GREETINGS and DINNER:

Joe wasn't fully prepared for what greeted him as he walked through that door. The Paxtons had not arrived yet, so here he was……a lone white person, amid a sea of Indians. He had never felt so out of place in his entire life, so he put on his bravest of faces and most charming of smiles. Tony sensed Joe's nervousness, and took charge. Tony introduced him to the many aunts, uncles, cousins, and other sundry extended family members of Jess. There was no way, he was going to remember anyone's names, at least not after tonight…….however, Tony was his lifesaver. He made sure Joe had longer conversations with the more important member's of Jess' family, in a sense letting him get to know them and vice versa.

Mr. Bahmra watched from a distance. He was impressed with this young man. He was polite and genuine, and more important, he noticed no sense of fakeness to Joe's behavior and manners. Mr. Bahmra was grateful that Tony had taken on the task of introducing Joe to "the family" because it gave him this opportunity to observe. He decided he liked what he saw in this young man, and with that he went to greet his family. Mr. Bahmra knew he some extra prayers to offer tonight. Of course he knew there would be MANY questions (though in Punjabi) posed to him about who this Englishman is. He laughed to himself……wait until the Paxtons arrive.

Also, unbeknownst to Joe, Tony and Mr. Bahmra, Joe was being observed by another family member. Pinky. Watching Joe in his unfamiliar surroundings, she now understood why her younger sister had fallen for this goreh. He was handsome and kind. She suddenly felt bad for the way she treated Jess in her bedroom that day. She decided that she would get to know Joe……and apologize immediately to Jess the first chance she had to. Love knows no color.

Pinky was jogged from her observations by the doorbell. Since her parents were busy, she went to answer the door. All of the sudden facing her, was the crazy white woman who showed up at HER wedding and accused her sister of being a lesbian. There was just a moment or two of awkward silence. The man with her said, "Uh, we're the Paxtons……our daughter Julia is friends with Jess. Her parents invited us to dinner." And with that, what could Pinky do, she let them in. She would talk to the woman later.

Mrs. Paxton simply nodded at Pinky. She knew she must apologize to this striking young woman about the stir she caused at her wedding. She needed to make things right.

"Ah, Mr. And Mrs. Paxton" interrupted Mr. Bahmra, "please come into our home. I am so pleased that you are here. Can I offer you any refreshment, as dinner won't be served yet, I think 20 minutes or so? What would you like? I have brandy, wine, beer, soda."

"Wine would be fine for me." said a quiet Mrs. Paxton.

"Whatever you're having Mr. Bahmra." replied an amazed Mr. Paxton.

"Oh, we brought you this small gift, in thanks for your invitation." said Mrs. Paxton, slowly gaining her confidence. "We are most appreciative of the invite. You were right, it would have been very difficult to go home to an empty house tonight."

And with that, Mr. Bahmra got their drinks, and proceeded to introduce the new friends to their family.

Dinner went off without a hitch, and Mr. And Mrs. Bahmra decided that they had never had such a happy dinner in their house. There was laughter, which soothed their souls because they knew there was one important person missing. Jess. They were amazed at the comraderie permeating from their house. It was if everyone had known each other forever. There were no strangers, no outsiders. Just friends and family.