Well this one definitely got a way from me a little, by far the longest chapter I have written. Even though I have laid out this chapter I am still not sure how everything will ultimately unfold. Let me know what you think and I hope you enjoyed it...sorry for mistakes I haven't fully proofed it yet.
ALEX POV
I don't like to lie and I especially don't like to lie to my girlfriend. In my experience lying has always backfired and blown up in my face, but in this situation, I am not sure there is a way around it.
"Vause."
I could at least be partially honest, I was just going to fib a little…a tiny fibblet really.
"VAUSE."
Yeah, just a tiny little fib and in the end, it would be for the greater good. Nothing I was doing would hurt Piper she would just temporarily not be fully informed but would eventually know all.
"ALEXANDRA PEARL VASUE WHAT THE FUCK!"
I nearly jump out of my skin hearing my full name and at the same time swipe my desk clean of any distracting objects.
"Damn Nicky you scared the crap out of me," I barked.
"Oh no you don't get to yell at me for this I was calling you for like a minute! What the hell has your head up your ass?"
"Nothing," I grumble.
"Bullshit it is definitely NOT nothing. I'm pretty sure I could have danced naked on your desk and you wouldn't have noticed."
"First NEVER do that and second yes I would have noticed your white ass flapping around."
"Hey be nice you know my ass is a sensitive subject."
I couldn't help but laugh at my friend. As confident and cocky as she was about just about everything her flat ass had her fretting.
"Seriously, you ok? You were pretty damn distracted when I walked in here."
I debated for a moment if I should reveal my reason for distress. I have never been in this position before and while my wild haired friend had a big mouth I knew she could keep it shut for serious stuff. Ultimately, I decided to let her in on my little secret and place the diamond ring on the desk.
"HOLY SHIT!"
"Keep it down Nicky damn," I hush her quickly before she can yell out any of information.
"Is that…"
"Yup."
"You're going to…"
"Yup."
"Does she…
"Nope."
Nicky open her mouth to say something but no words came out.
"Well, I have finally done it…I have rendered blabber mouth speechless."
It was honestly a little unnerving having my usually talkative friend shocked to silence.
"Ok Nicky seriously…say something."
"Is this serious?"
"Umm I am not sure it can get any more serious than this."
I was really hoping for something a little more in-depth. Did she think I was crazy? Was this the worst idea ever? Or smartest thing I ever did? Then without warning she practically tackles me with a huge bear hug.
"I just…I can't believe it but I am so happy for you."
"So you think she will say yes?"
"Are you kidding me? I am not sure she will actually be able to say the word yes because she will be in full on ugly cry mode but she will say yes."
I smile and let out a little breath I had been holding wanting some sort of confirmation this was a good idea.
"When are you proposing?"
"I honestly don't know. I know Christmas is coming up but that seems kind of cliché so I might do it sometime after. I am going to Connecticut to ask/tell her parents I want to marry her."
"Seriously? Isn't that an old-fashioned thing?"
"Yes, but I know this isn't exactly what they thought they would be getting in an in-law. I don't want this to blindside them. I can't think of anything worse than asking Piper to marry me and being so excited about it and then her parents freak out. If her parents want to yell and scream about this then they can do it with me and not Piper."
"They should be so lucky to have you as a daughter-in-law. If they can't see that fuck em…family is more than just DNA."
"I know, I am heading out to my moms tonight and then Connecticut in the morning. I am telling Piper I am going on business…maybe you could take her out tonight to keep her distracted. I hate not being honest with her."
"Oh don't worry Stretch I got you."
"And I don't mean get her black out drunk or in any trouble."
"One Nicky special coming up."
"Maybe I should cancel."
"Alex relax…I got this. Have I ever let you down?"
I just give her a look.
"On the important stuff," she adds.
"No."
"Ok trust me."
"Thanks Nik."
"Man, I can't believe you're going to get married. I never thought I would live to see the day."
"Well, she has to say yes first," I laugh, "honestly I never thought I would even think about getting married. When I think about the word marriage I cringe but then I think about Piper and spending every day with her for the rest of my life just doesn't seem like enough."
"Ohh vomit I get it you're in love…go tell Diane," she said playfully shoving me out the door.
"Just remember not a word Nik."
"My lips are sealed."
"Well, that would be a first."
I grabbed the ring and secured it away before heading back to my apartment to grab my bag. I had previously told Piper I would be heading up to New England for business and might see if her parents were free for dinner but nothing was set in stone.
"Are you some kind of masochist or something," she asked again as I was packing a few last-minute things?
"Only when it comes to you," I laugh giving her a kiss.
"Heyy," she pouts but a smile sneaks through, "Al seriously I won't be there as a buffer if you go through with this."
"Pips I am a big girl I can handle myself. Have I not proven already I can charm any Chapman," I wink?
"Yeah, yeah I am just worried about the wildcard known as Carol Chapman."
"You worry too much Carol."
"Ouch and the ref takes a point away for hitting below the belt…try and keep the gloves up."
"I am sorry but really I will be fine…we will be fine. I will be back Friday."
"I'm going to miss you," she says looking up at me with her big bambi eyes.
"Oh don't do this to me kid…I am liable to call off this whole trip and spend the next 3 days with you in bed."
"You won't hear me complaining about that," she says kissing up my neck.
"Ugh it is just a short trip and then we can start planning our holidays…maybe we can host a big celebration."
"Look at you all in the holiday spirit."
"Guess having someone to share it with makes it a little extra special. Plus, what is better than a New York Christmas?"
"That's true…I will still miss you but be safe and hurry back."
"I promise."
After a make out session that turned into a quickie I was on the road and headed out to my mom's. I didn't tell her why I was coming just that I was stopping by on the way to some business I had. I could never fool my mom though and I am 100% certain she knew something was up.
The closer I got to her house the more nervous I got. I knew I had no reason to be nervous, but this was kind of a big deal. I have never been in this situation before and even though my mom would probably be over the moon there was still that half a percent doubt I had bubbling in me.
"Alex come on in," Vince said opening the door. "How many time have I told you, you don't need to knock."
"Better safe than sorry…some things you just cannot unsee," I laughed giving him a hug.
"Your mom is in the kitchen. I hope your hungry she has been cooking up a storm since you called yesterday."
"Oh man I told her not to do that. I have no problem ordering take out and keeping it simple.
"I think she thinks she will lose her mom card or something if she doesn't make you a home cooked meal."
"Yeah that sounds about right."
Vince and I are joking around as we walk into the kitchen.
"There is my baby girl," my mom said giving me a big hug.
No matter how old I get these hugs are always home to me.
"Hey mom how are you? I told you not to go through all this trouble."
"Please it is just a simple roast with some cooked carrots, potatoes and sautéed veggies."
"Right, so simple," I said rolling my eyes towards Vince.
"Oh you two I am sure I will hear no complaints when you chowing down."
"Have you ever heard a complaint from me," Vince asked bringing her to his side kissing her cheek?
"Never," she smiled.
I might not have known this type of love my whole life but I have watched in recent years the love between my mom and Vince and knew I wanted that. It was crazy to think about and when I say the words I still cannot believe them but I want Piper to be my wife.
"You ok baby," I hear my mom ask?
"Hmm oh yeah just long drive…traffic from the city was really bad today."
"How about a glass of wine while the roast finishes?"
"That sounds great."
"You two ladies go sit I will get the wine," Vince offered.
Did he know something was up too? When I that transparent?
"So how is Piper," my mom asked once we were settled into the couch?
"Good, remember me telling you about the contract she signed with the Bed and Breakfasts?"
"Oh yes that's right a couple vacation spots," she asked trying to recall?
"Yes, about ten of them. We have visited a couple and her business partner Polly has been to a couple. They are really amazing properties and they have already seen an uptick in business from guests of the B&B wanting their products."
"That's great…that also reminds me I need more lavender breeze and the huntsman."
"Geeze what are you guys doing drinking the stuff," I joke.
"Hey they are excellent products and I looooove the way the huntsman smells on Vince."
"And that is all I want to know about that," I smirk.
"Please we are tame compared to you two."
"We aren't talking about this."
"Give me something else to talk about then."
I suddenly grow silent knowing what I want to talk about but not sure how to start this off.
"Here you go ladies," Vince cut in handing us each a glass. "The roast looks to be doe soon I will let it rest for a few before cutting it up. We should be ready to eat in about 20 minutes," He said before heading off again.
I took a large gulp of wine before running my finger along the rim of the glass.
"Ok baby girl spill it."
"Have you ever thought your life was going to go one way and you were totally good with that but something happened and it kind of changes what you want?"
"Hi have we met," my mom said joking slightly.
I can't help the little chuckle that escapes.
"Every time I think I know where my life is going something happens and I totally change course. That is life baby it is an adventure."
"You taught me to be independent mom and I am forever grateful for that. I don't have to rely on anyone for anything…although I am learning sometimes leaning on other people is a good thing."
"Guess I passed on my stubborn streak too huh."
"Ya think…you were mom and dad wrapped up into one amazing person. Anything I ever needed you provided for me and I just wanted you to know how much I appreciate that."
"Oh baby girl," my mom whispered as tears sprang to her eyes.
"And just because I am older now doesn't mean you have stopped providing for me…you have in ways you might not know."
"Sweetie, I love you so much and will always do anything I can."
"I knew you before Vince and you were this amazing woman and I have seen you since Vince and you're just so much more."
"Kind of like how you are with Piper."
"What," I asked a little shocked?
"Baby I have known you since day one…you're my mini. You are this strong, fierce, independent woman looking to put her stamp on this world. Since being with Piper you are just amplified…you're not just trying to survive this world you're thriving in it and it is so beautiful to see."
I stand up and pace a couple steps in front of my mom. I am certain I am causing her more stress than necessary in these few moments but I just can't get my brain to form coherent thoughts right this moment.
"I never thought I would need anyone. I don't want to say I thought needing someone was a sign of weakness I guess I just wanted to protect myself from needing anyone after I almost lost you. Once again though you have shown me that while it's ok to protect yourself some things are worth the risk. I guess all this is me trying to say I want to ask Piper to marry me," I finish by pulling out the ring I bought.
Once again, I nearly jump out of my skin and drop the ring as my mom lets out an ear-piercing scream. She jumps up and wraps her arms around me crying tears of joy.
"Oh my precious baby," she whispers into our embrace.
The moment was interrupted when Vince came running into the room not sure what was going on.
"What happened? Is everyone ok?"
"Vince my baby is getting married," my mom announces before I can say anything.
"Mooooom…I just bought ring no one has answered yet and no one has answered."
"But you're going to and she will say yes."
I can't help but blush thinking about the possibilities.
"Alex, sweetheart that is amazing…congratulations on taking this next step."
"Thank you, Vince…I guess I am a little more nervous about it than I thought."
"I can't blame you there…I was a nervous wreck before I asked your mom."
"Really?"
"Absolutely! My brain was 99% certain she would say yes but this little 1% was filled with doubts that yelled way louder than the other 99%."
"That is exactly it…the damn 1% is blaring through a megaphone."
"Unfortunately, that won't stop until you put a ring on it as Bae says."
I look at my mom and we both burst into full on belly laughs as Vince referenced Beyoncé.
"Ha thanks Vince I really needed that," trying to compose myself again.
"But speaking of putting a ring on it…when will you be putting a ring on it."
"Honestly, I don't know. I think I just wanted to get through telling her parents before I really thought about a plan. I am not sure how they are going to react."
"If they disagree with you marrying their daughter will that change your plans," my mom asks?
"I would like to say no, but it kind of will have to."
"You wouldn't ask her?"
"Oh no, I will still ask her…nothing is going to stop me from marrying that girl."
"That's all I needed to hear. Whatever happens sweetie you have a girl that loves you unconditionally and family that supports you."
"Thanks mom…I think I have reached my max emotional limits for today…how about we chow down?"
"Sounds like a great idea to me," Vince said escorting us to the table.
PIPERS POV
"Nicky I am not really sure I am up for hitting the club…especially not without Alex."
"Relax kid it is not like we are going to a rave…plus I have the VIP hook up tonight."
"And here I thought it was Alex that had all the hook ups."
"Ha good old Nicky has a few tricks up her sleeve," she winks. "It's a total girls nights even Daya will be there."
"Can I ask Polly to come?"
"Girl she is already on the list don't be the only dork staying home pouting because their girlfriend is out of town," she jokes.
"Fiiiiine I will be there."
"Yaaaas," Nicky jumped pumping her fist in the air.
I can't help but roll my eyes at our goofy friend.
"When did you talk to Polly?"
"I am not sure how much talking there was but a couple nights ago."
"Nicky….you and Polly? Seriously?"
"I never kiss and tell."
"BULLSHIT YOU BETTER START SPILLING NOW," I demand the gossip.
"Lorna and I were off again and I had an itch that Polly looooooved scratching."
"That little slut."
"For a straight girl she has some game."
"I definitely need a drink now."
By 10pm that night Nicky, Boo, Polly, Taystee, P, Daya, Trish and I were all at a club up in the VIP section. I must admit this was a lot tamer than the typical clubs Nicky frequents. I am pretty convinced Alex is keeping her in check not totally trusting Nicky to be on her best behavior. I am a little thankful for that, Nicky can be hard to tame.
"Here is to an awesome girl's night," Nicky yelled once the shots were passed around.
We all cheered and quickly downed the clear liquid. It didn't burn nearly at all and I wondered what that shot was.
"Hey lets all get a picture so I can send it to Alex. That way she can see how much fun she is missing out on."
"Great idea…but don't be on that damn phone all night I will stick it some place you might never get it back," Nicky smirk.
I shuddered the thought.
"I promise just a couple texts and then I will join you on the dance floor."
"Ok blondie but if you're not down in three songs say bye bye to that phone."
I watch as the girls head down to the man dance floor and immediately take over a good portion of it. If nothing else my friends know how to have fun.
"Miss you but having fun," I text to Alex with the picture attached.
"I just want a big hug right now but glad you're having fun."
That was not the response I was expecting.
"You ok Al," I asked thinking something might have been wrong?
"Oh no not at all just a long day and an equally long day coming up but then I will be in your arms Friday so I'm happy love you."
"Love you too."
"Now go have fun before Nicky tosses your phone in a glass of beer or something."
"I think she was talking about sticking it in a more unsavory place "
"Oh gross…please go the phone is my lifeline to you."
"Oh my way Ill text you in the morning."
I take one picture of our group from above before slipping my phone into my bra and heading for the dance floor.
ALEX POV
I was thankful to hear from Piper this morning that all went well last night. She told me about some of the shenanigans with Nicky and how Taystee won an impromptu karaoke battle while P took over the turntables. It sounded like an amazing night and she was sad she missed it but she had very important business to take care of. I had a late breakfast with my mom and Vince before I was on the road headed to Connecticut.
The closer I got the more nervous I got and had to really focus on keeping it together. I knew no matter what happened I was going to ask Piper to marry me but the result of this conversation would tell me how much joy my love would get to experience throughout this proposal.
"All right Alex it is only the biggest moment of your life…game time kid," I mumble to myself as I got out of the car.
I walk to the front door and am in awe of the house and immaculate landscaping. Living in New York City for the better part of my adult life you don't see much green let alone this type of meticulous work. Their front yard really looked like a piece of art, I could only imagine what the inside looked like.
"Alex, welcome to our home," Bill greeted me at the front door.
"Thank you, sir you have a beautiful home."
"Ahh that is all my wife's doing she is the brains behind this operation…makes me look good."
"I understand that well," I reply thinking about Piper.
"Please follow me to our sunroom we can have some drinks and appetizer before dinner."
"That sounds delightful."
Really Alex? Delightful? I needed to get my shit together before I started sounding like a stepford housewife. I greet Carol as I walk into the sunroom and we all sit down with a glass of wine, Bill having a bourbon.
"How did the charity event end up doing," I ask wanting to start with a safe topic, one that hopefully reminded her I was a useful person.
"It ended up being one of our most successful nights to date. I can't thank you enough for doing your part to make that happen."
"It was really my pleasure. The other art work arrived smoothly as well right?"
"Yes, not a scratch and easily three weeks sooner than I thought it would arrive."
"Shipping from Japan is always a little dicey. It took me a couple years to really nail down a trusted chain but I haven't had any problems since."
"You are very good at what you do Alex."
"Thank you."
"How has everything been around here? Getting ready for those snow storms to start rolling in," I ask knowing new England winters were not to be messed with.
"If I had it my way we would be headed to Florida right after Christmas but this one just loves a good snow storm," Bill announced clearly losing the battle.
"I can't just up and leave without experiencing a Connecticut snow storm…there is truly nothing like it."
"Except the one like it last year and the year before and yup the year before that," he huffed.
"Oh hush…one snow will not hurt you. Seeing the property and trees snow covered just makes me feel like a little kid again…plus I always make you cookies."
"Yeah, I guess that helps."
I am honestly a little shocked to learn this about Carol Chapman…she loves a good snow storm. I will have to ask Piper if she remembers this about her mom or if this is something Carol hid over the years.
"I understand that Carol…seeing New York covered in snow for a short period of time there is nothing like it. A normally bustling city brought close to a standstill as fresh white powder blankets the streets. However, after about a day it gets dirty and becomes a pain in the butt as it melts to slush and refreezes as ice."
"But for those few hours it is falling, it is like a fairytale."
"I will drink to that," I said giving her a mini cheer.
"I will be thankful when I am on the back 9 with a cold beer while my friends are freezing their asses off up here," Bill laughed finishing the last of his bourbon.
We all shared a laugh and moved into the dining room which was a little more formal than I thought necessary…but who was I to complain. We had a very lovey dinner and kept the conversation light and free flowing, but I knew that was all about to change. Not wanting to ruin dinner I kept the heavy stuff for dessert.
"There is actually a reason I wanted to come by here tonight and it wasn't just because I was in town for dinner," I admit.
"Ohh," Carol was intrigued.
"I do want to thank you for having me dinner has been amazing."
"It was no trouble really, it was good to see you again," Bill added.
I was wondering if he would still feel that way in a few minutes.
"I know I wasn't what you expected when you thought about who Piper might bring home to meet the parents."
"Ha, Piper certainly always walked to a beat of her own drum. I am not sure she has ever done anything we expected but most of the time it works out," Bill acknowledged.
I hope he was subtly saying that I might be what they expected but it worked out in the end.
"I am not sure what Piper told you about me but in the past, I wasn't really good at the whole relationship thing. I wanted to keep my independence and I thought loving someone or relying on someone would compromise that independence. I think I was also scared because the only person I ever loved, my mom, I almost lost and I never wanted to feel that terror again."
"That is certainly understandable but I think when you find that person the ounce of independence you might lose…you gain so much more," Bill confirmed what I now knew.
"I am realizing that now and I know Piper is that one. With her I am so much more than I ever thought I could be or want from this life. That is why I want to ask her to marry me," I say placing the ring on the table.
Carol gasps but otherwise remains silent. Bill looks at me like I just asked him for an 8-ball of cocaine. Oh yeah this isn't going to be pretty.
"You want to get married? Is that even legal," Carol finally speaks up?
"Carol please," Bill slightly admonishes his wife.
"No, that is a legitimate question. What is the point of this conversation if it is not even legal."
"Well, it is legal…they passed a law last year."
Carol nods but offers nothing else.
"I love Piper," I defend myself. "I love her more than I thought it was possible to love another person. I don't want to just drift through life, I want to experience it the good and the bad with her."
"Excuse me," Carol says getting up from the table.
I turn to Bill trying to figure out what to do. He signals to let her go so I remain in my seat wondering what he has in store for me.
"I honestly never thought I would be sitting here in this situation…and not just because you are…you know a woman. I mean I never thought a woman would be asking to marry Piper but I never thought anyone would get this far."
I look at Bill confused.
"Piper has had boyfriends but whenever something got serious she would cut bait and run. I don't mean just break up with a guy…I mean run off to Paris, California, Spain, Canada and once Alaska."
"She would break up with a guy a leave the state?"
"The state…the country…she would go wherever she felt no one would look for her. It was only temporary…usually just a week or two but off she would go."
"She never told me about that before."
"We talk about you."
"Excuse me?"
"Piper and I…we have talked about you and about your relationship. She has of her own free will talked about future plans that include you."
"And what plans would those be?"
"Nice try but I am not playing spoiler."
"I had to try."
"I have never heard of piper talk about a future with anyone. I like you Alex, but if I didn't think Piper was serious I wouldn't give my blessing."
A small smile started to form on my lips.
"You're giving me your blessing?"
"I understand loving someone so wholly it consumes your being. I understand wanting to take every step to ensure you are with that person as much as possible for whatever days remain. I can't say I fully understand loving someone of the same gender but I guess it is like you trying to love someone of the opposite gender. You love my daughter, my daughter loves you and as a parent that is all I want."
"Thank you sir."
"Carol will come around…"
"Do you mind if I try and talk to her?"
"Please by all means."
"Thank you, excuse me," I said leaving the table.
I wonder down the hall and find Carol in the kitchen finishing off a glass of wine and pouring herself another.
"Mind if I join you," I asked.
I didn't get a response but she did pour a second glass of wine so I took that as a positive sign.
"Carol, I know this isn't what you wanted for Piper."
"I just don't understand why she has to do everything the hard way."
"I know I can be a bit challenging sometimes but I don't think loving me is that hard," I smile knowing that's not exactly what she meant.
"You know people die because they are gay," she spits out.
"Yes, there are still hate crimes committed but that doesn't just happen for being gay. People with different colored skin or believe a different religion and other differences are victims of hate crimes. I would like to believe every day we get one step closer to not only tolerance but acceptance. If everything in the world was the same it would be a pretty boring place. Diversity sparks creativity and really is a beautiful thing."
"You make it sound so simple."
"Well, when you boil it down the love between two people is the most basic feelings a person has. I love your daughter."
"I don't want her getting hurt."
"I can't promise she will never know what hurt is, but I can promise I will never intentionally hurt her and I will be there for her when life gets hard."
Carol seemed to take that all in which was good but I am not sure I had persuaded her any.
"I want a grandchild."
"Excuse me."
"I want to be a grandmother and I want Piper to be a mother. I know that is something she wants, she has since she was a little girl."
"Ok, if that is something she wants," I say not sure where this was going.
"How are you going to make that happen? Unless you are…I don't know do you have those parts."
"WHAT? NO!"
This was not the turn I expected.
"No, I am all female…have been my whole life. I believe that is a big reason why your daughter like me," I jibe her.
I'm trying to be patient here but Carol is really grinding on me.
"Plenty of people in same sex relationships have children through various means. Being woman obviously we can carry babies with a sperm donor, we could use a surrogate or we could adopt. We have talked about this before…eventually we will have a child maybe two."
Carol sighs and take another long pull of wine.
"I just don't want Piper to miss out on anything."
"It won't be because of me if she does…wedding, babies, holidays, jobs, travel, friends and family…we are going to have it all."
"And you're sure it is legal?"
"Yes, positive."
"And you promise to give me a grandchild."
"I promise."
"And you realize once you say 'I do' you will be marrying into this crazy family. I hear I am not the easiest person to get along with."
"We don't seem to be doing so badly right now…minus you thinking I had male enhancements."
I got Carol to blush in embarrassment, I won.
"I can't promise I will always be on the right side of situations."
"As long as you promise to talk to us we will get through anything."
"When are you asking?"
"I don't know…so please don't say anything to Piper about why I was here…she just knows I was here on business. After I will tell her about my secret mission."
"I promise not a word."
"Thank you and thank you for accepting me. I know it is a continued process but I think we are making progress."
"I think so too," she said with a smile as we clinked glasses and finished off our wine.