They'd been married only a couple of weeks when the first big post-wedding social obligation appeared on their shared Google calendar.
(Kurt was quick to point out that he did not have social obligations, big or small. "You do now," Diane replied, giving him a quick peck on lips to soften the blow.)
After she explained that the event was a fundraiser for a local battered women's shelter and that she had been involved in the planning for most of the past year, he could hardly continue to refuse. At least it was supporting a cause they could both agree on.
So he put on a tux, and judging by the glint in Diane's eye when she saw him, he didn't look like too much of an idiot. He suspected he had the same kind of look in his own eyes when she emerged from the bedroom in her long, red, form-fitting gown. His wife was a truly stunning woman. He still didn't understand how he'd gotten so lucky.
It was hard to say who was more surprised when the first person he encountered after entering the ballroom was a colleague from the university. Mary Jane Reyes was a lecturer in forensic biology, a petite, fortyish brunette with whom he'd shared an occasional cup of coffee the last time he had a course in session.
"Kurt McVeigh!" she exclaimed, stopping two feet in front of him, hands on her hips. "What in god's name are you doing here?"
He shrugged. "It's a good cause."
"It is," she agreed. "But I would never have pegged you as a charity ball kind of guy."
Before he could respond, Diane appeared at his side with two glasses of champagne in hand. He accepted one and then slipped an arm around her waist.
"Mary Jane, this is my wife, Diane. She helped put this all together. Diane, this is Mary Jane Reyes. She teaches at the university."
The two women exchanged polite greetings and he was surprised when Mary Jane then abruptly walked off.
Puzzled, he turned to Diane. "Was it something I said?"
She laughed. "Yes, dear. I think it was when you said 'wife'."
He looked from her, to the spot when Mary Jane had stood, and back to her. "Really?"
Diane could only nod.
"Well," he said, pulling her closer. "People are just going to have to get used to that, because I like the way it sounds."
