Responding to a knock on her apartment door, Lola revealed Austin, on the other side. Observing his shorts, Hawaiian patterned shirt, hat and sunglasses, she looked at him quizzically, saying, "What…?"
"You're not ready," Austin said, noting Lola dressed the opposite from him, in a light blouse and jeans.
"Ready for what?" Lola said.
"I thought we decided to spend our day off together," Austin said, stepping inside.
"Well, yes but…" Lola paused, "Why are you dressed like that?" She tried to hide her amusement.
"You don't like it?" Austin said, "It's my best summer wear."
"If that's your best, I need to take you clothes shopping," Lola said, shutting the apartment door.
"We can do whatever you want," Austin said, "But I was planning some beach and sun time. So, go get changed, I'll wait."
"If I have to take this off," Lola said, "I can think of something else we can do."
"You tempt me," Austin said, "As enticing as that sounds, maybe we could put that on hold until…" Austin trailed off as Lola undid the clip from her hair, letting it fall around her shoulders.
"If we don't go now, we will miss getting a good spot on the beach," Austin said.
Lola began to unbutton her blouse.
"And now is optimal sun time," Austin said, beginning to sweat.
Lola walked to Austin and rubbed her hands across his shoulders. Whipping his hat onto the couch, she kissed him.
"Then again the beach is overrated," Austin said, taking Lola in his arms.
Summer sighed, heavily as she sat on the patio of Crimson Lights, punching keys on her tablet. "Tell me this isn't happening," she moaned to herself.
"There's the blushing bride," Phyllis said, approaching her with a smile.
Not paying attention to her mother, Summer busied herself with a few more actions on her tablet, stopping to stare at it she said a frustrated, "No…"
"Summer?" Phyllis said, "Are you alright?"
"What?" Summer said, looking up at her.
Sitting across from her daughter, Phyllis said, "What's wrong?"
"Oh, only everything," Summer said, resting her forehead against her hand.
"What does that mean?" Phyllis said.
"The wedding, the whole thing is a disaster!" Summer said.
"Why do you say that?" Phyllis calmly said.
"The flowers," Summer panicked, "Mom, they are red. They are supposed to pink and they're red! I am getting married in 72 hours and I'm so nervous, I can't think, I can't sleep."
Phyllis tried to interject, as Summer continued, "And my dress, the alterations won't be ready for another 48 hours!"
Reaching across the table and taking Summer's hand, Phyllis said, "This is all perfectly natural."
"What is natural about my wedding plans imploding?" Summer said, "No, this is a sign that I shouldn't be getting married. I can't do this."
"Summer, you have a case of the pre-wedding jitters," Phyllis said, "It's completely normal. It proves you are excited and in love with your husband to be."
"It does?" Summer said, "You're right, I do love Fen so much."
"There you see?" Phyllis said, "Everything will be fine. I want you to give me the name of your dress shop."
"What for?" Summer said.
"I am going to call and tell them, my daughter needs the alterations to her wedding dress completed today," Phyllis said, "We will then go try it on and make sure it's perfect. I will also contact the florist and let them know, if they can't change the arrangement to make it pink, I will find someone who can."
"Thank you," Summer said, calming her tone, "I appreciate your help."
"Of course," Phyllis said, "What are mothers for, if not to save her daughter's nerves for her wedding." Summer smiled.
"Why are you handling everything yourself?" Phyllis said, "Where's your maid of honor? Why isn't Rachel helping you?"
"Well, she isn't going to be my maid of honor," Summer said.
"Oh, I see. She turned you down," Phyllis said, "You know that is really petty. If she can't put her differences aside for one day, then I feel sorry for her. Well, luckily for you I am still prepared to offer you my services."
"Thank you," Summer said, "But that won't be necessary. Rachel didn't turn me down, Fen and I decided to go another way. We are having a best person stand up for us. Rachel is going to be Fen's and Kyle is going to be mine."
"Kyle Abbott?" Phyllis said, with distaste.
"He is one of my closest lifelong friends," Summer said.
"That's not a good idea," Phyllis said, "No, I don't think Kyle would look good in a bridesmaid's dress."
Summer laughed, "Mom…"
"Am I wrong?" Phyllis said.
"No," Summer said, still laughing.
"Thank you," Kyle said, taking his take out bag from Society, with a smile at the clerk. His approach to the exit, was interrupted by someone calling his name. "Kyle!"
Turning to see Fen, waiving him over, Kyle sighed before obliging. "Fen," Kyle said.
"I'm so glad I found you," Fen said.
"Don't worry, you can tell Summer I'm all set for the wedding," Kyle said.
"That's good to know," Fen said, "But I need your help. Do you have a few minutes?"
"Sure," Kyle said, sitting across from him, "What do you need?"
"I've been sitting here, trying to write my vows to Summer," Fen said, "I can't think of the right thing to say. I keep getting this mental block. Maybe you can help me figure it out, give me some ideas?"
"Just speak from your heart," Kyle said, "Tell her how much…you love her."
"Yes, but I want to say more than that," Fen said.
"Alright, show me what you have," Kyle said, reaching for Fen's tablet. Reading it over Kyle said, "Summer, I love you so much and I can't wait to marry you." Looking at Fen, Kyle said, "That's it?"
"Like I said, I can't get it right," Fen said, "I'm not good at writing my feelings down."
"May I?" Kyle said, gesturing to the tablet.
"Yeah, go for it," Fen said. He watched Kyle type into his tablet for a few minutes, before Kyle handed it back.
"Something like this should work," Kyle said.
Reading it over, a smile crept across Fen's face, and he said, "This is amazing. Summer is going to love it. Thanks."
"Glad I could help," Kyle said, grabbing hold of his take out bag and standing up, "Feel free to change the wording if you like."
"Wait," Fen said, "Before you go, I want to practice saying it out loud. Could you lend an ear?"
Kyle exhaled, as he sat once again.
"Summer, you showed me what it was like to love another person," Fen began reading, "We've known each other so long and have a connection, which has always been there. Your kindness, your strength and the way you smile, your laugh, are just some of the things I love about you. You have made me a better man, just for knowing you. You make me the happiest person alive and I want to spend the rest of my life making you feel that same happiness. I will always make you priority in my life. I promise my love for you will never waiver and I am very excited to marry you, the love of my life."
Fen had looked to Kyle as he finished reciting the last line. It was then they noticed someone standing beside their table. Kyle and Fen slowly looked up to see Victor.
After an awkward pause Fen said, "I was just practicing my vows." Fen quickly added, "For Summer."
"Hmm…" was all Victor said, before walking away.
Fen shrank away from Victor's direction as Kyle raised his eyebrows. Leaning closer Kyle gleefully said, "That's going to be your grandfather-in law."
"Don't remind me," Fen said.
Smirking Kyle stood up and said, "Good luck with that."
Summer walked up to the front counter of Crimson Lights, to retrieve a refill of her coffee.
A few feet away Rachel and Chloe were catching up with one another. "I'm sorry I walked in on you and Kyle, when you weren't ready for company," Chloe said.
The sound of Kyle's name perked up Summer's ears.
"I've told you it's okay," Rachel said, "I am the one who is mortified that Kyle and I subjected you to that scene."
"I assume things are still going well?" Chloe said.
"You know, that day he and I spent together was incredible," Rachel said, "He was the man I fell in love with. I feel like that's what happened, I've fallen in love with him all over again. Since then Kyle has been wonderful to me. He tries not to work too late and he brings me flowers or picks up dinner. He dotes on Diana, and Kyle is always there to say good morning and goodnight to her."
Summer listened to it all, while an unexpected jealous feeling formed in her stomach.
"And where is your sweet little one today?" Chloe said.
"Traci is looking after her, while I do errands," Rachel said, "They get along so well. Traci tells me she loves having a baby to look after again."
"Sounds like you a have a fairytale life," Chloe said.
"It really is wonderful," Rachel smiled, "And since Diana is sleeping better, Kyle and I can spend more special time together. Between you and me, I can hardly wait for every night with him."
Rachel's last statement, caused Summer to spill her coffee. "Oh!" Summer exclaimed.
"Summer?" Rachel said.
"Are you okay?" Chloe said.
"I wasn't paying attention, I just spilled all this coffee," Summer said. "I'm sorry," Summer said, to the clerk who was wiping up the spill.
Chloe handed Summer some napkins, to clean off the coffee that had splattered on her clothes. "Thanks," Summer said, "I just seem to be a nervous wreck these days."
"I suppose, your mind was on your wedding," Rachel said.
"Yeah, just a few days now, it seems to be coming up so fast," Summer said.
"I was nervous before my wedding too," Rachel said, "But when I saw Kyle standing down the aisle, waiting for me, I knew everything would be alright."
"I can imagine that was exciting," Summer said.
"You'll see," Rachel said, "When you see Fen at your wedding, all your worries will go away."
"I'm sure you're right," Summer said, "If you will excuse me, I have a lot to do."
As Summer hurried off, Chloe said, "Was she eavesdropping on us?"
"I hope she was," Rachel said, "Summer needs to know how good Kyle and I are. That way she can focus on her husband, instead of mine."
Lola sat with her head on Austin's shoulder, as they enjoyed the outdoor weather of the park.
"See?" Austin said, "Isn't this better than sitting in a stuffy apartment."
"We had some fun in that stuffy apartment this morning," Lola said.
"Very true," Austin said, "It's nice being with you just like this too."
"It's such a beautiful day," Lola said, "This warm weather reminds me of Miami."
"It sounds like you miss it," Austin said.
"My family is there, so I do miss home," Lola said, "I should take you there one day."
"To Miami?" Austin said.
"Yes, my parole is up in a couple of months we should plan to go," Lola said.
"I don't know if your family is ready for the likes of me," Austin said.
"I would like to introduce you to my mother and my brother Arturo and his wife," Lola said, "They will love you."
"Your other brother does not even like me," Austin said, "I can't deny the feeling is mutual."
"Maybe you and Rey can mend things one day," Lola said.
"I wouldn't count on that anytime soon," Austin said.
Austin and Lola, both looked up, when they saw Kyle enter the park.
Noticing their coziness, Kyle said, "Sorry, I didn't mean to interrupt."
"No problem," Austin said.
"How are you?" Lola said.
"No complaints," Kyle said.
"How's the baby doing?" Lola said.
"She's amazing," Kyle said, "And growing every day."
"I'm happy to hear things are going so well for you," Lola said.
"Thanks, I hope everything is well with you too," Kyle said.
Taking Austin's hand, Lola said, "Things are wonderful." Kyle nodded.
"You know what I see over there?" Austin said, "Ice cream. Would you like some?"
"Sounds perfect," Lola said.
"I will be right back," Austin said. Pausing he said, "Kyle, do you want any?"
"No, I'm good," Kyle frowned.
After Austin walked away, Kyle said, "So you and Travers, for real?"
"Yes," Lola said, "He makes me very happy."
"I'm sure he is just the best," Kyle sarcastically said, "Just keep your eyes open where he's concerned."
"I know what I am doing," Lola said, "I'm happier than I have been in a long time."
"As long as he treats you right, that's all that matters," Kyle said.
"Fen and Summer's wedding is in a few days," Lola said, "Are you going?"
"I'm standing up for Summer," Kyle said.
"Of course you are," Lola said.
"She's my friend," Kyle said, "Don't read too much into it."
"Yes, but she…" Lola trailed off, "Never mind."
"No, what were you going to say?" Kyle prompted.
"Summer wants you, she has always wanted you," Lola said, "I find it hard to believe that will change just because she is marrying someone else."
"She happens to be very much in love with her future husband," Kyle said.
"I'm sure that's true," Lola said.
"Summer and I have talked through a lot in the past couple of weeks," Kyle said, "She is in a good place regarding her upcoming marriage."
"If you say so," Lola said, "I shouldn't have said anything."
"Here we go," Austin said, returning and handing Lola her ice cream.
"I'm on my way home, so I have to get going," Kyle said.
"Take care," Lola said.
Austin watched Kyle walk away, before he said, "That looked intense."
"It's denial," Lola said.
"What is?" Austin said, "You mean Abbott?"
"I don't want to talk about him," Lola said.
"What should we talk about?" Austin said.
"How amazing this ice cream is," Lola said.
"Okay," Austin laughed.
Taking his hand, Lola said, "Come on, let's keep walking."
"Whatever you say," Austin smiled.
Chloe and Rachel shared a laugh, after which Chloe said, "I'm afraid I have to be going."
"Yes, and I should get back to my daughter," Rachel said.
Her gaze focused on the patio, Chloe said, "If I'm not mistaken that is my handsome husband on the patio."
Rachel looked to see Kevin, and then to her surprise Kyle walked over and joined him.
"There's mine too," Rachel said, "What do you suppose that's about?"
"Maybe we should go find out," Chloe said.
"Are we those people?" Rachel said, "Who interfere in our husband's business?"
"Yes, we are," Chloe said, standing up as Rachel nodded.
Noticing the ladies approach, Kevin smiled, causing Kyle to turn around with his own smile.
"This is a surprise," Kevin said.
"I didn't expect to see you here either," Chloe said.
"Hi, you," Rachel said, as the ladies sat to the side of their respective partners.
"Hi you too," Kyle grinned.
"You see, Rachel and I were sitting over there," Chloe said, "And we saw the two of you, so we are wondering what this pow wow is about."
"You're not known for getting together," Rachel said, "Are we interrupting?"
Looking at Kevin, Kyle said, "You tell me, you are the one who wanted to meet."
"I looked into that matter we discussed," Kevin said, "I have some information for you."
"You mean about Miranda?" Kyle said. Kevin nodded.
"What about Miranda?" Rachel said.
"I asked Kevin to see if he could locate her," Kyle said.
"You never told me that," Rachel said.
"I know," Kyle said, "I didn't want to get your hopes up if we couldn't find her."
"Did you find out something?" Rachel said, to Kevin.
"I found Miranda," Kevin said.
"Where is she?" Rachel said, "Is she alright?"
"She is fine," Kevin said, "The reason she was difficult to locate is because she changed her name."
"She did what?" Rachel said.
"Miranda Brantford, is also known as Andi Neil," Kevin said.
"Her father's last name was McNeil," Rachel said.
"Exactly," Kevin said, "While Andi can be a variation of Miranda."
"Why would she change her name?" Rachel said.
"That I don't have an answer for," Kevin said, "I did find an engagement notice for Miranda, but nothing about a wedding or marriage license under either name."
"Do you know where she is?" Rachel said.
"I do," Kevin said, "She's right over there."
Everyone looked towards the interior of the coffeehouse, to see the tables and chairs were fairly empty.
"I don't see anyone," Kyle said.
"Behind the front counter," Kevin said.
"The waitress?" Chloe said.
"That's her," Kevin said.
"I've seen her before, I never noticed who she was," Rachel said, "Are you sure that's her?"
"Positive," Kevin said, "Susie told me the waitress at Crimson Lights kept staring at her. Miranda knew it was her cousin."
"Well, I'm going to go talk to her," Rachel said, "Although I don't know what to say."
"Leave it to me," Chloe said. She grabbed Andi's attention, holding up her coffee cup indicating she wanted a refill.
Andi walked over with the coffee pot, missing a step when she realized Rachel was at the table.
"We would all like a refill, please," Chloe said.
Andi silently filled the cups, nerves causing her to spill Rachel's. "Oh, I'm sorry," Andi said, whipping out a rag to mop up the mess.
"That's okay, Miranda," Rachel said.
Andi stopped mid wipe. Straightening up she said, "I'm sorry, I…"
"Don't deny it," Rachel said, "I know it's you."
Andi stood silent, fidgeting with the rag. "Aren't you even going to say hello to your aunt Rachel?" Kyle prompted.
"Hi," Andi said, "Okay it's me."
"You've been working here for months, why didn't you say anything or contact me?" Rachel said.
"I wasn't sure you cared," Andi said.
"Of course I care," Rachel said, "I promised your mother, I would look out for you. Except I didn't know where you were. I was worried about you and looking for you best I could."
"I'm sorry," Andi said, "Grandma told you about me, right?"
"Excuse me?" Rachel said, "Your grandmother knows?"
"She figured it out a few weeks ago," Andi said, "I begged her not to say anything."
"Why not?" Rachel said.
"I wasn't sure if I was going to stay," Andi said, "So, if it wasn't grandma, how did you find me?"
"Kevin is a police investigator," Rachel said, "He's good at finding things. I'm sure you remember Kevin."
Andi nodded. "Hi," she said. Kevin offered a small smile.
"This is my husband, Kyle," Rachel said.
"It's nice to finally meet you," Kyle said.
"And this is my best friend and Kevin's wife, Chloe," Rachel said.
"Hello," Chloe said, with a little wave.
"It's nice to meet you too," Andi said.
"You also have two cousins you have never met," Rachel said, "My daughter Susie, and Diana who was born a couple of months ago."
"I didn't know you had a new baby," Andi said, "That's great."
"Thank you," Rachel said, "I wanted you to be here to meet her. I was hoping to find you in time for our wedding."
"I'm sorry I wasn't there," Andi said.
"I want to talk to you, about so many things," Rachel said, "Maybe not this minute, but soon."
"I would like that," Andi said.
"Just promise me you're not in any trouble," Rachel said.
"I'm not," Andi said, "And excuse me, but I have some customers."
Rachel stood up and said, "Remember we are family and I am here for you."
"Thanks," Andi said.
Rachel gave Andi a hug, while Andi hesitated before hugging her back. Kyle noticed relief come into Andi's eyes as she embraced her aunt.
"We will talk really soon," Rachel said.
"Promise," Andi said, before scurrying away.
Sitting back down, Rachel said, "Oh yeah, she's hiding something."
Sitting on a park bench, Summer impatiently checked her watch. Scanning the park, she wondered, "Where are you Fen?"
"Summer?" She looked up to see Austin.
"What are you doing here?" Summer said.
"I'm with Lola, enjoying the weather" Austin said, "She's just taking care of a phone call. What about you?"
"I'm meeting my fiancé," Summer said.
"I guess the big day is almost here," Austin said.
"Yes, it is," Summer said, "If you don't mind, I really don't want to make small talk with you."
"Can't we be friends?" Austin said.
"It's hard for me to look at you and not remember how you pulled a gun on me and nearly killed someone I care about," Summer said.
"Still hung up on Abbott?" Austin said.
"I am not hung up on anyone, except the man I am about to marry," Summer said.
"Then why are you being so defensive?" Austin said.
"Because talking to you is stressful for me," Summer said.
"I'm only sending my best wishes for the happy couple," Austin said.
"What's going on over here?" Fen said, cautiously walking over, "Are you bothering my fiancé?"
"You two really like saying that word to describe each other," Austin said.
"He was just passing on his best wishes for us," Summer said.
"Nice," Fen said, "Goodbye."
Austin saw Lola waiving him over. "My cue to leave," Austin said, "See you at the wedding."
"What?" Summer said.
"You're having it at Society, I'm bartending," Austin grinned, before walking away.
"I wouldn't worry about him," Fen said, "He's harmless."
"No, he isn't," Summer said.
"I wouldn't let anyone hurt you," Fen said.
"I love how you take care of me," Summer said.
"Soon it's going to be official," Fen said.
"I can't wait," Summer said.
"Me either," Fen said, "I love you Summer Newman."
"I love you Mr. Baldwin," Summer said.
Smiling Fen pulled her into a hug. Summer held on tight, her smile increasing the longer they embraced.