The debacle at the Powell's house had put Courtney in an understandable rut. She went through her normal weekly routine, but with a false cheerfulness. After school she would give her private music lessons, come home and spend some time with Duncan in front of the television or eating dinner, then promptly be in bed my eight. Above all, she wouldn't speak about what had happened with her parents. Duncan thought it was best if she came to him when she was ready.
"You know what would be awesome? If we had a winter wedding; snow, poinsettias, bells."
"Freezing temperatures, ice, pneumonia; yeah Duncan that's romantic. I was thinking a spring wedding, next spring obviously, as seeing I'm the one in a dress; I'd rather not freeze to death, but I'll let you pick the month if it makes you feel better."
"Fine spring works, which gives me March through June to choose from. March has the possibility of being colder and June can be hot, so I'm knocking them off. I'm feelin' April, what do you think?"
"April, sunny with the possibility of showers, but they would bring May flowers so it wouldn't be so negative if it rained…okay. You didn't even consider May though. Any particular reason why?"
"You're gonna think I'm soft, but my parents got married in April…the pictures of their wedding are beautiful."
"Awe that's sweet and your secret's safe with me, my big teddy bear," Courtney stated softly kissing him. "So, which weekend?"
As she consulted her year long planner, Duncan could see the wheels in her head turning, going over pros and cons of each weekend, while keeping in mind special family and friends schedules so she knew the people they definitely wanted to attend the wedding would be able to.
"What about the first weekend in April? Saturday the fourth?"
"Sure, sounds good."
"I just hope the church will have an open time-slot for that day."
"Church? You want to get married in a church? Since when? I don't think I've ever seen you step foot in a church before," Duncan admonished.
"The Church of St. Francis is where my parents got married; it's a staple in my family. It was just always understood that that was where I was supposed to get married." Duncan shrugged, figuring it was best not to argue when he didn't have a preference either way.
"What time do we start our scouting extravaganza tomorrow? Not too early I hope."
"We can leave at like ten. Our three reception hall choices already have us penciled in for one final look around so we can make our decision. They all know we're showing up, so no worries," Courtney grinned. "It's almost nine and I had a long day at school, Friday's are always murder, so I'm turning in. 'Night babe."
"Sleep tight Princess."
Duncan sunk deeper into the couch and turned the volume down on the television. He wasn't too concerned with where they held their wedding reception as long as he was with Courtney; he never cared much about anything as long as he was with her. Waiting for Forensic Files to start Duncan closed his eyes, but he promised himself only for a minute.
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"Wake-up sleepy-head."
Duncan blearily opened his eyes, half-heartedly batting away the hand that was shaking him. Stretching his limbs he winced as his joints popped and sighed when he realized he would have a stiff neck all day. Swinging his feet off the couch he looked up at a smirking Courtney.
"Give me ten minutes and we can go."
Thirty minutes later the couple pulled into the first of three reception halls they were touring for the second time before making their final decision. It was called Pine Acres, the main building being a charming log cabin and had appealed to them because of its isolation; it would be nothing but their closest family and friends. Surrounded by pine trees and woodland creatures, it was every bit the Snow White fantasy.
Walking into the front lobby Courtney and Duncan were immediately met by Doug Jones, the manager of Pine Acres, and a walking woodsman cliché. He was an older man wearing jeans, boots, and a flannel shirt with suspenders. His long gray hair was swept back into a ponytail and upon reaching the young couple he pulled them into a friendly hug.
"Ms. Powell, Mr. Evers welcome back."
"Hello Mr. Jones, thank you so much for having us."
"Well kids, how about we take a look at the reception hall. I have to be honest we've been doing some renovations in the room, but I'm sure we'll be done by whenever you'd need it."
Strolling into the reception hall through the large wooden double doors, Doug felt around the wall for the light switch. Flipping it up the lights blinked dimly several times before staying on and bathing the hall in light, eliciting a gasp from the two possible clienteles.
"What the hell happened in here," Duncan exclaimed sharing a bewildered look with Courtney.
"During the last big storm a tree just flew right through the window."
"Yeah I can see that, but what's with all the discoloration on the walls and the ceiling?"
"Well with the windows broken we couldn't stop the rain from being blown in so it's all water damage, but we're working on fixing it."
"Wait a minute," Courtney cut in, "when did this happen? And how long do you think it's going to take to fix?"
"It happened a couple of days after your first appointment. We are optimistic that as long as we can get everything up to code, we should be up and running by next summer. We've just been having some difficulties pulling together some funds," Doug trailed off.
"Oh Mr. Jones that's just terrible," Courtney hesitated for a moment. "I'm not sure how to tell you this, but Duncan and I want to get married next April."
Placing a hand on Courtney's arm, Doug sadly shook his head, "I understand my dear. I wish you two the best."
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"I feel so bad about Mr. Jones. I hope that mishap doesn't put his business under; he's such a sweet old man."
"He has been around forever Court, I'm sure he knows how to handle situations like that. Hell, it made our job a lot easier; only two places to choose from now."
"Duncan!"
"Please, like you weren't thinking it too."
Parking the car in front of reception building number two, the couple made their way to the entrance. Heaven's Gateway was primarily known as a ritzy golf club. Filled with yacht owning, polo playing patrons it wasn't high on Duncan's list of places to spend his time.
The wrap-around porch was a dark blue with swings attached to the ceiling. The entire building was white; the stark contrasts of the offsetting dark blue making the white almost glow. Greeting them at the door was a middle-aged man in a blue blazer and his much too young wife in a much too pink tennis skirt. Duncan silently groaned; he had been hoping that he wouldn't have to deal with the owner's again. Brett and Sue Johnson were entrepreneurs of sorts, owning several golf-clubs throughout the country, but they weren't to accepting of people not like them; unless you could throw a whole lot of money at them that is.
"Welcome back old chap! Can Sue get either of you anything? Coffee, tea, lemonade, a high-ball?"
"No thanks old man, we're good."
"Nonsense! Come with us to the lounge!"
Begrudgingly the couple followed the Stepford wife to the lounge, where they were met with disconcerting gazes and more old men with young wives or girlfriends. The gold-digging golf bunnies were staring at Duncan like women starved. Courtney wrapped her arm around Duncan's waist, leaning into him as much as she could without causing him to fall over.
"Someone's certainly affectionate all of a sudden," Duncan whispered, nibbling her earlobe. "It wouldn't happen to have anything to do with these bleached blonde wannabe Playmates looking at me like I'm a piece of meat, would it?"
"No of course not," Courtney grinned. "You're just so irresistible I can't help myself."
Showing his chivalrous side, Duncan pulled Courtney's chair out for her before sitting down himself at the table their hosts had led them to.
"So Brett, tell me, how did a handsome man like you end up in the club owning business?"
An hour and a half later Duncan wished he had never asked. They had been sitting at the same table watching as Brett and Sue knocked back drink after drink and talked about how great they were. The couples' next reception hall appointment was in an hour and they just wanted to check-out Heaven's Gateway's reception hall one last time and leave.
"Well we've bored you enough I'm sure. How about we take one last look at the hall, huh?"
"That'd be great, thanks," Courtney admitted.
Walking down a maze of hallways the group finally stopped in front of a pair of ornate, gaudy double doors. The reception hall was so elaborate it seemed out of place being located in a golf club. Like the rest of the paint job in the building the room was white with blue molding. The tables were draped in white table cloths with dark blue napkins and scattered around the outskirts of the dance floor, which took up most of the room. The only windows were located where the ceiling met the walls and they were all cathedral style stained glass.
"Oh wow, the light pouring in through the stained glass makes the room breathtaking," Courtney breathed.
"You have a taste for the finer things in life Ms. Powell," Sue smiled.
"Lucky me," Duncan mumbled. Courtney walked around the room taking in all of its' little nuances. Pulling Brett to the side Duncan lowered his voice to a whisper.
"I'm not blind, man; the new paint job and bigger stained glass windows than the last time we were here. How much will those be raising the price?"
"Oh my dear boy, you will learn that there is no price for your fiancées happiness."
Glaring at the older mans' condescending tone, Duncan reiterated, "How much?"
"Just another $15,000."
"You want $45,000 for a room? For a night? Are you high?"
"This is only the beginning of the price you'll pay for being married."
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"I really loved those stained glass windows, they were so beautiful! And that dance floor was huge!"
"Stop gushing, the jury's still out. We got one more hall to look at before we decide. So clear your mind; we don't want anything tainting this next hall," Duncan mocked.
Driving up a long-winding road led the couple to the top of a large hill. Diamond Springs had a country club atmosphere, but was sheltered in its own village bubble. Surrounding the lodge, was a golf-course and townhouses, with its own private set of rivers running through the property.
The lodge's lobby was always busy with people relaxing in front of the fireplace, playing pool, or catching up with friends and neighbors. For having a distinct air of elitism, the building radiated warmth and friendliness.
A young girl, no older than sixteen, was behind the reception desk; she smiled brightly at them, happy to be able to talk to people under the age of forty.
"Hi welcome to Diamond Springs, how can I help you?" Her shiny gold nametag said 'Diane' in bold letters. Duncan strolled up to the desk and casually leaned toward the young girl.
"Hello Diane. We have an appointment." Looking through the appointment book Diane shyly told him that her boss, Mr. Stevens, was waiting for them in the reception hall.
"Thanks sweetheart." Diane blushed fiercely and giggled a bit, clearly taken by the charming stranger. Duncan winked at her before disappearing down the hall with Courtney.
Turning the brass knobs of the large white double doors of the reception hall the couple walked in. The room was fairly large, which was only accentuated by its' high vaulted ceiling. The wooden dance floor almost sparkled with the light from the sunset that was pouring in from the full-length floor to ceiling windows that wrapped around the room.
At one of the many tables sat Bob Stevens, owner of Diamond Springs. He was middle-aged with graying hair and always neatly dressed. He was widely admired in the community for his jovial personality and eagerness to lend a helping hand. He was currently hunched over intently pouring over a stack of papers.
"Mr. Stevens?"
The man in question jumped, "Oh I'm so sorry I didn't even hear you come in!"
"Yeah, we're pretty stealthy when we want to be."
"So, here to do the final look around, hmm?"
"Yes. Thanks so much for seeing us; I know we're a bit later than we said we'd be."
"Oh no problem, things happen I understand. Well take another look around and I can answer any questions you may have. " Once again Courtney wandered off to reevaluate the room, while Duncan pulled out a chair and sat across from Bob.
"So," Duncan began hesitantly, "how's business?"
"It's going pretty well," Bob looked up surprised. "How 'bout you, excited to get married?"
"Of course, I can't picture my life without her," Duncan responded, nodding his head toward Courtney. "But we decided to have the wedding in April." At this Bob raised his eyebrows.
"Next month?"
Laughing, Duncan corrected himself, "No, April of next year."
"You scared me for a minute there."
"How much was our estimate, again? Like, has it changed because your business is booming?"
"Oh no, that's not how I operate. If I remember correctly, your estimate was about $25,000. That includes set up, clean up, and the wait and kitchen staff."
"Good bang for your buck, huh?"
"You could say that," Bob smiled.
Courtney ambled back over to the men, giving the room one more sweep with her eyes.
"Ms. Courtney, any questions this time? Last time we met you had a four page list."
"Actually, I'm good. It's just a matter of deciding now."
Getting up Duncan and Courtney shook Bob's hand; he gave them a genuine smile.
"Well if you two need anything you have my number. Best of luck regardless."
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Curled up on the couch, Courtney and Duncan were going over their two reception hall choices.
"I just cannot get over the beauty of Heaven's Gateway. How impressive are those stained glass windows?"
"Baby, it's not worth $45,000."
"They upped the price?" Courtney sat up and stared at him. "Why? For a couple of coats of paint! That's absolutely ridiculous."
She curled back up on Duncan's side, pouting. "Well I really like that place and you only get married once," Courtney trailed off.
Duncan rolled his eyes. "Court, we don't want to start our life together in debt over a frickin' reception hall. Let me lay some logic on you," he cleared his throat. "Diamond Springs is almost half the price and they include so many things; it's the better option."
Taking the spreadsheets out of her hands and dropping them on the coffee table he pulled her flush against him and fell backwards on the couch. Resting her head on his chest Courtney's mocha eyes met Duncan's ice blue.
"Look, I know you had your heart set on the whole stained glass window place, but if we're getting married in a church, really what's the point? You want to party in a place that reminds you of a church?"
"You're right, you're right."
"Besides, imagine the view from those floor to ceiling windows at Diamond Springs," Duncan coaxed.
Courtney cocked her head to the side and closed her eyes in contemplation. After a minute her eyes opened and she smiled widely. Crawling up until their faces were level she planted a firm kiss on his waiting lips.
"I'll call Mr. Stevens tomorrow."
"Yes you will," Duncan smirked. "Did you call the girls?"
"Of course. We're meeting tomorrow for lunch. It'll be so nice to see them all, I feel like its' been forever. Did you call your 'bros'?"
"As a matter of fact, I did, and I didn't hide anything. Told them about the engagement, asked Geoff to be my best man and recruited DJ, David, and Kellan. And before you complain I made Geoff promise not to tell Bridgette, so you can break the news."
"Awe, how considerate. And thank you for choosing Kellan; it means a lot to me."
"Please, Kellan's kick-ass."
"What about Andrew, how did he react? I mean you picked one brother over another."
"Andrew will be fine. Everyone knows he can barely behave himself when he's at home, let alone in public. He'll survive just being an, uh, honored guest."
"Alright, just as long as he's okay with it."
"So how do you think the girls will react? All high pitched screams and 'Oh my Gods'?"
"Oh I hope they don't cause a scene, but I guess I'll find out."
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Courtney patiently sat at the little outside café she always went to when she went out with the girls reading the local newspaper. The first to arrive was her best friend who she had met while filming Total Drama Island, Bridgette. Her blonde hair was longer now and cascaded down her back in beach ready waves. Despite the early morning chill, she was clad in board shorts and flip-flops, tank top covered by a blue sweater. She beamed when she noticed her friend.
"Courtney!"
"Bridge! How are you?"
"I'm great, perfect. Look at you though; your smile is threatening to break your face. What's the occasion?"
"You'll find out soon enough." Sitting down the two studied the menu, seemingly forgetting that they knew all of the items by heart.
"Ladies, what's up? Lizzy in the house!" Whipping around quickly the two were greeted by a striking blonde. Elizabeth Allen had been Courtney's dorm roommate for the fairly brief time she had spent attending Harvard, pre her living in her Boston apartment. They had been unlikely allies in class and by the grace of God had become extremely close friends.
Elizabeth, or Lizzy as she insisted to be called, was a step away from being a Playmate. Her bleached blonde hair accentuated her spray tan; her tight t-shirt was about ready to break at the seam from her voluptuousness. Her endless legs were clad in a barely there skirt and her black pumps only made her 5 foot 7 frame seem freakishly tall. Courtney never understood how she got any respect in the legal world; she didn't think people would take a defense attorney with Lizzy's looks seriously.
Gently placing her Prada purse on the table, she flashed a sickeningly bright smile.
"Court looking like a librarian as usual," Lizzy glared disapprovingly. "Bridge, missed you at Geoff's last party. Where were you?"
"I changed the surf shops hours, we're open later now. You know a better chance to get more customers, especially since it should be warming up soon."
"Got ya. Now where is our waiter I want a drink?"
"Can you at least hold off until the other girls get here?"
"Such a buzz kill Court, jeez." Out of the corner of her eye Courtney spotted the last two members of her soon-to-be wedding party crossing the street and began waving.
Katherine strolled across the street like a model, red hair blowing in the wind, looking younger without her husband and daughter clinging to her. Next to her was Duncan's favorite cousin, Maureen Cox. Quite shy, but smart, Courtney adored the nineteen year old. Her long chocolate brown hair was almost stick straight and she was hastily trying to make sure her bangs were staying in place straight across her forehead.
After the initial pleasantries the women placed their orders and got down to the business at hand.
"Well, not that we don't like seeing you Courtney, but you don't just call out of the blue to 'hang out.'"
Taking a deep breath she grinned at them, sharing a knowing glace with Katherine, and popped out her left hand.
"Shut-up," Lizzy screamed. "I didn't think the punk had it in him!"
"Oh my God, Geoff knew didn't he? That's why Duncan called the other day! That jerk," Bridgette laughed.
Throwing her arms around Courtney, Maureen chimed in her own congratulations. "I'm so happy for you guys! You deserve happiness. We get to be family now!"
"That isn't all." Turning to Bridgette Courtney continued. "Bridgette I have something important to ask you and if you don't want to do it I understand. Will you be my maid of honor?"
"Courtney, oh my God, of course I will!" Turning to the other women Courtney smiled.
"And I was wondering if you guys would be my bridesmaids?"
"Hell yes," Lizzy exclaimed, giving Katherine a high-five. Maureen giggled and clapped her hands excitedly. The waiter had since come with the group's daiquiri's (and Maureen's Pepsi) and Lizzy decided a toast was in order.
"To Courtney." All glasses raised. "Good luck; you're gonna need it!"
A/N: Keep reviewing! And there's another Beatles reference in this chapter if anyone is up for the challenge!
