Chapter 19
When Gary awoke the next morning, it was with a smile on his face. It was his wedding day. This was the first day of the rest of his life. Gary sat up on the couch and noticed his mother was already awake and in the kitchen pouring herself some coffee.
"Morning honey." She said when she noticed him.
"Morning." He said. "Where's Dad?" Gary asked.
"He's in the shower. Gary what happened to your eye?" Lois asked.
"It's a long story Mom. I'm okay." Gary said.
"Want some coffee?" She asked.
Meow. Thump. Gary got up. "Coffee sounds good." He said and headed for the door.
When he opened the door, the cat came into the loft. Gary reached down and picked up the paper. He looked through it thoroughly. Nothing, he thought. He checked again. A huge smile spread across his face.
"I can't believe this." Gary said as Bernie came out of the bathroom.
"What wrong son? Nice shiner." Bernie said. Lois walked over and handed Gary his coffee.
"I have absolutely nothing to take care of today." Gary said.
"You know since you have some time off, maybe we can get together with Kaitlyn and her mother and finalize some wedding plans." Gary looked at his mother and swallowed hard.
"Mom, Dad, you both need to sit down, I need to tell you something." Gary said as he guided them to the couch. Lois and Bernie sat down.
"What is it Gary? Something didn't happen between you and Kaitlyn, did it?" Lois asked concerned.
"No. No, Mom, Kaitlyn, and I are fine. In fact, we're better than fine." Gary smiled. "You see, well, we're getting married, today." Gary stuttered as he said the words.
"Oh Gary, don't joke around like that." Lois said as she smiled at him.
"Mom, I'm not joking around. Kaitlyn and I are getting married today. We've made all the arrangements." Gary said.
"Today? You're getting married today?" Lois said as she stood up.
"Way to go Gar!" Bernie said as he stood up next to his wife.
"Gary, why didn't you tell us before now?" Lois asked.
"Well, Mom we wanted it this way. Listen I know that you and Mrs. Kelly were looking forward to a big wedding, but that is not what Kaitlyn and I want. We want something simple and that is what we are going to have today." Gary said.
"But, June was going to be such a nice time for a wedding, Gary." Lois said disappointed.
"Mom, look at it this way. The sooner Kaitlyn and I get married the sooner we can start working on those grandchildren of yours." Gary said flashing her a smile.
"Ha, ha. Like I said Lo, he's a chip off the old block." Bernie beamed as he slapped Gary on the back. Lois smiled and grabbed her son and hugged him.
"I love you Gary. I love Kaitlyn. I just want you to be happy." She said with a tear in her eye.
"Mom, I'm happier than I ever thought I could be." Gary smiled and kissed her on the cheek.
"Oh, my God. What am I going to wear?" Lois asked frantically.
"Mom, Kaitlyn helped Jade and Marissa pick something out for you to wear. She and Chuck are going to bring it by this morning along with Dad's suit." Gary said trying to calm her down. "I've seen what they picked out and I happen to think it's perfect. This is not going to be real formal."
"Well what time is the wedding?" Lois asked.
"It's at 11:00." Gary said.
"11:00. Oh my. That's only four hours away." Lois said as she headed for the bathroom. Gary rolled his eyes.
"Women." Bernie mumbled then turned to Gary.
"I'm going to go down to the office and give Kaitlyn a call." Gary said as he put on his jeans and headed out the door. He went downstairs and sat down at the office desk. He picked up the telephone and dialed.
"Hello." Kaitlyn said.
"Good morning, beautiful." Gary smiled.
"It is a good morning. I think it could be the best morning of my life." Kaitlyn said. "How's your eye?"
"Black and blue." Gary said. "What are you doing?" Gary asked.
"Lying here in bed. Thinking about the man I'm going to marry, today." Kaitlyn smiled. "Did you tell your parents?"
"Yeah, I just did. My mother has already locked herself in the bathroom and started to get ready. Hopefully, I'll be able to get a shower sometime this morning." Gary said. "How did your folks take the news?"
"Well, my mom reacted the same way. I just got off the telephone with her. She's on her way over." Kaitlyn said.
"I better let you go then. I just wanted to say that I love you." Gary smiled.
"Gary?" Kaitlyn said.
"What's wrong?" Gary asked.
"Did you look at the paper? Are you going to make the wedding?" Kaitlyn asked concerned.
"There is nothing in the paper today. I have the entire day off. I'll be at the church on time. I promise." Gary said softly.
"You do?" Kaitlyn smiled. "Okay. I guess I'll see you at the church. I'll be the one wearing white."
"I'll be waiting." Gary said. "I love you."
"I love you too." Kaitlyn said as she hung up the telephone.