"We would be so happy, you and me. No one there to tell us what to do. I'd like to be under the sea, in an octopus's garden, with you." Octopus's Garden, the Beatles. -Lizwin-
Octopus's Garden, 2:48
Ed smiles at his wife-to-be, who was staring at him with wide eyes.
"Uh," he chuckles, "it's an old joke. Liz never understood the Beatles…but she knew I loved them."
Mallory blinks, as the singing card chants about an octopus's garden. "So, I assume she's not coming?"
"What? Of course she is. She's my stepsister.
Mallory nods. "Because that worked out so well for your brother and Casey."
Dark eyes glare up at her from behind another wedding present. "Don't be like that. If you don't agree with Derek and Casey's relationship, fine. But, if you're going to hold it against them and the rest of the family, you and I are gonna have a problem."
She pushes a strand of black hair from her face, taking the present from him. "Ed, it's not that. It's just… you lived with her, for nearly eight years, and then shared an apartment in college. Most girls would have a few worries."
He sighs. "I wasn't aware you were most girls, Mallory."
Her lips flatten into a line. "Edwin. I love you."
A smile lurks in his eyes as he responds. "I love you too. Lizzie is my stepsister, but more importantly, she's my friend."
"Okay. Do you want me to put that with the other cards?" she asks as the chorus repeats.
"What? No… I'll just put it with mine, to write thank-you's for," he mutters, the card's message stuck in his head.
It's a mistake. You know it. -Liz.