Then the food was being served. This gave Ann a better chance to observe who was there. Truly, there were only three tables she cared much about, the table with the dragons and Joanne, the table with her parents and the other escorts, and the table with her friends from Thager. Her friends from Thager, that had always been what she called them but she wondered if she should continue since it seemed they had all relocated to Sen-gan. She was still contemplating this when the sound of glasses being struck repeatedly filled the air, first from a few sources and soon it seemed everyone was doing it. Then she remembered this custom from when they had attended Joanne’s cousin’s wedding on Andy’s world. She turned and kissed him. She noticed Pt’this looked confused. ‘Kiss Sapphire,’ she prompted. So he did and the noise stopped. “Do you guys do that here too?” Andy asked. “No we don’t,” Ann said. “What was that about?” Pt’this asked. “It’s a custom on Andy’s world. The guests will tap their glasses with their silverware and the bridal couple is supposed to kiss,” Ann explained. “And you told Ann’s folks?” Pt’this asked Andy. “No, I didn’t.” “Then how did they know?” They looked at the escort table. Andy’s parents smiled and waved. “I get the feeling we’re in for a few surprises tonight,” Andy said. “Are they going to start kicking the table to try to get us to mate?” Pt’this asked, cautiously. “What do you care? From what I hear you’d mate in the town square,” Andy commented. “My bride is a bit more private than that,” Pt’this said defensively. “Don’t worry. There’s nothing like that unless,” he paused. “You didn’t wear a garter did you?” He asked Sapphire. Her eyes grew wide remembering the wedding she had attended with Andy and Ann. “Shades, no.” “Did you?” He asked Ann. “No, but I don’t think my mother would allow that anyhow.” “What?” Pt’this asked. Andy explained the removal and throwing of the garter to him. Pt’this smiled. “I don’t see Tylan agreeing to that either.” “Most of what I can think of are dances and we need the music for that.” Andy shrugged. “I’m sure my mom has thought of a few other things though.” The glasses started clinking again so they paused for a kiss. “How many times do they do that?” Pt’this asked. “Until the silverware is taken away,” Andy said. “Then it only stops if no one finds something else to tap the glasses with.” “Great,” Pt’this said with little enthusiasm. “Usually though most will lose interest after that time, except the kids. The young ones made try to drag it on.” “Hopefully Nim will keep them in line,” Pt’this said, glancing at the dragon. “You don’t like having an excuse to kiss Sapphire?” “Well...” “I think it’s fun,” Sapphire chimed in. “You do?” Pt’this was surprised. “I’m surprised you don’t, you peacock,” she said good-naturedly. “I do, but I was worried about you. You’re not a peacock,” he said. “That doesn’t mean I can’t have fun,” she said. “You don’t like people looking at you.” “It’s okay. I’ll live. Kiss me all you want.” The look Pt’this gave her worried her a little. “Just remember, I didn’t say anywhere you want.” Pt’this feigned disappointment.