Chapter Four: Memories and Then Some

The Next Morning...

Stan awoke to the deafening sound of his telephone ringing. He groggily picked up the receiver and cleared his throat.

"Hello?"

"Hi, Stan. Did I wake you up?"

"Nah, Max. It's alright. What's up?"

"Sandy and I wanted to know if you would like to go to dinner with us tonight."

"Ugh, yeah... about that. Dude, I don't wanna intrude on you and my sis. Besides, three's a crowd."

"Well, it would be if you didn't come."

"Huh?"

"Candace is coming too. She's done so much for Sandy and I, I think she deserves a break..." Stan zoned out as Maxwell kept talking. "...That, and we have something to ask." Stan was quiet. "Stan...?"

"Ugh...Yeah. Sure. Count me in. See ya later, bud," Stan quickly said before hanging up and plopped his head back down on his pillow.

-.-.-.

Maxwell hung up the phone and walked down the hall, towards the stairs. He heard soft music playing and entered the guest room, where it came from. There was a music box on Candace's bed playing "Memories". Maxwell picked it up gently and examined the familiar object.

He closed it, ceasing the music momentarily. He slid his paws across the smooth oak wood and golden hinges, remembering how the one on the left had been broken by accident when he was about nine.

Reopening the heart-shaped box and setting it back down to admire its red velvet lining and spinning golden figurine, Maxwell listened to the lulling sound of the song. Closing his eyes, he remembered winding it up for Candace when she was scared and couldn't sleep. He also remembered how careful Candace had been with the trinket because it was the only thing she had left of her mother, besides memories, of course.

This made Maxwell sad. He couldn't imagine what it would feel like to be a girl without a mother to guide her through life's trials and tribulations, to not have anyone to confide in or to be consoled by. And yet, for someone who had lost so much, she had always been open and carefree. Maxwell had always admired her for this, as did many others. He was proud to be her cousin.

Maxwell gently closed the music box, not wanting to run it out, and left the room.

-.-.-.

While Stan was getting ready, all of his questions resurfaced, making him anxious and full of anxiety. What Ifs and How Coulds filled his mind as he put on his red tie. Butterflies zipped around, tightening his intestines as he brushed his teeth and combed his dishwater blonde fur. He was dreadfully nervous and the quiet of his house didn't help ease his mind.

Ding Dong.

Stan jumped, startled. His heart thudded against his chest. He quickly grabbed his jacket and answered the door.

Sandy stood there in a pretty red cocktail dress with Maxwell at her side. Behind them was the angel otherwise known as Candace in a sparkling white strapless dress. Her hair was held in two shiny barrettes. Each had three silver hearts.

Stan inadvertently shivered.

"W-what's shakin', C-Candace?"

"Obviously, you are, Stan," she warmly said and giggled. How he loved that giggle...

"Eh...heh heh heh... Well, what are we waitin' for? Let's celebrate!" Stan changed the subject.

"Oopah!" the others chimed in.

-.-.-.

"My name is Ben and I'll be your waiter for tonight," a man said after showing the group to their booth. "Would you like to start out with some drinks?"

"Yes. I'll have a red wine and, what about you, dear?" Maxwell said. Candace had always admired the first person to order, because she never knew how to start. She made a mental note of what Maxwell did and planned to use it the next time she went out.

"I'll have a red wine as well," Sandy answered.

"I guess I'll copy them," Stan said.

"And you, Miss?" Ben asked Candace.

"Um..."

"Let me guess, a red wine?"

"No. I'll have a Shirley Temple please."

"Ahh... A drink as sweet and innocent as its orderer..." Ben took Candace's paw and kissed it. Stan was outraged when she blushed and giggled.

'Why didn't I think of that?' he glared.

"Stan. is something the matter?" Maxwell asked.

"Huh? No. I just forgot to do something at home. It's no big deal."

Later...

As the group ate and chatted, Stan felt someone's foot repeatedly rub against his. He hoped it was Candace, otherwise things would be even more awkward. What if it was her? What if she liked him? What if they started dating and really hit it off? What if they got married and had kids? What if- He was thinking too far ahead. Maybe she didn't realize she was rubbing her foot on his. He decided to investigate.

He made sure the others were too involved with their conversation before he pretended to drop his fork. (He wanted a reason to look under the table, not to make him look like a fool.) As he ducked under the table cloth, he saw the culprit's foot. It definitely belonged to a girl. But, not the one had hoped. He quickly yanked his foot back, startling his sister, who immediately blushed.

"Sorry, Stan. I thought your foot was part of the table," Sandy apologized.

He faintly laughed and plastered on a smile. Through gritted teeth he said, "That's okay, sis."

They left it at that.

-.-.-.

The men stood outside of Maxwell and Sandy's new house as the ladies went in.

"Stan...? I have something very important to ask," Maxwell said seriously.

"Yeah, okay. Shoot."

"You and I have been friends for a long time, and we both love Sandy very much. And, I think we all know how much of a nervous wreck I am and- Well, the point is, you've always been there for sandy and I. So, I wanted to know if you'd be my Best Man, since you're already my best friend..."

"Wow, Max. Really?"

"Yes. Would you?"

"Yeah, Man! I mean, dude this is-this is..."

"This is what?"

"...SO FREAKING AWESOME!"

They laughed and said their good nights as Stan skipped off to his home.

-.-.-..

Meanwhile, the ladies got into their night clothes and went up to the roof. As they sat up there, Sandy noticed something in Candace's paws.

"What's that?" she asked.

"Yours," Candace replied simply as she handed it to her. "It was my mom's." Sandy quickly gave it back.

"Candace, I can't accept this. I mean, it like, belonged to someone who really loved you."

"Consider it your wedding gift. Besides, I'm always on the road lately, and I'm afraid I'll damage it even more."

There was silence for a moment.

"I have an idea. We'll keep it safe here for you, but it'll still be yours," Sandy said, smiling.

"Sure!" Candace smiled back. They hugged.

"Hey, Candace. Can I ask you some things?"

"Yeah."

"The first one is...Would you like to be my Maid of Honor?" Candace squealed excitedly.

"Yes!...But, what about your other friends?"

"I already asked them if it was alright if I picked you, and they said it was a great idea, since you've done such a wonderful job."

"Aww..." Candace cooed. "They sound so cool. I can't wait to meet them!... What was the other thing you wanted to ask?'

Sandy drew in a deep breath.

"Would you mind telling me about your family? You don't have to, I'm just curious."

"No. I don't mind. Hmm...Where should I start...? Oh, I got it!" Candace paused for a moment.