Isn't as long as I usually write but at least it's an update, right? The epilogue is going to come next and it's going to be long, trust me. Hope you like it.

CHAPTER 11

"We're going to get married." Levi said. "Me and Max."

"Katie?" My mother stared at me. "Is this true?"

"Naw." I grinned. "He means the other Max."

A year after Levi and me decided that maybe we liked each other a lot, things had really progressed. We figured it was time to get on with our lives.

Shaun hooted. "I don't believe it! Levi, you're an idiot!" Shaun got up and clapped his older brother on the back.

Levi and I looked at each other and beamed.

"You're only fifteen!" My mother protested. "You're too young."

"My ma was married at fourteen." Levi countered.

"Sides, age doesn't matter." I stuck my chin up stubbornly. "We're gonna get married."

Ron shrugged. "I think they're old enough."

"Just because I waited till I found Tyler doesn't mean she should have to wait once she's found the right man." Emmy winked at me.

"Sides," I pointed out. "We weren't asking your permission. We were sort of just telling you."

My mother looked at me, really looked at me. She sighed, with tears in her eyes. "My baby's growing up."

I groaned. "Ma!"

"I guess I can't stop it." My mum said. "You have my blessing."

"Yes!" Maggie threw her napkin up in the air. Patrick, Conner, and little Alan followed suit.

"When?" Leah beamed at me.

"We want something simple." Levi told his sister. "Something simple and soon."

My conniving mother's mind was already fast at work. "We could have an outdoor ceremony, if the weather holds. Outside of the church, so we can move indoors if it rains."

"Ma," I shook my head. "I'm Catholic, remember? Me and Levi want a Catholic priest to do our wedding."

"Oh, right." My mother said. "Well, I still like the idea of an outdoor ceremony."

Levi nudged me. I elbowed him back. "Me and Levi decided to go back to New York, after we get married and all. Levi is going to get a job, using the schooling he got here."

My mother's eyes widened. "Why?"

"We like the city." Levi said simply.

"What about us?" Leah said. She had a beau, a fine scrap of manhood.

"You can stay here, if you want." My mother was quick to offer. She had grown close to all of the children. Hey, I was fine with that. It kept her from getting too clingy.

"I'm staying." Leah decided.

"You just want to be with Roger." Shaun teased.

"Course she does." Maggie made a face. "It's true love."

"Why Roger?" Shaun groaned. "He stinks at baseball."

"He does not!" Leah defended. "And he's better than anyone in school!"

"Women like smart men." Emmy grinned at Tyler, who flamed.

"Shaun's got a long way to go." Maggie laughed.

Tyler turned to Levi. "What do you want to go into?"

"I dunno, but I sure am done with selling papes."

"Hey," I frowned. "I like selling papes."

"They'll be no selling papes when you're my wife." Levi said. "I can provide for the family."

He stuck out his chest and I giggled. "What family?"

"Aw, you know," Levi grinned mischievously. "All those babies you're going to be hauling around."

"Name the first one Village Idiot after his father." Shaun smirked. Levi ground his fist into his palm with a joking smile.

"If it's a boy, you should name him Joshua." Emmy suggested.

"No, Jarod or Aaron." Maggie listed.

"You should name him Max, after his momma." Levi grinned at me, proud at his cleverness.

I slapped the table. "I am not going to have a baby!"

"Course you will." Frank said. "You'll see."

"Guess it doesn't matter what I say." I slumped in my chair. "If you all say I'll be with child in the next year, that's what will be."

"We could wait two years." Levi tried to keep a straight face.

"Sure, sure." I groaned. "You're lucky I like you, or I wouldn't marry you."

"You are in love with me." Levi kissed my cheek. "You want to marry me."

I shrugged. He sure did have a point.

I looked at my soon-to-be husband, my many siblings, and my parents and I was happy. I was fifteen, on top of the world, and I had plans. I wouldn't mind a baby or two, resting on my hip as I cooked dinner for Levi. I smiled widely.

"Max?" Shaun waved his hand in front of my face before turning to Levi. "She's addled. Don't marry her. She's a defect."

I cuffed him in defense amid the laughter that came from my family.

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