"I'm kinda excited for this engagement party," Duncan admitted.

It was the second Sunday in October and the couple was driving to The Maplewood Inn where Duncan's mother Jane and his sister-in-law and bridesmaid Katherine had decided to host the party. Courtney had never been to the location, but Duncan had been too many times to count.

As a child Duncan's family had used The Maplewood Inn at every possible opportunity. All the birthday parties celebrated by him and his older brothers had taken place there, every baptism, communion, and conformation as well. The inn had also held the engagement party for David and Katherine. If the Evers didn't have a party there at least every six months, the owner worried that something had happened to them and began to miss the family. Courtney had no idea what she was getting herself into.

"I know. I feel like I haven't been to a decent party in ages. It'll be nice, just our closest family and friends."

"Yeah and the best part, we don't have to do anything but show up."

"It'll be great, no need to plan or order anything, we can just relax."

The couple drove up the winding road that led to the inn and parked in the small line of cars that had formed.

"It's cute, charming even," Courtney stated as they walked up the stairs and entered the building.

When they walked into the room the pair was immediately engulfed in cheers and hugs and kisses. Giving the room a quick sweep, they noticed two empty seats with balloons tied to them at the table presumably where Duncan's parents were sitting.

There were several tables decked with wedding bell decorations and confetti for the wedding party but they were empty save for coats and pocketbooks. Instead the wedding party had pushed several tables together and seemed to be having a blast socializing.

"Duncan! Courtney! Hi," Jane practically shouted. "Here, here, let me take you stuff!"

"Hi…Dad," Courtney greeted Paul, while Duncan talked to his mother.

"Hi sweetheart," Paul embraced her whispering, "I'm sorry to hear about your parents."

Courtney nodded her head in thanks and hugged him tighter.

"You have, and always will be, the daughter I never had. I love you sweetheart."

"Paul, you've hogged Courtney enough. Come here dear!" With that Courtney was removed from Paul's grasp and placed into Jane's.

"I hope you enjoy yourself today. Promise me you will."

Courtney laughed, "Scout's honor."

"Now go mingle!"

After greeting all of the guests, Courtney joined Duncan at the makeshift table some of their bridal party sat at, grabbing a seat between Kellan and DJ, briefly interrupting their conversation. Geoff was keeping most of the people entertained by telling stories of his most crazy party. Maureen, Bridgette, and Lizzy were laughing so hard they were crying.

David and Katherine were talking to Courtney's extended family, parents of the ring bearer, while simultaneously keeping an eye on Julia and her new playmate, Courtney's cousin the ring bearer Tommy. Andrew was talking to his parents and trying to ignore Sherry's occasional glances.

"Alright everybody grab a seat," Jane announced. "Dinner is about to be served."

Dinner went by uneventfully and Katherine quickly ushered the couple to the front of the room and brought over a stack of cards and several gifts.

"We didn't expect any of this, none of you needed to give us anything this party was more than enough."

"Shut-up Court! We wanna know what's in the gift bags," Lizzy shouted.

"Jesus, fine."

Duncan grabbed a tall slender bag and took the card off handing it to Courtney. She opened it and read it quietly.

"Jane, Paul, you shouldn't have gotten us anything! Again, this party was more than enough."

"Please," Jane chided, "just open it."

"This might be the most expensive wine I've ever seen."

"Yeah and I'll be holding onto it you lightweight."

"Ha ha." Picking up the next gift, a large silver bag, the couple saw that it was from Courtney's cousins, Tommy's parents.

"Oh it's beautiful!"

"We figured every couple deserves an elaborate picture frame for their wedding photo."

"That was so thoughtful, thank you."

"The last gift is from me and Maureen," Lizzy volunteered.

Unwrapping the shiny blue paper the couple was a little confused at what was underneath it. At the couples obvious uncertainty Lizzy spoke up.

"It's a scrap book, with everything you could possibly need to make it! Keep your wedding memories all in one place."

"We weren't sure if you were artsy Court, but we figured Duncan could help you," Maureen added, enjoying the sudden blush that covered his cheeks.

"Awe is my baby blushing," Jane laughed. "Alright I'll save you this time son. The cake and coffee are ready for anyone who wants it."

A few hours later the party was dispersing. Everyone was saying their good-byes, when Kellan tugged on Courtney's arm.

"I need to talk to you for a minute."

"Ok." Turning to Duncan, Courtney said she'd be right back.

"Alright, I'm gonna go bring all of this stuff to the car. Meet me out there." Courtney nodded and walked off to a secluded corner to talk to her brother.

"What is it?"

"I just wanted to give this to you, didn't want to make a scene or anything in front of everyone," he reached into his pocket and handed her a small wrapped package.

"Awe Kel, you shouldn't have."

"Calm down I didn't buy it."

Courtney unwrapped the small box and gasped. Inside sat a pair of dangling teardrop diamond earrings.

"Oh my God, where did you get these?"

"They were Grandma's. She gave them to Dad before she died, when you were still in high school, and told him to give them to you when you were getting married. That's where I got that watch you always liked, that was Grandma's gift to me, but I got it early 'cause she thought I'd never get married."

"I never knew Grammy left me anything," Courtney mumbled.

"I figured. A couple weeks ago I overheard Dad telling Mom he had a special gift for her. When they went out to dinner I looked in the bag and found the earrings she wanted you to have. So I took them. They're rightfully yours."

Pulling him into a tight hug she smiled, "Thank you. They're beautiful."

"Now at least you'll always have a part of our family with you. Well, you know the good part of our family."

"Again thank you."

Putting the earrings safely in her purse Courtney bid her farewell.

"I should go, you know, make sure Duncan didn't leave yet. But I'll talk to you soon."

She kissed Kellan on the cheek. "I think the earrings will make a nice addition to my wedding ensemble."

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

"I'm actually a little overwhelmed with all of the money we got from everyone today."

Courtney admitted while the couple was lying in bed that night,

"I know. Who knew our friends and family were so loaded?"

"Ugh, I'm so tired and I didn't even do anything today."

"Yeah Court, parties thrown in our honor are exhausting." Duncan got no response. "Court? Courtney?"

He glanced over at her; she was fast asleep.

"I guess that's my cue to sleep," Duncan muttered, before rolling on his side and attempting to join her in sweet oblivion.