The plan is set. Everyone (donned in proper Regency attire) eagerly anticipates the arrival of the Riggenbach family. As soon as they arrive the little ones are rushed downstairs and the Dads follow.

All know the plan, save one. She sits in complete oblivion - not suspecting a thing. She does think this sudden visit from the Riggenbachs is a bit strange, but she thinks little of it; she’s used to our odd ways and she loves visiting with the Riggenbachs.

The ladies sit quietly. Sipping their tea, of course. The doorbell rings.

"Who could that be?”

Melissa rises to answer the front door. We can see no one through the glass. "Why, hello Mr. Cave!" Melissa greets the newcomer to the party cordially. "What are you doing here?"

"I heard there was a party and decided to come over." He replies, smiling.

Melissa offers him a seat. He is in his perfect regency attire. Everyone looks a bit surprised (the unsuspecting member, a bit more so than the rest), but immediately continues sipping their tea.

Then it happened...the infamous wink. At me. Coming from Mom.

"Mom, why are you winking at me?" I ask, oh so innocently.

"What are you talking about? I'm not winking at you!" Mom replies, winking all the while.

Silence. Then the winking starts again. "Mom, you are winking at me!"

"I am not! There's...something in my eye."

Mother stands up. "Jessica come here, I need to speak with you for a moment." We exit to the room adjoining the living room (Dad and Mom's room). We shut the door. Mom sticks her head out. "Melissa! I need you!" Melissa exits.

Mrs. Riggenbach stands up. "Well!" She sends a knowing glance to Lily and they swiftly take their leave, following us.

This leaves Tiffany, the unsuspecting member, and Jared alone. Meanwhile, "My Father's Favorite" plays softly in the background.

Jared then knelt down on one knee and asked my sister to be his wife. She smiled and quietly told him her answer. “Yes.” So Jared Francis Cave and Tiffany Faith McDonald are to be married.

I can't believe it.

Tiffany has always been an amazing sister to me. She's selfless, kind, encouraging, and understands me better than most people. She can tell when I'm upset and when I'm worried. She's always there with a kind word that makes me see the world more clearly. I will miss her so much that I can't even say. But how can I be anything but happy for my sister, since Prince Charming has finally come for her, after a long and patient wait?

God is so good, and though I selfishly wish she would never leave, I know that this is Gods will for her. And I know she'll be happy.

God bless both of you, Tiff and Jared.

Please join me in congratulating them!!

In Christ Alone,

Jessica

P.S. In case anyone is wondering, I have decided that marriage is out of the question for Melissa for at least five years (unless I get married first!). :-) LOL!

Lovely photos were taken before the "tea party". Here's one of Tiffany and Dad.

"Let not thyself be worried, Jessica. I shall not leave thee for a long while yet." quoth Melissa.

"My beloved sister! If thou dost even consider it I shalt slay the young man myself." quoth I. (Er...or not. ) *GRIN*

Elizabeth Bennet: [on marriage] "Is that really all you think about?"

Mrs. Bennet: "When you have five daughters, tell me what else will occupy your thoughts, and then perhaps you will understand."

*Pride and Prejudice

The most wonderful parents in the world!

Tiffany and Mom.

Elizabeth Bennet: [about Mr. Bingley] It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife.

Mrs. Bennet: Yes, he must indeed! And who better than one of our five girls?

Lydia: What a fine joke if he were to choose me!

Kitty: Or me!
[Lydia and Kitty laugh]

Jane Bennet: [reprimanding] Lydia!

Father and Daughter.

"Unsuspecting" Tiffany.

"Quite Suspecting" Melissa

"Quite Suspecting" Mrs. Riggenbach

"Quite Suspecting" Lily

Mrs. Riggenbach: And now, Miss McDonald, it's your turn to entertain us.

Tiffany: Oh no, Mrs. Riggenbach, I don't...

Mrs. Riggenbach: And I believe I know what key you will sing in. ["C" sharp!]

*Modified (by me) Sense and Sensibility

"Tea?"

Dad- If any young men come for [Melissa] or [Jessica], for heaven's sake, send them in. I'm quite at my leisure.

*Mr. Bennet, Pride and Prejudice

He enters the room.

Mom: Oh, my goodness! Everybody behave naturally!

*Mrs. Bennet, Pride and Prejudice

Edward Ferrars ~ "My heart is, and always will be, yours."

*Sense and Sensibility

~Love is not love which alters when it alteration finds. Or bends with the remover to remove. Oh no! It is an ever fixed mark that looks on tempests and is never shaken.~
-William Shakespeare

~"Yes. A Thousand times, yes!"~

Gretal: Do you think he'll kneel down when he asks her?

Mrs. Riggenbach: Shh!

Gretal: They always kneel down.

*Sense and Sensibility