Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Chapter 54: One Step at a Time

*ZOEY'S POV*


As much as I can't wait to tell Amy about my and Terry's engagement, there is someone else I have to tell first, but they're far away, so I have to call.
"Hello?" she answers.


"Moooom!" I greet her.
"Zo-zo!  Hey baby girl, how are you?  You sound happy..." my mom replies.
How do mothers always know?
"I have the best news Mom...Terry proposed!" I just blurt it out.  Mom has met Terry before (I could never marry someone my mother has never met) and she loved him, so I know she'll be thrilled.  Sure enough...
"AHHHHHHHH!" CLUNK!
"Mom?" I ask.
From a distance I hear, "Hold on, don't hang up baby, I'm here...hold on."
Then she returns to normal, "I'm sorry, I just dropped the phone.  That's wonderful!  I can't believe my baby girl is getting married!" Mom continues to gush, "Do you all know when?"
"Not for awhile.  I want a nice long engagement." I tell her.
"Wonderful, that's so great...he's a very good man.  I'm so proud of you." she continues to gush.
I can't help but tear up again, "Thanks Mom...I know he is...and to be honest, I can't believe I'm getting married either."
"Well, I can't imagine anyone more perfect for you," Mom tells me.
We talk for a few more minutes and I tell her that I will keep her update to date with all the plans.


I sigh.  Okay, now it's time to talk to Amy.


*AMY'S POV*


"Oh, listen to this shit," I tell Zoey when she walks in.
"What's up?" She asks.
"So apparently Mac is getting transferred to Bridgeport," I start, "and he asked me if I wanted to go with him, but I don't think there's any way I can...so we're going to try a long-distance thing, and we all know how good those work...so I don't know..."
I ramble for forever while Zoey nods and laughs appropriately.  I have no idea how she puts up with me.
Finally, it occurs to me that I have been going on for forever and I haven't even told her good morning.  Shit.
"How's it going for you today?" I ask her.


She looks at me and smiles like she has a big secret, "Well, actually...I have news..."
"What is it?" I ask her, confused.  I have never seen her act like this before...
"Last night, Terry proposed." she says.

My jaw drops, "And you let me ramble on about my stupid bullshit?  Holy shit!"
She laughs, "it's fine, you're going through stuff..."
"No, it's not...OMG!  You're getting married?!  Ahhhh!"  I get up, jump up and down a bit and give her a hug.
She can't help but laugh at me and I know I'm making a spectacle, but come on, my best friend is getting married...this is huge!


"OMG!  We need to get started...we don't have much time...we get to plan a wedding...and pick out a dress...and find where to have it...and get a florist...and a caterer...and...the bachelorette party...and..." I start rambling.
Zoey sits us both down, "Whoa, calm your crazy...this is not going to be some quick as a flash engagement.  I want plenty of time to plan, get in good enough shape to fit into a dress, really think about exactly what I want..."
"What, like weeks?" I ask.
Zoey shakes her head, "You all...are crazy...no, I'm talking months...months would be much better...so chill your inner planning freak for right now...I really only need one thing from you at this point..."
I look at her curiously, "What's that?  Oh no, you're not pregnant, are you?"
The look Zoey gives me can only be described appropriately if imagining someone that just bit into a cow pie thinking it was a candy bar.
"Are you crazy?  No...I just want to know if you would be my maid of honor."
I hug her again before I can help myself, "Of course!  Eeeek!!!"
She literally peels me off of her, "Okay, as long as you calm the fuck down."


I lean back and compose myself, "Okay, I'm good.  I promise...no more crazy."
"Somehow I don't believe you," Zoey says.

*TERRY'S POV*


After calling my pops, really the only two people I want to tell are Mac and AJ.


As soon as I tell Mac he's excited.
"You know I'll be planning your bachelor party...I hope we can pin AJ down long enough to get him here." Mac tells me.
I can't help but laugh.  AJ is our good buddy - he grew up with us too, but as soon as he hit eighteen he ran out of town and hasn't been back.  I understand though, he's been through some shit.
"The promise of partying and beer?  Oh he'll be here." I tell him.
Mac laughs aloud, "Yeah, I guess you're right...so this is it, huh?  You're going to be the first one of us to bite the bullet."
"Ha, yeah, she's making an honest man out of me," I say.
Mac punch/pats me on the shoulder and laughs, "Congrats bro."
"Thanks man," I tell him and head into the house where Amy is clearing the table from dinner.

She looks up when I walk in and greets me, "Hey."


"Hey," I reply, "can I talk to you for a second?"
"Sure...what's up?" she asks cautiously.
"I just wanted...to say thanks...for being supportive." I tell her.
 She looks at me oddly, "Sure, I'm happy for both of you."
"Yeah," I start, "but I know it hasn't been easy, and I want you to know that I know how you all are and I have no intention of coming between you."


"T, I'm not worried, really...I know you'll be good to her, and that's all that matters to me." she tells me.
I nod in agreement, "I am going to do my very best."


Just when I think we have succeeded in having a nice conversation for once she adds, "and besides, I know if you hurt her I will hunt you down and castrate you with a rusty pocket knife."

"Right." I gulp.  Damn, this girl scares me.

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Chapter 53:...But I'm Yours

*ZOEY'S POV*


It has been over a year and Terry and Mac have moved in with us.  They spend so much time here, it was pointless to keep paying on two different houses.


I never thought it possible, but I couldn't be happier.  There have been a few setbacks, like not being able to just go with the flow and accept how fast things were going and accepting him moving in.  Believe me, that damn near took a miracle - and an argument that I really feel was a make or break.  Thankfully it turned out to be a make.

I'm not going to lie, things haven't been perfect, there were some things both men just needed to understand - like our friendship.  It was a little easier because they are friends, but it was still a struggle every now and then.


Either way, things are going surprisingly well.  Amy and Mac are happy together.  They have been serious for about six months.  I never thought she would go for his skinny ass, but I guess it's working for them.

I think things really are where they should be right now.

*TERRY'S POV*


"Hey man, can I talk to you about something," Mac comes down in his speedos interrupting my breakfast.
"Sure, but cover your junk up, man.  I'm trying to enjoy my breakfast, not throw it back up." I tell him.
"Coming from the guy grizzly-bearin' it over there," he jabs back.
"Fair enough," I tell him, "so what's up?"


"Captain called me in yesterday, I got a job offer in Bridgeport," he tells me.
"Oooh, Bridgeport is an awful big city dude." I reply.
"Yeah but it's a significant pay increase and title.  I'd be stupid not to take it," he replies.
"Probably true, but what about Amy?" I ask.
"I don't know.  I care about her," he admits.
I look at him seriously, "Dude, you have to talk to her about it.  I thought y'all were getting serious."
"Yeah, that's the track we're going on, but I don't think we're quite there yet.  I mean, is she going to go with me?" he asks, more rhetorically than anything.
"Hmm, I can't imagine the kind of hell you'd get from both Amy and Zoey.  By the time they're done with you, it'd be better off if you were in Bridgeport."
Mac laughs, "Ha!  Yeah, you're right there, I don't know, I guess I'll talk to her tonight."


*AMY'S POV*


"Hey baby, can I talk to you?" Mac asks just when I'm getting dinner on the table.
"Sure, let's just talk and eat." I reply and he follows me to the table. 
Zoey and Terry aren't back from wherever they went today, so it's just the two of us.

We sit down at the table and I can tell he's nervous.  Uh-oh.  What if he's about to propose?  I don't know if  I'm ready to get married...and I'm not sure if I want to marry him...so now I'm hoping he's not trying to propose.

I take a deep breath, smile, and ask him, "What'd you need to talk to me about honey?"

He leans back and sighs, "Before I say this, maybe I should take away your knife...and fork...and any other sharp object you might have."


Huh?
"What is it?" I ask him, very curious now.
He sighs again.  Damn, him and his sighing, "I got a transfer to Bridgeport."
"Bridgeport?  You want to live in Bridgeport?" I ask.
"It's a big pay increase, and yeah, I wouldn't mind living there." He answers.
I am skeptical, "Honey, you complain about traffic here.  Do you know how much worse it is there?"
"Yeah, but I won't have to drive in it." He says.


Oh, ok.
"So what does this mean for us?" I ask him.  Things are going really great and I don't want to end it, but it's too soon to talk about moving somewhere together...and Bridgeport?  Ick.
"Well...you could come with me..." he starts.
My gut reaction is to tell him hell no...that can't be good.
"I don't know about that..." I start.
"Yeah, I thought that would be your reaction..." he sounds a little disappointed.
"I mean, did you expect me...?" I start.
He shakes his head, "Oh no, I completely understand...we're not really there yet."
"I would like to be there some day though..." I offer.


He thinks for a moment before making another suggestion, "Ya' know, we could always try to keep a long-distance thing going...Bridgeport isn't that far from here..."
"It's like four hours...but I guess...maybe...we could do that," I reply.
He smiles and we agree, "Okay then."


We eat dinner and clear the table.  The entire time I'm thinking about how in the hell I'm going to get this thing to work.


*ZOEY'S POV*



"Hey Mr. Fix-it...I need your magic hands..." I call to T.
"Oooh, that sounds fun," He walks up behind me and wraps his hands around my waste.
I giggle (God help me, I giggle) and reply, "That's not what I'm talking about.  The dishwasher broke."
His face falls jokingly, "Oh, ok...I'm on it."


He gets down in front of the dishwasher and starts rattling off different things that could be wrong with it.
"I hope you're not doing that for my benefit, I don't speak kitchen appliance jargon," I tell him.
He laughs out loud as I head to the living room.

I sit down and settle in with my Kindle, just relaxing, expecting Terry to come in any time.
Finally, I hear his footsteps coming into the living room before I look up to see him.

"Can you come here for a second?" he asks.
I look at him curiously, but get up, "What's going on?"
"I love you, you know that, right?" he asks.
"Of course, I love you too," I reply.


He pulls me toward him into a deep, passionate kiss.  
When he holds me like this, I feel safer than I have ever felt in my life.  I never thought another person would make me feel this way, but he does.
I know that when I'm with him, everything is fine.
How's that for a big dose of sappy?  Ha!  I surprise myself sometimes, believe me.


He pulls away and looks at me with a look of pure admiration...it's taken me awhile to become comfortable with this expression, but he does it so much that it was get over it or smack it off his face every time, and let's just say that got exhausting.

"Do you know how happy you make me?" he asks.
I smile, "As you do for me.  What's with all the questions tonight, T?"
"I'm just realizing something," he says.
"Care to share?" I ask.

This isn't like him.  He's usually direct and to the point.  That's one of the reasons I love him.  He's a constant fortress of stability and strength - perfect for me.

He clears his throat, "I have never met anyone like you.  You know what I need even before I do, and you have made this last year the happiest in my life.  I would be lucky if you would be willing to make the rest of my years just as happy."

Is he?  Oh...oh...wow...he is...oh crap...I think I might hyperventilate.

Oh shit...don't pass out, don't pass out, don't pass out...damn, I wish I was sitting...


He gets down on one knee and reaches into his pocket with one hand and takes mine with the other.

He looks down and then back up at me and smiles, but he's nervous...more than I have ever seen him.
"I'm nowhere near good enough for you, I'm not all that smart, or romantic, or good with words, but I know the best thing I have going for me is ever since I somehow got you in my arms, I have never let you go, and I won't..." he starts before his voice catches and he has to take a deep breath and start again.

"...I will never, ever let you go...I will do my best every day to take care of you when you need it, and leave you alone if you need that...and I will never make you feel like you are anything less than perfection, because that is exactly what you are."

Damn him, I'm blubbering.  Don't pass out, don't pass out.

"Zoey, would you consider becoming my wife and making me happier than I ever thought I would be?"

Normally I would be pissed off that he is completely blind-siding me with this, but I have to forgive him...with a proposal like that, how could I be mad?

"Absolutely." I answer, "Of course I will."


He lets out his breath and smiles, slipping a shining diamond ring on my finger.

And that's it...I'm engaged...like, really, actually engaged.

He jumps off his feet, grabs me and twirls me around in the air, laughing.  If it were anyone else, I would be scared out of my wits, but I know he would never let me fall.  I guess that's a pretty good reason to marry someone, right?


"And by the way," I whisper to him, "for a guy that's not good with words, that was the greatest proposal of all time."



Friday, August 24, 2012

Chapter 52: I Just Met You, and This is Crazy...

*ZOEY'S POV*


After Rebecca's wedding, I make plans to meet Terry at The Red Rooster.
I don't know what kind of crazy is going on here tonight, but the bar tender has an awfully weird hat on.
As I am waiting, I get a text from Terry.

Hey, meet me outside, k?

Hmm, okay...


When I get out there I am greeted with a passionate kiss.
"Well, hello," I reply breathlessly.
"I missed you today," he replies and looks at me sheepishly.
"Well hell, why don't you miss me more often." I exclaim.
He laughs and kisses me again.


"Hey Vi, what's going on in there?  Anything?" He asks me.
"Nothing at all..." I tell him.
"Hmm, well, we could go back to my place..." He offers.

As nervous as that makes me, I really want to go.  Being with Terry isn't like being with anyone else.  I know that sounds crazy, and believe me, I'm surprising myself more than anyone, but I find myself wanting to be with him more than anyone else.  I have never had that experience with any man before.

So I agree and we head to his apartment...to talk...get your minds out of the gutter!


*AMY'S POV* 


Even though we went to a wedding yesterday, the daycare still needs to be run.


And we have a new sibling pair, Cleveland & Corrie Henley...and Zoey is still asleep.  Grrreat.


Everyone is screaming, but I handle the hungry ones first, then I deal with the smelly ones.
"Couldn't you give me at least a little break?" I ask the screaming child.
I am answered with "WAHHHHHHH!!!!!!"

I am just about to scream when Zoey comes downstairs.


"About damn time!" I snap before I can help myself.
She raises her eyebrows in shock, "Excuse me?"
"Where have you been?" I repeat.
"I'm sorry, I overslept..." She starts.
"Fine, whatever.." For some reason I am really pissed off, which is weird because Zoey and I rarely fight.


I feel kind of bad for getting angry, but we manage to avoid each other for the remainder of the day, with the exception of an occasional glare here and there.

As if I haven't had enough, after all the kids go home, I go over to my mom's to visit my little sister.


Chana looks a lot like Mom and Bec.  She has their green eyes and blonde hair.
Her temperment is a lot like Kelsey's was though.  Kelsey didn't talk until she was around four, not because she couldn't, but because she just didn't want to.  Lord help us if we have another Kelsey on our hands!


*ZOEY'S POV*


After Amy leaves, I invite Terry over.  I really don't know what her problem is...okay, yes I do...but I don't know what to do about it.  Amy and I have always put our friendship before men, and if it came down to it, I would choose our friendship over my relationship with Terry, but I just don't think that could ever happen...he seems too easygoing to let much bother him.  I hope that includes my putting my best friend first when she needs me.


When I get out of the hot tub, I see Amy sitting on the couch reading.
"Hey," I greet her cautiously.  The last thing I want is an altercation.
"Hey, what's up?" She doesn't look up.  Hmm, okay.
"Hey, we need to talk," I tell her.
"Don't you have Terry here?" she asks.
"He'll be fine for a minute." I reply.

She starts walking outside and I follow her.


"What is this?" I ask when I catch up with her at the mailbox.
"What do you mean?" she asks.
I give her a look, "Come on, you know exactly what I'm talking about...what was with you this morning?"
"Um, I had four screaming toddlers to take care of and you were still in bed, that's what was with me..." she explains, but I don't buy it.  She's been moody as hell for awhile now.


"No, that's not it," I start, "this has been going on for awhile..."
She looks down and shuffles her feet, "Yeah, well..."
"You know I'm never going to abandon you, don't you?" I go ahead and throw it out there.
She looks up.  I don't know when it happened, but for some reason, Amy has these fierce abandonment issues.  It makes it hard for her to trust people and when she does trust them, she worries that they are going to leave her or that they don't care about her as much as she cares about them.  It's just a big cluster f---k of crazy if you ask me.


"I know...but..." she starts
"But nothing.  It's not happening.  You may as well resign yourself to that.  You're not losing me." I tell her.
"I know, but this thing with Terry, it seems so great...and...you deserve to be happy and I see him making you happy...you smile more now than you ever did before..." she rambles.
"Hey, you and I talked about this, any guy that comes into our lives just has to understand how it is.  If he can't understand that, he's out." I tell her.
"Okay," she smiles and looks relieved.
"Okay, besides...he likes your steak too much to let you go too," I tell her and laugh.
She laughs, "I could teach..."
I stop her right there, "Hold up, if you're about to tell me you can teach me, please stop and remember who you're talking to."  I couldn't cook much more than pancakes and macaroni and cheese if someone paid me.
She laughs again, "Okay..."

*AMY'S POV*


After Zoey and I talk, I feel better.  Even so, I can't help but worry that since she and Terry are getting serious that everything is going to change.  As much as I have agreed when we talked about men just having to deal with our friendship, I can't imagine a single man that would, much less two.  So that means at least one of us is going to be left alone.  That didn't used to bother me, but for some reason it is now.

We invite Mac and Terry for dinner and have a good time laughing and talking.  I fixed sushi, which did not get the same raves the steak does, but oh well.


After dinner, Mac and I get up and clear the table while Zoey and Terry sit intimately...so much that I wouldn't dare interrupt them.

Whether we want a separation or not, I know it's coming.




Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Chapter 51: He Treats Me Like a Real Man Should

*REBECCA'S POV*


You all will probably be surprised to hear this, but I'm getting married...for real this time!  It's all spur-of-the-moment (shocker!).  There are no parties, bridesmaids, anything like that, it's just Josh and I professing our love for each other in front of our loved ones.  Simple as that.

"So will you be there?" I am asking Kelsey.
"Of course bro," she replies as if I'm an idiot, "have you talked to Mom?"
"She's still pissed at me and she swears she's not coming, but we'll see." I tell her.
"How many times has Amy called you?" Kelsey asks.
I laugh.  My older sister is a super-control freak and feels like if she doesn't have her hands in things they won't get done, so this wedding is driving her crazy.
"Only about twenty-five times...today." I reply.
"Ha!  Figures." Kelsey laughs.
"Okay, now to important things...what alcohol is going to be there?" Kelsey moves on to booze...of course.
"BYOB, bitches.  We're just bringing a six pack of Miller..." I answer.
"A six pack?  Really?"
Maybe not, "Okay, a 24-pack, but that's all we're doing."
"Yeah, sure..."

Josh comes up behind me as I hang up with Kelsey.


He takes me in his arms and says, "I can't believe we're actually getting married tomorrow."
"Right?  After all we've been through..." I agree.
It's true, we have been through so much, I have dated other people, talked to other people, but no one ever had my heart like Josh.  He is definitely my true love.


This is where we're getting married.  Look familiar?  It's the Butterfly park that we looked at for my wedding that wasn't.  When I saw this place, I instantly wanted to use it, but I'm glad Lukas disagreed.  I don't want any bad memories to haunt me on my wedding day.


I get there and get into my dress...it's a thrift store find.  I guess I should have known that Josh is the one for me.  When I'm with him, I don't need anything else.  I don't need things, I don't get caught up on clothes or being perfect, I can just be...with him.
Honestly, I feel like he and Brody are the only things I need in this world.

Robbie gets here first, miracle of miracles, "Hey sis!  Lookin' good!  We doing this thing for real this time?"
"You're not getting your coffee maker back this time," I joke with him.
"Damn it!  It's a really good one too!" He banters back, "Where is this guy anyway?  I gotta talk to him...make sure his intentions are good."
"His intentions?" I raise my eyebrows, "What are we in 1952? Are you getting a goat and some wheat as dowry for me or something?"
Robbie looks like he's thinking, "Hmm...you know, I hadn't thought of that, but it might be a good idea."
I punch him in the arm, "Hey!"
He laughs loudly and flinches back to avoid my retaliation, "Damn, I hope he realizes he's getting a woman that can defend herself!"
"Trust me, he knows." I tell him.

My family...I'm telling ya'...we're a crazy bunch.

As Robbie walks off looking for who knows what, Poppy walks up to me.
"Well aren't you pretty as a picture..." He says.
"Thank you Papa Bear," I reply blushing.  Poppy doesn't hand out compliments all that much, so one from him is extra special.
"Ole' Lover Boy there ready to take care of my girl?" Poppy asks. 
By Lover Boy he means Josh.  Poppy has names for all our boyfriends.  I've dated Chicken Legs, Brain Freeze, Needle Nose, Casanova, Big Mouth, and now I'm marrying Lover Boy apparently.
I roll my eyes before answering, "Definitely.  I know I'm making the right decision this time."


As I'm talking to Poppy, Josh gets here in his casual khaki suit.  He looks so cute!
You know what's funny?  When I first met Josh, all my friends told me that I was too good for him and that I could have a hotter boyfriend and he always talks about how he doesn't deserve a girlfriend as hot as me, but I don't feel that way.  He's gorgeous, wildly talented, fun to hang out with, he's got the whole package.


Kelsey of course shows up next.  She's got this side-boob showing sexy dress on, guaranteed to make every guy in the place stare at her, but her husband is with her.  It blows my mind that my baby sister got married before I did, but it doesn't matter now because I am.

"Hey, we getting this show on the road?" Kelsey asks me.
"Give everyone a little bit more time," I say, looking at my watch, "We're still early."
"Amazingly," Kelsey says.
"Very true," I agree.  Kelsey and I are perpetually late for everything.  Mom is too, so that's where we get it. Honestly, the only punctual person we have in the family is Amy, and she's only punctual half the time.


The next person to show up is my dad.  Well, I'm glad at least one of my parents is going to be here.
"How you doing honey?" He asks, "Any cold feet this time?"
"Not this time Dad," I tell him, "I am completely ready."


He gives me a hug and says, "Good girl.  I'm really proud of you for knowing what you want and not marrying someone that wasn't going to make you happy."
"Thanks Daddy," I appreciate him saying that, but I can't help but wonder something, "Is Mom coming?"
He pulls away and shakes his head, "I'm sorry hon,"
I can't lie, I am so hurt at my mom, I can't believe she is missing my wedding...I am tempted to call her and beg her to come, but I just want the day to be perfect.  No drama for once.


Amy shows up next with Zoey not far behind.


Then Jake shows up.  About dang time...now I think we're ready to start.


Josh and I get into our positions with our family standing around us and our wedding begins.

We start by singing together, "From This Moment On" originally by Shania Twain and Bryan White.


My sappy sisters are already crying.  Kelsey is even getting teary.  I think my dad is getting a little misty.
I can't look at them because I might cry.  I can't make my makeup run on my wedding day.


Thankfully, the men are keeping their composure.  Robbie, Jake, Eddie, and Terry are just watching calmly, which I prefer. 


Our vows are also sung as well.  Isn't this a unique wedding?  Josh sings "Rebecca Lynn" by Bryan White and changes the lyrics a little to suit me more.  I have always said I would marry the man who sang that song to me.


Then I sing a song I wrote just for him when we were broke up and I was imagining being with him again.


As Josh and I go in for the final kiss, I can hear my dad and Amy talking.
Daddy leans over to Amy, "Are we going to put money on this one?"
"Nah, I think this is it for her," Amy replies.
Well, good.  I'm glad no one is betting against my marriage with Josh!  I might have to give them a beat-down.  Kelsey isn't the only bad-ass sister!


Of course, my brothers have to "talk" to Josh.
"Hey bro," Robbie starts.
Josh casually smiles at him, "Hey man, what's up?"


"We wanted to talk to you, ya' know, since you married our sister," Jake starts.
"Yeah..." Josh urges him to get to his point.
"We want to make sure you take good care of her," Robbie continues.
Josh raises his eyebrows, "Oh, uh, yeah, dude, you know I will."
"Good, cuz if you don't, we'll have to kick your ass," Jake tells him.
Josh tries not to laugh because he can tell Jake is serious, but he is also almost half a foot taller than Jake.  He could easily take him.
In the end, he just puts his hand in Jake's shoulder and says, "Man, I can understand that."


Later, Jake plays a song he wrote for the occasion.

Of course, I hear my catty sisters laughing about it.
"I thought I was coming to a wedding, not a damn musical," Kelsey jokes.
"If they bust out a chorus line, I'm going home," Zoey says.
"Oh shit, I think I see Josh changing into a leotard and a top hat!"  Amy continues.


But Josh and I don't care.  We are married now and I am officially Mrs. Joshua David Walsh.  I know it's old fashioned, but I am so excited to finally be married.

"What now, baby?" He asks me as we dance away.
"I don't know, I guess continue working on our careers..." I reply.
"I don't know if we can do that in Harmony..." Josh starts, "...maybe Starlight Shores?"
"Hmm...maybe."