Chapter Eleven: The Big Announcement of the Wedding!
At the Tanner home the next morning, DJ and Steve went down early to make breakfast for the whole family. When her dad came down the stairs, the couple yelled, "WE'RE ENGAGED!"
Danny was ecstatic and pleased, "Congratulations you two. Is this another surprise for us this morning too...making breakfast?"
DJ smiled and continued what she was doing. The family had eggs, bacon, and toast. It turned out to be delicious. She announced, "Steve taught me how to cook actually."
Little Ana quietly asked, "Mom, what does married mean?"
DJ looked at her youngest sister, held her, and said, "It's when two people come together as one. How about you can be my flower girl?"
Ana smiled, "I can wear a dress too? And have flowers? I'd love to."
After DJ put her back in her chair, she confronted Jeff, "Would you like to be the ring bearer?"
Jeff agreed to do it. Just then, Michelle made an outburst, "What about me? Can I be the other flower girl?"
Steve hugged her, "Sure, Michelle. You and Ana can walk together each with a basket of flowers."
DJ then went to Joey, Jesse, and Chris, "would you four be honored to be in my groom's party?"
They agreed and jumped up for joy. Danny was to escort his oldest daughter down the aisle. Then, she asked Becky, Stephanie, and Steph Jr., "Would you three like to be in my bridal party? My best friend, Kimmy, will be in it too."
The three agreed to do it and all were excited about the wedding. Now everyone had their own special role in the wedding. Steve was pleased too. He mentioned that his parents and cousins from Ohio will be part of the bridal/groom parties too.
After they all finished breakfast, DJ and Steve cleaned up and left the kitchen looking very tidy because Danny comes and does his daily cleaning inspection. Steve asked, "DJ, do you want to go pick out our engagement rings now?"
DJ smiled. While Steph Jr., Stephanie, Michelle, Ana, Chris, and Jeff left for school, the adults departed for work leaving the house empty. DJ locked up, set the alarm, and left with Steve. He drove to Golden Jewelry Place. As they walked in, a young man approached them, "How can I help you today?"
Steve said, "I'm looking for an engagement ring for my fiancé."
The salesman brought them over to a row of rings. The one that caught DJ's eyes was a gold band with ruby stone with diamonds. She liked it a lot. Then she said, "Steve, you need a ring too."
They found a beautiful 24-karat diamond with saphire stone in the middle. He liked it too. Their total came to "2,489.45". Steve yelled, "Ouch. Didn't know rings are this expensive." So, he charged it to his credit card. His parents already offered to help pay for them. After they left the store, Steve said, "Wow, I really broke the bank."
DJ said, "But it was so worth it. You're worth the world to me, darlin." And then they kissed.
Steve then drove to DJ's work, confronted her boss, and said, "See, we are engaged. Here's the rings to prove it."
The boss quickly said, "Good. I'm pleased for you."
DJ asked, "So, can I come in later today, like at 4 instead of 2?"
The boss thought a moment, "Well...just this once, I'll let it slide. But don't do it again. Bye."
The couple left the store hand in hand. Steve said, "Wow, proof really gets us something."
He drove back to his house, went up to his room, and made love to one another. It was a great and soothing experience. Just then, Steve's mom comes in and said, "Steve, I need you to go bring your grandmother to the store today. Her car broke down and she needs your help."
Steve said, "Ok, Mom."
DJ asked, "Can I go with you, dear?"
Steve planted a huge kiss on her lips and replied, "Of course you can. We stick together like glue."
The couple dressed and went back to his car and picked up his grandmother. His grandma was 92 years old so the two helped her in. She said feebly, "Hi. Is this your girlfriend, Steve?"
Steve smiled, "She's actually my fiancé, grandma. We're planning a wedding in October."
His grandmother smiled, "Oh, that's so nice. I need you to take me to the store to get some fruits."
Steve helped his grandmother at the grocery store by putting his strong arm around her, while DJ picked out the fruits she wanted. They got some vegetables, orange juice, cans of soup, water, cookies, and ice cream. At the checkout counter, the total came to, "56.42." Steve offered to pay and use his credit card. He was wondering how he would pay for the rings and his grandmother's food, but his parents will hopefully help out. They left the store and brought her back home. His grandmother asked, "Why don't you two come inside for some juice? It's a hott day out."
The couple consented. They had some orange juice. DJ had never seen her house before. His grandma asked Steve, "Is this Amanda?"
Steve said, "No, no. I divorced Amanda a long time ago because she had a baby with another man. And plus she wasn't a person I truly loved. This is DJ, and she's all I've ever dreamed of. We do everything together."
His grandma was happy for them, "I'm glad you are happier now, Steve. Don't do the same with her as you did with your first wife though."
DJ came over and gave him a hug and kiss, "I love you, sweetheart."
Steve smiled, "I love you too."
They left his grandma's house and he dropped DJ back off at her home. She got ready for work and left early so she could walk there. After work, she retreated to bed since everyone else was either out still at work or in bed.
