"Are there any other bombshells you want to drop on me. I can't handle much more. Is there anything else you need to tell me." Jim said pulling his hands from Ivy's grasp. Ivy stayed on her knees by the chair as Jim walked to the window overlooking the backyard.

"It's starting to snow again." he remarked.

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"It's starting to snow again." Patrick said as he and Jim sat in Patrick's car outside the church. "We could make it to Florida in 12 hours. Sun , sand, girls in bikinis?"

"I'm getting married in 30 minutes." Jim laughed. "I didn't think it was the best man's job to try to talk the groom out of his wedding."

"Come on we're so young, we still have a lot of living to do." Patrick took a drag off his cigarette and blew the smoke out the window.

"I love her. She's the best thing that's ever happened to me."

"Have you told her yet? Jim you gotta tell her."

"No." Jim sat quietly. He didn't know how he would break it to Laura he would not be going to law school after the honeymoon. He had been accepted to the police academy.

"Great way to start a life." Patrick said knowing that Jim was not the only one going into this marriage with a secret.

"You're one to talk. How long you gonna string Ivy along. She is crazy about you." Jim said happy to change the subject.

"Yeah, Crazy." Patrick knew he would marry Ivy, he wanted a comfortable life and being in the Warren family would guarantee a comfortable life.

Jim looked at his watch. " It's about that time."

Patrick revved the car . "Last chance for fun in the sun."

Jim stepped out of the car and walked to the church. Patrick grabbed a handful of snow and threw it at his friend. Jim grabbed him playfully around the shoulders and pushed him toward the church.

"You're a lucky man, Jim Brass, but she's gonna be hard work."

"She's worth it, Patrick." Jim pushed him into the church.

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Ivy was brought to her feet by knocking at the front door. Jim did not move he continued to stare out the window at the snow.

Ivy opened the door and Jim hear muffled speech in the front hall. The voice sounded familiar and he turned toward the hall.

"Ivy, have you talked to Mom? I haven't been able to get her on the phone. I thought she might be here."

"No, sweetie, why don't you come in get out of the cold." Ivy led he into the hall and closed the door.

"Is someone here, I saw a car. I thought there would be more people here."

"I am going to have the memorial service later than I hoped. I am having a hard time with everything." Ivy's voice broke.

"Oh, Ivy, I'm so sorry" The women embraced. Jim walked into the hallway.

"Ellie?" He whispered. The women turned toward him.

"What is he doing here?" Ellie's voice was brittle.

"I had to come, He was my friend." Jim walked toward her and Ellie stepped back.

"Why don't we sit down?" Ivy offered.

"No, I want to go. I need to talk to Mom." Ellie said.

"Ivy, you need to talk to your Dad." Jim was grateful for Ivy's choice of words. "Go into the living room. I will be in the study. I have to make the arrangements for the service."

"I don't think we have anything to say to each other." her voice was tired, but she walked into the living room.

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"I don't think we have anything to say to each other." Laura said as she got out of bed.

"I think last night said it all, don't you." Patrick said, reaching for Laura.

"No, we got drunk and did something we should have done years ago. It was just sex."

"Great sex, the best you ever had, the best I ever had. Come on."

"You are not still going to go though with this wedding?"

"Of course, what do you think I should do?" she said as she got dressed.

"Marry me. Run away and marry me."

"I will not be married to a fireman. I have plans for my life." she slipped on her shoes. "So do you. I work at an insurance company. There is no way we could have the lives we want if we married each other. Marry Ivy. She is nuts about you. The girl worships the ground you walk on." Laura headed for the door.

"You don't know what you're missing." He smiled that charming smile that made everyone that knew him forget all his faults.

"Patrick, I love Jim. He is solid and steady. He will be a good husband. I couldn't put up with you. You are in lust with me. Jim loves me. I don't think you will be there when it gets tough and you love being a fireman too much. I don't want to be married to someone married to their job. Last night was a mistake, we were drunk. It will never happen again and you will never tell Jim." Laura picked up her purse and left.