VIII.

Malika sat at the dining table, thinking of Linka. She knew that her sister would need to be married soon. If she wasn't married by 25, she would be considered a spinster. That was the law in France. She was worried about the fact that Linka might never find the right man. She stirred her eggs and bit into a piece of toast as she thought of what they would have to do.

She and Erik had planned to throw a ball for Linka, but when they were planning to be was still in question. Malika sighed again as she ate some of her eggs and heard Lukcas come into the dining room. He had just arrived back from college, but would be returning the next week. "What's the matter Sister?"

"Nothing."

"You lie Malika. Even I can tell you are lying to me." He replied as he sat next to her.

"I'm only worried about Linka." Malika admitted to her brother.

"Why?"

"You know as I do that if she isn't married by 25 she will be considered a spinster." Lukcas nodded at this comment as his older sister continued, "Besides, Linka deserves to have a man who loves her wholly like Erik loves me."

"To be honest, I didn't think Erik loved you at first. Now that I am older I see that you both are very happy."

Malika smiled at him, "I know you didn't like Erik at first, but he has done so much for us. He has never had a family and we're the closest to a family that he has ever had."

"So, what are we going to do for Linka?"

"Erik and I are planning a ball. I'm torn between a masquerade ball or a ball where she can introduce herself to men that she is interested in. Of course, we plan to invite other women and couples." She explained while pushing her empty plate aside.

"I would throw a masquerade ball. It would be more interesting, and no one would know who the other is until they take off their masks of course."

Malika nodded at her brother's thoughts. "I will talk to Erik about it when he gets home. Go on and study."

Lukcas stood up and pushed his chair in then said, "Don't worry Sister, everything will turn out fine."

"I hope so."

xxxx

Later that night after Malika had put the children to bed, she waited for Erik in their bedroom. She did not have to wait long for he came in with a bouquet of roses in one arm and shut the door behind him. She smiled at him, "A special occasion?"

He laughed, "I don't need a special occasion to spoil my wife." He then put the flowers in a grey vase with water and then walked over to their bed. His fingers began to unbutton his vest as he looked into her worried azure eyes, "What is the matter?"

"I've been thinking today."

"About what?"

"Linka."

"Oh. I see." He deposited his vest in the floor then began to unbutton his white shirt. "The ball."

"Yes. She needs to get married Erik. I don't want her to be a spinster." Malika told him in a worried tone.

"Don't worry. She won't be a spinster. Hell, she's not even in her 20's yet."

"I know. I only want her to find the right man."

"I know you are trying to be a good sister, but you can be too worried. Linka will be fine. She's like her older sister."

He pulled down the sheets and comforter, now naked, and lay on the bed and cuddled up against his warm wife. "I suppose I am trying to mother her too much."

"Well since you three don't have a mother and father anymore I can understand it somewhat. You are trying to take responsibility for Linka, something that your parents were supposed to do." Erik responded.

She felt sad at the thought of her parents, but shook it aside. "Unfortunately, my parents are dead. Now I have to make sure both my siblings are happy."

He wrapped an arm around her waist and nuzzled in her neck. "I love you, but you're going to worry yourself to death."

Malika laughed softly, "Lukcas was worried about me too."

"Brothers usually are worried about their sisters. He's a good brother." Erik commented.

"Yes...he approves of our marriage. It took a long time, but he finally approves."

Erik smiled into her neck then replied, "I'm glad he does. I was worried he never would like me."

She turned to face him and said, "I knew he eventually would accept it. He had to forgive. Besides, he does appreciate you and you paying for his education."

"He will be a wonderful biologist. Now, maybe we can discuss your sister's ball tomorrow morning before work."

Malika smiled then kissed his lips. She pulled back and said, "I love you Erik."

"I love you too my wonderful wife."