They're going to talk to me about what to expect on my wedding night," I admitted. "I'm a little nervous about it. I want it to be perfect."

"You and Tan haven't...." Dad's voice trailed off as he realized what he was asking.

"No, Daddy, we haven't. I still remember what you told me when you and Mom gave me 'the talk.' How beautiful and special it would be if I waited for the one I truly loved and wanted to marry. Momma always told me she wished she hadn't been so eager to find out what sex was all about and having me as an unwed mother. How much she regretted you were not her first. I wanted Tan to be my first and I wanted it to be on my wedding night."

"You could have talked to us about it instead," Mom said.

"Do you know how difficult it is to talk about sex with your parents? Did you talk to your parents about sex?"

"Not enough, apparently," Mom smiled, "which is why I had you."

"I'm surprised you waited, darling," Dad said. "Most young people don't."

"What you told me made an impression on me, Daddy. What you both told me did. It's been hard sticking to my ideals, especially the last six months. Tan has been frustrated waiting and heaven knows I've been dying to finally know what it's like to share myself with the one I love. The hormones have been raging a number of times and it was with the utmost difficulty I was able to stop in time. Knowing I'm with the man I love and having to stop has been real hard."

"How experienced is Tan?"

"He's been around the block a few times," I admitted. "At least one of us will know what the heck we're doing."

"The first time might be a little more difficult for you, Brenda," Mom said, "and it might not be as magical as you imagined. I suppose it will depend on Tan; how eager he'll be, how gentle, and how willing he is to prepare you. That's not to say it won't be wonderful, but sometimes there's pain the first time. It will become easier and better each time afterward. By the end of the honeymoon, you'll probably feel like a pro, but the first time might be hard."

"Hence the talk with my girlfriends. I'm going to try to take advantage of their experience. It will be easier talking to them than talking to you, but I still want to know what to expect."

"Okay. We understand. It's good to have someone to talk to," Dad said.

"What's Tan doing today?" Mom asked.

"Well, his best man lives here in Atlanta and works with Tan, but the other three groomsman all live out of town and just got in Wednesday night or yesterday. Tan is spending the day catching up with them. I believe he met them all in college, but they all live in different parts of the country. I'm meeting Tiffany and the girls tonight after six and I'm going to spend the night at Tiffany's with Tammie and Yvonne. We have to leave for the hairdresser's tomorrow morning at 7:00 so they can get us all in. Mom, we've arranged to have your hair done at the hotel. They have a salon on site. Your appointment is at 9:30. Dad, your tux will be delivered at eleven and a limo will come pick you both up at 12:30. They'll have you at the church by one. We'll have a few minutes to speak again before I have to get ready."

I spent the rest of the day with them, walking a little in downtown Atlanta, some in Piedmont Park near Tiffany's and some more at their hotel. I was able to eat lunch and dinner with them and catch up on all the news that was the news in the small town of Perdido Beach, Alabama, where they lived. They brought me up to date on what some of my high school friends were still doing; the ones who never left town. After supper, I had a few more minutes to talk to them before I left.

"I know I'm probably pushing my luck here," Mom said, "but have you and Tan talked about children yet?"

"We have," I said, laughing. "Thinking about your first grandchildren already? We both think three would be the perfect number of kids to have. Tan wants me to stay home and take care of the children. He makes enough money he doesn't believe I need to work at all."

"How soon do you think?"

"Mom, please give me a little time to get used to married life before I start having kids."

"Take as long as you need, but how long do you think?"

I laughed. "At least a year; maybe more. I'm going to play it by ear."

"Okay. As long as I have some before I die."

"Mom, you're forty-two. I doubt you're going to die anytime soon." I hugged them both tightly. "I want you to know I'm so thankful you were my parents. I feel so lucky and blessed you raised me to be the person I am."

"Oh, honey," Mom cried, "you were the best girl ever. I never had to worry about you."

"Daddy, I can't thank you enough for coming into my life when you did. I'm so proud you'll be giving me away tomorrow. I know I've never said it enough, but I love you both so much."

"We love you too, honey," Dad said. "We wish the very best for you and Tan. May God smile on you both always."

"I know you do. I'll see you both tomorrow."