FicWad

We arrived safely at the Charleston airport the afternoon of the 6th. We had a rental car reserved. Even though the kids were excited and ready to go, they were on their best behavior. Both Bronx and Saint helped Pete and I with Marvel. She was so excited to see the animals again. It was all she could talk about.

We got to Dad’s place right at dinner time. Thankfully, Amy was ready for a gaggle of hungry people. She had dinner ready for us. After being fed an amazing dinner, we got the kids all settled down. Marvel and Saint both went to bed on the early side. Bronx stayed up with us adults.

“Gracie, how are you feeling? Everything going ok with the pregnancy?” Amy asked me as we sat around the living room.

“I feel great. The morning sickness is pretty much gone. I miss my coffee though.” I said with a chuckle. I did miss coffee. “But, the baby and I are fine and healthy. I had my 12 week scan before coming out here. The tech thought I was further along than originally thought. And my doctor agreed with her. I’m fifteen, almost sixteen weeks.”

“Fifteen weeks! You’re hardly showing!” Amy exclaimed.

“I know. My doctor said that was normal for a first pregnancy. None of my muscles have been stretched out before.” I was sure once she found out it was twins she would be even more concerned I wasn’t showing much. But my doctor wasn’t concerned so I wasn’t either. My baby bump was small.

“When we were at the scan, I was surprised they told us she was further along than we thought.” Pete spoke up.

“So, when is your due date?” Dad asked.

“February 14th.” Pete answered.

“Oh, a Valentine's baby!” Amy gasped.

“I wouldn’t count on it. The chances of that happening are too slim.” I laughed. I knew the babies would be here before then.

“Oh, I know. But wouldn’t it be sweet to have a baby on it?”

“I hope the baby doesn’t come on a holiday. I hope they have their own day they don’t have to share with anyone else.” I said.

Bronx just shot me a smirk from across the room. He was keeping his promise and hadn’t said a word to anyone.

I was tired and it had been a long day of travel so I ended up heading to bed on the early side. Pete decided to join me. Bronx was also ready to head up about the same time I was ready for bed.

The next day was going to be busy with everyone coming into the area. Pete had things like cars reserved for his family, and for most of our friends coming in. We had sent directions to everyone to the farm and the houses we had rented out and to the hotel in the town closest to Dad’s place.

Peter and Dale arrived on Saturday afternoon. They had asked for the earliest flight out of Chicago to Charleston. They wanted to get in early and have time to spend with us. They got lucky and were on the same flight as Patrick and his family.

Scott, Lisa, and Abby were on a flight that got in about the same time as the Wentz’s and the Stump’s. They all ended up in baggage claim about the same time. Apparently, Lisa recognized Patrick and introduced herself to him.

Patrick, his family, Peter, Dale, Scott, Lisa, and Abby all showed up at the farm together. Bronx was the one to see the cars coming up the drive first. He ran in the back door to let us know.

We all went out front and were there to greet everyone. The kids were happy to see their grandparents. Peter and Dale greeted Dad and Amy like old friends. Amy told me that all the parents, all six of them, had been talking regularly since Pete, the kids, and I had left Chicago. They had become friends. I didn’t know this, but I wasn’t unhappy about it. It had taken years and years for Mom and Dad to be civil to each other. It was when Abby was born that they put aside their differences. Being grandparents was more important than the old hurt feelings from decades ago.

Pete and I were the first ones outside to greet everyone. He had been looking forward to his parents coming to the farm. He reached his parents' car first. I reached Patrick and Elisa first. We greeted everyone enthusiastically.

Amy insisted on feeding everyone. Elisa tried to tell them it wasn't necessary, but they didn’t have any food at the house yet and there was no way Amy would let anyone go hungry in her house.

After eating we showed everyone the farm. Elisa wanted to see where the ceremony would be. The boys wanted to see the animals and the fort. By the time we got back to the house, Mom and Ryan were pulling in.

Mom and Dale were excited to see each other. My mother, stepmother, and mother-in-law were apparently the best of friends now. I hadn’t seen Mom since the summer, so she was very interested in me and my baby bump.

“Grace! I’m so happy to see you!” Mom said as she hugged me. “You’re hardly showing. I thought you were almost four months.”

“I know the baby bump is small. But my doctor said everything is fine and normal. This is my first pregnancy so my muscles haven’t stretched.” I told her.

“Can I touch the baby?” Mom asked.

I nodded and let her touch me.

“Oh, Grace, this is wonderful. I guess your old doctor was wrong. I mean, I never thought you would be able to have a baby. And after all those years with Dan. Did you and Pete do IVF?”

“No, this one came to be the old fashioned way. My new doctor said I was always able to have babies. I think Dan was shooting blanks.” I told her.

She gave me a look of surprise. “I didn’t realize he was the problem.”

Dale interrupted us and asked if she could also touch her grandchild. I allowed her to touch the baby bump too.

“How are you feeling?”

“I’m fine. The morning sickness is gone. I have lots of energy, and I feel good.” I told her. I really did feel great. I had been extremely lucky so far and had had an easy time of it.

Patrick and his family left to get settled into the house they were staying in. Joe and Marie and the girls were scheduled to arrive that evening. Just about everyone else from the band and our families would be arriving in town either that evening or the next day. The rest of our guests wouldn’t be coming until the Saturday or Sunday before the wedding. The 16th is a Monday this year.

The next morning at breakfast Dale was just going on and on about how good the eggs tasted.

“Amy, what did you put in these eggs? They’re so good! I’ve never tasted anything like them.”

“Nothing special, just a little salt and pepper.” Amy told her.

“It’s because these eggs are from their hens and not the store.” I said. “Nothing tastes as good as farm fresh eggs.”

“Well, these are delicious. I’ve never had anything but store bought eggs. I had no idea they could taste so different.” Dale said. Even Peter was nodding in agreement.

After breakfast was over both the Stump family and the Trohman family arrived on the farm. We introduced Joe, Marie, and the girls to my family. Dad was, as always, welcoming to them and now has Declan, Antero, Ruby, and Zayda calling him Pops too. They were also calling Amy Granny. Mom and Ryan soon became a version of Granma and Granpa. They both were thrilled with it.

After showing Elisa and Marie where our kids had been playing all summer, they allowed their four to play with our three and Abby. They were all city kids, so being able to run and play the way they could on the farm was new and fun for them.

My Mom and Rose, my planner, had found a florist and a bakery for the cake. But finding catering wasn’t easy. Because Dads place was so far out in the country no one wanted to take on the job. So, the mothers decided they would do the cooking for the wedding and the rehearsal dinner. I felt that was asking way too much of them. We weren’t having a large wedding with hundreds of guests. Including Pete, the kids and I, we were going to have less than fifty people. And we had vegans, vegetarians, pescatarians, as well as red meat eaters.

“Mom, I don’t want you and Amy and Rebecca spending all your time here cooking. I don’t care that we couldn’t find a caterer. I’ll run into town and order a bunch of pizzas if we need to. I want you to relax and have fun this week.” Pete told his mother.

“Pete, you cannot have pizza as your wedding dinner! I won’t allow that.” Dale argued back at him.

“But you guys don’t need to do so much work! I can buy anything I want. Grace and I will go into town today and find something for the food.” Pete really didn’t want the mothers to feel like they had to do this for us.

“Pete, we want to do this for you guys.” Amy said.

“We really do. And all three of us are pretty good cooks. We’ll make sure there’s something that everyone can eat. And not just one or two dishes. Andy and Meredith and anyone else that wants to eat vegan will have lots of options.” My Mom chimed in.

“But, Mom, that’s a lot of food. It’s gonna take you guys days to make it all. I wanted this week to be time for us to just spend time together. Not for you to be working.” I had to have my say too.

“Grace, Sweetheart, let us do this for you. We love you both very much and want your wedding to be a fun and happy event. I couldn’t find you a caterer that was willing to bring everything out here. Let me make it up by providing the food for you.”

“Mom, you don’t have to do that. It’s ok you couldn't find a caterer. I’ll figure it out. Pete and I are going into town. We’ll find something.” I told her.

The Mothers wouldn’t stop so we left them to it. But that didn’t mean we were going to let them cook for fifty people. The next day Pete and I left the kids at the farm and went into town. We ended up going to three different restaurants and cafes. Between the three of them we were able to order enough food and variety to satisfy everyone. We may have ordered more than we needed but that was fine. We would have to pick everything up the day of, but we had lots of family and friends who could help with that.

When we got back we showed the parents what we had arranged. Mom and Dad both agreed that they would be willing to run into town and pick everything up for us. Mom was going to pick up the cake that day anyway. But they did convince us to let them cook for the rehearsal dinner.

My wedding planner arrived on the Monday before the wedding to meet us face to face and to make sure everything was ready. She apologized to me for not being able to find a florist who could add Honeysuckle to our arrangements. I hadn’t thought she would be able to, but I did ask because it would be nice to have it.

Dad overheard this and, without letting me or Pete know, he took Scott and Bronx out around the farm to see if any was still blooming on his land.

The week before the wedding was busy, but fun. Most days all of Pete’s family and all the band members and their families ended up at the farm. The kids got to run and play all day everyday and just had the best time.

Dad was as happy as a pig in shit to use a farm saying. He loved having people at the house. He loved entertaining family and friends. And he loved making new friends.

Andy, Joe, Patrick, Drew, Scott and a few others pitched in and helped us clear the back pasture to make a space for the chairs and the altar. Dad ran the tractor over it and mowed it. We raked the field and got it ready.

One evening I was sitting in the living room with Pete, Mom, Ryan, and Dale just talking as we relaxed before going to bed. Lisa and Scott had already taken Marvel and Abby to the guest house for the night. Marvel had been thrilled to stay with Abby and Uncle Scott and Aunt Lisa. Abby had been enjoying it too. Saint and Bronx were still up, but in the kitchen with Peter and Amy playing Gin Rummy.

Dad walked in and handed me a blue velvet case. “Here ya go Gracie, Grandma’s pearls.” He told me.

“Thanks Dad. I wanted to look them over before the wedding.” I opened the box and saw the familiar jewelry. The set included the necklace, earrings, and a bracelet. They were beautiful, and I had seen her wear them for every special event my whole life.

These had been my Great Grandmother’s wedding jewelry. Grandma Ellen received them when she married my Grandfather. Dad and his brother Edward, were their only children. Grandma never had a daughter to pass them on to. I’m her only Granddaughter. She gave them to me when I married Dan, but I didn’t wear them. They didn’t look right with my dress, so I chose to not wear a necklace at all. And since I couldn’t wear the necklace, I decided not to wear the bracelet and earrings. I just had my diamond earrings on that day. I had been disappointed when I realized the pearls just weren’t going to work with my dress. But in hindsight, I'm glad I didn’t wear them the first time. I can wear them this time and it will be special.

“Oh, I haven’t seen those in years.” Mom said as I opened the case. “I’ve always thought they were beautiful. So classic and elegant.”

“May I see them?” Dale asked me.

I turned the case and handed it to her.

“These are beautiful. These were your grandmother’s?” She asked.

“Yes. Dad’s mom, my Grandma Ellen. Before that they were her mother’s. Did Great Grandma get them from her mom?” I turned to ask Dad.

“I don’t know, Mom never said. I know Gran wore them when she married my Pops. And then Mom got them when she and Dad got married. Then she gave them to you.”

“Did you wear them for your first wedding?” Dale asked, a bit taken aback.

“No, I didn’t. They didn’t look right with my dress. I’m really happy I get to wear them this time. I’ve loved these pearls my whole life. They’ve been mine for years now. But I’ve only worn them a few times. Scott and Lisa’s wedding. Granddad’s funeral, and then Grandma’s funeral. I need to wear them to more weddings. I’m gonna start with ours.”

“You need to take them with you when you all leave. I don’t mind holding on to them for you. But you can’t wear them if they’re locked away. And besides, you have a daughter now to pass them on to.” Dad said. I know he meant Marvel.

Pete’s head shot up and he asked, “How did you know?”

I snapped my head around to face him and shot him a ‘shut up!’ look. Pete realized what he had just assumed and said and his eyes were big and wide. He had a ‘shit, I just fucked up’ look.

“Marvel, he means Marvel.” I said.

“You’re having a girl?!” Mom asked.

“No!” I said a little too fast and a little too aggressively.

“Oh my God! A girl!” Dale squealed.

Pete just looked like a deer in headlights. He turned his eyes to me and just said, “I'm sorry.”

I couldn’t help myself, I started to laugh. “It’s ok. They were gonna find out eventually.” I reached over and laid my hand on his knee. I gave him a look that said ‘follow my lead’ and then said to the room, “Yes, we’re having a girl. And no,” I turned to look at my mother, “we do not need name suggestions. We have one picked already. We’ll tell you when we’re ready to. And please don’t tell anyone outside this room. The kids don’t know yet. No one else knows yet. We want to keep it that way. For a few more days anyway.”

“Mom, please don’t tell Dad yet. You know he can’t keep a secret.” Pete pleaded with his mom.

Dale nodded and left it at that. Then she got up and crossed the room to her son. “Another granddaughter, I’m so happy.” she said, and then hugged Pete.

That night when we were alone in our room, Pete apologized for his slip of the tongue.

“I’m sorry for tonight. I didn’t think he meant Marvel.” Pete said to me as we changed into our sleep clothes.

“It’s ok. They only know about Star, they still don’t know about Jupiter.” I reminded him with a smile. The wedding was only three days away. Everyone else will find out soon.

The week was going by quickly and we were working hard to get everything ready. The day before the wedding Rose showed up with a crew of four large young men, three young women, and a truck full of chaires, tables, and other things for the wedding. They spent the day setting up the area where we were having the ceremony and the reception area. We were going to have a dancefloor, a tented area for the food, tables set up around the dance floor. They were doing a wonderful job of it.

The day before the wedding, we had the rehearsal and the rehearsal dinner. We invited anyone that wanted to come. We didn’t have everyone there, but we did have all of our families and all the band members and their families there for it.

We did the walk through of the ceremony, had Marvel practice what she would do as the Flower Girl. She was a little too enthusiastic about throwing the petals. She was so dang cute and excited about being in the wedding. Saint and Abby would be walking together. Lisa would walk alone because Bronx and Pete would be waiting at the altar.

We practiced everything twice. Patrick had his part all ready, but wouldn’t spoil the surprise for us. Pete and I had written our own vows. After everyone was happy with the pacing and they all knew where and when, we headed back to the house.

Amy, Mom, and Dale had cooked all day to feed the 25 or so people there that night. Mom had even gone above and beyond to make sure the vegan and vegetarian options were delicious. Andy raved about the food and made my Mom blush with the compliments.

“This was my first time cooking vegan. I’m so glad it came out good and that you like it.” Mom was blushing so hard she was pink from her neck to her hairline. And I’m sure the three glasses of wine she’d had added to it. I was having so much fun watching her interact with our friends.

Because there were so many people there that night we made use of all the tables and chairs that had been set up. Rose and her team had also set up strings of lights. It gave the area a fairytale feel. It was beautiful. And she still had the flowers to set up the next morning. She would be bringing them to the house early the next day. I was so glad I had hired her. She was worth every penny we paid her.

Everyone had a good time at the rehearsal. We stayed up and enjoyed the company of our friends and family. Mom wasn’t the only one that was a little tipsy by the end of the evening.

Once everyone had left or gone to bed, Pete and I had a little time together. We were talking about the next day as we got ready for bed.

“I think Mom might have a little crush on Andy.” I said as I changed my clothes.

“She did seem to enjoy talking to him.” Pete laughed.

“I’ve never seen her like that before. I wish I had filmed it.” I laughed.

I hadn’t been filming much of the last week. I hadn’t planned on putting the wedding on my channel. However, between Bronx and Pete saying they thought I should at least do one video after the wedding with pictures and videos, and the comments I had been receiving on the last few uploads, I decided to share some of the wedding and the lead up to it.

Pete climbed into bed and was sitting up waiting for me. “So, you’re going to get ready in the guest house with Lisa and Abby? Will you take care of Marvel too?”

“No, your Mom wants to be the one to get her ready. You and the boys will have the house to get ready in.” I told him.

I had something for him tucked away in my bags. I was looking for it as we talked. I found the box and pulled it out. Crossing over to the bed, I got in next to him.

“I have something for you. I’d like it if you wore it tomorrow. But you don’t have to if you don’t want to.” I told him as I handed him the small gift box.

“What did you do?” He asked me as he took the box.

“Open it and see.” I said with a smile.

He did, but seemed a little confused. “Is this a flower?”

“It’s a Honeysuckle blossom.”

I had found a shop on Etsy that made custom flower charms, they were cast in silver. I had two Honeysuckle ones made. One I turned into a tie pin for him. And the other one I had left as a charm and had already attached it to my pearl bracelet.

“I know it’s too late in the season to have real Honeysuckle at the wedding, but this way we can still have it there. I have one too. I’ve already put it on my bracelet.”

“Yeah, I’ll wear this tomorrow.” He looked up from the gift in his hands to meet my eyes. “Thank you. This is very thoughtful.” He leaned in and kissed me. “In less than twenty four hours we’ll be married.” He grinned after saying that.

“I know. I’m so excited about it. I think tomorrow is going to be a great day.”

“Are you sorry we’re not having a Honeymoon?” He asked me. We just hadn’t had time to plan one.

“No, not really. I mean, we did just have a two month long trip over the summer.”

“It’s not the same thing.” He said.

“Honey, our entire relationship has been a honeymoon for me. And I don’t plan on letting that stop. We might have the kids with us, but I can’t stay still or be in one place too long. I will always want to travel and have adventures with you.”

“I love you so much. I love that you want to take me and the kids with you.”

“I love you too. And I love that you want to go with me on the adventures.”

He gave me his soft sweet smile. “The day I don’t want to go with you is the day you’ll need to put me in a home for the old and decrepit.”

I laughed at that, and then said, “Show me how much you love me.” And kissed him. And he did.