Disclaimer: Josh Schwartz and Fox own The O.C. not me.
"We'll start serving dinner with the bride and groom's table followed by the first table on the right and work our way around," Sandy announced as all of the guests settled into their seats.
Everyone eventually got their food and drinks and sat back down.
Seth took his knife and tapped it against his glass to get everyone's attention. He stood up and cleared his throat.
"I guess traditionally as the best man, it's my job to make a speech or a toast or whatever. So I'm gonna do that now," Seth grinned.
The murmurs from the guests all ceased as Seth cleared his throat again and nervously tugged at his collar.
"I've, uh, I've known Ryan for several years now…he's basically the brother I never had. Actually he's more than that, he is my brother. And, and I've spent most of my life as Marissa neighbor, which I guess in some twisted way would make her like my sister. Of course, she is my aunt so that works too. Either way, I'm glad to have both of them in my family," Seth said before swallowing hard, then continuing, "I, um, well I remember when Ryan first moved in, and don't worry this is a better story than my last speech," Seth grinned.
Everyone laughed a little remembering Seth's drunken speech in Aspen.
Seth nodded slightly then started again, "But I remember when Ryan first moved in, I never would have thought that the kid from Chino would marry Queen Socialite, Marissa Cooper…but it works for them…it always has and I'm sure it always will. Not everyone is lucky enough to marry their high school sweetheart," Seth said and cautiously glanced at Summer who quickly adverted her glance to her lap, " but I've never known two people who love each other as much as Ryan and Marissa, well except maybe my parents but that's besides the point."
The guests chuckled a little at this statement before Seth continued, "Ryan and Marissa have been through everything together and I have no doubt that they'll make it through whatever life has in store for them, together. If I were a betting man, I place on my money on them. Because there's no point betting unless you're betting on a sure thing, right Ryan?"
Seth smirked at him as Ryan lowered his head and slightly shook it as he laughed.
"Truthfully, though, I have complete faith in them. I'd put my money on them any day. So in true toasting fashion, I'd like everyone to raise their glasses and make a toast to Ryan and Marissa, a sure bet," Seth finished.
Everyone raised their glasses and toasted the newly wedded couple.
Summer then stood up, "I know that usually it's just the best man's thing. But I've been giving it some thought and I'd really like to say a few words about my two friends."
Summer paused and glanced around at all of the guests nervously. She caught Seth's eye as he tried to reassure her with just a look. She looked away quickly but couldn't help feeling a little more at ease now.
"Well I've never been good at making up speeches. I usually pay people to write themfor me. But I'll give it a shot so just bare with me there," Summer smiled.
"I've known Coop practically all of my life. On the first day of kindergarten, this tall girl came up to me and asked me if I wanted to play with her care bear…and she's been my best friend ever since. Now Ryan, or Chino as I like to call him, came along when we were like sophomores in high school. I admit even I fell for his bad boy charms. But it soon became quite clear that Ryan only had eyes for Marissa and she couldn't stop herself from looking back," Summer smiled at them both.
She continued, "Now, here they are today still looking at each and only each other…we joked around one day about them always being Coop and Chino…or at least me always calling them Coop and Chino. I've given it a lot of thought. And originally I decided that I'd just call Ryan, Mr. Coop. But then I decided that Marissa would just be Mrs. Chino, instead. But now, after hearing an official minister announce it, they're Mr. and Mrs. Atwood. And I personally can't think of anything that sounds better…so I would like to raise a toast to Coop and Chino, Mr. and Mrs. Atwood."
Everyone raised their glasses once again and toasted the couple. After that, people finished their dinner and the lights dimmed as the DJ began to play music.
"First off, I would like to congratulation Mr. and Mrs. Atwood and wish them the best of luck and much happiness in the years to come. So with that said, now it's time for the first official dance of Ryan and Marissa as a married couple," the DJ announced.
Ryan and Marissa made their way to the dance floor as their song came on.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"And now for the father of the bride's dance," the DJ announced.
Jimmy Cooper took his daughter in his arms as the music started. Summer watched them dancing longingly.
"You know he'd be here for your wedding," Seth said sitting down beside her.
"What?" Summer asked tearing her eyes away from Marissa and her father.
"Summer, I know you wish you got father-daughter moments like that with your dad."
Summer didn't reply but just turned back to watching Marissa and Jimmy.
"And I know he's not the most responsible guy in the world, but he wouldn't miss your wedding day for anything," Seth said.
"I know…I just wish…she's got it all ya know," Summer replied.
"Yeah, she's got one screwed up family," Seth joked.
"Shut up, Cohen. You know what I mean."
"Yeah sure, Julie Cooper's her mom and there's nothing like having ascary dragon-lady for a mom. And then my grandpa is her step-dad so ya know that's really cool. Yeah right. And of course who could forget the fact that her actual dad recently got back together with my aunt who is technically Marissa's half sister. She's certainly got it all," Seth smirked.
Summer glared at him, "Are you done yet?"
Seth nodded.
"Yeah, Coop's family's screwed up but she's still got it good. I mean how about she has a dad who's actually there. Or a mom who even though she's screwed up still cares enough to try to be there for her. Or here's the real kicker, a new husband who's completely devoted to her."
"You have it pretty good, too."
"Yeah, I'm a famous actress…that's great…don't get me wrong, it really is great. It's just…I want more than that," Summer confessed.
"I know," Seth nodded.
Summer looked at him for a moment. Her eyes softened just by looking at him. She smiled slightly and put her hand over top of his, covering it, "I know you know, Cohen," she whispered.
Seth smiled back at her and turned his hand around to entwine their fingers.
"What do you say we hit the dance floor?" Seth asked as a new song began.
Summer nodded and let Seth help her up from her seat and lead her to the dance floor. He wrapped his arms around her waist as she wrapped hers around his neck. He pulled her closer to him so their bodies were against each other. She rested her head underneath his chin as he took in the smell of her hair. They both couldn't help but think how perfectly they fit together.
They swayed softly to the music as other couples joined them and Ryan and Marissa on the dance floor.
"I don't know how they don't see it," Sandy remarked glancing at Seth and Summer.
"They see it…they chose to ignore it," Kirsten replied. "I just wish they'd stop being so stubborn."
"So you're trying to marry our children off, are you?" Sandy teased.
"You know what I mean."
"I do. And I also know that they'll figure it all out sooner or later."
"I know," Kirsten replied and rested her head on his shoulder.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The song ended and continued into another slow song. Summer pulled back from Seth a little.
"Do you still wanna dance?" Seth asked with a grin.
Summer started to smile back but stopped noticing his grandmother, "Cohen, why don't you go ask the Nana to dance."
"What about you?"
"I'll just sit this one out," Summer answered.
"Nonsense, I'll just cut in," David smiled stepping between her and Seth.
"Thank you," Summer replied then looked to Seth, "Now go…before some other stud asks her."
"So I'm a stud, now?" Seth asked wiggling his eyebrows.
"Just go," Summer ordered playfully.
Seth nodded and walked over to the Nana.
"Care to join a hot, young stud on the dance floor?" Seth asked.
"Really? Where's he at?" Nana asked, teasing him.
Seth grabbed his heart in mock hurt, "That gets me right here, Nana, right here."
"Come on, you hot, young stud," Nana laughed and led him back to the dance floor.
Summer watched Seth dance with his grandma and smiled.
"So are you ever going to tell him?" David asked suddenly.
"Tell who what?"
"Seth, that you still love him," David smirked.
"What? I do not- I mean- who told you that?" Summer asked sputtering in shock.
"No one told me anything. It's just you'd have to be blind not to see it."
"Well he certainly must be blind then," Summer muttered under her breath.
"He's not. He's just waiting for you to confirm it. Seth's not going to just pour his heart out to you," David replied, hearing what she said.
"You obviously don't know Cohen very well," Summer laughed.
"Ok. Well maybe he might, but I think it'd save you both a lot of problems if you'd just come clean."
"But I…I can't."
"Why not?" David asked.
"Because…can we just not talk about this now? I'd rather just dance with you," Summer answered.
"Fine. But the truth will come out sooner or later and you'll both have to deal with your feelings eventually."
"I know…but it doesn't have to happen tonight."
"But you can't keep putting it off forever. You're gonna have to speak up before you really loose him forever."
"You don't think I know that," Summer snapped.
"I don't know. You sure don't act like it…Summer, you almost lost him once before. Next time you might not be so lucky. Next time he might actually get married to some other girl," David replied.
"I know."
"So why don't you go dance with him," David suggested as the song ended.
"Fine…ok…but I'm just dancing with him…in silence," Summer said with a small smirk.
"Just as long as you're with him."
Summer glanced at Seth who was taking the Nana back to her seat.
"I just want you to be happy," David said.
"I know."
(AN: I really love David. I'd marry him if I could. Well actually I'd marry Seth but I'm willing to give him to Summer because they work together so well. I mean did you watch the show tonight?!? It was wonderful! And next week, oh man, next week will be great!!!! I can't wait!!!!!!!!)