Chapter 7 – Almost There (part 2)!

It's Friday night and the gals are a frazzle! Something obviously went wrong on the courier mission the guys were on, as they haven't returned yet! They really started bugging Jerry on Thursday, and were constantly in and out of his office today! It got so bad, Jerry left on a chopper to get some peace and quiet.

"I'm so worried!" remarked Clover.

"Jerry isn't saying anything, but something obviously went wrong on the mission!" said a highly concerned Sam.

"I hope the guys are alright!" said a very worried Alex.

The gals continue to the dinner at Pete's parent's house, running a bit late.

With sullen faces, they knock at the front door.

"Well, it's about time you three got here!" boomed PETE!

"I'll say!" added Matt with a mischievous grin. "I hope you make it to the Church on time tomorrow!"

"Yeah! I thought I was going to have to eat your steak for you!" chided Clarence good-naturedly.

All three gals pair with their husbands-to-be.

Clover pokes Clarence hard in the ribs. Clarence responds, "Ouch! That hurts!"

Clover says, "That's nothing compared to what I'm going to do to you!" she says sternly. She then adds with tears in her eyes, "You had me so worried!"

Sam also elbows Matt in the solar plexus, not hard, but noticeable.

"Hey! I thought you'd be happy to see me!" says Matt defensively.

"I am! I'm a nervous wreck! I ought to slug you!"

Alex does a rib and a solar plexus hit! Pete responds, "Sunshine?"

"If you ever do THAT again, I'll go kung fu on you!" Alex says.

But after the initial encounters, all three gals give they're husbands-to-be long romantic kisses.

Clover holds Clarence in a loving embrace. "I was so worried! I knew something went wrong! I thought you were hurt!" she said with tears in her eyes.

Sam also has Matt in a loving embrace. "I thought the worst! I am sooooo relieved!" she says, as tears of relief and joy stream down her cheeks.

Alex is crying too, in relief and joy, as she cuddles with Pete. "I feel so much better, knowing you're safe! These past four days have been pure torture!"

The guys soak up the affection, as they cuddle with their future wives.

"Why did you worry, Alex? You know you trained us well!" responded Pete, as he gave Alex a big hug and kiss.

"We paid attention, when Alex taught us, you know! Good thing, too!" chided Clarence, as he gave Clover a big hug and kiss.

"It was just a routine mission, thanks to the training!" stated Matt, with a gleam in his eye, as he also gave Sam a big hug and kiss.

Pete's Dad interrupts the couples.

"Come on, you guys! You're the guests of honor! You can't stay in here! You're steaks will get cold!" he said with a devilish grin.

Pete said, "Shall we?" as he offered Alex his arm. She happily latched on and accompanied him out to mingle with the guests. Sam and Matt, and Clarence and Clover followed suit.

They all had a wonderful time with their wedding party mates and families. Everyone was laughing and having a good time, including Jerry, as he accompanied his girlfriend, Carol.

On seeing Jerry, the gals approached him in mock anger.

"We have a bone to pick with you, Gerald Lewis!" said Clover, as Sam and Alex flanked her.

"As long as it's from one of these wonderful steaks, come anytime!" Jerry responded playfully. Carol poked Jerry in the ribs. They all laughed.

Then Jerry whispered, so only the gals and Carol could hear, "I told you! I have more confidence in the guys than you did!"

Sam whispered back, "Yeah, you're right Jerry! But next time, don't send the guys on a mission the same week of a big day in our lives, okay? Like when we are expecting a child?" Jerry smiled, as he nodded his head in agreement.

The party lasted until well into the night. It broke up at midnight so that the wedding party could either choose to have bachelor/bachelorette parties or get some rest in preparation for the big day.

As it turned out, the gals, the Maid of Honor and the bridesmaids decided to get some rest, and went home. They would be surprised to learn that the guys, the Best Man and the ushers, did the same.