Chapter 35: Uncle's Wedding and the Little Beauty, Miranda
"I'm getting married!"
Frank's announcement left Grant, Linda, and Martin momentarily stunned.
"Is this a joke?" Grant asked, still in disbelief.
"Quiet, you!" Linda cut him off sharply.
Then she launched a rapid-fire round of questions at Frank: "Marriage is great! You could use some settling down—who's the lucky girl? What's her family like? What do they do? How on earth did she fall for you? And why the sudden rush to marry?"
"Are you interrogating me, sis?"
As Frank shared his story, the family began to understand.
The woman's name was Kris Kerr, an Australian whom Frank had met last year while on vacation in Sydney.
Frank had fallen for her at first sight, and after persistently pursuing her for over ten days, Kris finally agreed to give dating him a try.
As the two spent time together in Australia, Frank found himself deeper in love than he'd ever expected. For half a year, he remained loyal to Kris—quite a contrast to his usual pattern of switching girlfriends every month—before finally returning to America.
Originally, he had planned to put the relationship behind him and return to his old life, thinking the six months with Kris would suffice. Kris herself hadn't insisted on continuing things; they had parted ways amicably.
But back in America, Frank found himself constantly missing Kris. No new relationship felt the same, and even in moments of intimacy with others, he couldn't stop picturing her.
Realizing how much he truly cared for her, he decided to follow his heart. He flew back to Australia and rekindled their relationship, this time determined not to let her go. He proposed marriage.
After getting his parents' blessing, he brought Kris to Los Angeles to meet his sister, Linda.
"So, you've already brought Kris here? Where is she?" Linda asked, glancing expectantly behind him.
"She's at the hotel," Frank replied with a sheepish grin. "I thought I'd come and let you know first. I'll bring her over tomorrow for you to meet."
"Arlanda, looks like we'll need a more elaborate dinner tomorrow," Linda said, instructing the housekeeper.
"Wait a minute," Frank interjected with a playful smirk. "Doesn't my arrival alone merit a grand dinner?"
"Hmph! You'll eat whatever we're eating!" Linda retorted, clearly a bit miffed.
She felt as if Frank had been cautious, as if afraid she might not approve of Kris.
Does he really think I'd be so unreasonable? she wondered, but then softened, realizing that Frank's unusual behavior suggested he genuinely cared for Kris.
A twinge of sadness filled Linda's heart as she thought about her little brother getting married.
Grant wrapped an arm around her shoulder, offering comfort.
Sensing the tension, Frank wisely pulled Martin aside to chat.
"Martin, I heard your movie has already grossed over 52 million in the U.S. alone. And it hasn't even been a month yet. If it hits 100 million, that'll be a huge deal!"
In the 90s, breaking the 100 million mark in North America was no small feat.
"Oh, and I heard you released an album, too. How's it selling?"
"Sales are going great? That's amazing—my nephew's a genius!"
"Hey, could you give me a signed copy? I want to keep it as a memento. I've been too busy with wedding stuff to buy one myself, but I promise I'll buy a hundred copies once things settle down."
"Oh, and that book of yours, Kung Fu Panda. Did you know Kris has a younger sister who's a big fan? She'd love a signed copy if you wouldn't mind."
"What, I didn't mention her before? Guess I forgot. I'll let your mom know once she calms down."
"Kris's sister came along for the trip to America. She's only fourteen but already very beautiful!"
"Her name's Miranda Kerr. She started modeling at eleven, just like you started young. She even won the title of cover girl in Dolly magazine's Australian national model search this year."
"So, what do you say? Want me to set you two up? She's a real beauty!"
Martin stroked his chin thoughtfully.
Is it really that Miranda Kerr?
Suddenly, Martin felt a surge of anticipation for the gathering the next day.
At the Ritz-Carlton Hotel, in a luxurious suite.
Miranda Kerr, with her lovely face and a surprisingly mature figure for her fourteen years, was excitedly exploring each room.
"Wow, this bathroom is amazing. Is that faucet solid gold?"
"Oh my gosh, look at this balcony! The view is stunning."
"Sis, come here! They even have Lancôme cosmetics. Can we take some when we leave?"
Kris, feeling a bit tense, ignored her sister's giddy chatter. She was more focused on her upcoming meeting with Frank's family.
She had gathered from Frank's words that he held his sister in high regard. If Linda didn't approve...
Kris shook her head, pushing the thought aside. To be honest, she had never realized just how wealthy Frank's family was until she arrived in America. Thankfully, his parents weren't overly fixated on social status. She could only hope his sister felt the same way.
"Don't worry, sis," Miranda said, hugging her from behind. "Frank's got this. He said his sister is a kind person, so how could she possibly be against true love?"
Miranda's face bore a strong resemblance to her sister's—round cheeks, big eyes, a petite nose, and a matching pair of dimples.
However, Kris's face was slightly longer, giving her a more sensual, mature look compared to Miranda's youthful charm.
With a touch of Filipino heritage, the sisters didn't have the typical Australian fair skin and blond hair. Instead, they had warm brown hair and a natural, sun-kissed complexion that exuded health and vitality.
Both sisters had full, shapely figures, with well-proportioned curves and long legs, giving them an athletic yet graceful appearance.
Encouraged by her sister's support, Kris relaxed a bit.
Suddenly, she remembered something and laughed. "Oh, Frank mentioned that his nephew is the author of your favorite book, Kung Fu Panda. And he's supposed to be quite a looker."
"Tch, I only like his work! I don't care what he looks like," Miranda said, puffing out her chest proudly.