"I'm in love, I'm in love and I don't care who knows it." ~Will Ferrell as Buddy the Elf, Elf, 2003*

Chapter Twenty Six

After the whole our-grandchildren-are-missing-overnight-oh-my-God- where -are-they incident, Grandma and Mr. Kazoulis's wedding went pretty perfectly.

At least, that's what Steph told me. I'm not really sure.

All I know is, the bride and groom were both there, the rings were presented by Robbie without a problem, and "I do's" were said.

It wasn't as unbearably hot as it could have been; the rain made the weather nice.

Steph's parents showed up, which was shocking to her for some reason.

Also, Steph thought I looked hot in my tux.

Though I'm not sure why I found that surprising. I am, after all, an incredibly attractive person.

And Becca and Stuckey were apparently more than friends now, judging by the way they didn't let go of each other at the reception.

And the kissing. Lots of kissing.

When Steph and Becca went off to the bathroom, or wherever girls go to talk, I waited patiently for Stuckey to explain.

"Dude," he said, beaming. "It's been fourteen hours and I'm already rounding second."

My mind stopped for a moment so I wouldn't have to comprehend what Stuckey was doing with Famgirl.

I had already dealt with grandparents kissing today. There's only so much a guy can handle!

"Happy for you, man," I said when I regained normal brain functions.

"Thanks," he replied. "So, what's up with you and Landry?" He nodded toward where the girls had gone. "Is that like a thing now, or something?"

I grinned. "Hell yeah, it's a thing. It's awesome."

"Hey, man, we could all double date! We could go to a Hoosiers game!" He exclaimed.

Though I knew Steph and Becca would like nothing more than this, I had to decline. "Maybe we can all hang out at the Coffee Pot sometime," I suggested.

Stuckey looked a little bummed out, but said, "Yeah, I guess," anyway.

And then it was time for the bride and groom's first dance, then they danced with their children, and finally, it was time for the grandchildren's turn. While Steph and her grandfather were gracefully spinning to "Embraceable You"—well, okay, that was a lie. They were more like slowly shuffling around the dance floor—me and Grandma danced.

"So, Jason, I hear you were in the observatory with Steph all night?" She sounded curious, not disapproving, so I took a chance.

"Yeah, Grandma. It was great. I finally told her. Everything."

Grandma looked surprised. "So does this mean that you—you two—you are—"

"Yeah," I confirmed with a smile.

She gasped. "Oh, Jason, that's wonderful! I'm so happy for you!" She gave me a bear hug.

"Thanks," I said. "Congratulations to you, too. You just got married!"

Grandma got a little teary-eyed. "I know. This is just turning out to be a wonderful day, isn't it?"

And then she let me go so I could dance with Steph to "Can't Take My Eyes Off of You."

"So," I murmured as we slowly moved together. "How's your day going?"

"Wonderful. Amazing. Fantastic."

I chuckled. "Mine too, Steph. Mine too."

And then we danced.

And life was good.

Later, when Steph came back from the bathroom (I think it was an actual bathroom break this time, though), she looked a little tired. We had been up all night, after all.

"Hey," I said. "Looks like things are winding down here. I could use a cup of coffee. How about you?"

"Nice idea," she said. "But I'm grounded, remember?"

I pointed to where Grandma and Mrs. Landry had been talking for the last forty minutes. "I don't think your mom's going to remember."

So we went up to them and Steph asked, "Um, hey. Is it okay if I go for a coffee with Jason? I swear I'll come home right afterward?"

Grandma smiled and winked as Mrs. Landry said, "Call if you're going to be out after ten."

And then we left together. Me and Steph.

Me and my adorable girlfriend.

*If you are unfamiliar with the film Elf, the line used as the chapter quote can be found at this link on YouTube: youtube watch?v=8V8tMK68M7U

I recommend watching the whole film if you have not yet seen it.