Chapter 6
After leaving the aquarium, they headed to McGinty's for lunch. When they got there the place was busy with the usual lunch crowd. Gary and Casey headed to the office. Marissa was sitting at the desk having a conversation with Patrick.
"Hey Mr. H." Patrick said.
"Gary?" Marissa asked.
"Yeah, it's me and I have a visitor with me." Gary said as Casey followed him into the office.
"Hi Marissa. Hi Patrick." Casey said.
"Casey is that you?" Marissa asked.
"Yep." Casey answered as she gave Marissa a hug.
"Well I'm glad you're here. It has been a while since you visited. Is your Grandma with you today?" Marissa asked.
"No, not today Marissa. She's with me." Gary said.
"Does that mean what I think it does?" Marissa asked.
"Gary and Mommy are getting married." Casey said.
"Married?" Marissa asked surprised.
"Patrick why don't you take Casey into the kitchen and get her something to eat." Gary said.
"Can I have ice cream?" Casey asked.
"You have to eat a sandwich or something first. Then you can have ice cream." Gary said.
"Okay. Come on Casey. We will make you a sandwich and then I'll show you how to make a sundae. You like chocolate?" Patrick said as he took her by the hand.
"Can I have sprinkles?" Casey asked as they headed out the door.
"Well?" Marissa smiled.
"Well what?" Gary said as he sat down in the chair.
"Are you or are you not getting married?" Marissa asked impatiently.
"Yes. I asked Kaitlyn to marry me and she said yes." Gary smiled.
"I spoke with her when she came in last night. I was hoping things would work out between you too. I told you Gary, all you needed was a little faith." Marissa beamed.
"Well, I don't know if it was faith Marissa. You were right about one thing. When two people are meant to be together, it's a lot easier to overcome obstacles. Kaitlyn and I, well, we had some definite obstacles to overcome."
"It's called fate, Gary." Marissa smiled. "No matter how hard you try you can't get away from it."
"Call it what you want Marissa. I'm just glad to have her and the girls' back in my life. For the first time in a long time I'm not afraid of what the future has to bring." Gary smiled.
"I'm happy for you Gary." Marissa said. "So when is the wedding?"
"We haven't really had a chance to discuss that yet." Gary said.
"Have you talked to your parents?" Marissa asked.
"No, not yet." Gary said as he rubbed the back of his neck. "I told Kaitlyn we would call them later.
"What are you so worried about? Your parents are going to be thrilled."
"I know. It's just, well you know how my Mom is. I'm just afraid she'll force Kaitlyn into something that she doesn't want." Gary groaned.
"What do you mean?" Marissa asked.
"Well, knowing my Mother she is going to want this huge wedding. Kaitlyn and I, well, we have both been through all that before. I'm not so sure she would want that again. I know I really don't." Gary said. "I think I just want something simple."
"Why don't you just tell your mother that?" Marissa asked.
"That's easy for you to say." Gary mumbled. "I'm going to head upstairs to get changed. Could you keep an eye on Casey for me? So to speak." Gary smiled.
"Sure." Marissa said with a smile. Gary walked to the door. "Gary, don't worry about it everything will work out." Marissa smiled.
"I hope so." Gary headed upstairs.
Once Gary had changed his clothes and grabbed a bite to eat, he, and Casey headed out to take care of his errand. Gary told her that they were going to get something for Kaitlyn, but that she had to keep it a secret. She eagerly agreed.
They were sitting on the El when Casey asked, "When are you and Mommy going to get married?"
"I hope it will be soon." Gary smiled. "Why?"
"Do I have to wait until then to call you Daddy? Casey asked.
Gary was surprised at her question. He was being honest when he told Kaitlyn that he wanted to be the girls' father in every way, but for some reason, he never really thought about what the girls would call him.
"Is that what you want to call me?" Gary asked.
"Yeah, can I?" Casey said.
"Well, I guess that is what I am going to be? So, I guess that is what you can call me." Gary smiled.
"Okay." Casey smiled and took his hand as they headed off the train. "Since you're going to live with us, does that mean cat will be living with us too?
"Well, yeah, I guess it does." Gary said.
"Can we get a puppy?" Casey asked.
"A puppy?" Gary stopped and looked at her. Casey shook her head yes. "Well, I think that is something we're going to have to talk to Mommy about." Gary said.
"Okay." Casey said disappointed.