A/N: This is my 50th Life with Derek story. I actually feel accomplished just starting this. This is technically a sequel to my other multi-chap story Careful What You Wish For. Well, that's a broad term to use…sequel. This is plays out in the world outside of the "dream" That encompasses most of Careful What You Wish For. For example, this chapter starts in the same setting that CWYWF leaves off (Nora and George's anniversary party) and continues from there. This is different because there is no wish or supernatural alternate realities or anything that made up CWYWF. It's also styled differently. It's in present tense and from Edwin's point of view. It's also a bit of a step up in maturity level and topics—including language (I gave Ed quite the potty mouth) and possibly adult situations (but we'll see what comes up and I'll leave warnings if necessary). I make the assumption, that Casey shares the story of her "dream" and experiences from CWYWF with Derek, Edwin, Lizzie, and Marti as a romantic little thing (in the air of a "meet-cute" tale). It only makes an appearance once or twice and it might not be brought up again later in the story. Again, the only real connection to CWYWF is that the characterizations of Casey, Derek, Lizzie, Eric, Marti, and the kids revolve around what they were in CWYWF. But honestly, this could most likely stand alone in most ways. Anyway, enjoy the chapter and vote in my poll about my next multi-chapter fic if you would like to see yet another LWD multi-chapter when I have completed my few in progress stories. R&R! Thanks! –Mac

Disclaimer: I don't own LWD.

Chapter One

Only the Beginning

Is there a saying 'always the groomsman, never the groom?' Cause if there is, then I would be the prime candidate for its poster boy. I am always standing on the sidelines of other people's love stories, and I keep thinking to myself: when does mine start?

Everyone knows about my brother Derek and how he ended up marrying our stepsister, Casey. No, they don't know the story because it's such an unusual pairing (though if they have met the two, they would still have found it odd that they were even compatible). They know the story because it played out like some cheesy romance novel. Casey, ever the romantic, claimed that the night she was devastated by her high school sweetheart, Sam—also Derek's best friend—she had the most vivid dream, one that almost seemed real. In this alleged dream of hers, she supposedly lived out days of an alternative future—one where she was married to Sam, had a kid, was cheated on and pushed Derek out of her life before she realized she loved him and he had been the only one who was there for her through the fifteen years she fast forwarded through. Upon that realization, she was awoken, back in her teenage body, back on the day where she would have to make a choice to change that future or subject herself to years of torment. She still says she isn't sure if it was real or all a dream. Now that was a great story to tell everyone, but I have never believed it. I've always thought it was Casey's way of excusing the fact that she was in love with her stepbrother. But not matter what the cause of their sudden whirlwind romance, that is how I found myself in a tux once again, watching another couple tie the knot and prance off into the proverbial sunset, while I sat alone wondering why I was never so fortunate. Never in a million years did I ever think my brother, the womanizing cad (Casey's words, not mine), would settle down before me. Made me wonder what the world was coming to.

Also made me a bit cynical, if you can tell.

Then there are my Dad and Nora. While their story is more subtle—no supernatural dreams in this one—their happily ever after that's spanned years and years and years, is no less aggravating to me. Supposedly in Casey's dream, they got a divorce and never spoke again—in the real world, they're still plowing on together, very much in love. This brings me to today. They're celebrating another anniversary.

Oh, happy day. (See what I told you about being cynical. I'm happy for them, of course. But I'm kinda preoccupied with my own self-pity at the moment).

It's been a great day so far. I've gotten to see my Dad and Nora be justifiably lovely-dovey for hours on end. Casey has announced that she's pregnant, again—bringing hers and Derek's offspring count to three (which doesn't help me much because it's given my Dad and Nora renewed reason to inquire about when I'm going to settle down and work on giving them more grandchildren. Like it's my fault Derek is so fertile). Marti has been bragging about having a date with a guy who sold her a car or something (I can't help but wonder if my little sister is going to beat me to the altar. I might just have to give up on love all together if that happens. Is there a male equivalent to the crazy cat lady? There should be. I'm going to have to look into that). And best of all is Lizzie and Eric. Oh how I love to watch the embodiment of my perfect woman fawn over another man (I just can't figure out what she sees in him. Sure they're both soccer fanatics, but having one thing in common doesn't equate to much of a lasting relationship).

I've been sending periodic death glares at the back of his head in between glasses of champagne. I hope I haven't been too obvious about it.

"If looks could kill," a voice broke into my thoughts (thoughts of how to off Eric without leaving a trace and then swooping in to comfort a grieving Lizzie. Bad, bad idea). I guess I wasn't being very subtle.

I turn to look at Casey, who has now situated herself in the chair next to me. I had forgotten. Casey knows all about my feelings for her sister—supposedly I helped her realize her feelings for Derek after revealing how I felt for Lizzie in that dream of hers. I still like to take the "deny everything" route.

"I don't know what you're talking about," I respond.

"Please Edwin," Casey waves her hand at me. (She has a way of making me feel like I'm a ten year old when she talks to me. Like she knows so much more than me. I don't like it. I'm a grown man, damn it). "You've got daggers in your eyes. You look like you're under the impression that if you glare at him long enough and with enough intensity that his head will explode."

God, why does she have to be so right all the time?

"So?" I shrug. (I am so pathetic).

"So, instead of sitting over here, being a sulky mess, you should be hightailing it over there to tell Lizzie how you feel," Casey says, tilting her head in the direction of Lizzie—who is now laughing animatedly at something Eric has just said. (Okay I know he is not that funny).

"I can't do that," I reply, folding my arms over my chest stubbornly.

"Why not?"

Man, she is persistent.

"Because."

"Because is not a reason." (Casey is practically mocking me now. She's got that knowing smirk on her face. But what does she know? All of her advice stems from some otherworldly knowledge from a dream she had fifteen years ago).

"My reason is the five-eight muscled, soccer-obsessed comedian over there," I seethed with my teeth clenched together tight.

Casey shakes her head, "You shouldn't let Eric stop you."

"Are you seriously suggesting that I try to break them up?" My mouth fell open.

"That's not what I said exactly. I think that maybe you could make her happy too. If you show her that you want her, as much as he does or more, she might just choose you," Casey explains.

"She loves Eric. He's like the male version of her when it comes to soccer and Tai Kwon Do and all that athletic stuff," I say. "I could never put her in the position to choose between me and him."

"It might not have occurred to you, but she doesn't like him for the things he has in common with her, she likes him for the things he has in common with you," Casey responds before standing up again. "I'll let that gestate. Now I must find my husband and my children. Hopefully he hasn't snuck them too much sugar—because we all know I'm the one who is going to have to handle getting them to sleep tonight…"

Casey is still rambling to herself as she walks away.

Funny, the only thing I got from that last comment is that she thinks Eric and I are similar (but we're nothing alike. Nothing. Right?) After that conversation, I need another drink. Perhaps something stronger than champagne.

I am halfway out the door of the banquet room, about to go in search of the restaurant's bar, when a gasp goes through the room. I turn back to see what all of the fuss is about, and my heart literally stops for a second (that can't be healthy). In the center of the room, Eric is down on one knee in front of Lizzie. She has one hand over her mouth and the other is clutched in one of Eric's. Everyone in the room is watching as he pulls out a ring.

This can't be happening. (This must be how Casey felt in that dream before she woke up. Problem is…I'm not waking up).

"Lizzie, you know how much I love you. I am here, in front of all your family, down on one knee, and asking for your permission to love you for the rest of my life. Will you marry me?" Eric asks.

I'm a terrible, terrible person, because right now I'm praying to God (say no, say no), I'm offering up everything of value of mine (God damn it say no) in exchange for Him compelling her to reject the proposal. And she says…

"Yes!"

…yes. This day can't get any worse. Although the apologetic looks I'm getting from Casey and Derek and Marti (good God, how many people knew?) aren't making it any better. And the cheers coming from my other family members and friends around the room are just an added bonus (damn them and their oblivious treachery). Also, the way Eric is kissing Lizzie with his smug smiling lips is making me want to vomit (yes, being physically sick would be the perfect cherry on top. My stomach is churning and I am feeling a little woozy, thought that may be the mass amounts of alcohol I've consumed disagreeing with my bloodstream).

I cannot take this anymore.

They say that if you're meant to be with someone, eventually you'll find your way to each other. Well, screw that. Screw Fate. Screw Destiny. I'm paving my own way now.

My story starts today.