Disclaimer : I still don't own Zoey101 or P.C.A.

' Zoey, are you absolutely positive you want us to get married this summer ? ' gulped Chase , thrilled and beginning to feel overwhelmed by his now fiancée's recent declaration . He'd been preparing himself for a possible year wait so they could maybe get their first year of college out of the way before actual wedding plans but summer was like really, really soon ,' I mean, will we have enough time to plan the wedding ? '

Zoey held tight to his hands , their eyes meeting and holding . ' I just want a small, simple wedding with all of our closest family and friends, Chase . I don't need a big, fancy princess wedding or anything . We ought to be able to have a nice one I think .'

' Then that is what we shall have …' declared Chase, kissing her lovingly .

' Yay'

Logan gave the happy couple a bored look and tucked his wallet into his back pocket of his cargo shorts and grabbed Quinn's hand deciding now was the right time to escape .

' Quinn and I will go pick up the pizzas so we can celebrate ' announced Logan , tugging on his girlfriends hand ,' maybe even a cake .'

' Logan ! ' started Quinn then seeing as well as feeling the happiness surrounding their friends , she thought better of what had been on the tip of her tongue . Chase and Zoey were the first in their little group to be engaged and she didn't want to spoil the mood .

' Maybe see about getting us some bubbly to toast with , Logan ? ' suggested Michael, earning him an elbow jab from Lisa .A little champagne was called for here to really do it right.

' We don't need kicked out of PCA before graduation ,' reminded Lisa , evenly ,' I think sparkling juice might be better, you two .'

It was always best to derail Michael and Logan before they even got plotting together .

Quinn smiled ,' We'll take care of it, Lisa .'

As Quinn and Logan left the dorm room , they could hear Lola questioning why zoey wanted to be married in Louisiana and thought it was all the more romantic .Maybe it was the images of weeping willows and stately old homes that invoked that romantic feelings however , Quinn agreed wholly with her choice of setting . Even though Zoey was the epitome of a California girl with her honey blonde hair and infectious spirit, she was still a Southern girl at the heart .

Quinn was quiet as they strode through the busy hallway and the lounge , waving at a few friends and passerby and it wasn't until they were outside in front of her boyfriends car and away from a campus of prying eyes did the scientist yank her hand from Logan's fixing him with a irritated look .

' Logan, we could have easily had the pizza delivered . This is an important day for Chase and Zoey and I really don't want to waste my energy arguing with you again about the ..about our issues regarding a long distance relationship '

Logan kicked the tire of his sports car, winced , as pain stung his toes then sent Quinn a filthy look when he heard her stifle a short laugh .' I don't want to ruin it for them either , you know ! I'm sick of all of this crap too and I don't need Lola trying to convince you to break up with me every other day ! I do not want to lose you, Quinn , dammit !'

Quinn felt moisture well behind her eyes , her heart tumbled again as it always did when Logan spoke of what was in his heart, as she moved to put her arms around his neck, quick to reassure her that her feelings for him hadn't changed .

.

' I'm not going to listen to what Lola or anyone else has to say about our relationship , baby . No one thought we would last but we've been together two years, Logan , and we still love each other . I know all of the statistics regarding a long distance relationship …I've done the research .'

Logan tensed .' Quinn, I don't give a fuck about the damn statistics '

Quinn brushed her lips across his to soothe and felt his arms circle her waist .' Logan, neither do I , I don't care . We're not some statistic , we're us , and I believe in us . We belong together , we love each other , and that's rare . It's precious .'

Logan kissed her, gently .' That's what I've been trying to say to you, Quinn. I don't care what I have to do , I'll do it , because this is our life together.'

' I know ,' murmured Quinn, touching his cheek, ' I love you, you idiot .'

' I love you more ' reassured Logan, kissing her deeply as a group of hockey jocks passed the couple on the way towards the dorms and suggested that they get a room. . As usual, Quinn and Logan chose to ignore the lewd suggestions and were used to them by now .

.

' Then we'll be good , Logan ' says Quinn, ' now come on, let's go pick up the party food . I don't want to miss out hearing about all the fun stuff like what kind of dresses Zoey has in mind for us to wear in her wedding ..'

' Chick stuff '

Logan held open the door for her as she climbed in the passenger seat of the car , his mind whirring with possibilities and his own thoughts of marriage flitting about . He and Quinn had discussed marriage before when both realized the seriousness of their relationship and they did share the same views on the important things but he understood she wasn't ready to go there yet . He didn't think he was either but helping Chase find Zoey's ring and the sureness of his friends love and conviction had Logan thinking hard about his own to Quinn. Quinn Pensky was his one and only love .

Someday , someday, it would be their turn .

' Screw pizza ,' decided Logan, pulling out his cell phone ,' our friends engagement is too important to celebrate with pizza and sushi . I'm calling Vaccaro's . We'll get lobsters, crab cakes and the whole nine yards to celebrate this shindig the right way ..'

Quinn beamed up at him , a soft expression across her face .' I do love sweet Logan '

While Logan was arranging to have a four course meal of the best food in Malibu packed as take out for Chase , Zoey and the rest of them as back in the dorm room, Chase, Michael, and Vince found themselves swept up in a whirlwind that was sounding like Zoey Brooks ideal dream wedding . It was daunting and a little on the scary side as Lisa and Lola seemed to be already caught up in it all as well .They guys had been expecting it but hearing the chatter was something new in itself .

' I've got so much to plan ,' sighed Zoey, glancing at Chase , meaningfully ,' we have so many decisions to make for our wedding '

Chase gulped ' Decisions'

' Oh my God, Zoey, do you realize we have hardly any time at all to plan your wedding ?

'

' Or not , Lola , ' Lisa slanted Lola a fixed stare ,' I bet Zoey probably already has an idea in mind of what kind of gown she wants if I were to hazard a guess..'

Zoey sat close to Chase as she leaned forward to share her thoughts with the girls , exuberantly picturing her dream in her minds eye . Her Mom's wedding dress was fairytale gorgeous with a sweeping train and beautiful beadwork on the bodice but very 1980ish . It had looked gorgeous on her mother but Zoey realized that she wanted to design her own gown to really make it a one of a kind original .Not only any old original but a Zoey Brooks original .

It would be perfect !

' I think I want a strapless ,' said the fashion designer , hands moving across the air as she envisioned her perfect gown ' I bet I could sew my own beadwork on it like I did on the dress for the Miss. PCA. contest except no red or silver, of course .. I'm thinking tight bodice with beading and maybe just a straight skirt so I could keep it current to the style ..'

' White or ivory ? '

' Veil or no veil ? '

' I think I want like a half veil , maybe ' pondered Zoey, wishing she had her sketch book with her so she could start putting it on paper ,'how do you feel about tuxedos , Chase ? Do you want just a traditional black tuxedo or maybe tails ? '

Chase just stared at her , his mind starting to spin. ' How do I feel about monkey suits? Well, like a monkey , Zo, but I guess the traditional is better .'

He implored Michael and Vince for help but they seemed to be intent on trying to get the remote from Lola to switch the television from the sappy love story to anything but that ..some action, some old classics, anything without the sap .As happy as the guys were for their friends , they had zero interest in veils or the different shades of white .They realized it was a bit too late for them to escape for a game of hoops or to the lounge without their ladies taking offense . They were stuck it would seem .

" Or you guys can be really casual and get married on the beach ' suggested Michael, trying to be helpful ,' that's simple . Chase could wear those linen pants you see dudes wear when that fancy beach resorts advertise weddings and that's be the kind of simple that you both like .'

' Oh Michael is right ,' Lola shoved the remote into Vince's chest , accidentally smacking him with it ' you could get married on a beach in Hawaii , Zoey . That would be very romantic ! Your Dad knows that rich guy that owns the Chamberly hotel and it would be so amazing if you and Chase could totally get married there ! Talk about fancy ! '

" Or maybe Chase might want for them to get married in Baltimore ' said Vince , trying to throw his friend a bone ,' All of your family is there . Right ? '

Chase sat up, considered .' Mostly but if Zoey has her heart set on her Grandma's house in Louisiana then it's good . My Mom will probably like it since it's , you know, the South and she has that weird North and South obssession .'

' Huh ? ' asked a baffled Zoey, pursing her lips together .

' Just trust me when I say you'll probably get my mother's vote on the location '

Lisa leaned in towards Michael, playing with the turned up collar of his polo shirt and couldn't believe they were contributing ideas about two of their best friends wedding , it felt surreal . Graduation was less than a week away and as unbelievable as it seemed , they were actually helping planning a summer wedding .

' I really am thrilled for you guys but my parents would kill me if I told them that Michael and I were getting married ,' admitted Lisa , as Michael tensed beside her ,'I had to fight them tooth and nail about my pursing dance rather than studying advertising like my mother . '

Michael gaped at his steady girlfriend .' I thought your parents liked me or was that a big ole lie ?'

Lisa patted his shoulder , in a comforting gesture .' They do, Michael, but all I am saying is that they wouldn't approve of us marrying right out of high school .'

Michael felt a mixture of righteous indignation mingled with a teeny bit of hurt even though he had no intention of popping the question to Lisa today, he had thought about it upon occasion . Had she not thought about the tying the knot with him ? Had she been ignoring that whole conversation a few months back when Logan had brought it up ?

He wasn't quite sure if he knew how he felt about this now .

' My folks married when they were our age and they are very happy ' continued Michael, not to be thrown off the matter now ,' we're both adults . It's our lives .'

Lisa chewed down on her lower lip .' Michael, now isn't the time for this ,' said Lisa thru gritted teeth ,' we're not getting married . Chase and Zoey are and we should end this conversation right now so that we could get back to it .'

Michael sucked in a breath , let it out, and pushed his argument that had been on the tip of his tongue down for the time being . Chase was getting married and well, it just made a guy think hard about all of the important things in his life . It wasn't as if he and Lisa were breaking up ( they were not ) and both of them would be attending the same college in California so it wouldn't even be long distance . He knew Lisa would want them to be settled and with some sort of life plan before they got married and started having kids themselves . Still he was entitled to be a aghast .

He was aghast , yeah, that was about right .

' Fine '

Chase tossed one of Logan's wadded up tee shirts off the floor towards his best friend , the material just barely grazing the side of Michael's face .

' Chase ! '

' Aw you have to cut my best man some slack, Lisa , Michael can't help it if he's a big softie at heart '

Michael shot him a grateful smile .' Thanks , man '

' I know ,' Lisa smiled lovingly at her boyfriend ,' It really is something pretty wonderful . You two are going to be the first of us to get married '

Zoey held tight to Chase , eyes luminous .' I know , Lisa, I know ! ' She couldn't help another look at her ring, the diamond winking on her finger .' I think that as soon as our parents get here , we invite them and Dustin , out for dinner and we can tell everybody our good news all at once .'

It felt as if she'd mentioned that about a dozen times already since Chase had proposed to her and yet telling the parents via telephone still didn't feel right. The dinner with her parents and his was the right thing to do and the adult way to handle it .Once they got their parents blessings it would take some of the initial pressure from them .

' Sounds like a plan ' agreed Chase, readily , his heart racing ,' the sooner we tell your parents , the better it will be .'

' Unless Zoey's Dad forbids it '

' Lola, shut up ! '

Lola gave them an innocent smile ." Sorry , I was joking '

Chase sent her a warning look .' Not funny, Lola , and not something you should ever , ever make a joke out of .'

He'd had nightmares when he had been a very stupid freshman guy that if fate hadn't mixed in with him and Zo ( the whole stolen Tek-mate incident ) and if they had became a couple back then , Chase had feared Mike Brooks wouldn't have approved of his only daughter dating him . Granted he and Zoey had been together together for less than that time and her parents were always nice to him so he was probably panicking for nothing .

' Dad would never do that to me ' reassured Zoey, pressing her lips to his ,' stop worrying .'

Chase sent her a lopsided grin .' Right cause there are like a million and one other things that we can worry about later , Zo '

Just then there was a loud banging on the door cutting off any more conversation as Quinn and Logan barged into the room carrying several heated travel bags laden with a feast to delight the senses and several bottles of sparkling juice to make toasts with to celebrate their friends engagement .

' Vince, take this , please ' mumbled Quinn, foisting a insulated bag to the jock before she dropped it on the floor with the other bag that held lobsters,' Thanks .'

' What have you guys got there ? ' asked a curious Lola , taking a peek inside a bag .

' That doesn't look like pizza '

' It's not ,' said Logan, dropping the bags on the table with a thud ,' you and Zoey tying the knot deserves more than pizza . I went all out and me and Quinn got us food from Vaccaro's . I don't think lobster reheats good so don't just stand around gawking like a bunch of lame losers , dig in .'

Michael clapped his hands , eagerly , and dug in with gusto .' Now this is my kind of celebrating . Good call there, Richie Rich .'

Touched by the unusually nice albeit expensive gesture , Chase clasped a hand on Logan's shoulder .

' Appreciate it , man '

' Just don't make me wear a pink bow tie , dude '

' Noted '

***********************************PCA*******************************

A few days later , Mike and Amanda Brooks flew in from England and met up with Ross and Pamela Matthews at the airport as they were collecting their luggage . Both sets of parents were proud and anxious to visit with their kids and their upcoming graduation from Pacific Coast Academy which they made small talk about as they shared a taxi to their hotel . Chase and Zoey had called them separately inviting them for a private supper at Sushi Rox for the following evening . They thought it sounded delightful but visiting the kids would have to wait until tomorrow .

.

The rest of their friends respective parents were also coming in for graduation but Chase and Zoey felt as if they had made it a big group dinner party, things could possibly maybe get out of hand and they didn't want that . Chase was a nervous wreck as it was and Dustin was suspicious from the moment they invited him . He knew something was going on and rumors had been circulating around campus even though Lola had been sworn to secrecy about Chase and Zoey 's engagement. However Dustin had been too busy trying to bug Logan into letting him work for him for some quick cash and hadn't bothered asking Chase anymore questions for which he was thankful .

Chase held up his plain brown suit jacket , staring critically at it then down at his well worn blue jeans and red and blue polo shirt , debating with himself .This dinner felt like an occasion to look nice and he thought he looked more laid back in jeans .

' Logan, what do you think ? Do I look mature and like I know what I'm doing if I wear this jacket ? '

Logan grabbed his good black button down shirt from the closet and sent Chase a bored look.

' I suppose so . Why are you still trying to suck up to Zoey's folks ? I mean , they've known you for years and Zoey already said she'd marry you '

Chase decided by that the jacket was a must . ' Because we're telling the parents tonight that we want to get married over the summer and I want them to take us seriously .'

' That diamond ring you put on Zoey's finger should clue them in , Chase ,' replied Logan, as he buttoned up his own shirt ,' you need to relax . You've rehearsed your speech a bunch of times with us , guys, you are ready .'

Chase tugged on his unruly hair .' Thanks for the vote of confidence , I really needed that . So, why are you getting all dressed up ? '

' I'm taking Quinn and her folks out to Vaccaro's for supper ' explained Logan with a shrug ,' Dad doesn't get in until tomorrow from Ireland and unlike you, I've only met Quinn's parents once last year . I need to really prove to them how much I love Quinn ..and I'm not entirely sure that her Dad even likes me .'

Chase rifled through the closet trying to find a more subdued shirt to wear but paused to look at his friend .It was always nice to see confident Logan flustered over anything .His friends priorities had really changed and became much more focused since he and Quinn had gotten together .

' Why ? Your not planning on popping the question to Quinn tonight ? Are you , Logan ? '

Logan plopped down on the couch , steepling his hands ." No, don't be lame . Quinn and I aren't ready for that yet but you know, we're together for the long haul .'

' How romantic '

' It's you, I save the romance for Quinn. '

' Good for Quinn .'

Chase tossed a dark blue button shirt on the bed then joined Logan on the couch , his anxiousness mingled with fear written plaintively for all to witness .He figured he'd be good once he got the panic and the nauseous feeling out of the way then be calm .

' Do you think I'm doing the right thing ? Marrying Zoey ? '

Logan's smile was warm and sincere .' As strange as it feels , man, I think there is about everything right about you marrying Zoey , Chase .'

Chase breathed .' Yeah '

***********************************PCA*********************************

Fulton Hall

Room 101

" How does this dress look on me ? ' asked Zoey, of the pale yellow sundress she was currently wearing with a pair of gold flats as she held up a pair of Lola's blue heels .She did a little turn for her roommate then flicked her gaze to the mirror on the wall sticking out her tongue at her reflection and yanking out the gold earrings .

Quinn looking very pretty in an orange and pink halter dress smiled brightly at her as she deliberated on removing her zap watch . Her father would surely want to see the modifications she had made to it yet she had promised Logan no inventions tonight .

What a quandary for a scientist ..

.

' You look amazing in that color '

Zoey bit her lip then held up a blue and white strapless dress adorned with lace with a critical eye . She hadn't expected to be this nervous for tonight but after she had gotten off of the phone with both of her parents , a bout of dancing nerves began doing a number on her stomach . She supposed because it was important life changing news that she and Chase would be telling the folks and boy, there was the nerves again.

' Maybe I should change into something else ,' hesitated Zoey, ' I mean the last time that I wore this dress was when I was with James so maybe its bad luck for me to wear it now , you know, for Chase .'

Quinn giggled ." It's a dress, Zoey, I'm sure it isn't any sort of luck one way or the other . Or are you getting a case of cold feet now ? '

Zoey rarely mentioned James these days since she and Chase had gotten together so Quinn knew she was troubling over something though she doubted the ex-boyfriend had anything to do with tonight . Nor did what dress she wore .

Zoey all but fell on her bed , kicking off her flats with a heavy hearted sigh as her head hit the pillow . ' Don't be ridiculous, Quinn, my feet are firmly on the ground . I think my parents will be supportive and on board with our wedding plans once the initial shock wears off …'

' Then you need to de-stress or they will think something is the matter ,' suggested Quinn , easily ,' oh, and maybe wear the heels instead of the flats .'

' Heels it is ,' said Zoey , trying to keep upbeat ,' I mean, they never got mad at me when I wanted to leave Covington after only a month to come back to be with Chase . Mom knows that Chase is one of the most important people in my life and that I love him .'

Quinn reached over to squeeze her hand , encouragingly .' It will be fine '

' I'm sure you are right , Quinn, and thank God, Lola kept her promise not to blab our news or else the whole campus would already know about me and Chase .'

Quinn chuckled as between Lola and Michael, they thrived on gossip , that they had managed to keep Chase and Zoey's engagement a secret was nothing short of miraculous .

' It's too important Lola knows this , Zoey '

Zoey nodded then picked up a bridal magazine idly flipping through its glossy spreads of sumptuous designer wedding gowns, exotic venues, and elegant and delectable dining experiences which were so out of her and Chase's reach . They were simple people .

' So, I haven't seen you wear that dress since junior year , what gives , Quinn ? '

Quinn adjusted the bodice slightly and pushed her long , brown curls off of her shoulders as she paused the braid she was working on .

.

' Inside joke between me and Logan ,' admitted Quinn, thinking back to the year before when she had convinced him he could get over his performance fear by wearing her dress over campus which he had ,' Besides which Logan is taking my parents and myself out to supper at Vaccaro's tonight . I think in his own stupid Logan way he is trying to prove something to my father which is sweet and a little ridiculous as my parents are aware that Logan and I are very much together .'

' I thought you said your parents liked Logan '

' Oh, they do and I've told them how much I love Logan ,' went on Quinn, briskly ,' Frankly , I think Dad is just being overly protective of me and because he remembers me griping about Logan's playboy piggish ways when we were younger so I suppose my father doesn't entirely trust the man that Logan has become since we fell in love .'

' Well, I'm sure your Dad will see how much Logan adores you like in the first five minutes, Quinn. It's so obvious to anyone with eyes .'

' I hope so ,' sighed Quinn, digging around to find her pink high heels in the bottom of the tiny closet ,' Are you going to wear your ring right off ? I mean, I would think they would notice it right off the bat, Zo .'

Zoey twisted the ring around her finger .' Maybe Chase and I should break the news to everyone as soon as we get to Sushi Rox '

Before the young women could continue their discussion of the parental units , Lola burst into the room , tossing her purse on the floor and throwing herself down on the sofa with a furious look in her brown eyes . She had just had lunch with her family along with Vince and his father .

Judging by her flashing eyes and indignation plain to see on her face, it hadn't gone well.

' Vince's Dad is a horrible asshole ! My Mother decides to pull out the tarot cards right there at the table and do a reading on me and Vince for after we graduate and as if things couldn't suck even more , Dad gets into a fight with Mr. Blake because apparently my boyfriend forgot to tell me that his stuck up ass of a father thinks I am a money grubbing bimbo '

Quinn and Zoey each took a seat beside Lola to help calm her down before it went from bad to worse in sixty seconds . It didn't take much to get Lola's temper flaring and it appeared the luncheon was from hell .

' I'm sure Vince meant well , Lola,' this came from Quinn, ever the rationalist of them,' he was only trying to protect your feelings . It's lame, I admit, but he is a guy and they are all guilty of it . Logan means well but he does that too sometimes .'

Lola rolled her eyes at her best friend .' Malcolm Reese thinks you're the greatest thing to ever happen to Logan, Quinn . You are not helping . Zoey , help me ! '

Quinn blinked behind her glasses and went to the small fridge to grab a water for her friend. Vince didn't talk about his parents with his friends but she had surmised from what Logan had shared with her about the situation that Mr. Blake wouldn't win any Father of the Year Awards . She also knew it had bugged Lola that Vince hadn't been into wanting her to meet his family and just brushed her troubles behind . Perhaps this would give Lola and Vince the perfect opportunity to delve more into these important matters .

' Well , maybe you misheard , Lola ,' suggested Quinn,' besides I'm sure that Vince will fix things and correct his Father on his awful assumptions about you .'

Lola crossed her arms , huffily .' That man is lucky that Mom didn't curse his face for insulting me .' She chose to ignore the baleful look that Quinn was shooting at her ,' Oh , take it easy, Quinn. Curses backfire and Mom doesn't play with them .'

' I didn't utter a word '

' It doesn't matter if Vince's Dad is a jerk ,' remarked Zoey, making a real effort to be cheerful for Lola's sake ,' Okay it does suck but you and Vince are both adults . It's your relationship and if he can't accept it then it's just too bad for him .'

Lola took a long drink then nodded, gamely .' Yeah, your right . I mean, it isn't as if Vince and I are getting married or anything .' Quinn smacked her hand, lightly as she sent her a reproachful look," Sorry , Zo, but you got what I meant .'

' It's fine ,' said Zoey, used to Lola's off the cuff remarks after all of these years ,' I'm actually not offended this time .'

She rose from the couch, mind made up and determination written across her face .

' As of right now this is a no more freaking out zone, girls , because I need you to help me find the perfect outfit to wear to announce my engagement in tonight .'

Just like that the three roommates and best friends pulled it together for Zoey.

**********************************PCA********************************

Later that evening as the sun went down on the campus of Pacific Coast Academy , Amanda Brooks pushed a stray strand of honey blonde hair off her face then stole a glance at the watch on her husbands arm . They were a bit early for their dinner with Chase and Zoey as well as Dustin and the Mathews but they were still adjusting to the time zones from England to sunny California and Amanda had been afraid if they slept any longer they would miss it .

They stood outside Sushi Rox taking in the activity all around them as students gathered on the quad, talking and gossiping, and a shift changed occurred on the coffee cart servers and the sounds of a popular rock song filled the air . The campus hadn't changed all that much in appearance from the last time they had visited Zoey and Dustin .

' We could go in and have a drink while we wait on the others, Amanda '

' No,' Amanda leaned into Mike's side , tilting her head slightly at him,' I'm just so anxious to see the kids , honey . I cant help but to wonder what it is exactly Zoey wants to talk to us about …there was something in her voice , Mike .'

' Maybe she just wants us to buy her that apartment in Paris like we offered ' suggested Mike , evenly ,' I bet our daughter it would be more practical than the dump of room she would be sharing with a roommate in college .'

Dustin strolled over to the sushi place spotting his parents immediately and came in on the tail end of their discussion .As always it was about his sister - figured .

' Mom ! Dad ! '

' Dustin ! '

' That's my boy '

He was engulfed in hugs and as soon as Dustin untangled himself from his mothers embrace , he backed away to study them . He hadn't seen his parents since Christmas since they had moved to England for his Dads job at his company but Dustin was happy that they looked the same . Amanda looked trim and lovely in a cobalt blue silk dress while his father Mike looked handsome in slacks , a blue button down and a beige jacket .

' Mom, your suffocating me '

Amanda let him go .' Sorry , Dustin, I just can't get over how much taller you have gotten since the holiday ' She let out a thin sigh ,' My baby boy is growing up '

Dustin rolled his eyes as he had heard almost the same variation from his sister .

' Well, I am 14 , you know , and not a baby '

Mike slapped him on the back, tamping down the feeling that he was getting old .It felt as if it had been just yesterday when he had dropped the kids off at PCA for their first semester . Where did the time go ?

' We know, buddy, we know ,' replied Mike ,' so do you have any idea what your sister wants to talk to all of us about , Dustin ? '

Dustin could only shrug, nonchalantly .' Beats me . Maybe Zoey is pregnant '

' Oh God , no ! ' Amanda covered her heart with her palm in distress.

' No , no , no , and no ,' interrupted Pamela Matthews , each word clear ,' Chase would never ! My son has morals and is very clear on his principals '

Ross Matthews , a tall, lanky man with thick brown hair caught his wife's eye as he warned her without speaking that she was overreacting . ' Pam, let's not jump the gun and scare Mike and Amanda before we've even seen our kids .'

Pamela's smile was self deprecating . She and Ross thought they had a pretty good idea what the grand news was that Chase and Zoey intended to share with them all tonight but the idea that Zoey might be with child had gotten her off track and in a tail spin . Chase had a good head on his shoulders and they trusted him but the thought of a pregnancy was just so overwhelming . A tiny voice in the back of her mind whispered that it also might be another reason for Chase to want to marry the young woman of his dreams .

As if recognizing where her thoughts were, Ross simply held her hand and addressed the Brooks family.

' I think we can easily all agree here that isn't likely with our kids '

Dustin shrugged .' Nah, probably not '

He didn't bother to mention that he had heard it from three different kids in the gossip circle on campus . It probably wasn't true anyway especially since he had heard it from the likes of Mark Del Figgalo .

' Zoey has more sense than that ' affirmed Amanda , defending her daughter .

' Should we go inside and wait for the kids ? ' suggested Ross, gesturing to the restaurant as a gaggle of teens went inside ,' Chase is always a few minutes late .'

' He gets that from you, dear '

While they made small talk, Chase and Zoey strolled hand in hand out of Fulton Hall, both dressed very nicely, as they prepared themselves for the announcement they would soon make . Butterflies danced in her belly while a new sense of calm had somehow found its way into a nerve wrecked Chase or maybe it had been the last minute pep talk from Michael and Logan that had done the trick . He felt good .

' Sooo, this is it '

Chase waggled his brows at her and made her laugh .' Slightly less scary than us pretending to kiss for psycho Trisha '

Zoey punched his arm .' Oh, don't make me laugh , I cant breathe . I knew I shouldn't have borrowed Lola's dress - she's a stick compared to me '

Chase drew her in for a kiss .' You get one last chance to back out of this before I scream '

' No chance of that, Fuzzy Head . I love you and your stuck with me forever '

' Wouldn't have it any other way, Brooks '

Love locked in their eyes, Chase and Zoey went to face the parents , united .

******************************PCA***********************************

A half a mile up the coast was Vaccaro's Restaurant , a fancy , elegant four star restaurant that held a special place in Logan's heart as it was where he had taken Quinn for their official 'first' date . It had been memorable because it had been crashed by their friends who at the time wasn't aware that they were a couple and the second attempt had been everything they had hoped for and more . Logan felt as if it were fitting that he treat Quinn and her folks to supper there though his girlfriend had warned him that though she found it sweet , her father wouldn't be impressed with him trying to throw around his wealth . Still it was the best restaurant in Malibu .

The maitre de led them into a private room off of the main dining area and to a large table decked in crisp white linens and a simple flickering candle enhanced the ambiance of the place as they all took their seats . Logan was quick to remember to hold out the chair for Quinn and her mother which earned him an approving look from Frank Pensky .

He sat down beside Quinn and took her hand into his . ' I hope that your drive from Seattle wasn't too bad up here ,' brought up Logan , bringing out his natural charm ,' Dad would have been more than happy to have a plane ready for you .'

Suzannah Pensky unfolded the linen napkin .' That is very thoughtful of you, Logan, but I'm afraid my fear of heights doesn't make me a fan of planes .'

' Mom hates flying '

Frank adjusted his wire rimmed frames to peer intently across the table at the young man who hadn't stopped touching his daughter at every chance he got and studied him with careful scrutiny . He understood that Quinn was quite adamant that she loved the wealthy young man and granted they had been together for a while now but he still wasn't quite sure what to make out of the young man .

' I'm afraid my wife refuses to even take anything to counter her feelings on the matter ,' picked up Frank, sounding every bit like the science professor that he was ,' I've concocted several antidotes over the year but Suzannah is stubborn . She refuses to even try them and I am sure you will notice , Logan, that our Quinn has that same stubborn streak in her as her mom .'

Quinn blushed .' Dad '

Logan squeezed her hand and met the older mans gaze, directly .' Quinn drives me crazy sometimes with that stubbornness, Sir , but its one of the things that I love about her .'

' Aren't you a smooth one ' muttered Suzannah , under her breath .

Quinn smiled tightly through gritted teeth and leaning in to whisper in Logan's ear so that her parents wouldn't hear her , hissed .' Sweetie , we talked about this . Please don't suck up to my father , just be yourself, and they will love you as I do .'

' I'm just trying to let them know how I feel about you , Quinn '

' They know, Logan, trust me ' murmured Quinn, very softly .

' Logan, how do you feel about Quinn's career as a scientist ? She could have easily gotten early admission into Sern last year if she wanted to ….' hedged Frank, who had questioned his daughters decisions in choosing to continue high school with her friends rather than starting her college career earlier .

' Dad , please, ' says Quinn, fixing him with a warning look,' My not going to Switzerland had nothing to do with Logan , it was my choice and I didn't want to go at the time . '

' Quinn is brilliant ,' replied Logan, proudly ,' I've very proud of her and all of her science stuff . I know that she is going to become a big deal in the science world .'

Quinn beamed at him .' Your slightly biased, Logan '

' So my daughter isn't a phase for you ? I know of your playboy lifestyle , Logan '

Suzannah glared at her husband ." Frank, stop it this instant. Insulting Logan and our daughters decision is something we discussed you not doing …'

Quinn gripped Logan's hand, tighter .' Logan isn't like that anymore, Dad . You don't trust that I know my own heart ? Logan has his moments when he is a jerk but never have I ever questioned his love for me '

' I've never seen Logan happier than when he is with Quinn' came a female voice joining them in the dining room ,' or when he is speaking about her which is nearly all of the time .'

Logan let go of Quinn's hand and jumped up to stare at his step mother .' Julia , what are you doing here ? Is Dad with you ? '

Julia Reese was a lovely woman in her early forties with a bob of blonde hair and dressed in a fashionable ivory pant suit and light gold silk shirt , the opposite of Suzannah's floaty pink dress that swirled around her ankles .

Julia placed a light kiss on her stepsons cheek and was pleased when he didn't pull away . She and Malcolm had been married for five years now and she was finally starting to believe that she and Logan had made strides in their relationship . She could never replace his Mom but at least he was more accepting of her in his life now .

' No, Malcolm had a unexpected snafu on the set but he promises to be here before you graduate , Logan ,' informed Julia , matter of factly ,' Quinn, how good to see you.'

' Hi Julia ,' addressed Quinn, relieved to have a buffer between her father and Logan ,' I'd like you to meet my parents , Frank and Suzannah Pensky '

' I'm delighted to meet you both ,' Julia extended her hand ,' Malcolm and I think the world of your daughter . She is so good for Logan ..'

Logan sighed and pulled out a chair ,' Have a seat and join us , Julia ,please

Julia sent him a warm smile .' Thanks , dear , and I apologize for my lateness . Traffic was a mess from Santa Barbara and then Malcolm called and well, he sends his apologies as I know he so wished to meet you both .'

Suzannah smiled back .' Well you're here now and we'd love to hear your impressions of the kids from you '

Quinn looked at her boyfriend , balefully .' Oh dear '

Logan placed a protective hand on the back of her neck .' It'll be fine, babe , promise . I didn't know Julia was gonna show up but she is on our side and I bet your dad wont try to gun me down if she is here '

He never thought he would be so grateful as to see his step mom but Logan really was glad that she was here with them . That was a first .

*********************************PCA**********************************

Sushi Rox was as busy as normal for a weekend but Kazu , being a stand up guy and Chase's boss, had given the group his best table in the backroom where there was less noise and more privacy . They had ordered enough spicy tuna and sushi to feed the masses and were settled in to the playing catch up with the kids portion of the evening .

Chase nodded as he listened to his Dad regale the table with a funny story about the summer he had interned at his office and nearly crashed into a chain saw on site for the job . Ross was an architect and very hands on and was often on site with the contractors on his latest project and had taken his son with him .

' Needless to say, Chase is not meant to take after me ,' replied Ross, good naturally,' my son will be the next big writer coming out of PCA . Definitely not an architect like his old man '

' Uh, thanks for that weird vote of confidence, Dad ,' managed Chase ,' but we all know I can be clumsy a lot . No need to get into that when Zoey and I have something important that we want to tell all of you and we should do that now .' He looked anxiously at his fiancée who nodded ,' Right , Zo ? '

Zoey took a gulp of her Blix and stood , urging him with her .' Yes. Mom , Dad , Dustin ' She shot a glance at her family and felt Chase take her hand ,' Mr. and Mrs. Matthews , we have important news . '

Chase took over and gained courage as his caught the barely nod from his dad .' I asked Zoey to marry me '

' And I said yes ! We're getting married '

' Oh my God ! '

' What do you mean your getting married , young lady ? What about Paris ? '

Dustin just looked at the couple .' Huh, cool. Congratulations '

' Thanks, Dustin ' said Zoey , pulling her little brother into a hug as around them her parents talked rapidly all at once and hoped her Dad didn't hypervenilate .

' That's wonderful news , son ' Ross slapped his son on the back, ' good for you . Your Mom and I are very happy for you .'

Pam pulled him into a hug .' Did you do it the right way, Chase , get down on a knee ? A woman remembers that proposal for the rest of her life ..'

' He was perfect , Mrs. Matthews ' reassured Zoey as she reached for her mothers hand ,' Mom, you alright ? This isn't bad news and Chase and I aren't little kids anymore . It's our lives and we want to spend it together.'

' Your so young ,' muttered a stunned Amanda , examining the diamond on her daughters finger ,' Oh, Chase did well , this is a lovely ring. So are you two going to have a long engagement until you both graduate from college ? '

' I think that would be for the best ' agreed Mike , whole heartedly ,' Give you time to get jobs, an apartment, and figure out things .'

His Paris apartment thought had sounded much better than this unexpected surprise . Chase was a good young man with his head screwed on straight but marriage - had he gotten brain damage from falling down the stairs too many times ? This was nuts .

Zoey linked her hand through Chase's arm then faced her father , head on .' Dad , Chase and I will figure all of that stuff out later ,' continued Zoey, her tone firm ,' and we're not putting a hold on college either . We want to get married over the summer '

' July or August we were thinking '

' This summer ?' cried out Pamela , clutching her husbands arm, ' why that hardly gives us any time at all to plan a nice wedding '

' We just want something simple, Mom ' contributed Chase , hoping she wouldn't faint .

They really were taking the new much better than they expected so good .

' I want us to get married outside of Grandma Cory's house in Louisiana ' added Zoey , while they had everyones attention ,' all of our friends can come stay with us as Grandma has plenty of room and help us . It's what Chase and I want .'

Mike wiped his brow which had began to sweat , profusely .' My little girl wants to get married this summer ! Oh God! I knew I should have ordered a drink …you know , Zoey, an engagment really makes more sense .'

' Not to us, Dad '

' Covington was rough on them, Mike ,' reminded Ross, giving his son a thumbs up ,' I understand their need to tie the knot soon . I admit I know Pam has reservations about them herself but hey, we were their age when we got married and we're doing alright .'

Amanda chuckled, lightly , pushing past her doubts .' Atleast they don't want to elope the day after graduation, Mike '

Chase and Zoey shared the same anxious expression .' We just really want you all to be happy for us '

Dustin cracked a grin and reached for a tempura roll off his sisters plate .' I'm happy for you '

' Your father and I are quite happy, Chase ,' spoke up Pamela in a trembling voice ,' and we will be so delighted to have you in our family, Zoey '

Zoey reached out to hug her future mother in law. ' Thank you . I really do love Chase more than anything in this world , I always have .'

' I know, dear ,' smiled Pam, squeezing her hands ,' and I couldn't be more excited to help you plan a theme wedding , dear .'

Zoey blinked, not understanding .' It's really not a theme , I just want it down South .'

' A Gone with the Wind wedding '

Chase 's face split into a wide grin .' Told you '

He approached Mike and Amanda who were talking quietly among themselves and even though they were both freaking out, they hadn't forbidden them . There was hope .

' Zoey and I know we have a ton of important life altering decisions to make ,' replied Chase, all seriousness ,' we arent planning on ignoring them . We're working on the college issue now cause I'm really proud that Zo is gonna study fashion in Paris and I want her too . I'm not that selfish . We just love each other and want to get married .'

He paused to catch his breath .' Waiting isn't for us and if Zoey wants us to get married this summer then that's what we are doing . She is the love of my life and I will do everything in my power to make her happy .'

Amanda let go of her husabnd and rose to examine the look of love in this young mans eyes for her daughter . She believed him and knew Zoey loved him equally as much .

' You surprised us is all,' said a thoughtful Amanda , speaking for both herself and Mike . She would talk to him when they were alone and it would be alright as their daughters happiness was more important right now ,' it would be nice if you waited a year or so before you married but you don't have to convince me that your feelings are true for Zoey '

' That's a relief ' uttered Chase , with a nervous laugh .

' If you and Zoey want to get married this summer then I think we need to sit down and discuss what you want so we can plan this wedding ' finished Amanda , meeting her dauhgters gaze ,' That's a lot of work in very little time .'

' I'll just buy you the apartment in Paris ' sighed Mike, hanging his head in shock .

Dustin clamped a hand on his fathers shoulder and added, sagely .' The good news is that Zoey isn't having a baby . You need to calm down, Dad .'

Mike gaped unbelievably at his only son .' You are not getting married until your thirty '

' I'm cool with that , Dad ' reassured Dustin, unfazed ,' if you guys are done freaking out can we all sit down and eat now . I am starving '

' Thank you, Dustin ,' declared Chase , happily taking his seat, ' lets eat '

Mike blew out a ragged sounding breath .' My daughter is getting married '

*************************PCA*************************************

Back at Vaccaros Restaurant , the tension had lightened considerably upon Julia's arrival who was only too glad to enlighten Quinn's parents with her thoughts and impressions of how much more mature and grounded Logan had become since being with Quinn.

Worried that his step mother wanted to humiliate him , Logan had balked at first but then relaxed when Julia seemed to be bragging about him to Quinn's folks . It was cool .

' Julia , you should eat before your lobster gets cold ,' suggested Logan, giving her a genuine smile ,' I'm sure the Pensky's are sick of hearing you talk about me .'

Julia touched his hand .' Your father and I are just really so proud of you, Logan '

' Thanks ' Logan was shocked to find that her words meant something to him .

' I'm proud of Logan too,' chimed in Quinn, leaning in to steal a kiss from her boyfriend ,' I havent done anything though it was sweet of Julia to say so , Logan is his own man . He just grew into the man I knew he could be and I love him .'

Logan kissed her knuckle .' You might have nudged but I love you too '

Frank heaved a sigh and couldn't ignore how happy Quinn looked with Logan. He couldn't deny the truth when it was right in front of his face and love was a feeling, not science . He had never won that arguemt ever , not twenty years ago with Suzannah and not a year ago with his daughter, and he figured he ought to accept the truth .

Suzannah reached for his hand and searched his face .' Do you need anymore convincing, Frank ? Logan might not be the math geek you wanted for her but he loves her .'

' I know ' Frank lifted his chin and caught the young mans steady gaze, ' Logan , be good to my little Quinnie or I've got some Bulgarian uranium that has your name on it '

' No need for that uranium stuff, I promise I'll take care of Quinn ' gulped Logan, firmly .

Quinn glowered at her father and the guy she loved through slitted eyes .' I don't need taken care of, the both of you., I'm quite capable of taking care of myself

' Yeah, babe, I know , but listen to your Dad .'

It was turning out to be a night to remember for all involved tonight and one that Chase and Zoey would never forget as the parents sealed the good news with their blessings . The hard part was over, graduation would be a breeze, and the planning of the wedding loomed ahead of them .

It might just be the hardest part of all .