1562 words, this chapter

Chapter Seven: Canteen Party, Part Two

Becker shook his head. "You're the best Bernie. This was a surprise."

Bernie smiled. "I was happy to do it."

Jess finally sat down beside Becker who had sensibly brought her a plate of real lunch food. "Eat something with protein, Jess."

She licked the chocolate off her fingers. "I will...after I've tired of dipping."

"Which will be never."

She giggled. "You know, there is a lot to plan, like the dress, and the place settings, and flowers, and music, and chair covers..."

"Chair covers? Seriously?"

"Duh, of course, but there is one thing that will be fun, not to mention delicious to pick," she said, holding up the cake she was eating. "The wedding cake! I'm really looking forward to eating...I mean choosing that."

"That would be of utter significance to you."

"It is," said Jess seriously.

"It should be easy...chocolate cake for you and a cake layer with strawberries for me."

"Oh, it's so much more complicated," said Jess. "There are different types of frosting and so many flavors of cake, then we have to decide how we want it decorated. Do we want chocolate figures or sugar flowers or fondant? Plus we'll need lots of layers in order to feed everyone, I mean, it will take dozens of cakes to feed the ARC guests alone."

Becker looked at her in shock. "How much of the ARC are we inviting?"

"Seriously? We're inviting everyone."

His eyes grew huge. "All 500 people? We don't even know half that many, at least not personally!"

"I just told them all, Becker."

"We are not inviting 500 people, Jessica!"

"Oh, good," said Lester, strolling in and grabbing a flute. "The happy couple is already in the throws of the bliss of wedding planning. Delightful." He took a sip and scowled. "This champagne is flat and I'm getting no buzz."

The chef laughed. "That is because it is sparkling white grape juice."

"Why?"

Becker joined in laughing. "We're still on duty," said the Captain. "Do you really want my soldiers armed with snootfuls?"

"Oh, quite right," said the director. "Jolly good planning, Bernie, as usual. Never mind," he said, putting the glass down. "I have harder stuff in my office. Bernie, load me up with food. I need to hide there quickly." He looked at Jess.

"What? Why am I making you hide?"

"We were arguing Jess, remember?" asked her fiancee.

She scoffed. "We were not. You don't have to go, Lester. We're fine. I'm fine."

Becker looked at her with concern. "You do tend to get...tense...when you plan things."

Abby nodded. "You are a bit of a perfectionist you know. Remember my wedding? Honey, you got a bit...flustered."

Jess got up, dipping another piece of cake. "I'll be fine."

Abby and Becker exchanged looks. "Don't forget, you have us to help," she said.

Jess nodded. "I know, but I want my wedding to be my vision."

"Of course," said Emily. "It shall."

"We're getting way ahead of ourselves," said Becker. "We haven't even told our families yet."

"I know, I'm sorry," said Jess. "I know I can get carried away, but don't worry. I can handle it this time." She bit into another piece cake. "Oh, my God! I'm never going to taste anything this heavenly again. Bernie! Can we discus you baking our cake?"

"And there she goes being carried away," said Connor, laughing.

"Not that it wouldn't be awesome, Bernie's the best baker on earth," Becker began.

"Exactly!" Jess interrupted. "See, Becker wants you to bake it too!"

"Jess, he's too busy. Plus, there's a little matter of Lester's anti-moonlighting clause."

"It's hardly little," Lester said, "it's policy! A very important, necessary policy." He moaned. "Bernie, you weren't fast enough. I'm still here and she'll still planning."

"Sorry, Sir," said the Chef. He was scooping Lester's meal and laughing.

"Ooh, you know, we should have him cater the wedding feast too!"

"Jessica!" cried Becker and Lester at once.

"What?"

"I would be honored, but alas, I do have a full schedule," said Bernie.

"See?" asked Becker.

Jess turned to Lester and smiled. "You're the most understanding, kind boss on this planet."

"Oh, Lord."

"Who else could do it? Besides, we want the food to be the best possible, in order to outdo the feast we put on for Abby and Connor's wedding. I mean, the minister and Eleanor would expect us to top it."

"Your inviting them?"

"Of course, Becker, I have too!"

Emily nodded. "I do believe Eleanor will be quite sad to not be invited," she said.

"And Mrs. Lester will be right out crushed," said Abby.

Lester groaned. "Oh, Lord, will she. She must come, I beg you. She'll cry for weeks..."

"Calm down, Lester, of course, she's coming. So is the minister and Eleanor. Deal with it, Becker," said Jess.

Becker chuckled. "I'm fine with it, I just want the guest list smaller than the number of seats in the Coliseum." He smirked.

Jess giggled. "Deal. Now, about the food..."

"Jess, can we get to the second day of our engagement before we start making plans?"

"Pooh. Listen, we know how he cooks, and that he's the best. I don't see why we can't consider him, if Lester relaxes the silly 'no moonlighting' rule."

"It's not silly!"

"Please, Lester?"

Lester looked at Bernie, who smiled. "I would be honored to give my culinary expertise and passion to two of my favorite people. The extra work would be well worth it."

Jess jumped into the Chef's arms. "You're the best!"

Lester chuckled. "Very well, providing Bernie agrees."

"Yay!"

"However, Miss Parker, I demand that no food or drink from ARC inventory is used."

"Of course not, we'll pay for everything."

"Chef Rice and his team may not work on my time, so you and the Captain must compensate him and his staff for any time they put in on your event."

"Well, duh," said Jess.

"And seeing how a large portion on the ARC will most likely be attending, Bernie may use the kitchen facilities if he clearly logs the time as pertaining to your wedding. That way the ARC may be reimbursed by you if I so decree. Acceptable?"

"Yes! Thank you!" cried Jess, she hugged Lester, then Bernie.

"By the way, if you need a bartender you might consult the minister. Oh, I will be available as DJ, as well," said Lester, he grabbed his tray, smiled, and then left.

Jess giggled.

"Jess, I'm sorry. I have to say no," said Becker.

"What?"

"Bernie is way too busy, not to mention the fact that there's no way we can afford a man of his talent."

"Aw, Captain, I am speechless at the compliment," said the Chef.

Jess stomped her foot.

"Uh-oh, she's pouting," said Abby. The others giggled.

She pushed her lip out like a puppy dog.

"Jess, stop it. That's childish," Becker scolded.

Bernie smiled. "I hate to see the bride so unhappy. I'm sure we can work something out, Captain."

"Yay!" she cried, jumping into the chef's arms. "You're so much kinder than the guy I'm marrying! I should marry you!"

Bernie laughed.

Becker shook his head. "Bernie, it's a mistake. She'll drive you crazy. She'll drive me crazy."

Bernie laughed. "You're probably right, but I cannot refuse her. Besides, you can consider part of it your present."

"Ooh, will you deduct some of the cost?" asked Becker. "Because in that case, I change my mind."

Jess swatted him. "Don't insult him! Honestly, you're thinking too much about the money."

"I have to Jess! I know you! If I let you, you'll go crazy and we'll go broke."

She crossed her arms and scoffed.

"Just think of it this way. I'm trying to keep your fashion and shoes up to their usual overly pricey quality."

"Oh, good point. Thank you, Sweetie." She kissed him lightly on the lips.

Emily laughed. "I suppose if Chef Bernie is chosen to make the cake and the menu, that is one less thing for us to do," she said, motioning to herself and Abby.

"Unless Jess decides the menu by herself too," said Abby, chuckling.

"Sorry, I don't mean to steal your jobs," Jess said.

"Just remember, Jess, we're here to help."

"You must let us," said Emily.

Jess nodded. "You're right. Sorry."

"Can we stop planning for a moment, and get back to celebrating?" asked Becker.

"Sure," she said, kissing him deeply. "I'm done. Besides, I need more chocolate." She got up and ran to a fountain. "Bernie, you need more dipping things! A lot more!"

"Coming future Mrs. Becker."

"Ah!" squealed Jess. "I'll never get tired of how that sounds!"

Becker laughed, sipping juice with Matt and Connor. "Me either."

"Even with the looming craziness of the planning?" asked Matt.

Jess squealed again then stuck a whole, chocolate-dripping strawberry in her mouth.

Becker smiled widely. "Even with. She's worth it."

End of Chapter Seven