Sorry it's taken me so long to update. I know this is not like me at all. My computer's been giving me trouble and I've had a bit of writer's block. I've written a lot and then changed it because I wasn't happy. I do want to ask the readers, Do you want to read a wedding night for this couple? I have one written but I haven't decided if I'm going to publish it yet or not. If enough of you think it's needed or wanted then I will. And without further ado…

Chapter 14

"I think that's the last one", Katie huffed as she handed a box up into the bed of the truck.

"I never realized this much stuff could fit into such a small space", Sully shook his head. "You and your mother sure know how to collect things."

"What's that suppose to mean", Michaela tossed her hand in the air.

"Nothing honey", he chuckled.

"Well we better get going if we're going to get back before dark", Michaela moved to open the truck door and climb in.

"I'll put my stuff in the garage at mom and dad's until next week. Once you have time, we'll look for a place together if you want", Katie raised up on her tiptoes and kissed Patrick on the cheek. "Thanks for your help. I'll miss you these next few days."

"I'll miss you too. I love you", he kissed her back and offered a hug.

Katie climbed into the truck with Hannah, Michaela, and Sully and headed back to her childhood home.

Once they arrived back, they piled Katie's belongings into the garage and headed in the house to relax. Katie made her way to the back yard and plopped down on the edge of the back deck. She sighed and leaned into the railing looking up at the stars that were beginning to appear. A soft spring breeze was blowing and the smell of cherry blossoms were in the air.

"This is my favorite part of the day", came a voice from behind her.

She startled out of her day dream and turned to see Michaela coming over.

"Mind some company?", she glanced at the spot beside Katie.

"Not at all", Katie shifted over and began to stare back out into the yard.

Katie sat in quiet contemplation for a while before turning away from Michaela and mumbling, "I can't believe he's going to miss this".

A single tear ran down her face as she swiped at it and turned to face her mom.

"I mean, I love Sully. He is like a father to me, but it's not the same.", Katie sniffled.

"I know, but Sully is really the only father you can remember. You're dad would want you to be happy about everything that's happening in your life. You've got a lot going for you right now.", Michaela slid closer to her and wrapped her arm around her shoulder pulling her into a sideways hug. "Your dad loved you very much. We've been blessed with having Sully in our lives and when you join with Patrick, your dad will be there. You may not be able to see him, but he'll be there. He's always been there, watching you grow into a beautiful, smart, young woman. He would be very proud of the person you've become.", Michaela smiled and kissed Katie on the temple. "Is that what's been bothering you so much?"

"Yeah…No, not really", Katie shrugged. "I've been thinking about the wedding. Thinking about moving in my own place with Patrick. Starting a life with him…and other stuff", she drifted off.

"Well, the wedding is pretty much planned at this point. Your grandma has gone nuts. No expense has been spared. This will be the social event of the year. You know grandma", Michaela giggled. "She didn't get to plan mine and Sully's wedding so now she's making up for it with yours. Speaking of which, your final dress fitting is tomorrow."

Katie sighed and leaned her head against the deck rail, "I'm beginning to think that maybe we should have eloped."

Michaela snickered, "that would never happen. Elizabeth Quinn would never let an event such as her youngest grand daughter's wedding go by without making a big deal out of it."

"Yeah, I guess", Katie shrugged.

"What's really bothering you?", Michaela prodded.

"Well I…I just…why is this so hard?", Katie buried her face in her hands before mumbling, "I'm just worried I'll do something wrong." She lifted her face to look at Michaela's and then turned away quickly before muttering, "I knew this was a bad idea".

"Wait, something wrong?", Michaela slowly put two and two together and shook head as a sigh escaped her lips.

Katie glanced at her with an imploring look and began to stand up. Michaela reached out and grabbed her by the wrist.

"Wait, sit back down. This isn't going to go away until you talk about it.", Michaela gave her a pleading look. "I felt the same way when I married you father. I think every woman has these feelings. Believe me when I tell you that he's feeling the same way. Have you talked to Patrick about this?" she turned Katie to look her in the eyes.

"No, I can't do that. It's too embarrassing", Katie began to blush.

"I'm sure he's just as nervous as you are", Michaela offered a smile.

"Just…help me?", Katie implored.

"Well, I don't know what I can really tell you that would help. There isn't a wrong way. You just have to go by what you feel. Once you get to that point, instinct will take over, just don't fight it.", Michaela blushed a dark shade of red. "I can't believe I'm talking about this to you. I still remember teaching you how to ride a bike."

Katie smiled and nodded, "I know, but this helps. Really mom, keep going."

"Well, you just need to make sure that you don't force yourself to do anything that doesn't feel right. If you're not ready, then you need to speak up and tell him. He'll understand, he loves you.", she smiled awkwardly. "No matter how much you think it won't, there will be pain that first time. You know that from your medical studies. Don't panic if you bleed a little too."

Katie nodded and encourage her to continue.

"Timing will not be perfect for awhile. That's something that takes practice. You have to know each others bodies and pleasures before that will develop, and that first time will be brief. Patrick might be embarrassed about that, but it's normal. Most men have trouble holding themselves back at first.", Michaela giggled as memories of her and David's honeymoon flashed through her brain. "Just be patient and communicate with each other. That's the best thing you can do", she patted Katie on the arm. "I better go check on your brother. It's close to his bedtime. If you ever want to talk about this again", she turned toward Katie, "please come to me. I'll always be there for you."

Katie nodded and turned back toward the yard leaning on the railing again. Everything that Michaela had said to her was churning in her head. Nerves and excitement battled for dominance in her brain. So was so ready to be Patrick's wife, but not sure if she would please him. Michaela's talk had helped some, but she still wondered if she would be able to relax and not let her nerves take over.

Finally after the chill of the night had made it too cold to stay out on the deck any longer, she stood and made her way into the house. She needed to get some sleep. Tomorrow was her dress fitting, and then Patrick was coming back into town to shop for apartments with her. She had a busy day ahead.

The next morning Katie, Hannah, and Michaela all met Elizabeth downtown at Ella's Bridal. Katie had picked out a dress when she was home over Christmas and she'd already had 2 fittings. She needed one more to make sure everything was right, and then she could take the dress home. The group made their way into the shop and headed back to the alterations department. Elizabeth was already there tapping her foot waiting.

"It's about time", she gasped as they rounded the corner.

"Sorry mother. Traffic was pretty bad this morning. We're here though aren't we?", Michaela sighed and plopped down in a nearby chair.

"Well now that we're all here, let's get you changed", Valerie the sales girl laughed as she came striding up.

"Sounds good. I've got lots to do today", Katie rolled her eyes.

Valerie and Katie disappeared into a changing room and Hannah moved over to the side of the room and took a seat. After several minutes, Valerie reemerged.

"I think we're ready", she smiled.

She held open the door as Katie came shuffling out. She moved over in front of the mirror and twisted from side to side looking at herself.

"Well, how do I look?", she blushed as Michaela threw a beaming smile in her direction.

"You look absolutely beautiful", Michaela stood and moved over to hug her daughter.

Katie had chosen a rather elaborate gown. The bodice had a sweetheart neckline that was edged in small crystals. Rouging covered it down to the dropped waist. Right below the hips was a band about half an inch wide of crystals that attached the bodice to the skirt. A flower adorned her hip with a gathering of the skirt. Layers upon layers of organza stood out with a lace and crystal edging completing the dress. The back of the dress was a corset design that had a wide satin ribbon that laced up the back. Katie had the figure of a model. She had her father's height and her mother's slim figure. The rouging on the bodice further enhanced Katie's tiny waist.

She turned and looked at the group, "well what do you think?"

"I think it looks great", Hannah chimed in.

"Put the veil on", Elizabeth begged.

Valerie came over with a cathedral length veil. It had a lace edging and small crystals scattered throughout it. She pinned it in place and pulled the blush down over Katie's face.

"Absolutely beautiful", Elizabeth gasped.

"I can't wait for Patrick to see it", Katie giggled.

"You're going to leave him speechless", Hannah laughed.

"Well I think we can finally take it home", Michaela smiled. "Why don't you change out of that and I'll take it back for you. You can call Patrick and see if he just wants to pick you up here."

"Thanks mom. That'll be great.", Katie walked back into the changing room and began to remove the gown.

When they were standing at the register making the final payment, Katie's phone chimed.

From Patrick:

Glad you're done. I'll come get you. Found a couple of places I want you to see. How about dinner afterwards? Love you!

"Mom, is it alright if I bail on dinner tonight? Patrick wants to take me out.", Katie cocked her head to the side with a questioning look.

"Sure, just call me if you're going to be out late. I don't want to worry about you.", Michaela hugged her and then Katie walked out of the store.

Patrick was just pulling up when Katie placed her hand over her eyes shielding them from the sun.

"Your chariot awaits my lady", he smiled and opened her door.

"Thanks", she offered him a small peck and climbed in.

The two headed off for an afternoon of apartment hunting hoping that they'd find the perfect place to start the rest of their lives in. After all, the wedding was only two weeks away.

Ok, there's the next installment. Not sure when I'll get the next chapter up. I'm hoping before the end of the week. Enjoy….