One month later
"Thomas Newman - Whisper Of A Thrill"
"People keep calling me a wunderkind."
Ryan said making air quotes before smiling.
"I don't know even know what that means…well I do know what it means, it's when you're very successful for your age so I guess it makes sense. Just a weird word though…"
A few hours later Ryan came through the front door of his apartment to find Pam sitting Indian style and sketching with her hair drawn back in a loose ponytail. Pam looked up, her face clean of makeup and refreshed. Seeing Ryan dressed smartly in his dark suit and white and black tie, Pam thought he looked like the most handsome man in the world.
"You won't even believe what happened today."
Ryan said putting his leather suitcase on the small sofa that was near the edge of their bed. Pam smiled.
"What?"
"Michael hit Meredith with his car this morning."
Pam's jaw dropped.
"Get out!"
Ryan held back from laughing before shaking his head and taking a seat. Slowly he began kicking his shoes off.
"She's okay but she cracked her pelvis or something…so of course I had to deal with Michael's panicked calls most of the day."
Pam snickered before bending her head down and completely and laughing. Ryan loosened his tie and laughed himself.
It was the day before Halloween and a lot of things had been happening lately. Ryan had adjusted well to his new position in New York and really won over David Wallace with his new website idea. Having been working long hours, Pam took a little extra time getting used to living in the city since Ryan had been so busy. Hanging out at that art gallery, she became good friends with Jess and met her circle of friends who were all artist and beyond interesting. Picking up a few spare hours in the morning, Pam mostly talked art and was beginning to see the ups of living in New York. She loved the tiny little stores, galleys, and theaters. Pam thought maybe next month she might actually start talking a few courses that seemed interesting downtown.
Ryan meanwhile was working all the time and bringing home really good money. Just the week before David Wallace mentioned if the website was released as soon as Ryan was saying, there might be a very serious pay increase in store for him. Pam could tell he was excited and beyond proud of how well he was doing. He spent nearly all his nights working on the site on his laptop and was determined to make this as amazing as he was saying it would be.
Both were enjoying their new life's in New York and Pam's parents came to visit two weekends ago. They stayed at a small hotel not far away and acted impressed when Pam gave them a tour of their small apartment. Every Sunday she would call her mother and fill her in on anything new that was happening with Ryan or her. She was surprised she was even starting to like it here and wasn't even that homesick anymore.
In the middle of laughing, Ryan settled down before gazing at her with so much love it almost seemed dangerous. Pam's laughs turned to nervous giggles before she saw how serious he was looking.
"What?"
Pam asked smiling. Ryan reached over and touched her hand.
"Let's get married…tomorrow."
Pam at first thought he was joking, she laughed again and then fell silent.
"What?!"
"Let's get married."
"Tomorrow?"
Ryan smiled.
"Yeah tomorrow."
Suddenly Pam felt extremely overwhelmed. Sitting upright, she blinked before stuttering.
"But…tomorrow? I mean…"
"Pam, if you want to wait or want a big wedding that's fine. I just want to be with you, that's all."
Pam sat there and thought of her three year engagement to Roy. How so much time had been wasted on such stupid wasteful things. She remembered at one point how crazy it had made her and how much she had hated the idea of a big wedding which would only mean a waste of money and an excuse for everyone she knew to get drunk. Sure she wanted everyone to see her stand up with Ryan and make him her husband, but then she began thinking over her life and the idea of just sharing with moment with him seemed special. Looking into his handsome blue eyes she then knew…
She done waiting.
Smiling she took a deep breath.
"Okay."
Ryan looked surprised.
"Really?"
Pam laughed.
"Really."
Leaning over, Ryan's hands went through her hair before deeply kissing her. Smiling, Pam's heart fluttered and she knew this was the right choice.
An hour later both sat together on their bed on speaker phone with Pam's parents and Ryan's mother. Both held each other's hands and nervously laughed as they informed them about their plans. Ryan's mother was slightly caught off guard until she slowly said she would be more than happy to come. Ryan gave her his number and told her he would call again in the morning with all the rest of the info. Pam's parents were a little different. Both were shocked but her mother sounded thrilled and kept laughing at how sudden and exciting it was. Pam's father sounded a little angry but finally warmed up to the idea and insisted they call them in the morning.
After that both sat there wondering who else to invite. They wanted this small…family only. Pam couldn't think of anything else but Ryan was sure his mother would bring his brothers. After that the next question was…where?
Taking her out, the crisp cool air felt good against Pam's face. Walking out on the sidewalk with Ryan, she looked at the full harvest moon that seemed to stuck up above the now light velvet sky. Most of the shop windows were decorated with orange and black streamers. Pumpkins sat on stoops, and the breeze that was blowing was gentle yet refreshing.
They walked a little while before reaching central park. There they saw people taking horse and carriage rides and some dressed all ready up for tomorrow night. A man at a booth was selling apple cider and popcorn, and beautiful lit up string lights wrapped around all the red, orange, and gold trees.
They walked down one of the paths a little before Ryan stopped.
"There."
He pointed.
Pam looked and saw a beautiful clearing a little further in surrounded by trees. Pam, who was in a long sleeved sweater walked over to it before turning and smiling at Ryan.
"It's perfect."
Ryan grinned and opened his cell phone.
An hour later both stopped by an old costume shop that sold vintage clothes dating back to the turn of the century. Ryan and Pam kneeled beside each other on the second floor of the musty smelling shop and dug through an old trunk together while the owner, a lady in her sixties smiled and smoked her cigarette on a long gold holder. Ryan was making more than enough money to but Pam any dress she wanted and himself a designer suit, but this was Pam's idea and she found it funny Ryan now seemed more into it then her.
"Oh cool!"
Ryan took out a wine colored military styled jacket with snaps that looked beautiful.
"Please let it fit…"
Ryan shrugged it on and smiled. The sleeves were a little long but it looked amazing on him. Pam smiled.
"Oh my God you look amazing!"
The owner smiled.
"That's from the turn of the century, originally from Salem Mass."
Pam smiled.
"Probably worn by one of the judges who hanged all the witches."
Ryan checked the small paper price tag on the inner pocket and grinned.
"Yep…and this is their way of getting back at me."
Pam giggled before the owner walked over.
"Come on hon, I have beautiful Victorian style dresses that will look perfect on you."
A few minutes later Pam walked out with a zipped up wardrobe bag over one shoulder. Ryan who was standing by the counter, his new jacket wrapped up in plastic. Smiling he looked at her.
"So?"
Pam wiggled her nose at him.
"So?"
The owner was coming down the stairs, a small brown paper bag in her hands.
"And here's the jewelry, fine taste you two have. What an original thing to do for Halloween!"
Ryan eyed Pam before she smiled as the woman rang them up. The total made Pam burst out laughing as Ryan shook his head and asked if the store took credit cards. Usually Pam would feel horrible spending this much money, but thinking of how much her nightmare wedding to Roy would of cost she couldn't help but feel excited. After being wished luck by the owner, the two headed back to their apartment where Ryan said he still had a few calls to make. While walking, Ryan eyed the bag.
"So, are you going to let me see?"
Pam shook her head.
"Not until tomorrow, it's bad luck."
Ryan laughed before following her to their building.
Before he began making his calls, Pam showed him the vintage cufflinks she got him that went perfect with the jacket. By midnight the two were exhausted and Pam slept peacefully against Ryan's shoulder as he finished his calls and laid back feeling like a kid waiting for Christmas morning.
The next day went by in a complete blur for the two of them. Waking up early, Ryan treated Pam to a full breakfast at a nice restaurant. Sitting across from each other, Pam picked at her fruit before giggling like a little girl and telling him she never felt so nervous before in her life. Reaching across the table, Ryan squeezed her hand.
"I love you Pam."
Pam smiled, knowing she would never love anyone as much as she loved him.
"And I love you Ryan."
After that they went to city hall and signed a marriage license.
A few hours later their parents arrived. At first it was awkward, and very crowded in the apartment. Ryan's brothers arrived shortly after and everyone shared coffee and hellos. Finally Ryan decided to take Pam's father and his brother's out to run a few errands. Before leaving Ryan's older brother Mark joked to Pam if she was really sure she wanted to do this. Being elbowed by Ryan, he winked at Pam before leaving.
Pam stood there, staring at her mother and Ryan's before bursting out laughing. There the two of them decided to help her with her makeup and hair.
By dusk, they took a taxi to the park. Ryan told Pam he had taken care of everything but in the pit of Pam's stomach she worried something might be wrong or missing. Feeling her hands shake, her mother smiled at her and kissed her cheek.
After being helped down the path, they stopped behind some trees a few feet away.
Pam gasped.
The clearing was beautiful. Ryan had gotten the justice of the peace there and her father and his brothers were dressed in black suit jackets and wine colored ties. The colorful leafs were raked and put into beautiful piles that looked almost like an ail. There were almost beautiful string lights wrapped around the closer trees and the sun setting made the sky look a beautiful faded pink. Walking down the ail, clutching the beautiful dried roses Ryan's mother had bought her, she felt as if her heart was ready to stop. Meeting Ryan's eyes she smiled and stood beside him. Ryan stared at her vintage long sleeve lace dress and looked in awe. Everyone gathered around as the sun's last rays of light began to set.
Minutes later tears rolled down her face as the justice of the peace pronounced them man and wife. Both Ryan and Pam smiled and she couldn't help but feel a tug on her heart when she saw tears in his own eyes. Leaning forward, the two of them kissed as everyone clapped. Ryan and Pam laughed through the kiss before turning. Pam's mother had brought her old fashion black and white camera and snapped photos before everyone else lit up the sparklers they were holding. Pam laughed even harder before clutching onto Ryan's chest and feeling like the luckiest woman in the world.
A little while later everyone gathered for dinner at the same beautiful restaurant Ryan had taken her for dinner. Candles were lit and Ryan and Pam sat at the head of the table as everyone laughed and toasted drinks. Classical music played and Ryan and Pam even shared a dance for everyone to watch and whisper that the two looked so in love it almost seemed like a movie. They stayed dancing and drinking until the early hours of the morning when finally taxis were called and their families went back to their hotels.
Ryan and Pam walked together still in their wedding clothes, holding hands and laughing before stopping at an old fashion all night theater that looked like it was last popular back in 1955. Pam read what was playing and her eyes lit up.
"Giant! That's my favorite movie!"
Ryan looked and was surprised to see it had just started. Grinning he paid for two tickets.
"Not what I expected for a honeymoon, but if you find it romantic then let's check it out."
Pam squealed with delight as the women behind the counter eyed them strangely, most likely thinking they just came back from a party. Going in, there were only a few people sitting around, most of them either half way past out drunk, or in costumes and giggling in the darkness. Ryan and Pam found seats further back and Pam wrapped her arm around his. She wasn't even tired at all, in fact she felt wired. Looking at Ryan seemed so weird…he was her husband now. It was funny, thinking back on that snowy night where she broke her teapot and he was there to help her.
"I used to be in love with James Dean, he's so tragic."
Ryan smiled before gently kissing her on the nose.
"I love you Pam Howard."
Pam smiled.
"And I love you Ryan Howard."
Just as the credits began to roll, both snuggled close and watched the entire film.
By the time it let out, it was almost dawn. Both still very much awake walked out as others had to be helped out of their seats. Walking hand in hand, Pam smiled looking at the thin 5 o'clock shadow that Ryan had been sporting for the last month or so. As much as she loved it, she still remembered him when he was just the fresh faced temp that first caught her eye.
Both grabbed coffee and returned to their apartment. They had agreed to breakfast with everyone at eight. Knowing they had a few hours to catch up on sleep, both went back to their apartment talking about the movie and laughing. Once they were inside, Ryan rubbed the side of his face and smiled as Pam threw herself back on the bed still in her wedding dress.
"God you're beautiful."
Pam looked up at him and smiled.
Tugging off his jacket, Ryan kneeled down on the edge of the bed before gently pressed his lips against hers. Both of their hands held each other and their fingers laced. Ryan smiled as he pressed his face against hers.
"Just wait until Monday when everyone finds out what I did."
Pam smiled and felt the happiest she had in a very long time.
A week later Pam walked through the front door, jugging her purse, easel case, and tote bag. It was nearly eight and she couldn't wait to tell Ryan everything about her day. Ryan greeted her and helped her with her bags before she grinned.
"So how was it?"
Ryan's laptop was on the bed and he was now in sweats and a short sleeve black shirt. His beard was slowly coming more in now. On his finger was his white gold wedding band that had just come in along with Pam's.
"Oh my God it was amazing!"
Ryan smiled crossing his arms and listening as Pam talked about her first day at the art course she had decided to sign up for. It was only three days a week and taught at a small college five blocks away, but Pam seemed thrilled. At first she was nervous beyond belief, but Ryan told her she would be fine and if she didn't like it she could just take something else. That morning, after Ryan had left for work, Pam walked to the campus and felt overwhelmed as much younger students walked by her. Sitting in her class, Pam didn't know anyone and felt like the oldest there. Taking a deep breath, she sat down when finally the teacher came in and broke the ice making everyone laugh. By the end of the day she met a few students and felt much more relaxed sitting back free sketching while soft music played in the background. She talked with a few of the other students who were just as interesting as Jess from the gallery. She even met a single mother who was working part time while taking classes. Pam said she was from Scranton and that she moved here with her husband when he got a new job. Everyone seemed friendly and the teacher was more than friendly.
The entire ride back she couldn't wait to show Ryan her sketches and tell him about everything.
Talking a mile a minute, when she finally finished, her sketches and drawings scattered all over the kitchen table, Ryan was smiling.
"That's wonderful honey…"
Ryan leaned over kissing her before Pam nervously played with her hair.
"I don't know, maybe if this works out I can take a few more. I mean it's really cool."
Ryan leaned over looking at her drawings.
"These are really good, I might need your help with the website."
Pam's eyes lit up.
"Really?"
"Yeah for a logo, it's in its final stages. Thought you could draw up a few ideas if you're not busy."
"Oh my God Ryan that would be so awesome!"
Ryan grinned before rubbing the back of his neck.
"When do you have class again?"
"Not until Monday why?"
"Well guess who has to visit the Scranton branch to show them the new updates and changes."
Pam smiled as Ryan rolled his eyes.
"Really?"
"Yeah it's going to be overnight, you think you're parents will let us crash?"
"Sure, I'll call them tonight."
"I mean you don't have to go…"
"No it will be nice to visit, would you mind if I went to the office…I mean nobody knows about a little thing we did last week."
A smile curled up on Pam's face as Ryan laughed.
"Yeah sure, I might need to support. God knows Michael is going to tackle us when we walk through the front door."
Pam smiled before she noticed that sparkle in his eyes again. The same sparkle she couldn't get out of her head. The same sparkle that made her wonder if they ever had any children…would they have the same sparkle in their eyes? Finding this thought as funny, she pushed it away.
The next day both drove into the same town they had called home for what seemed like a lifetime. Seeing the welcome to Scranton sign seemed so strange and so unlike New York. Pam sat in the passenger seat and looked out the windows before Ryan's hand touched her neck and softly began to rub it. Looking over at him, she couldn't help but look forward to the look on everyone's faces once they saw how much Ryan had in fact changed.
"You look very handsome."
Ryan smiled at her.
"Thanks."
That's when they approached the building and Pam gulped.
"Oh God…"
Once they walked in, almost everyone froze. Pam had to blink when she saw the young woman named Erin sitting behind her desk answering calls. Right away her eyes lit up.
"Ryan ! Pam!"
"Hey Erin, is Michael in?"
Ryan asked. His messenger bag thrown over his shoulder. He had also brought a box full of brand new blackberries that were sitting in the trunk of his car waiting for the staff to now log onto and use.
Jim turned in his seat, he looked exactly the same and his eyes seemed shocked when they locked with hers. Just then Michael raced out of his office.
"HEY! THERE THEY ARE! THERE THEY ARE AND LOOK AT HIM HE HAS A BEARD!"
Pam and Ryan nervously smiled as Kevin raced up as well.
Michael giggled before looking at Ryan who stared Michael down with a smug unpleasant smile.
"He has facial hair! Look at him! All grown up and no place to go. Hello Mister Sonny Crocket I'm Tubbs!"
Ryan didn't look like he was enjoying the joke and Pam felt his grip on her hand tighten.
"Okay, shall we get started."
Ryan began to take his bag off. Michael held back from laughing.
"Yeah let's get started because this is very serious business…"
Pam knew Ryan was pissed, he let go of her hand and glared at Michael and spoke to him as if he was a child.
"Yes this is a business meeting."
Just then Kevin past Pam, nearly knocking her over before ruffling Ryan's hair.
"FIRE GUY!"
Ryan jumped.
"Stop that!"
Pam saw Ryan tried to fake smile as Michael laughed.
"That's right. Don't start any fires!"
Andy then leap up from his chair and began dancing around like a madman in front of Ryan.
"Fire guy!"
"You weren't here for that."
Kevin said. Andy looked confused.
"What?"
"When he started the affair."
Michael stared at Ryan like he was a new puppy.
"Look how big he is! You are so mature and big and a little old man now. A little man."
" Little old man boy."
Kevin added. Pam saw Ryan was getting embarrassed and sudden remembered why she really hadn't missed this place.
"Okay, Michael everybody…"
"Bearded old man boy…"
"Let me say something, I know I used to be a temp here. But now everything is different, I would like your respect. I am your boss now, I would like you to treat me the same way you treated Jan."
Michael of course made a noise.
"Oh wow, that's a little kinky. Don't swing that way! I think Ryan has a little gay crush on me!"
Pam wanted to die as Kevin and him laughed, that's when Ryan snapped.
"Enough! This is inappropriate and it stops now!"
Even Pam found herself jumping slightly at the volume of Ryan's voice. The entire office fell silent as Michael just stared at Ryan.
"Do you understand?"
"Yes…everyone come on settle down, let's be serious. Ryan has a very important presentation to do which will be held in the conference room in ten minutes?"
Ryan kept staring at Michael.
"Perfect."
His voice sounded flat."
"Wait…Ryan why are you wearing a wedding band?"
Kevin asked in his flat and dull voice. That's when Pam wanted to clutch onto Ryan's hand the worst. Everyone looked and Pam saw Jim freeze. Ryan looked over, still looking as though he was cooling off from the last comment made by Michael.
"Pam and I got married last weekend in New York."
"Oh…my…God!"
Michael yelled, forgetting completely Ryan snapped at him. Just as predicted, Michael charged in for a hug for Ryan who he stepped back and avoided.
"Michael please…"
Michael ignored this grabbed Pam, squeezing her with all his might.
"How dare you elope without us? We all wanted to see you become Mister Ryan Howard!"
Pam felt uncomfortable as Michael squeezed her even tighter, past the point of being able to breathe. Looking over Michael's shoulder, her eyes pleaded for help at Ryan who quickly came forward and tugged on Michael's arm.
"Come on Michael…"
Michael let go, letting an unlimited supply of oxygen rush into Pam's lungs. Michael laughed before teasing Ryan some more.
"Awe look everyone, he's over protective. How sweet."
Pam saw Ryan was making a tight closed fist with his hand.
A few minutes later once Michael disappeared into his office giggling and Ryan went to set up, Kelly nearly knocked her down with a million questions.
"Oh my God! I can't believe you and Ryan got married! That is so sweet! Tell me everything! What was your dress like? Did you get married in a church? What songs did you play? Was it romantic? Have you seen any famous people in New York yet?"
Pam was overwhelmed and glanced over at Jim who wouldn't even look at her.
During Ryan's presentation, Pam sat off to the side and had to admit, she did miss some of the craziness that did happen here. Ryan had set up power point and was trying to show them how the new website would expand sales. Pam caught Jim looking at her a few times, his eyes looking heartbroken. Afterwards, Pam and Ryan grabbed some bottled water in the kitchen. Smiling, she looked around.
"Weird huh?"
Ryan looked disgusted.
"Yeah, like a nightmare."
Just then Michael poked his head in asking to see him. Ryan rolled his eyes before following him. Pam stood there for a few moments before eying Erin at her old desk. Sighing, she glanced at her wedding band before Jim walked in.
"Hey Beesly…or should I say Howard."
Pam nervously smiled.
"Hey Jim."
"So how Scranton compared to New York?"
Pam smiled leaning against the counter.
"It's…well…I really can't say."
Jim laughed, reminding her of her old friend.
"So, anything else…other then you now being a married woman."
Pam hoped this wouldn't get awkward.
"Well…I'm taking art classes."
"Are you? No way!"
Pam smiled.
"Yeah, it's only one so far since I'm still getting used to the city…but it's really cool. In fact you should see the galleys there, it's amazing."
"Just the place for an artist like you huh?"
Pam smiled.
"Yeah…"
Both stared at each other for a second before Pam glanced down at her shoes.
"So…how's life for you?"
"Good…boring, you know."
"Any new ladies in your life?"
Jim stared again.
"I wish…"
Just then Pam saw Ryan leave Michael's office looking rather annoyed. Just then Jan walked in, wearing sweats and her hair in a ponytail. Both bumped into each other and right away Pam knew the exchange would be horrible.
"Hey, I better go out there, we'll catch up later…"
"Yeah sure, see you around Beesly…I mean Howard."
Pam nervously smiled before leaving, She wanted to leave and go back home.
Of course Michael made a fool of himself again when he hosted his own meeting later that afternoon right before Ryan and Pam planned on leaving. What was supposed to be Ryan showing everyone how to work their new blueberries, Michael made a point of showing how no matter how old you are, you can still sell paper. Ryan was beyond annoyed and sat back shaking his head. Pam sat beside, cringing yet again and having so many memories of her years here. Finally when it finished, Ryan and Michael walked out first. Pam followed before Phyllis stopped her.
"Hey Pam, I was wondering if you could show us some photos of the wedding?"
"Yeah sure, there's some on Ryan's cell…hold on."
Going out of the meeting room, she saw Michael and Ryan talking. Ryan looked like he was about the pop a blood vessel.
"Well I look forward to hearing your ideas!"
He said as Michael went into his office. Pam right away raised an eyebrow.
"Everyone okay?"
She lipped.
Ryan shrugged.
"Let's go…"
"Hold on a sec, I want to show Phyllis and Kelly a few photos from the wedding, can I see your cell?"
Ryan dug into his pocket taking out his own blackberry and handing it to her.
"Hurry up though, God knows what else he's going to pull."
Pam smiled before turning and seeing Jim standing near Phyllis and Kelly near the back desks. Sighing, she went over.
"Okay here they are…"
Pam clicked them on and noticed Jim was leaning forward to look. Right away Kelly gasped.
"Oh my God it looks so beautiful! Your dress is amazing!"
Pam blushes smiling.
"Where did you guys get married?"
"Central park, Halloween at dusk…it was a last minute thing but everything worked out great."
Phyllis smiled as Pam clicked forward with the photos, when one came of Ryan and Pam kissing she saw Jim's eyes drop.
"Hey Pam you ready?"
Pam looked across at Ryan who was getting their coats.
"Yeah coming."
"It's really beautiful Pam, you're wicked lucky."
Pam eyed Ryan being smiling.
"Yeah…I am."
Jim looked across at Ryan and sighed.
Turning, Pam met Ryan who helped her with her coat. Kelly and Phyllis smiled before saying what a cute couple they made. Finally hearing enough Jim went to his desk to get is things. He looked as though he couldn't take it any longer.
Pam slipped her hand into Ryan's before they walked down the stairs and into the windy night. It was getting really cold out now.
"Maybe we should invite your parents up to New York this Thanksgiving…might be avoiding Scranton as much as possible."
Pam laughed before giving him his blackberry back.
"Come on, don't lie…you miss it."
Ryan rolled his eyes before helping her into the car. A half an hour later they arrived at Pam's parents where her old car now sat in the driveway. Right before leaving for New York she sold it to her parents. Going inside they had a nice dinner before going into Pam's old bedroom for the night. Ryan took a long shower and came out with a towel wrapped around his waist. Pam laid back on the bed, laughing at her old 90210 posters before clicking on the TV. Ryan came in, hanging his shirts up in the closet before walking over to her and sighing.
"My God I'm exhausted…"
Pam laughed before stretching out.
"You really want to go back tomorrow?"
Ryan sighed again.
"I have to…if you don't it's cool, you can hang with your mother."
"And leave you alone for Michael? No thanks."
Ryan laughed before getting into some sweats and laying beside her. Taking her hand he kissed it.
"I'm glad I'm married to you."
Pam smiled before kissing his scruffy cheek.
"And I'm glad I'm married to you."