Standard disclaimer Eureka is not mine and I make no money off this.
Background on this glimpse- Zane lived next to the Lupo family at age 7 and quickly became best friends with Jo's brothers Ricco, Nick and Tony. He joined in the torturing of kid sister Jo. When the family moved away after Jo's mom died the boys stayed in contact and Zane spent several summers at the Lupo house much to Jo's chagrin. Now its twenty years after their first meeting and Jo has been at the job in Eureka. Zane is working as a professor at MIT and they haven't seen each other in about a year since dropping Jo off at the airport when she left for Eureka. Now are coming together for Ricco's wedding. Zane is a groomsman, Jo a bridesmaid and Zane is extremely excited to see her again. Jo not so much.
OK this turned out to be about three times longer then I originally planned, but enjoy anyway.
Zane checked the arrivals board for the third time, he hadn't seen Jo in over a year and he couldn't wait. He was just hoping she had forgiven him for what happened last year. They hadn't spoken in months. It was the longest the two had ever gone without communication ever, including her deployments. His stomach was twisting with nerves. Twenty four minutes until her plane was scheduled to land.
The Lupo's had been a surrogate family to him for the last twenty years. While he was outwardly closest to the Lupo boys, Miss Josefina held an incredibly soft spot in his heart. And he just prayed that he hadn't screwed everything up with her. Jo had kissed him the night before she left and it was a moment he had dreamed of for years, but she was drunk and he didn't want her to regret it in the morning. Instead of being the opening to a new level their relationship, Jo had put up walls between them and now barely spoke to him.
Jo fidgeted with the strap on her computer bag as she waited to deplane. Ricco was getting married and she was so glad that the entire family could come together for the happy occasion but she also knew that the entire family included Zane Donovan. He'd been a permanent fixture in her life for the past twenty years. Spending several summers at their house and never missing a graduation, deployment or homecoming for any of the Lupo's. Heck the man called her father 'dad'.
On more then one occasion when the Colonel and the brothers had been out of the country Zane had been the one that picked her up at the airport for her trips home. Never once questioning that she scheduled them for what ever city he happened to be in at the time. The man had sent her care packages every two weeks like clockwork for her entire five years of deployment. Hand written letters were sent back and forth as well as emails and phone calls. Zane was like her rock in those times when she couldn't communicate with her family, Zane had always been there. He had even been the first one at the hospital last year after she had been shot and her military career had ended.
Silly Jo had taken all that to mean that he cared about her as more then a surrogate sister. And the night before she left for her new job in Eureka fueled by way too much alcohol, she kissed him and he freaked out. Told her things couldn't happen like this and that he was sorry. She hadn't waited around for him to once and for all put their relationship in a siblings or friends category. Instead she raised her carefully guarded walls and simply told him goodbye when he and Nick took her to the airport the next morning.
Eureka was a welcome distraction. The town was quirky to say the least, but it challenged her mental and physically. She had even dated Callister for a while, another distraction. However now she was flying to her brothers wedding and would have to face him again. And if Nathan Stark, the head of Global Dynamics, had his way Jo would have to face Zane almost everyday. Recalling the conversation they had yesterday Jo took a deep breath.
Jo had been sitting behind her desk at the Sheriff's office when Dr.Stark had walked in.
"Deputy Lupo, good.I need a minute of your time." He had flashed a smile and sat down opposite her.
"To what do I owe the pleasure of you company Dr. Stark?" She was still a little cool towards him after the whole Callister leaving thing part of her still blaming him.
"I understand that you are heading to Connecticut for a family wedding."
Jo nodded.
"I also understand that Dr. Zane Donovan physics professor from MIT will be in attendance at said wedding."
"Yes Zane is a close family friend; I've known him for years." Jo hoped this wasn't going where she thought it was going.
"Great, I need a new particle physicist and he is the best in the world. So I need you to convince him to join us here." He slid an envelope across to her. "It's his job offer, semester just finished up at MIT; he doesn't have any summer classes. Bring him back from the wedding with you. I'll even cut you in on the finder's fee."
Stark was out of the door before she could protest. Crap, Zane Donovan in her refuge of a town. Zane in her place she wanted a new start in, crap.
Jo found herself walking toward baggage claim, not yet clear of the security perimeter. She wondered who would be coming to pick her up. Ricco and his fiancée Kelly would be too busy with wedding preparations the wedding was only three days away. It would probably be one of her brothers, maybe her dad.
"Jo!" She knew it was him before she could see him. Not able to keep the smile off her face "Zane." He quickly closed the distance between them and wrapped her in a big hug. She took in the warmth of his arms and the smell of his soap. This was going to be a long week.
He now held her at arms length and took in her appearance. "Looks like life as a small town deputy is good for you. I've never seen you look better. How's the arm healing?" He wrapped an arm around her shoulder and pulled her toward baggage claim. "Let's go get your bags and head out dad and the brothers are anxious to see you."
"Not so anxious that they joined you at the airport." Jo tried to shrug off his arm but he just held tighter.
"Oh come on Jo-Jo, I have picked you up at the airport since you left for West Point. This is our thing." When her luggage came around the carousel she pointed out her bag to Zane knowing it was just easier to let him grab it. They had many arguments over who would get the bags and in the end he always won, usually holding them over his head so she couldn't reach them. Oh she could have always easily taken him down and he knew it, but busting his knee cap at the airport never seemed like a great idea.
They walked to Zane's car and he loaded her luggage into the trunk and started the 40 minute drive to their destination.
"So Dad has you checked into a hotel in downtown Waterbury just down the street from where Kelly and Ricco are getting married. It's some restored theater, The Palace. Only Kelly would want to get married in a theater."
"Well she has always had dreams of becoming an actress." Jo sighed. She didn't know Kelly all that well. Ricco had met her when he was first stationed at the naval submarine base in New London. Kelly was a Connecticut native and had once dreamed of being on Broadway but had become a school teacher instead. As an only child who had lost both of her parents in a car accident a few years ago Kelly was excited about joining the boisterous Lupo clan and had always been great to Jo.
"So has the Colonel passed out our schedules yet?" Jo asked, knowing her dad probably had every minute of the next three days planned out to the minute.
"Oh no, he was waiting for you to get here sweetheart."
"Does Kelly know what she is getting herself into? I mean between the Colonel, Nick and Tony and of course you, Kelly may be overwhelmed with the Lupo clan."
"Aww you consider me part of the clan. I'm touched Josefina." He flashed her a lazy grin.
"Well if we haven't managed to scare you off after all these years Donovan, I guess we will never be able to get rid of you." She was so glad that they hadn't lost their banter. It was one of her favorite things about their relationship. If you didn't know them they very well you would think they fought all the time but this was just there way of communicating.
"So is your mom going to be able to make it?" Jo changed the subject as they got close to their destination.
"She is driving down Friday night from Cambridge, wouldn't miss an opportunity to hang out with the Lupo's. But she is leaving for London Sunday afternoon. She's doing a summer session over there."
"I would love to see London through her eyes. I know you didn't get her love of British Literature but it's fascinating."
"You should go with her sometime. I'm sure she'd let you audit her class." Zane turned the blinker on, ready to exit the freeway. He navigated the car to the front of a downtown hotel. The car was barely in park when four men swarmed the car and yanked Jo out of the front seat.
Laughing Zane knew that if it had been anyone other then her brothers and dad Jo would have laid them out on the sidewalk by now. For now he was going to enjoy watching badass Jo Lupo basically being tossed between her brothers like a rag doll. She was practically screaming in protest but her smile told Zane that she loved every minute of it. Pulling Jo's luggage out of the trunk he walked over to where Kelly was standing.
"Hey," She jerked her head at the action. "I don't know how she put up with that growing up."
"Jo loves it. That rough and tumble treatment made her the amazing woman she is today." Zane was staring at the woman in the midst of the action.
"If I didn't know any better Dr. Donovan I'd have to say you have it pretty bad for my sister-in-law." Kelly was very observant and had always noticed the change in Zane's demeanor and tone when Jo was around, heck whenever Jo was mentioned.
"What? No, well I don't know. She's just Jo you know, practically a sister." He stammered.
Kelly rolled her eyes. "If you say so."
Colonel Joseph Lupo clapped his hands together and his voice rose easily above the loud voices of his children. "Alright troops. Let's get Josie settled into her room and then let's meet in the lobby in 10 to go over the schedule for the next few days."
The group broke up and Nick came over to grab Jo's bag and the two of them headed upstairs.
Zane's eyes followed Jo as she left the room before the Colonel grabbed his attention.
Two hours later the family broke from their meeting, schedules in hand Operation Family Wedding was underway. Kelly pulled Jo aside finally getting the chance to talk to her.
"So tell me about this new job and the town. Do you like it?" Kelly asked.
"It's a nice small town, most of the people who live there are scientists that work at this large think tank. But everyone has been great so far, a little weird at times but it's starting to feel like home."
Kelly noticed that while Zane was pretending to talk to Ricco and Tony, he was actually spying on her conversation with Jo. An evil grin crossed Kelly's face. "So are you seeing anyone?"
"I was dating this one guy Callister, one of the scientists but it ended a couple months ago."
"Ahh so you are a free woman. There will be a lot of eligible guys at the wedding. Your dance card will be full." Kelly noticed Zane clenching his fist at her words. Ricco had that she was crazy the first time she mentioned that she thought Zane had a thing for Jo but had eventually come around. Now Kelly had all the proof she needed to know that Zane was into Jo, she just had to find out if Jo was into him too.
Jo smiled and shot a quick oh so subtle look at Zane. "It's not like I'm going to be looking for Mr. Right on the opposite side of the country."
"Who says you need to find Mr. Right, you just need a Mr. Right Now but you never know. The love of your life could be waiting to meet you here on Saturday night." Kelly eyed her schedule. "Come on, we have our final dress fittings in an hour and I would like to grab a nice quiet lunch with my new sister before that. Let me just go tell Ricco bye." Kelly quickly crossed the room and found Ricco.
Zane excused himself from the brothers and came up behind Jo. "Hey." She jumped an inch or so off the ground.
"Hey" she turned to face him. "I know dad has pretty much every minute scheduled for the next few days but I need to talk to you about something."
"Ok, is it a good something or a bad something?" Zane wagged his eyebrows at her.
Rolling her eyes and shaking her head she simply said, "I think it's a good something." As much as she hadn't wanted to bring up Stark's job offer before she came, the thought of having Zane close to her was sounding much better. Just being around him always made her feel better.
"Ok Jo, let's go. We are on a tight schedule. Zane keep these boys focused and we will meet you for dinner." Kelly swept Jo out of the room before anyone could say a word.
Later that night Jo rubbed her neck exhausted. Kelly had kept her busy until a dinner and then she had been seated between Nick and Tony and the three of them had an exuberant conversation over some new state of the art weaponry the military had come out with. Then later Kelly had decided to go over the seating arrangements for the reception. Luckily Jo loved weddings so the details some might find tedious she enjoyed.
Now Jo found herself outside her father's room, she hadn't had a moment just the two of them in a long long time.
"Knock, knock," The door was slightly ajar and Jo pushed it the rest of the way. "Can I come in?"
"Hey Josie," He rose and kissed her cheek. "Come in, sit, and let's talk."
"You always just cut to the chase don't you dad?" Jo shut the door and sat in one of the two chairs at a small table.
Her dad handed her a cup and poured a good measure of ouzo into it. "Cheers Josie." They clinked glasses and they both downed their drinks. "How's the new job treating you?"
Her dad alone in her family knew the nature of her job. "Good, sometimes I feel like I baby-sit a bunch of mad scientists. Keeps me on my toes though and you should see my arsenal, the brothers would give their eye teeth to see what I get to play with everyday."
Her father poured them another drink. "That's not what's bothering you though is it honey? Do you want to tell me what's on your mind?"
Jo rolled the cup between her hands and sighed. "The head of Global Dynamics wants to offer Zane a job. I've seen the offer it's incredible, the opportunity for him would be amazing…" She downed her drink.
"You're not sure you want him invading the new life you've made for yourself." Joseph smiled sadly at his only daughter. "Must be hard having three older brothers who you have always had to compete against? Then you finally get an opportunity none of them will ever get and the big boss wants you to share it with someone your dad and brothers consider a part of the family."
Jo snorted "I think of him as family too dad and yeah sometimes it's hard being the only girl in this crazy group, well at least until Saturday. I wanted to make my own mark on the world but I don't want my desires to hold anyone else back. And having Zane close by wouldn't necessarily be such a bad thing."
"So tell him about the job and let him make the choice. If he chooses Eureka, then we can all be happy for him, the way we are all happy for you. I am so proud of you baby girl and your mom would have been too." He poured them one more drink. "Cheers."
"Cheers." She downed last shot and could feel the warmth spread through her body. "I should get to bed, you have us on a tight schedule and I am still on west coast time. Love you dad." She kissed his forehead before she crossed the room.
"Love you too Josefina. Good night."
Thursday passed quickly in a fury of last minute details. Kelly's two other bridesmaids arrived. Flower arrangements finalized, dresses and tuxes picked up. Now it was late Friday afternoon and Jo was helping coordinate the tables for the reception that was being held in the lobby of the theater.
The Palace was a fully restored 1920's theater that was beautifully ornate. The lobby had a beautiful chandelier hanging overhead and dual staircases. It looked like something out of the movies and the more Jo thought about it the more it seemed perfect for her brothers wedding.
"No, move this table four feet that way." She addressed one of the staff members. Checking her watch she noted that she only had about forty minutes before the rehearsal started.
"Hey beautiful, you're working way too hard." Zane jogged up the stairs to her. "All work and no play you know."
She crossed her arms and tried to look stern ignoring the beautiful comment. "There is going to be a wedding here tomorrow so we do only have a finite amount of time to work with."
"I think it's looking pretty good in here so maybe you can take a break with me. You said we needed to talk and we have a few minutes before we need to be inside for the rehearsal." He poked her jokingly in the side.
"I suppose I can spare a few minutes for you. If were late though I'm throwing you under the bus to dad." She followed him out to the street and didn't resist as he put an arm around her shoulder as they walked down the street.
Zane took a deep breath and let it out slowly. "So what did you want to talk to me about?" He hoped it wasn't some apology for that kiss because she didn't owe him one; he owed her an apology for his reaction.
"So you know that new job I took."
"Yeah small town deputy, what about it?"
"That's not really the whole truth. Eureka is a top secret town full of scientists that work for Global Dynamics…"
"You work for GD?"
"Well technically I work for the town and how do you know about GD?"
"Come on all the top scientists know about GD, it's a dream job. I've even helped to recruit some of the kids from that high school they have."
"Is it a dream job of yours?" Jo had stopped walking and turned to face him. "Because the head of GD wants you to come work for him, he asked me to well to basically recruit you while I was here. That sounds a little cult like though."
"Are you for real?"
"Yeah I have an offer letter for you back at the hotel."
Zane stood there silent; it was the first time Jo had ever seen him speechless. It was a bit disconcerting. Eventually he let go of her shoulders and collapsed onto a bench.
"Are you going to say anything?" Jo didn't know what was going on in that brilliant brain of his.
"Did you have anything to do with this?" It wasn't an accusation just a question.
"No, I didn't even know Dr. Stark knew who you were until Wednesday and I never mentioned to him that I knew you. I really don't know how he knew that. It's an amazing opportunity Zane. I think you'd like it in Eureka."
"Wow. I'm really not sure what to say." He grabbed her hand and pulled her onto the bench with him.
Jo took one of his hands in both of hers. "Just think about it ok. I know it's a huge decision, if you need to talk about it just let me know. If you want you can come back with me next week and see it for yourself. I'll let you camp out in my guest room and we can make s'mores in my fire pit and tell ghost stories."
He laughed recalling many summer nights spent at the Lupo's.
"Thanks Jo-Jo. Can we roast hotdogs too?"
"Sure but for now we had better get back to the rehearsal" Jo took his hand and led him back to the theatre, trying not to notice when he entwined their fingers. This guy was the king of mixed signals. A year ago when she had made a move he freaked, but this trip he was always finding excuses to touch her or sit next to her or whisper in her ear. God she hoped he wasn't toying with her.
Jo had to admit that she was disappointed that after the rehearsal and her giving Zane the offer letter, that he had been scarce. She didn't think he was avoiding her per say. He had tried to sit next to her at dinner but Ricco had maneuvered Zane into a seat between the other bridesmaids. Ricco either didn't notice or didn't seem to care that he received icy glares from both Zane and Jo. Neither of them saw Ricco laughing to himself when he saw those death glares.
Then of course the boys had gone out for their no strippers and limited alcohol bachelor party. Zane's mom, Helen, had arrived Friday night and had joined the girls for their not so late night debauchery.
Raising her glass Jo proposed a toast. "Kelly, you are one brave woman to be marrying into this crazy bunch. However I think that you are the best thing to happen to my big brother and I am honored that I will soon be able to call you my sister. One day I hope I can be half as happy as the two of you. Cheers"
The girls had packed it in about an hour later, choosing sleep over celebration. Which turned out to be a good choice when her dad knocked on her door at 0630 the next morning "Let's go baby girl, Helen wants to meet for breakfast and we have last minute details to go over." The one bad thing about him paying for all the rooms was he always kept the spare key.
"Dad you are way to into this whole wedding thing, you know that? And why don't you go to breakfast with Helen by yourself? You two always have a good time together." Jo punched pillow and rolling over.
"Nope, Helen was complaining that she never gets to see you so come on, downstairs 20 minutes or I will send a brother in after you." He closed the door and Jo groaned but pulled herself out of bed.
Nineteen minutes later she was seated opposite Helen and her dad in a booth for breakfast.
"So sweetie, tell me about this new job." Helen took a drink of coffee. "I know your dad said the job had a high security clearance. But do you like it?"
Jo told her what she could about Eureka and her new job, skating over the fact that Zane had been offered a position there as well. "So Zane told me you were leaving for London tomorrow? Sounds fun" now wanting to change the subject.
"You should come with me sometime; I think you would enjoy it. Joseph is meeting me in Paris later in the summer."
Joseph choked on his coffee and Jo raised an eyebrow. "Is he now? He didn't say anything about that."
"Well I… well Helen and I have been friends for over two decades and I need a vacation." Jo watched a slight blush creep across her dad's face, not noticing the newcomer at the table.
"Good morning, glad to see I'm not the only one who managed to enter the land of the living at this hour." Zane scooted in next to Jo making sure his bulk took up the majority of the booth, his leg touching hers, his arm on the back of the seat behind her. "What were you guys talking about?"
Joseph's appraising eye took in the two younger people in front of him. Helen cleared her throat. "I was just asking Jo about her new job and was about to ask her if she had met anyone special in that town of hers. I'm sure Joseph would love to throw another wedding" Helen smirked.
Zane felt himself tense and noticed Jo stiffen and try to pull herself away from him. He also noticed her swallow hard before answering.
"No one special" She rolled her shoulders back trying to relax. "I was seeing someone for a while but it ended a couple months ago. Most of the guys there are so focused on their work they don't have time for trivial things like dating."
Zane took a drink of the coffee the waitress had brought him. "That's a shame; those guys don't know what they're missing." He let his hand fall to her shoulder and smiled into his cup when she didn't pull away but instead relaxed into him.
They spent another hour or so visiting with the parents before Jo excused herself to begin getting ready and Zane followed right behind her. She let him follow her across the lobby before she stopped to face him.
"What are you up to?" she asked raising herself up to her full (still short) height.
"What are you talking about?" He knew that she wanted to talk about all the touching he was doing this weekend, however it was best just to play dumb.
"A year ago you freaked out when I… well you know what happened and then for the last two days you've been…" she trailed off not sure how to describe it exactly.
"I've been what? Unable to keep my hands off of you? true. Unable to get you out of my thoughts? Also true, because I haven't been able to stop thinking about you for years Jo." He took a step closer to her. "About last year, I'm sorry. It's not that I didn't want to kiss you, because trust me I did. I just didn't want you to regret it because you had been drinking. Jo, I…"
"Jo!" Julie one of Kelly's bridesmaids yelled across the lobby. Julie gave Zane a flirtatious smile. "Jo, Kelly needs you to come upstairs now. She's having a dress emergency." Julie grabbed Jo's arm and had her swept into the elevator before either Zane or Jo could say anything.
Zane rubbed the bridge of his nose; this is not how he had wanted this to play out. Getting up early he hoped to get more then a few uninterrupted minutes alone with her. Now who knew how long it would be before they weren't surrounded by other people.
Jo didn't even hear what Julie was prattling on about. Her mind was reeling from Zane's confession. Wanting nothing more then to run back to the lobby and finish their conversation or maybe try that kiss again. At that moment however the elevator dinged open and Julie drug her to Kelly's room. Taking a deep breath and rolling her shoulders, Jo cleared her head. Today was about Kelly and Ricco and whatever was happening between her and Zane would have to wait, at least until the reception.
A few short hours later it was time for her big brother's wedding and she still had not seen any of her brothers today and had not seen her dad or Zane since that morning. Ten minutes before show time and she found her way into the groom's dressing room. Covering her eyes as she opened the door. "Alright boys in I'm giving you all to the count of ten to get decent, because I need a word with my oldest brother before the big event."
She heard the distinct laughter of all three brothers, her dad and Zane and then four people leaving the room.
"Coast is clear Josie. You can open your eyes now." Ricco said still laughing.
Jo crossed the room and gave him a big hug and then adjusted his tie. "You look very handsome bro."
"Not so bad yourself sis, you actually look like a girl."
Jo was wearing an ice blue strapless floor length gown with her hair pulled back with loose curls. "I just wanted to tell you how much I love you and how glad I am that you found someone as amazing as Kelly to spend your life with. You are one of the best three older brothers any girl could have."
"Thank you Josie. I hope that one day you find someone who makes you as happy as Kelly makes me. Maybe you've already met him. Maybe you just need to give him a chance."
"Maybe I will." She hugged him again. "So no more mushy stuff, it's time for me to grab dad and get him ready to escort your blushing bride down the aisle."
Jo stepped outside of the room and helped everyone line up in there final places. Ricco was standing at make shift alter on the stage. Nick escorted the first of the bridesmaids Julie down the aisle and up the stairs to the stage. Tony and the second bridesmaid, Tina followed. Zane stepped up to and took Jo's arm to escort her down the aisle. He leaned in a whispered in her ear. "You look amazing today Josefina. Make sure you keep your dance card clear tonight because I'm not letting you out of my sight. Tonight you are all mine." She felt a shiver travel down her spine as they took off down the aisle.
Jo should have been offended that he thought he could just stake his claim like that. She should have been livid that he had the audacity to think that she could just forgive him for blowing her off a year ago and today act like he had any right to claim her as his own. Nevertheless she wasn't angry or upset she was excited to see where tonight went.
It took all of Zane's willpower to focus on the wedding happening around him and not the beautiful woman on the opposite side of the alter. Sure it was a long shot that she still felt the way she had a year ago but she hadn't decked him for all the non subtle contact he'd been doing. The priest's words declaring Ricco and Kelly husband and wife brought Zane out of his thoughts.
He let a large smile cross his face as the happy couple walked back down the aisle. Then he waited for his and Jo's turn to leave. She placed her hand in the crook of his arm and he loved the warmth that spread from her touch. Desperately wanting to get Jo alone but knowing they both had obligations to fulfill.
They stood for picture after picture but never let the other out of their sights. They sat next to each other at dinner, covertly touching under the table. They laughed through everyone's speeches and clapped as Ricco finally led his bride onto the dance floor. Both sighed in relief when guests were invited to join in the dancing.
Zane wrapped his arms around her and she molded into him, a perfect fit.
"I hope you're not serious about filling my entire dance card tonight. Because I fully intend to dance with each of my brothers and my dad and you should spin your mom and Kelly once around the floor." Jo laid her head on his chest and felt him laugh.
"Ok but you have to keep those bridesmaids away from me. Especially Julie, she scares me." Jo could feel his warm breath in her ear.
"Don't worry you have a badass Army Ranger to protect you tonight."
"Just for tonight?" He lightly tickled her side.
"Well if you come back to Eureka, you'll have the Deputy Sheriff as your personal body guard."
"Hmmm. I think that might just seal the deal on that job offer." Zane planted a kiss on the top of her head.
The two swayed to the music completely blocking out the rest of the wedding guests.
Across the room the Colonel, Helen, the Lupo brothers and Kelly were standing off to the side of the dance floor.
"Pay up boys." Kelly held out her hand.
"Damn I really thought he blew it last year. I figured it would take more then three days for him to make it up to her." Nick said as he handed over a fifty dollar bill.
Tony handed over one of his own. "He told you about that, and I thought I had insider information."
Helen laughed "I'm betting their engaged within a year."
Joseph shook his head "six months if Zane takes the job in Eureka, he's been offered."
"It took him twenty years to tell her he liked her. We'll be lucky if we get a wedding in the next decade." Ricco added.
Zane suddenly dipped Jo and planted a tender kiss on her lips.
"Heck I give them twenty minutes before we find them making out in the coat check" Kelly laughed.
Joseph shook his head "At least I know his intentions are honorable and he already knows to be afraid of her brothers." He raised his glass "to finding true love."
The rest of the group raised their glasses "to true love."
A/N if you are ever in Waterbury Connecticut check out the Palace Theater downtown. It is absolutely gorgeous.