Friends is one of my favorite shows, and the concept for this chapter made me think of it. So, the title comes from the theme song.
And as I'm sure y'all know by now, I am not capable of writing anything short, so here's another long chapter.
"Will the guys be here shortly?" Anna Elizabeth asked as she put her cereal bowl in the sink.
"Yeah," Evie answered. She then added, "Alex is coming earlier so that we can drop off Leo and Kimberly at the daycare center."
"That must have taken some convincing," Anna Elizabeth surmised.
"It did," Evie admitted. As she took Leo from his high chair, she continued, "But I'm just as protective over my little man."
Leo then giggled as Evie tickled him on his stomach.
A knock was then heard at the door. Evie answered it and greeted, "Hey, Alex. Hey Kimberly," with a smile.
"Hey, Aunt Evie!" Kimberly exclaimed.
Both Alex and Evie chuckled before the brunette turned her attention to her little boy, who was curiously looking at Alex and Kimberly.
Evie then explained, "Leo, this is… Uncle Alex. He's Uncle Calin's best friend."
Leo nodded before he exclaimed, "Hey, Uncle Alex!"
Alex smiled as he responded, "Hey, Leo." He then ruffled the boy's hair.
Kimberly then announced, "I Kimberly!"
Leo then repeated, "Kimery?"
Evie and Alex both had to stifle a chuckle, and Alex was both relieved and surprised that his daughter didn't correct Leo.
Evie then asked, "Shall we get to the daycare?"
"Daycare?" Kimberly asked.
"Yes, sweetie. You're going to stay at the daycare while Daddy hangs out with your aunts and uncles," Alex explained.
Kimberly nodded before she asked, "Gonna play with Leo?"
Alex smiled as he answered, "You'll get to play with Leo."
"Yay!" both Kimberly and Leo cheered while their parents chuckled.
Kimberly then took off for Alex's truck, and Leo began struggling to get out of his mother's arms.
Alex chuckled as he observed, "I think it's safe to say they're excited."
"I think you're right," Evie agreed. She then told him, "I think we should get going."
Alex nodded, and he and Evie then headed toward their vehicles.
As soon as they stepped foot in the daycare center, Leo excitedly shouted, "Ms. Ashey!" Ashley grinned as she replied, "Hey, Leo."
The little boy then looked up at his mother and asked, "Play, Mommy?"
"Yes, sweetheart, you can go play," Evie told him before she let him down.
Before he ran off, he went over to Alex. He looked up and asked, "Kimery play?"
Kimberly then added, "Can I, Daddy?"
"Is it okay if she plays?" Alex asked Ashley.
"Of course," Ashley assured him with a smile.
Both kids cheered before they ran off to the playroom.
Alex watched his daughter with a slightly apprehensive expression. He then felt Evie squeeze his arm in reassurance.
Evie then turned her attention to Ashley and said, "Let me introduce you to my friend Alex. He and Calin have known each other since they were kids."
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Alex," Ashley told him as she stuck out her hand. As Alex shook it, he said, "It's nice to meet you, too."
As they let go, Ashley continued, "I can promise you that your little girl is in good hands here. You have nothing to worry about."
"Am I that obvious?" Alex asked.
"Afraid so," Ashley told him with a grin. She then became serious and continued, "I just need you to fill out these papers regarding Kimberly. It covers any medical information that we need to be aware of."
Alex nodded before he took the papers from her. He quickly filled them out and handed them back to Ashley.
Ashley read over it before she asked him, "Does Kimberly like to drink soy milk?"
"Yeah. She loves it with her cereal, and she can't eat cookies without it," Alex answered with a slight chuckle.
Ashley smiled at his words before she explained, "There are a couple more kids that stay here who are also lactose intolerant, and they both like the vanilla-flavored soymilk – they drink it during snack time. Will Kimberly drink it?"
"That's actually the only kind she will drink," Alex told her.
Ashley nodded before she told them, "If that's all, I should go help with the kids." Evie and Alex both nodded before they watched her go.
Evie then turned to Alex and asked, "You ready to go?"
Alex took a deep breath before he answered, "Yeah."
When they reached the parking lot, Evie assured him, "Ashley's been doing this a long time. Kimberly will be fine."
"So you've said," Alex told her with a grin. Evie grinned back at him before he became serious and continued, "Thank you for all you've done to help me with being okay with leaving Kimberly here."
"Of course. I understand that it's not easy to leave your child, but Kimberly is in good hands." Evie replied.
"I know she is," Alex responded.
"Well, that's what friends are for," Evie told him with a genuine smile. Alex returned her smile in response.
They lingered for a few minutes longer than necessary when Evie then looked down and pushed a piece of brown hair behind her ear.
She then told him, "Uh, we should go. I'm sure that Ethan and Calin have arrived at the apartment by now."
"Yeah, I think you're probably right," Alex agreed before he cleared his throat.
Both of them then got in their vehicles and headed back to Evie and Anna Elizabeth's apartment.
When Evie and Alex walked through the door, they immediately heard Ethan's voice, "Can you two explain to them that they have to wear the t-shirts?"
"Dude, come on – bride and groom t-shirts?" Calin stated.
"It's cheesy, even for me," Anna Elizabeth pointed out.
"It is cheesy, but you have to admit that it's pretty cute," Evie told them.
Both Calin and Anna Elizabeth rolled their eyes before he said, "I'm not sure that cute is the right word."
"It's only for a few hours. I think you guys can indulge your wedding party," Alex told them.
"And it'll be fun," Evie added with a grin.
"Fine," both Calin and Anna Elizabeth finally resigned.
"About time," Ethan stated as he threw the shirts to them.
Anna Elizabeth then went into her room, and Calin went into Evie's so that they could change.
When they stepped out, Anna Elizabeth admitted, "I guess the shirts are kind of cute."
"See? Was that so hard to admit?" Ethan teased.
"Yes," Anna Elizabeth told him, and Calin chuckled.
Calin then told his brother, "I told you that she was stubborn." This resulted in a slap on the arm from his fiancée.
Alex, Evie, and Ethan all had to hold back laughter before Evie said, "Alright guys, we have a music festival to get to."
Everyone else nodded before they headed out the door and to their vehicles.
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By the time they arrived at the festival, it was nearly lunch.
Anna Elizabeth looked around before she announced, "I see food vendors over there," as she pointed.
Calin chuckled before he pointed out, "I think we should wait on Alexandra, Jane, and Gia."
"There's no need to wait – we're already here," they all heard from behind them. They turned around, and Evie and Anna Elizabeth immediately wrapped Alexandra and Jane in a hug.
As they pulled back, Anna Elizabeth told them, "It's great to see you guys." "You too, Anna Elizabeth," Alexandra replied.
Anna Elizabeth smiled brightly before she asked, "Where's Gia?"
"She had to take a call from work. There were a few things she had to take care of regarding the latest adoption case she's been working on," Jane explained.
Anna Elizabeth nodded as Evie surmised, "I wasn't sure Gia would ever find what she wanted to do, but I think that working with the foster care system and overseeing adoptions is just the ticket."
"I agree – I think it's perfect for her. And she loves it," Jane agreed. She then reached to grab something out of her purse when she realized that she didn't have it.
"Oh, dear – I'm afraid I left my purse in the boot. I'll be right back," she told them before heading back to the parking area.
"She left her purse in the what?" Alexandra asked confusedly.
"The trunk," Anna Elizabeth clarified. She then explained, "The English refer to the trunk of the car as the boot."
Alexandra nodded, but she couldn't help but roll her eyes. She then pointed out, "She's lived over here for, like, fifteen years – you'd think she'd use our expressions."
"Dad and Aunt Belle have lived over here since they were kids, and they still use English expressions at times. I'm not sure there's much hope for Jane," Anna Elizabeth replied with a slight chuckle.
"Especially considering that you're not even English, and you use their expressions," Calin teased her.
"Like when?" Anna Elizabeth asked.
"When you're mad," Calin and Evie answered at the same time, making everyone chuckle. Evie then added, "You know it's true. 'Bloody' becomes your favorite adjective."
Anna Elizabeth couldn't help but chuckle as she admitted, "Well, what can I say? I am my father's daughter," making everyone laugh once more. She then became reflective and added, "Both of them."
Jane and Gia then returned, and a puzzled Ethan asked, "What do you mean 'both of them'?"
Anna Elizabeth and Calin looked at him with wide eyes as Anna Elizabeth asked, "Are you serious, Ethan?"
"Yes, I'm serious," Ethan answered with utmost sincerity.
"Dude, I'm pretty positive we went over this when we first met," Calin pointed out.
"This is just a guess, but I was probably more focused on the fact that I was meeting my half-brother than the blonde girl he brought with him," Ethan told him seriously. He then thought a moment and teased, "Although, I was trying to figure out how you dragged her across two states to meet me when she was just your girlfriend."
"I'm not sure she was ever 'just my girlfriend'," Calin began as he reached over to take Anna Elizabeth's hand in his. He then added jokingly, "But for the record, it was all Anna Elizabeth's idea to come with me."
Anna Elizabeth rolled her eyes before she pointed out, "You never said anything otherwise, Calin."
"Because I had learned better than to try to argue with you," Calin told her with a grin. Anna Elizabeth rolled her eyes again while Calin kissed her temple.
"I think that's something we all have learned better than to do," Gia teased as she offered a lopsided grin. Her words made everyone chuckled.
The bride-to-be then told them, "Okay, you guys, you all are supposed to be celebrating Calin and I get married. That's the whole point of this – not talk about my arguing."
"You know, she is right. We are all celebrating the love of our two best friends," Alexandra said with a bright smile.
"God, now you sound like Ms. Sappy Love Story over there," Gia complained as she motioned to Anna Elizabeth with her hand. However, her smile then turned genuine as she continued, "But for what it's worth, I am glad you found a guy to make you so happy."
The happy couple smiled brightly at her words as Calin squeezed her hand lovingly and kissed her cheek.
"And on that note, I think we should grab some food before we go check out these bands," Alex announced.
Everyone else nodded in response before they all headed toward the food vendors.
As soon as they had sat down at a large picnic table, Ethan spoke from across Anna Elizabeth to get her attention, "Hey, little sis."
Anna Elizabeth looked up to face him before she asked, "Yeah, big bro?" with a grin.
He grinned before he observed, "You know, you never did explain what you meant earlier – when you talking about both of your fathers."
"Oh, I guess I didn't," Anna Elizabeth realized. She then thought over her words before she spoke, "Well, my parents aren't my parents."
"So, you were adopted?" Ethan surmised. "Not exactly," Anna Elizabeth told him. At his confused expression, she decided to continue.
She took a deep breath as she began again, "You see, when I was four years old, my parents were killed in a car accident. Uncle Killian was my dad's brother and became my guardian upon their death. Aunt Emma was his best friend, and they soon realized they were in love. I was five when they got married. Two years after that is when she found out she was pregnant – I started calling them Mom and Dad all the time about a year or so after that."
Ethan took a moment to consider her words before he sincerely told her, "I'm sorry about your parents."
"It's really okay – it was a long time ago," Anna Elizabeth assured him. She then admitted, "I do miss them sometimes, but I know they'll always be with me."
Calin kissed her forehead while everyone else offered a small smile at her words. Alexandra then observed, "Well, I think that Elsa would be so happy about this wedding, especially since Anna Elizabeth is wearing her dress."
"Alexandra!" Jane scolded. The blonde looked taken aback as she asked, "What?" "Don't you know it's bad luck?" Jane responded.
"Seriously? No one is superstitious," Gia pointed out with a roll of her eyes.
Calin stifled a chuckle before he added, "Even if we were, it's bad luck to see the bride in her dress before the wedding. And I haven't, so we're all good."
"Oh. I suppose that I must have gotten wrong," Jane admitted.
"Obviously, Ginger," Ethan told her.
"My name is Jane, you twit," she pointed out. Though they tried to hold it in, everyone else soon burst out in laughter. Jane and Ethan even joined in.
Once they had sobered, they all went back to eating. Anna Elizabeth took a bite of her corndog before she observed, "Well, guys, the food is good here."
"You think all food is good, Anna Elizabeth," Evie pointed out with a roll of her eyes. The blonde simply shrugged her shoulders in response.
"Speaking of food, are you guys gonna feed us at your wedding tomorrow?" Ethan asked.
"No, Ethan. We're gonna starve our wedding guests," Calin answered sarcastically.
"There's no need for sarcasm," Ethan replied.
"I learned from the best," Calin told him with a grin, and Ethan rolled his eyes in response, making everyone chuckle.
Alexandra then observed, "So, I take it that Ruby and Granny are catering?"
Anna Elizabeth nodded before she teased, "Why? Are you too good for a small town diner now?"
Alexandra only grinned and shook her head before she replied, "Well, there are a lot of amazing restaurants in this city, but none of them make grilled cheese and onion rings quite as good as Granny does."
"I think I would have to second that," Jane added with a smile.
"Both of you sound like my mom. I swear she could eat grilled cheese every day," Anna Elizabeth said as she chuckled.
"She pretty much does," Calin said, as he chuckled as well.
Evie then added, "Yeah. When Aunt Emma babysat for me one day a few weeks back, she ordered a grilled cheese to go, and Leo wanted to try a bite of it. Now, he always asks for it."
This made everyone chuckle before Gia asked Alex, "What about your kid? Does she like grilled cheeses?"
"Well, she does love them, but she has to have them made with dairy-free cheese because she's lactose intolerant," Alex explained.
"Poor little lass. I'm sure that she isn't fond of that," Jane bemused.
"Well, considering that I found out when she was a baby, she really doesn't remember not being lactose intolerant, which is a good thing. I just have to keep a keen eye on what she eats when we go out," Alex explained.
Gia and Jane nodded while Ethan surmised, "That sounds like a lot of work, dude."
"You think everything that involves more than mixing drinks is a lot of work," Alex replied.
"Hey – bartending may not be the most glamorous job, and it doesn't require a college education like the rest of you guys' jobs, but it pays the bills. That's good enough for me," Ethan defended.
"Well, as long as your happy, bro, I think that's all that matters," Calin surmised with a shrug before taking a bite of his burger.
"Just like you are working with your soon-to-be father-in-law," Ethan responded.
Calin narrowed his eyes before he told him, "I can't tell if you're being sarcastic or serious."
"Welcome to my world," Alexandra chimed in.
Ethan rolled his eyes at her comment before he sincerely spoke, "I'm actually being serious, Calin. I think it's awesome that you were able to find some great people who could be your family after you lost your parents and that I could be part of it."
Calin smiled genuinely at his brother as he slapped him on the back. He then spoke, "Thanks, Ethan."
Ethan smiled back as well before he spoke, "Alright, that's about all the sappiness I can take."
Everyone rolled their eyes before Evie pointed out, "And just how do you plan on getting through the wedding tomorrow?"
"Because Calin is my brother – that's how," Ethan responded matter-of-factly.
Anna Elizabeth shook her head before she spoke, "Don't let his tone fool you – he really does have a big heart. After finding that letter from his father about his mother, Ethan was the one who reached out to Calin."
"Well, it's not every day you discover that you have a little brother out there," Ethan tried to play off.
"Whatever you say, Ethan," Anna Elizabeth told him with a grin that let him know she didn't believe him for one second. Ethan pretended not to see it and simply went back to eating.
Everyone else shook their heads in response before they resumed eating as well. Alex, however, inconspicuously whispered something in Evie's ear that made her giggle, though she was careful to keep it discreet.
Although, it wasn't quite discreet enough for Gia not to notice the whole exchange. The brunette then subtly leaned over and whispered to Anna Elizabeth, "Is it just me or does Evie have the hots for single daddy over there?"
Anna Elizabeth had to make quite the effort not to laugh at Gia's wording before she responded, "I think she might, but she doesn't want to admit it."
"I'm assuming that's because of her jerkface baby daddy," Gia surmised.
"You'd be right," Anna Elizabeth admitted. She then added, "Alex went through similar hurt with his ex-wife. So, it's safe to say that both of them are rightly cautious."
Gia nodded before she observed, "So, they're once bitten, twice shy?"
Anna Elizabeth rolled her eyes before she asked, "Did you really just turn this into an 80s song reference?"
Gia grinned before she told her blonde friend, "It must be all the time I've spent with you," with a grin. Anna Elizabeth only shook her head before she went back to eating.
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When they all had finished eating, they began walking toward the concert area. Once they had settled in a spot, the concert was beginning.
"Are you guys ready for some music?" the lead singer of the first band shouted. A wave of "yeah!" and "woo!" erupted from the crowd.
The lead singer then announced, "Awesome! I thought we'd start off with some Starship."
The rest of the band then cranked up the drums and electric guitar, and the sound of "We Built This City" filled the outdoor concert space.
"Of course they would play this song," Jane observed with a chuckle.
"We swear we had no idea," Gia added, as she chuckled as well.
Calin and Anna Elizabeth both laughed before he surmised, "Maybe it is only a coincidence, but you have to admit that's it's pretty perfect," as he squeezed Anna Elizabeth's hand.
"I think that it's absolutely perfect," Anna Elizabeth added before she kissed her fiancé's cheek.
Alexandra couldn't help but gush at the couple as she suggested, "I say this calls for the story."
"What story?" Ethan asked with a dumbfounded tone.
Alexandra rolled her eyes before she pointed out, "The story of how they met."
"And this is relevant because?" Ethan questioned.
"You mean aside from the fact that they're getting married tomorrow?" Jane rhetorically asked.
Calin couldn't help but chuckle before he defended his brother, "Lay off guys. We all know that Ethan isn't the most romantic of people."
"While that's true, that wasn't my reasoning this time," Ethan began. At everyone's confused faces, he continued, "I just don't see why you guys are bringing up during this song. I don't get it."
There were eye rolls, chuckles, and the shaking of heads among the group. Alex then observed, "He obviously doesn't know how you guys met."
"Obviously," Gia pointed out as she rolled her eyes once more.
Anna Elizabeth then addressed her soon-to-be brother-in-law, "You see, Ethan, I was singing this song when Calin and I first met."
"Ah, I see," Ethan teased. He then teased, "And you swept my little brother off his feet."
The others laughed while Calin admitted, "That's pretty much what happened."
"Care to elaborate?" Ethan asked.
"Well, we were both walking to the library on campus. I kept hearing singing from behind me. I glanced over my shoulder and saw this beautiful girl with blonde curls. I quickly looked forward before she could catch me looking at her."
But he was interrupted by Alex's joke, "Or before you ran into something and looked like an idiot in front of Anna Elizabeth."
Everyone unsuccessfully tried to stifle their chuckles while Calin rolled his eyes.
He then continued, "I kept listening to her sing, and despite my best efforts, I found myself continuing to look over my shoulder. She did catch me looking at her, and stopped singing. She then smiled at me, and I knew I was a goner."
"Especially when he slowed his pace to try to talk me," Anna Elizabeth added with a giggle.
When she had stopped giggling, she continued, "He was so nervous. He kept biting his lip and fumbling his words. I thought it was really cute."
Calin then picked it up, "But I managed to overcome my nerves, and we agreed that both of us were born in the wrong decade with our love of 80's music and classic cars," with a smile.
"And a few months later, he gathered up the courage to ask me out. And as they say, the rest is history," Anna Elizabeth finished, as she mirrored Calin's smile.
Everyone returned the couples' smiles as Ethan observed, "So, this whole festival is just a big wave of sentimentality for you guys, isn't it?"
"Pretty much," Anna Elizabeth and Calin spoke at the same time. Both of them then laughed.
When they had sobered, Ethan commented, "While I'm sure that we all enjoyed story time, I would appreciate listening to the music without any interruptions."
"Dude, I thought you didn't like 80's music?" Alex pointed out.
"I do prefer music from this decade, but 80's music is cool in moderation," Ethan clarified.
There were giggles and eye rolls among the group. Anna Elizabeth then spoke, "Well, guys, I do have to agree on some level. I say it's time to rock out," with a bright smile.
Everyone nodded in agreement before they turned their attention to the stage where the band was playing the first few chords of "Jessie's Girl".
The crowd was clapping and cheering as the band finished up their set with "Eye of the Tiger."
The lead singer then thanked the crowd. He then introduced the next act – a Bon Jovi cover band. There were more cheers from the enthusiastic crowd before the band began packing up. Everyone then dispersed for the brief intermission between bands.
Gia then addressed Anna Elizabeth, "I bet you're pretty excited, huh, blondie?" with a knowing grin.
The bride-to-be returned her friend's grin as she replied, "You know how much I love Bon Jovi."
"I think that we all know that," Jane teased before she chuckled. The rest of the group laughed as well.
Gia then asked, "You still have that Bon Jovi shirt, Anna Elizabeth?"
The blonde nodded before she elaborated, "Yeah. My mom and dad were huge fans." She then joked, "I'm almost positive they played it for me in the womb."
Everyone laughed once again before Evie added, "And if you think about how much Uncle Killian sings, it's no wonder that you sing as much as you do, Cuz. I feel like I'm at a concert all the time.
"Geez, little bro, I hope can deal with that," Ethan quipped.
Both Calin and Anna Elizabeth rolled their eyes before the groom-to-be pointed out, "Dude, considering that she was singing the moment I met her – and practically every moment since then – I don't think that'll change once we live together. Besides, I happen to love hearing her sing."
"If you say so," Ethan commented. Everyone else rolled their eyes at his words.
Jane then asked, "Speaking of living together, do you have everything moved, Anna Elizabeth?"
"I kept one bag of essentials, and then there's everything that's on my bed. But besides that, all my stuff has been moved to Calin's apartment," Anna Elizabeth answered.
"Good luck moving all of that tonight," Ethan muttered.
Unfortunately, Anna Elizabeth heard him and asked, "Why would my stuff need to be moved tonight?"
Luckily, Calin quickly recovered, "What my brother means is that I'm just moving your boxes around so there will be room to walk. I doubt that falling on my face would make for a romantic wedding night."
Anna Elizabeth couldn't help but smile as she agreed, "I suppose it wouldn't."
She then noticed that the crowd was filling back in and the band was warming up. She then announced, "Guys, they're about to start playing."
Everyone else nodded and turned their attention to the stage.
Evie then whispered to Alex, "He cannot keep a secret! He almost gave away the house surprise!"
Alex chuckled lightly before he agreed, "Yeah, I know. If there's one thing I've learned in the short time I've known him, it's to not tell him anything that's meant to be secret."
Evie giggled before she added, "I'd have to agree with you."
Just as they were turning their attention back to the concert, Ethan teased, "Are you two gonna flirt or watch the show?"
"We weren't flirting!" Alex and Evie both defended. Their words, however, proved to be meaningless when their faces turned a slight red.
"Yeah, right," Ethan commented as he rolled his eyes. He then turned his attention back to the concert.
Evie and Alex couldn't quite look at each other and simply began singing along to "Wanted Dead or Alive".
Calin then lightly hit his brother's arm to get his attention. Ethan then asked, "What?"
"Lay off Alex and Evie, dude," Calin told him.
Ethan rolled his eyes before he replied, "It's not hurting them."
"You just want to be annoying," Calin quipped.
Ethan sighed before he spoke, "Would you believe me if I said I just wanted them to be happy?"
Calin narrowed his eyes as he studied his brother for a moment. He then spoke, "You're actually being sincere," with a bit of surprise.
"You know, I am capable of that on occasion," Ethan told his brother.
"And it always throws me off guard, especially since it's been twice in one day," Calin admitted.
"Good. I'd hate to be predictable," Ethan began with a smirk. Calin shook his head before Ethan became serious and admitted, "Look, dude, when I contacted you, I wasn't sure what to expect. But then you showed up on my doorstep a few weeks later, and I got to know you, I couldn't have asked for a better brother."
Calin smiled genuinely at Ethan, and he returned it. They pulled each other in for a quick hug before pulling away.
Ethan then continued, "And I also lucked out in another way, too."
"What do you mean?" Calin asked confusedly.
Ethan then motioned to Anna Elizabeth, who was currently singing at the top of her lungs, before he stated, "I also got a pretty amazing sister. And tomorrow, you guys will make it official, and I couldn't be happier to be part of it."
Calin smiled once again before he suggested, "You know, dude, maybe you should let people see that heart of yours more often."
Ethan shrugged before he teased, "But then there'd be no one to embarrass you in front of your kids one day."
Calin shook his head and grinned as he replied, "You ridiculous, you know."
"That I do," Ethan responded with a grin before he turned his attention back to the concert. Calin shook his head before he did the same.
The crowd sang along to Def Leppard, Poison, Chicago, REO Speedwagon, Whitesnake, and everyone in between for the next few hours. The closer was a Bryan Adams cover band, and they had just finished "Summer of '69".
The lead singer then announced, "Alright, ladies and gents, to close out the festival, we thought we'd play something for all of the couples out there. I hope you guys enjoy this – here's "(Everything I Do) I Do It For You".
Calin then turned to Anna Elizabeth and asked, "Care to dance?
She smiled brightly as she answered, "I'd love to."
Calin returned her smile before he wrapped his arms around her waist. He pulled Anna Elizabeth close to him, and she wrapped her arms around his neck.
Her blue eyes wandered, and she observed, "It seems that our friends have gone M.I.A.," with a chuckle.
Calin chuckled as well before he pointed out, "Can you blame them?"
"I guess not," she agreed. She then rested her head on his shoulder and wistfully stated, "This was the song that my parents danced to for their first dance at their wedding."
Calin smiled at her memory before he surmised, "And let me guess – you were off to the side singing along."
Anna Elizabeth giggled before she told him, "You know it." She then became reflective and continued, "I thought that my mom looked like a princess, and I couldn't wait for the day I got to marry my prince."
She then lifted her head from his shoulder to look into his brown eyes and told him, "And tomorrow, I'll marry someone better than a prince."
"Who would that be?" Calin asked with a grin.
"My best friend," Anna Elizabeth told him with a bright smile.
Calin smiled back at her before pulling her in for a sweet and tender kiss. As they pulled away, he told her, "I can't wait to be your husband, Anna Elizabeth."
"And I can't wait to be your wife, Calin," Anna Elizabeth replied.
She then moved one of her hands from around his neck to cup his cheek and said, "And tomorrow, we'll dance to our song."
Calin smiled at her as he responded, "I knew the song was perfect for us because you are perfect to me."
Anna Elizabeth smiled at his words before she kissed him softly. When they pulled away, she took his face in her hands and told him, "I love you so much, Calin."
"And I love you just as much, Anna Elizabeth," he replied.
Anna Elizabeth smiled at him once more before she laid her head on his chest. They slowly swayed along to the music.
Don't tell me it's not worth fightin' for
I can't help it, there's nothing I want more
You know it's true
Everything I do
I do it for you
There's no love
Like your love
And no other
Could give me more love
There's nowhere
Unless you're there
All the time
All the way, yeah
Look into your heart, baby
Oh, you can't tell me it's not worth tryin' for
I can't help it, there's nothing I want more
Yeah, I would fight for you
I lie for you
Walk the line for you, yeah, I'd die for you
You know it's true
Everything I do,
I do it for you.
They danced along as the band played through the long version of the song. When it was finished, the band thanked everyone for coming to the festival. The crowd then began to disperse.
Anna Elizabeth and Calin found their friends at the picnic tables. When he saw them, Ethan announced, "Ah, there's the happy couple." They smiled at his words.
Jane then asked, "Did you two enjoy the concert?" with a bright smile.
"Oh, it was an amazing concert. I'm so glad you all thought of this," Anna Elizabeth replied with a smile.
"Yeah, guys. It was totally awesome," Calin agreed.
"Even though someone ruined the surprise," Gia stated with a glare toward Ethan. He rolled his eyes while everyone else chuckled.
"Even though my brother cannot keep a secret, I couldn't have picked a better way to spend time with my best friends," Calin sincerely told them.
"And we couldn't have planned anything better to celebrate you and Anna Elizabeth getting married. We all are so happy for you guys," Alexandra said.
"You two really are made for each other. He really does do everything for you, Cuz," Evie added with a grin.
There were no words spoken as Anna Elizabeth pulled everyone in for a hug, followed by Calin.
When they pulled away a moment later, Gia noticed the tears welling up in Anna Elizabeth's blue eyes.
"You're already crying, blondie? How do you expect to make it through the wedding tomorrow?" the brunette pointed out.
Anna Elizabeth wiped her eyes before she joked, "I know. I'm considering telling Aunt Belle to not even bother with mascara," with a slight chuckle.
Jane then responded, "I know you're joking, but I think that's a wise idea." Anna Elizabeth simply nodded in response.
Alex then added, "At the risk of more tears, we have a surprise for you guys."
Anna Elizabeth and Calin both furrowed their brows as they simultaneously asked, "What?"
Alex smiled as he moved his hand from behind his back to reveal a scrapbook. Anna Elizabeth gasped and covered her mouth with her hands as Alex handed the scrapbook to Calin.
"Guys, what is this?" Anna Elizabeth exclaimed when she uncovered her mouth.
"It's a scrapbook that we made for you guys. It's pictures of all of us," Evie explained.
"We started it shortly after you guys told us you guys were getting married," Gia added.
"Think of it as a wedding present," Alexandra chimed in with a bright smile.
"You guys really are the best friends that someone would want. Thank you guys so much for the scrapbook," Anna Elizabeth excitedly told them.
"This really is awesome, you guys. So, thank you," Calin echoed his fiancée's words.
"No problem. And there's blank pages in the back if you want to add more pictures," Alex replied.
Both Calin and Anna Elizabeth smiled in response. He then asked his brother, "How did you manage to keep this a secret?"
"Well, I had nothing to do with assembling to the scrapbook. So, after I sent my pictures with a few ideas for the scrapbook, I completely forgot about it until Alex went to go get it while you guys were dancing," Ethan admitted, with a shrug.
Everyone shook their heads and laughed at him while Ethan just shrugged once more.
The middle-aged concert promoter then came over to them and asked, "Hey, what did you all think of the show?"
"Honestly, it was pretty awesome," Ethan responded, and the rest of the group nodded their agreement.
The man smiled in response before he spoke, "Great. I'm glad you guys enjoyed it. Feel free to grab some food or a t-shirt. We're gonna be packing up in a couple hours. Let me know if you kids need anything."
Anna Elizabeth then piped up, "Actually, would you mind taking a picture of all of us?"
The man smiled as he answered, "I wouldn't mind at all." Anna Elizabeth smiled back as she handed him her phone.
Everyone then moved to get into position for the picture. Anna Elizabeth and Calin got in the middle while their friends surrounded them. They all smiled widely, and a moment later, the man snapped a couple pictures.
Anna Elizabeth then went over to the promoter and got her phone back. She thanked him for the picture, and he nodded in response.
He then told her, "Congrats on the wedding."
The blonde was confused for a moment until she remembered her t-shirt.
"Thank you," she replied with a giddy smile. He nodded before he went on his way.
When she returned to the group, Ethan was in the middle of an eye-roll worthy joke. When he had finished it, Anna Elizabeth giggled despite herself before she shook her head.
The eight of them then began making their way to their vehicles. Anna Elizabeth and Calin fell a bit behind the others as they walked hand-in-hand toward his car.
The bride-to-be couldn't help but play over today in her mind. She really felt like the luckiest girl in the world. She had the absolute best friends that anyone could ask for. All of them felt like her family. And come tomorrow, they, along with the rest of her loved ones, would be there to watch her marry the love of her life. Just like today, she knew that her and Calin's wedding would be a day to cherish.
A/N: I really wanted another song for Anna Elizabeth and Calin to dance, but I couldn't find one that I was familiar with (and I happen to love Bryan Adams). Anyways, I hope you guys didn't mind. I hope you guys are all excited for the next chapter, which is the wedding! I have some really sweet and feelsy scenes planned that I know you guys will love. Until then, my lovelies!