This is a short one, but much more is on the way soon. I know I said I could wrap it all up in one, but it's gonna be a long one...It's been a while since I updated, you may need to go back and read 29 again :-)

Chapter 30

Andy met Beth and Kevin in the lobby of their hotel in Seattle. They all hugged before heading off to meet Andy's fiancée for lunch and a concert in a park a few blocks away. Thankfully, it was unreasonably warm with temperatures in the 60's, and they had plenty of coats and blankets in case the weather suddenly turned cold. They rounded the corner and found a very pretty girl with auburn hair and freckles waiting for them with a picnic basket. She sat it on the sidewalk briefly as Andy made the introductions. Alyse McLean smiled and shook hands with Kevin and Beth, while exclaiming that she was so excited to finally meet them. Andy picked up the basket and directed the foursome across the street to the park where she had already set up a table and chairs in view of the bandstand where the local band would be playing in just a little while.

They settled into their area, and Alyse began unpacking the basket. Beth set the table and poured drinks while Alyse served the meal she had prepared. Andy and Kevin were catching up since the last time they had talked at length, and the girls quickly fell into deep conversation. They were just getting around to discussing the wedding when the music started. Beth moved onto Kevin's lap and snuggled close to him. They sat under the stars and listened to the music, occasionally talking back and forth with Andy and Alyse. As the sun went down, the temperature began to drop as well. Beth shivered under her blanket, and Kevin suggested that they all go back to the hotel where they could hang out a while longer. Alyse agreed through blue lips. They all grabbed some gear and headed back down the block to the hotel.

When they got into the room, Beth suggested that she brew some coffee, but Andy said he would get some from the coffee shop in the hotel's lobby. Kevin offered to go with him. Meanwhile, Beth and Alyse were able to talk a bit more. Alyse repeated how excited she was to meet both Kevin and Beth, anyone from Andy's childhood. She explained how they had met in a computer class they were both taking and how, over time, Andy had told her his story. Beth closed her eyes briefly.

"We all had some rough times. Kids shouldn't have to go through what we did, and we all did it alone, which was stupid, but that's how the entire situation occurred. I kept in touch with Andy more so than with Kevin right afterward, but still I didn't know how bad things were for him. Then the Girardis moved and by the time I caught back up with Kevin I had lost touch with Andy. A few years later, he found us. Right before we were married, actually. He was still a mess. Kevin was getting ready to start his job and our lives were really taking off. He had wanted to see Andy before, but he just didn't know how to go about it. Andy kind of felt the same way. After they talked and worked things out, I think that they were both able to get on with life without constantly worrying about each other. Andy told us at the wedding that he was going west to try to make a new start for himself. Kevin's been so busy lately, I barely even see him, but he and Andy made time for each other. Kevin would get tickets to some game or concert or something and they would spend the weekend together. They haven't done it for over a year, but I guess Andy's been pretty busy, too," Beth smiled.

Alyse laughed. "Andy and I have known each other since he moved here, but we were completely platonic until last summer. After that, it was silly to not get married. I knew I wanted to spend the rest of my life with him. We're both pretty excited about it, and Andy's really hoping that Kevin can be there."

"He'll do whatever he can to make it. It's only a few more weeks. Are you ready?"

With that, the subject changed back to wedding plans. Alyse and Beth were still discussing details and horror stories when the guys returned with the coffee. They drank the beverages and watched some TV until it was time for Andy and Alyse to head back to their place. Kevin and Beth had planned some sightseeing for the next day but planned to meet up with the other two for a basketball game.

Once they were settled in bed, Kevin turned to Beth before they fell asleep. "Andy asked me to be his best man."

Beth looked over at him with a smile. "Wow, I guess we've come full circle. I'm so glad that we're all back together again."

"Yeah, I was still shocked, though."

"I'm sure you were, but I think that says a lot about Andy and how important your friendship is to him, even now."

"Yeah, I guess so. You're right. I'm tired. Let's go to bed."

The next day, Beth and Kevin did some sightseeing before they met Andy and Alyse for the basketball game. They all really did enjoy themselves, and when it was time to go back to the hotel, all four of them felt a little regret that their time together had been so brief. Kevin told Andy that he would be happy to stand up with him at the wedding, and the two couples parted with hugs and promises to see each other very soon.