A/N: I've been updating this story a lot lately haven't I? Well unlike the last two chapters Simon wanna be didn't proofread this chapter. :( So I'm sorry for all errors. This chapter is all about Marnie and her wacky Garden City family. aI hope you enjoy this chapter. Please R&R!
Daddy'sGirl123- Well this chapter is even longer! I hate short chapters too.
dragon132- Thanks I love writing Simonette. But I do prefer causing them pain and suffering in my other stories more than other couples.
MunksEttesAndCountryMusic- Sammy wouldn't cheat on Jen. Or would he? No he probably wouldn't.
Lakeeyia- Well all the adults I know argue like kids. He isn't too much better in this chapter.
Simon wanna be- The only reason I put up the poll was because I wanted to see what my readers wanted. But I believe it is my choice in the end is it not? We all know Simon would do anything for Jen/Jeanette so of course he said yes. I wanted someone to see what Simon was goign through and Bartley was just a character for laughs in previous chapters so I decided to cause him some pain. We'll see more about Sammy's past in another chapter and hopefully more about Jen. Caroline isn't as bad as she seems, she just doesn't like Simon very much. Well the next chapter will show how Simon is doing.
JordyTheChipmunkLover- So it seems she does.
AluvsB- Okay!
peaceluvandchipetteslolz- It did, really?
Izaackjl- Well I'm glad you like it.
amddude- Hopefully she'll figure it out soon.
"Hey guys." Marnie greeted as she entered the room where the 15 chipmunks on the newspaper staff worked.
"Hey Marn." Dylan greeted from his desk. "Guess which football player will not be playing next season due to the fact that a reporter discovered he was paying a nerd to do his school work?"
"Luke Striker." Marnie said as she hung her coat on the back of her chair and sat down behind her desk.
Dylan turned his chair to face her. "How did you know?"
Marnie pulled out an issue of their school's newspaper. "I read your article this morning in the paper. How on Earth did you manage to find out that someone else was doing his work?"
"Harriet squealed." Dylan said with a proud smirk.
"His girlfriend?" Marnie asked in shock as she began going through some papers on her desk.
"Ex-girlfriend." Dylan corrected her. "Harriet was so pissed off at him for dumping her; she wanted to squeal more than anything else."
Marnie grinned. "Well it's one of the greatest articles in our newspaper's history!"
"Are you sure? This issue's gossip article was pretty well written." Cody told her from where he was filing papers.
Matthew chuckled from his desk where he was stacking cookbooks in a pile. "Oh yeah, 'Beauty and the Geek. Marnie Cobalt-Miller, one of the most popular girls in school, is currently dating Cody Anderson, king of the nerds.' I thought Jasmine did a great job with it."
"Thanks Matthew." A chipette with pin black hair and bright green eyes acknowledged as she strutted into the room.
"Yeah thanks for that Jasmine" Cody told her sourly.
Jasmine was wearing a yellow shirt, a white skirt, yellow leggings, and black flats. She sat behind a desk and pulled out a tube of lip gloss and a compact mirror; she began applying the gloss to her lips.
"Jazz, I told you about me and Cody because you're my best gal friend. I didn't tell you so you could write about it in your gossip column for the whole school to read!" Marnie exclaimed.
Jasmine rolled her eyes. "Darling it's only Cody."
"Hey!" Cody yelled.
Jasmine snapped her compact mirror closed. "Besides the so-called most popular girl in school that every guy drools over,"
"I'm right here." Cody spoke up.
"Is dating the biggest nerd." Jasmine finished.
Marnie continued to glare at her raven-haired friend.
"Marnie just put yourself in my shoes." Jasmine pleaded. "I only had two options. Your story, or the story every gossip column writer writes for their final article of the year. Who is this year's Annie?"
"You mean Ask Annie?" Marnie asked; trying to sound curious.
Jasmine gave her a look. "No I mean Annie the Orphan Girl. Of course I mean Ask Annie! This person solves everyone's problems but no one has any idea who she is. I did all this research for the article to before you told me about your new relationship."
"Research for what?" A chipmunk with greasy brown hair asked from behind his desk in the corner of the room.
"Just stick to the weather Scott." Jasmine told him with pursed lips.
Cody sat down behind the desk beside Marnie's. "Actually I would like to know too."
"If you must know I've been reading past Ask Annie articles and past gossip columnists' articles. And there was actually one Ask Annie- well actually it was an Ask Andrew- who revealed his true identity." Jasmine said in her gossip voice.
Marnie's eyebrows rose. "They did."
Jasmine nodded before she slipped her mirror and lip gloss into her book bag and pulled out a manila folder. She flipped through the papers in the folder before she pulled out an old newspaper article. "Read this," She ordered Marnie as she handed her the article.
"Dear Ask Andrew, please tell me your true identity. I know it's supposed to be a huge secret but I won't tell anyone. Your secret is safe with me. Curiosity Killed The Chipmunk." Marnie read.
"You won't believe the next part." Jasmine interrupted causing everyone to glare at her.
"Dear Curiosity, it is okay to be curious. I can tell you my true identity and I'm not afraid to do so. My name is Samuel P. Cobalt, but I prefer Sammy."
Marnie trailed off as she stared at the paper; trying to sound shocked to everyone else. She looked up at her friends. The boys were all looking at her like she was crazy while Jasmine was smirking.
"Sammy!" The Anderson boys all exclaimed in harmony.
"Isn't that your dad?" Scott asked from the back of the room.
Jasmine clenched her jaw. "No it's Marnie's butler." She muttered sarcastically.
Dylan wrapped an arm around her shoulders. "Just ignore him Jazz. He's only a puny sixth grader."
"Beat him up for me?"
"I can't afford to get in trouble Babe." Dylan told her before he kissed her head.
Marnie was watching them confused. Jasmine was her best girl friend since Jasmine moved to town when the girls were six. Before then, Marnie only hung out with the Anderson boys. It was a change from hanging out with the boys who raced toy cars and had a knack for trouble, to a girl who played with Barbies and a knack for gossip.
Of course Jasmine was known as a heartbreaker so she had never shown any interest in Dylan. They were always bickering, and fighting over stupid things. In fact, Marnie hadn't seen Jasmine be nice to Dylan since she first moved to town.
"Marn, is there anything else in the article?" Cody asked seeing what Marnie was looking at.
Marnie shook her head and handed the article back to her friend. "No not really."
Jasmine placed the article back in the folder as a chipmunk entered the room and slammed the door behind him. He had darker fur and was wearing a black shirt, a pair of shorts, and flip flops.
"Hey Frankie." Dylan greeted as he and everyone scrambled to get to their seats.
"Everyone here?" He asked.
"Paul isn't." A chipette with curly brown hair and chocolate brown hair informed him.
Suddenly a chipmunk burst through the door holding a newspaper. "Extra, extra, read all about it!"
Frankie groaned and ran a paw through his hair. "Must you always make an entrance like that Paul?"
Paul thought for a moment. "Yeah I kind of do."
"Just sit down." Frankie ordered.
Paul sat down in the desk beside Dylan.
"I liked your article Paulie." The chipette with curly brown hair said from her seat behind Paul.
"Thanks Trina." Paul told her causing her to giggle.
He turned back to Dylan. "Nice article man. You should be lead reporter instead of me."
"Thanks but I don't think you could sports man." Dylan told him with a chuckle.
"Touché man, touché." Paul agreed. "But how did you discover that story?"
"You know the ladies can't resist the love doctor." Dylan said.
Jasmine hit him on the head as Marnie rolled her eyes.
"Okay everyone I need you attention. This is our last meeting as this year's newspaper staff and this is my last meeting as your editor. First I want to say that all fifteen of us on this team have an important job. From Paul our head reporter to Marnie who does layout. So, let's give a round of applause for everyone on the team." Frankie said and everyone clapped half heartedly.
Frankie waited for everyone to stop-which didn't take long- before he continued. "As we all know seven of us will be heading off to the upper school next year, including me. Four of us have already been accepted to the newspaper staff there, two of us have turned down their offers, and one of us was rejected. I won't give out names but I will tell you that I will be on their staff next year."
"Just tell us who the new editor is already!" A chipmunk with red hair cried out.
"Aright what you've all been waiting for. The person I've decided for next year's editor is a great person, determined, hard-working, and will do whatever it takes to get a story and make sure people want to read it. I'm really proud of the progress they've made since they first arrived here. So next year's editor is Dylan Anderson!" Frankie finished his ramble as he gestured to Dylan.
Dylan had a goofy grin on his face as everyone clapped for him-except for the chipmunk with red hair, which was looking like he was going to kill him- and Jasmine squealed in happiness before she gave Dylan a peck on the cheek.
"So to wrap up my final meeting as editor, and his first, here's D." Frankie said.
Dylan made his way to the front of the room and Frankie sat down behind his desk at the front of the room.
"Wow I don't know what to say." Dylan began. "Thanks Frankie, it means a lot you would choose me. Ever since I first joined the staff I knew I wanted to be up here one day and it's like a dream come true. So to those of you leaving good luck, and to those staying and coming prepare to work your tail off! See you guys at the end of the year."
"What's at the end of the year?" Scott asked hesitantly.
Dylan looked at Marnie who smiled and stood up. "Party at my house!"
Everyone cheered and Trina stood up with her paws on her hips. "And why on Earth would your parents allow you to have a party?"
"Actually my parents will on their honeymoon and my Uncle Bartley will be in charge. He's the one who suggested it." Marnie told her.
Trina didn't have time to retort before Frankie spoke up. "Hey and everyone remember to pack up your desks before the end of the week, you're dismissed."
Everyone began to gather their things and we're to heading out when Frankie spoke up, "Dylan, Marnie can you come up here for a second."
Dylan and Marnie went to the front of the room with their things.
"Dylan, you know what Marnie does on the paper?" Frankie asked.
"She does the paper's layout. But if you ask me she has way more potential to do more." Dylan said.
Frankie smiled. "Actually she does a bit more than that. Dylan, meet Ask Annie."
Dylan turned to Marnie. "You're Annie?"
"Yep." Marnie said. "But you can't tell anyone. It's the biggest secret of the paper. I can't even tell my boyfriend or my best friends. I did tell my parents though. And why I'm telling you secrets, I also knew Sammy used to be Andrew."
"Well that's pretty much it. You guys can go now." Frankie dismissed them.
The two left the classroom in silence. Marnie waited until no one else was around so she could turn on Dylan. "What's up between you and Jasmine?"
Dylan shrugged. "She's my girlfriend."
Marnie looked at him shocked. "What about AJ?"
"What about her?" Dylan asked as he began walking to his locker.
"You were all over her when we were in the city. She really likes you and I know you really like her too. When did you and Jasmine get together? You guys have always hated each other." Marnie said as she walked beside him.
"AJ is really cool and I like her but I've been in love with Jasmine since my uncle's funeral. She held my hand and told me he was in heaven and he would always be with me. And then I told her we hated my uncle and she became really shy and embarrassed around me." Dylan explained as he began opening his locker.
Marnie began opening her locker-the one beside Dylan's- and spoke angrily, "So that gives you no right to just dump my cousin."
"I was never with your cousin. All I did was flirt with her a little, and I bought her a smoothie. I didn't propose to her. But by the way your Uncle was acting I did." Dylan said as he began stuffing books into his locker as Marnie began exchanging things in her locker for things in her book bag.
"She really likes you. I hope you know when she comes and sees Jasmine with you she'll be heartbroken." Marnie replied coolly as she zipped her book bag and slammed her locker door closed.
She turned around and walked down the hall. She didn't look back until she was about to turn the corner. She saw Dylan walking hand in hand with Jasmine in the other direction.
She shook her head angrily before she stormed around the corner, down the hall, and didn't stop until she reached her boyfriend's locker.
"Why didn't you tell me?" She demanded.
Cody sighed as he closed his locker. "You found out."
Marnie glared at him. "You knew and you didn't tell me. How long have they been dating?"
"He asked her out the night you left for the city." Matthew said from his spot on the ground as he shut his locker. His locker was the one directly below Cody's.
Marnie pursed her lips. "So he was with Jasmine when AJ fell for him."
"No actually they didn't officially get together until we got back from the city." Cody explained. "He came in right before curfew singing some old eighties love song as loud as he could. He's happy with her. But of course his relationships don't last longer than a month so you have nothing to worry about."
The three walked towards the exit. "I guess you guys are right." Marnie admitted.
Cody smiled. "Not to sound like my brother but I'm always right."
They reached the front of the school and Cody opened the door for Marnie. "You want me to walk you home?"
Marnie shook her head. "Thanks but there's another munk here for me."
The boys looked to see Sammy standing there, waiting for Marnie.
Marnie flew down the steps and into his arms. "Ready for a weekend stuck with me?"
"More like a weekend stuck with me and your moping Uncle Bartley." Sammy told her as he held her close.
"Hey Sammy." The boys greeted.
"Hey guys, where's D?" Sammy asked.
"Girlfriend." The two boys replied simultaneously.
Sammy nodded in understanding. "Why am I not surprised?"
"Well we better get going back home. Kurt's probably starting to worry." Matthew said.
"Well you don't want your butler to worry about you." Marnie teased.
Cody rolled his eyes as he gave her a peck on the cheek then left with his brother down the street.
"How was school sweetheart?" Sammy asked as he took Marnie's book bag from her.
"Alright Dylan is the new editor." Marnie told him as they began walking slowly down the street.
"That's great." Sammy said. "So he knows you're Annie now?"
Marnie nodded. "Yeah he does."
Sammy stopped. "What's wrong?"
Marnie shook her head. "Nothing."
"Marnie Samantha Miller, I've raised you your whole life and I know when something is bothering you. What's wrong?"
Marnie sighed in defeat. "It's Dylan."
"Is it because he became editor?" Sammy guessed.
"No it's not that. It's something else. It's kind of a long story though."
"Well we have a long walk to the diner. Care to fill me in?" Sammy said as he took her hand in his own.
"I can't believe he would do that though, it's wrong!" Marnie exclaimed as they reached the door of Sam's Corner.
Sammy opened the door for her. "I agree Marn. But this is Dylan; he's always a heart breaker."
"Hey Marnie. Want to help me with some customers?" A munk asked Marnie.
"Sure Uncle Earl. Maybe it'll get my mind off of things." Marnie said as she headed to the diner's back room and grabbed her apron and name tag.
"Rough day at school?" Earl asked.
"You have no idea." Marnie responded as she grabbed a pencil and pad. Sammy gestured to an elderly couple sitting at a booth before he went into the back with some order slips.
Marnie walked over to the elderly couple. "Hi Mr. and Mrs. Viking."
"Oh hello Marnie." Mrs. Viking said.
"What can I get for you today?" Marnie asked sweetly.
"We'll have some of those world famous hot dogs your dad is famous for with a couple of cokes." Mr. Viking said. "And make sure he's the one who cooks them. No one does it better than him."
"I don't know about that. I think Marnie inherited of his skill when it comes to cooking. Her hot dogs were splendid the last time I tasted them." Mrs. Viking gushed.
Marnie blushed. "I don't think I'm as good as Sammy yet, but I'm still learning the ropes and everything."
"Sweetheart you learned the ropes when you were five." Earl hollered to her as he cleaned a table. "In fact aren't you learning how to cook lobster soon?"
Marnie rolled her eyes. "Your order is coming right up."
She walked into the back and clipped their order up. "Hey where's Uncle Bartley? He normally comes down to see me after school so we can plot what we'll do this weekend."
Sammy and Earl exchanged glances. "Marn, prepare yourself." Sammy warned his daughter.
"For what?" Marnie asked.
"Earl, will you..." Sammy began to ask.
"I'll cover for you down here." Earl interrupted him. "I've been learning the ropes here since your father first took over this place when your grandfather wanted to retire.
"Don't mention that ungrateful scumbag in front of the girl, Earl." Mrs. Viking scolded him.
Earl rolled his eyes.
"C'mon Marn." Sammy said quickly.
Marnie followed Sammy to the back of the diner and up the steps that led to their apartment. "What's wrong with Uncle Bartley?" She asked again.
Sammy pulled out his key. "Brace yourself." He told her before he turned the key and opened the door.
Marnie walked inside ahead of her father. She looked around and saw her Uncle Bartley lounged on the couch in his pajamas. Beer bottles, an empty ice cream carton, pictures, and other various objects scattered around him. He had earphones plugged into his ears and was singing loudly and off key, "When I was young, I never needed anyone. And making' love was just for days are gone. All by myself, don't wanna be, all by myself anymore. All by myself, don't wanna live, all by myself anymore."
"How long has he been like this?" Marnie asked as she felt a paw rest on her shoulder.
"As soon as we got back from the city he broke down." Sammy told her quietly.
"So he's been like this all week?" Marnie asked.
Sammy nodded. "Pretty much."
"Please tell me he took a shower." Marnie said.
"I'm afraid not." Sammy said as he grinned at the look Marnie gave him. "But c'mon I need your help in the kitchen."
He walked into the kitchen and Marnie looked from him to Bartley. "But what about Uncle Bartley? Isn't there something we can do to help him?"
"I wish there was but he just needs to get over your Aunt Kate. Then he'll be the same old Bartley, who is always stealing my money and eating any food in sight, we all know and love." Sammy said as he grabbed a cookbook.
"Fine what do you need my help with?" Marnie asked as she followed Sammy into the kitchen and sat on one of the bar stools.
"I'm making dinner for you and your mother tonight so I need some suggestions." Sammy said as opened his cookbook.
Marnie reached for a different cookbook when someone knocked on the door. She jumped to her feet and raced to the door. "I got it."
"Thanks for your help." Sammy called sarcastically after her.
Marnie opened the door to reveal Kate standing there. Her short auburn hair reached her shoulders and her green eyes looked nervous as she smiled at Marnie. She was wearing jeans, a white shirt, an orange scarf, and a pair of sandals.
"Aunt Kate!" Marnie squealed as she threw her arms around the chipette.
"Hey Marnie, is your dad and Bartley home?"
Marnie released her Aunt. "Umm yeah come on in."
Kate followed Marnie into the apartment and into the kitchen. Sammy glanced up from his cookbook and his eyes widened. "Hey Kate. Long time no see."
"Hey Sammy." Kate said as she gave him a hug. "I went over to Jen's work before I came here. It's about time you proposed."
Sammy laughed. "Everyone knows I would do it eventually"
"Well duh. You were always jealous when she was dating the mayor. We knew you guys would end up together." Kate pointed out.
"My mom dated the mayor!" Marnie exclaimed.
Sammy rolled his eyes. "Don't remind me about that guy."
Kate giggled. "So where's the Bart man?"
Sammy and Marnie exchanged glances before they both pointed into the living room.
Kate turned around and gasped when she saw Bartley.
She walked slowly over to him and gently shook him. "Bartley, you okay."
Bartley stopped howling some old love song and opened his eyes. "Kate?" He exclaimed before he rolled off the couch and onto the floor.
"Are you okay Bart?" She asked.
Bartley pulled the earphones out of his ears and rubbed his head. "I'm fine, I think."
Kate giggled and offered him her paw.
Marnie and Sammy exchanged another glance as the phone began ringing.
"I got it!" Sammy called as he grabbed the phone. "Hello Cobalt residence, Sammy speaking."
He handed the phone to Marnie. "It's your boyfriend."
Marnie rolled her eyes as Kate's face lit up. "My little goddaughter has a boyfriend! Who is the lucky boy?"
"Cody Anderson." Bartley told her.
"Are you serious?" She squealed in delight.
"Okay I'll ask him. Bye Cody." Marie said before she hung up.
"What did he say?" Kate asked.
"He wants to know if I can spend the night at his house tonight. Can I?"
Sammy continued to flip through his cookbook. "Did your Uncle Derrick or Aunt Caroline say it was okay?"
"Well no..." Marnie began.
"Then no." Sammy cut her off.
"But they're not even home yet." Marnie pointed out.
"How about we go ask your Aunt Caroline at her office? Call Cody and tell him and his brothers to meet us there. I'll go tell Earl he'll have to take over for awhile." Sammy said as he headed out the door and Marnie took the phone into her room to call her boyfriend.
"So you want something to drink?" Bartley asked.
Kate nodded. "A beer would be nice."
Bartley went into the kitchen and Kate plopped down on the couch. "This shouldn't be awkward at all." She muttered.
"There you guys are!" Cody exclaimed as the Cobalts arrived at Caroline's work.
"Sorry." Marnie apologized as the five entered Caroline's office.
Kristen looked up from her seat at the bunch. "Hi Sammy." She greeted flirtatiously.
"Hey Kristen. We need to see Mom." Dylan explained quickly.
"Go right in." Kristen said; keeping her eyes on Sammy.
Sammy pushed the kids towards the door. "Bye Kristen."
They walked inside Caroline's office to see Caroline sitting behind her desk while a young chipette sat on the couch.
"Sweetheart, he's your boss." Caroline told the girl gently.
"I know he's my boss but I love him!" The girl sobbed.
Caroline stood up from her seat and sat back down next to the girl. The girl began sobbing on Caroline's shoulder and Caroline rubbed her back comfortably. "Marcy, I'm going to tell you something about Mr. Fredrickson."
Marcy sniffled and looked at Caroline. "What?"
"All you are to him is a maid, and that's all you're ever going to be to him." Caroline told her as she pushed a copper strand of hair behind Macy's ear. "You deserve someone who loves you, respects you, and treats you like an equal. Not someone who keeps you around because you clean his house."
Marcy paused for a moment as she digested what Caroline said. She wiped her eyes and nodded her head. "You're right. I deserve someone who loves me. Not Mr. Fredrickson."
Caroline spotted her sons, Marnie, and Sammy standing in the doorway. She handed Marcy a box of tissues. "If you excuse me for one minute, my sons are here."
Marcy nodded as she blew her nose in a tissue.
Caroline stood up and walked briskly over to the group. "Hey Mom." The boys chorused.
"Hi boys, how was school today?" Caroline asked as she hugged her sons.
"Good." her sons replied.
Caroline smiled brightly at Sammy and Marnie. "Hi Sammy, Marnie."
"Mom, can Marnie spend the night at our house?" Cody asked.
"I don't see why not. We love having Marnie over." Caroline said.
Marnie smiled. "Thanks Aunt Caroline."
"No problem. You can go home with the boys now if you'd like. I believe you already have everything you'll need at the house."
Sammy shook his head. "I'm sure she does since she's over at your house more than ours."
"That's not true!" Marnie exclaimed.
He laughed as she hit him.
Caroline chuckled. "I better get back to Marcy. I love you boys."
"Love you too Mom." The boys chorused.
"I'll see you later Cobalts." Caroline said to Sammy and Marnie.
"Bye Aunt Caroline." Marnie said.
"See ya Caroline." He looked over at Marcy who had stopped crying and was now wiping her eyes. "And Marcy, forget about Mr. Fredrickson. I heard he asked out Flora the florist to the festival."
Marcy's bottom lip quivered and she burst into tears once more.
Caroline clenched her jaw and looked at Sammy who chuckled nervously. "This is probably why I never became a therapist."
Her eyes narrowed. "Sammy, I just made a breakthrough with her."
"Well it could be worse. At least this way you'll get more appointments with her, and that means more money." Sammy pointed out.
Caroline pursed her lips and placed her paws on her hips. "I'm in this business to help people with their problems. It's not all about the money. If it was about the money I would charge more than I do."
"Dr. Caroline." Marcy said in between sobs.
"Yes dear?" Caroline asked.
"You're out of tissues." Marcy sniffled.
Caroline rushed over to the red head and threw the tissue box in the trash before she hit a button on her phone. "Kristen I need more tissues, yesterday!"
"I'm on it Dr. Anderson." A voice came back.
Caroline nodded her head contently before she rubbed Marcy's back for a moment, and then went back to her boys.
"Well thanks to your Uncle Sammy I'll have to spend a bit more time with Marcy than I expected. So I'll have to push a few appointments back, and then when I'm finished with those do a boatload of paperwork." Caroline told her sons. "So I'll be home late tonight. But you're father said he didn't have much work today so he should be home."
"Okay Mom." The boys chorused as Caroline gave each of them a peck on the cheek.
"Bye Aunt Caroline." Marnie said.
"Bye sweetheart." Caroline turned to Sammy. "You know if you weren't marrying my best friend and if you weren't sort of a friend of mine I would sue you."
"You're joking right?" Sammy asked.
Caroline shrugged. "Partly."
"See ya Caroline," Sammy said before he walked back into the waiting room with the kids.
Kristen was searching for a box of tissues but her attention quickly turned to Sammy as he stepped up to the front desk. "Hey Sammy," She greeted breathlessly.
"Oh brother." Marnie grumbled.
"Hey Kristen, how much is on my tab for Jen's appointments?" Sammy asked.
"Remind me why you pay all her bills." Kristen asked bitterly.
Sammy chuckled. "I'm the one who put her in therapy. I'm the one who pays."
"Well aren't you sweet." Kristen told him with a giggle as she typed something on her computer.
He leaned against the desk. "I try."
Kristen's cheeks burned red as she quickly turned to her computer trying to hide her embarrassment.
Marnie and the boys were trying not to burst out laughing as they watched Kristen so flustered. Sammy himself was trying to contain his laughter.
"That would be 200 dollars." Kristen said looking back up at Sammy.
Sammy pulled out the cash from his wallet and handed it to Kristen. "Thank goodness it isn't anymore. That's all I have left."
"Well I think you shouldn't be wasting your money on a girl who is completely mental." Kristen told him. "But anyway, what are you doing tonight."
"I'm spending it with my 'mental' fiancée." Sammy replied.
Kristen pursed her lips. "I heard you two got engaged."
"Well it is all over town. Caroline's mouth has been running a mile a minute since we've returned home." Sammy said.
"No I read it in the wedding announcements. For once there's more than one announcement. Yours and Katie Jennings's. "
Sammy nodded. "I haven't seen it yet. I bet Jen has though."
"Hey Sammy, can we wait outside for you?" Cody asked as he and his brothers we're trying not to die laughing at Kristen flirting with Sammy.
Sammy looked back at the kids. "Sure thing." He turned back to Kristen. "This won't take too much longer will it?"
"It depends." Kristen giggled twisting a lock of her brown hair.
A buzz went off and Kristen pressed the button. "Kristen where are the tissues!" Caroline's voice erupted.
"Tissues right. Coming right up!" Kristen said as she grabbed the box of tissues. "I'll be right back."
Kristen scurried into the other room as Sammy shook his head.
"Lord, help me." Sammy muttered as the kids left Caroline's.
The boys burst out laughing as soon as the door closed behind them.
"Guys it isn't funny." Marnie said.
"Yeah it is Marn." Dylan managed to say in between laughs.
"Another woman being in love with my dad when he is marrying my mom in less than a month is not funny." Marnie told them.
The boys stopped laughing and froze.
"What?" Marnie asked.
"You called Sammy your dad." Matthew said.
It was Marnie's turn to freeze. She had often called Sammy her father after she found out he wasn't. But now it was a bit different. She had met Simon. He was her real dad. "Did I really call him Dad?"
"Well it's not that big of a deal." Cody said quickly.
"But I called him my Dad, right?" Marnie asked again.
Dylan nodded. "Yeah you did Marn. But you've called him Dad before. It's not that big of a deal."
"But it is." Marnie said before she sat down on the steps leading to the door. "Is it wrong that I feel closer to Sammy than my birth father?"
The boys exchanged glances. "What do you mean?" Matthew asked.
"When I was with my dad I felt almost no connection. I felt like I couldn't open up to him like I can with Sammy. Remember when those kids were teasing me because my parents weren't married?" She asked.
"Well technically Sammy isn't your dad." Dylan muttered.
Cody elbowed his side and nodded. "Yes we do."
"Sammy was the only one I would talk to about it. He's always been there for me. I don't think I could talk to Simon about stuff like that. It was so awkward between us. I felt like I couldn't open up, and be me around him." Marnie said as she placed her head in her paws.
"Just remember what Mom told you when you were old enough to understand how babies are made?" Dylan told her.
Marnie lifted her head. "Just because he gave some sperm years ago doesn't make him my father. It's the person who's been working his butt off to raise me my whole life."
"Maybe you should write to Annie. She's really good." Matthew suggested. "She can solve any problem."
Marnie and Dylan exchanged glances. They both couldn't help but crack a smile.
"I don't think Annie could help me Matt." Marnie said gently.
"Marnie you can't expect to have an automatic bond with him. You don't even know the guy from Adam." Cody said as he sat down next to her.
She laid her head against his shoulder. "I know but he's my dad. I expected something."
The door to Caroline's office opened and Sammy stepped out. "That woman can talk. And since when did I'm engaged mean I'm single!"
Marnie stood up with a grin on her face and hugged Sammy. "I don't like her."
"You know your mother and you are the only girls in my life." Sammy said before he kissed her head. "Are you okay?"
Marnie nodded as she hugged him tighter. "I've just been thinking about how lonely you'll be without me tonight."
"Well I'll be with your mother so I think I'll be anything but lonely." Sammy told her as she let go.
"Sammy, can I talk to you about something later?" Marnie whispered.
Sammy nodded. "You know I'm all ears for you."
Marnie grinned. "I know."
"Hey Marn, you want to go ahead to our house?" Cody asked.
She nodded. "Sure thing. I'll see ya tomorrow Sammy."
"See ya later sweetheart." Sammy said.
The kids began walking up the street.
"Have fun kiddos." Sammy hollered after him.
Marnie paused and waved back at him "I will Dad!"
Sammy watched his little girl and her friends leave with a smile on his face. The word 'Dad' ringing in his ears.
He still had a smile plastered on his face as he dialed the diner's number to check on how Earl was doing at the diner.
"Hello Sam's Corner, Kate Jennings speaking."
"Hey Kate, why are you answering my phone?" Sammy asked.
"Bartley is taking a shower while Earl and the rest of the employees are taking care of your customers. So I thought I'd pick up the phone. Where are you?"
Sammy looked back at Caroline's practice and saw Kristen peeking at him through the window blinds. "Right outside C's work. I'm actually being stalked. Why?"
"Would you mind meeting me at the old play ground?" Kate asked nervously.
"Why?" Sammy asked again as he began walking away from Kristen's eye.
"I need some advice and if I remember correctly, you give great advice."
"I'll meet you there." Sammy told her as he calculated the route to the park in his head.
He was about to hang up when he heard a faint whisper. "Thank you."
Sammy looked around the park and spotted Kate sitting on one of the swings. She was slowly using her feet to rock herself back and forth with her gaze focused on the ground.
"Hey Katie." Sammy greeted.
Kate looked up and smiled when she saw him. "Thanks for coming."
Sammy sat down in the swing next to her. "No problem. What do you need?"
Kate was quiet for a couple of moments as he stared at the sky. "How do you know you love Jen?" She finally asked.
"Whenever I see her, no matter how awful of a day I've had. I instantly feel like it's the most perfect day in the world because I get to spend some of it with her." He told her.
"Well what is it about her that brightens up your day?"
"Everything." He responded.
Kate rolled her eyes. "I mean specifics, but not too specific."
"Her eyes," Sammy began as he thought about Jen, "are the most brilliant shade of green. I hate it when she wears those contacts that make them a gray-blue color."
"What else?" Kate asked.
"Her smile. It brightens up anyone's day. I love how klutzy she is. She manages to trip over thin air at least three times a week." He chuckled. "She can't cook. She tries but she can't cook; not even those microwave meals."
"You're joking, right?"
Sammy shook his head as he laughed. "I wish I was."
Kate smiled for the first time. "Anything else?"
"She's so supportive. I've made more progress about my past with her by my side than anyone else by my side. Jen is an amazing mom. I mean she gave me Marnie for crying out loud. And I...I just love her with all my heart." Sammy looked at his friend. "But you know what I'm talking about. You wouldn't have promised your heart to Todd if you didn't love him."
"I promised him my heart." Kate whispered.
"Well yeah you agreed to marry him didn't you?" Sammy asked.
Kate nodded.
Sammy leaned back. "You're having cold feet aren't you?"
Kate nodded again.
"Care to tell me why?" Sammy asked.
She was silent for a few more moments before she spoke again. "You know he let me come down here to visit my family and pick up a newspaper and he'll let me come to your wedding but then Todd said I won't be allowed to come down anymore. I haven't even seen my sister yet."
Sammy shrugged. "Flora is fine. Mr. Fredrickson asked her out to the festival. Which I hope you can make it to since it is a couple days before my wedding."
Kate gaped at him. "What about Mrs. Fredrickson?"
"She left him for the mayor years ago. Right after you left actually. One of the only four couples to ever get divorced in this town. She's number four of course since you're number three." Sammy said.
Kate sighed. "I can't help but wonder what would've happened if I stayed here in Garden City."
"Well you can't change the past but you can change the future." Sammy told her. "My grandmother used to always tell me that when I asked about my dad."
"Your grandmother was wise. I bet she would have never left everything she ever cared about behind." Kate said.
"Well she did when she died. But the lord had his reasons for having her join him." Sammy said sadly. "So how long are you in town for?"
"I'm leaving in about an hour. I just wanted to know how you knew you wanted to spend the rest of your life with Jen. But I think I get it. You love her with all your heart and you would help her with whatever. Even raise a kid that technically isn't yours." Kate said.
Sammy nodded as he stood up. "You pretty much nailed it. But in my defense she's mine legally."
"But you adopted her after you fell for Jen." Kate argued.
"I wasn't in love with her yet." Sammy objected.
"Sam, I was there. You fell for her so hard." Kate said.
"Fine I had a small crush on her. Happy?"
"Uh-huh. A small crush is what I felt for Bartley in high school. You were in love with her!" Kate exclaimed.
Sammy rolled his eyes. "If I said I was can we drop this argument?"
"Sure. Just admit you loved Jen before Marnie was born." Kate challenged.
"Fine I developed a crush on Jen the moment my eyes first saw her. It grew over time and after one month of living with me I was in love with her. Happy?"
Kate smiled in victory. "Content."
Jen entered her house surprised to find the door unlocked.
She looked around cautiously as she slipped out of her high heels.
"I told you not to leave your key under the mat." A voice behind her said.
Jen jumped around to see Sammy chuckling at her with two wine glasses in his paws.
"I hate you." She said as she took a glass from him.
"I love you too." He said.
She sniffed the air. "What's that smell?"
"Well our daughter is at a sleepover so I thought I would make one of my favorite girls dinner." Sammy told her.
"So you broke into my house." Jen accused him as she took a sip of wine.
"Ah, but I used a key." Sammy pointed out.
Jen laughed as she sat on the couch. "So you did."
"Alright I'll go check on dinner, you can turn on Dateline." Sammy told her.
"You hate Dateline." Jen said.
"But you love it." Sammy said before he headed into the kitchen.
Jen smiled as she turned on Dateline NBC.
"Hey Sammy," Jen called after a few minutes.
"Yeah?' Sammy asked from the kitchen.
"Where's my spare key? I want to put it back under the mat." Jen said.
Sammy walked into the living room. "I'm not letting you put it back in such a predictable place. If we didn't live in such a safe town you would already be robbed by now!"
Jen rolled her eyes. "Well when we move into our new house you can hide the key but for now I'm putting it under the mat."
"We're getting a new house?" Sammy repeated as he sat next to Jen on the couch.
She snuggled up closer to him and he wrapped his arm around her. "This house is too small for Marnie, Shelby, and me. Once you move in and if we ever have any more children it would just be cramped."
"We're having more children? Didn't we screw up Marnie enough? Do we really want to put another kid through our parenting methods and our crazy friends?"
Jen laughed. "I don't think we screwed up Marnie. Besides Marnie needs know there are crazy people out there besides herself and her parents."
"So you want more kids?" Sammy asked seriously.
Jen looked into his eyes. "If you want more kids."
Sammy smiled at her. "If you want more kids Jen, I want more kids."
She rested her head on his chest. "So we're going to have more kids?"
He buried his nose in her neatly pinned up hair. "Yeah I guess we are."
"I love you Jen." He told her after a few moments of silence.
"I love you more." She murmured.
"Impossible." He whispered back.
Poll Update: Simon- 24 Sammy- 7 Either- 3 Neither- 0
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