Disclaimer: I still don't claim ownership to Zoey101, Another World, or Couples just playing in their universe in my own world .

Chase was awed .

Mac Cory was larger than life in a very impressive way and though Chase felt welcomed into Zoey's family, he couldn't help but to think that their Grandfathers were very much different . Grandpa Joe was as down to earth right splat into salt of the Earth man who enjoyed sitting in his favorite leather arm chair watching the weather channel and old westerns on Tv which was cool . He was often regaling him with stories from back in his day .

As Zoey's much beloved grandfather continued welcoming him into the fold of their family, Chase couldn't help but think of the differences between the Matthews and the Cory/Brooks families and wondered if his throat was starting to close up .

He loved his grandfather but worried that his zany family wouldn't fit in with hers which was strange because where had that thought even come from ? Zoey's family were nice people and they certainly didn't act snobbish or snooty .

Mac clamped a friendly hand on the young mans shoulder , a wry smile crossing his lips .

' Are we overwhelming you, son ? I imagine your head must be spinning about now between graduation and now meeting the whole lot of us nosy Cory's to boot ,' replied an earnest Mac, gesturing to the antique chair ,' I don't suppose Zoey ever bothered to mention that I got this old mansion in a shrewd business deal ? '

Chase managed a half smile and gladly slid into the chair appraising Mac with a keen eye

Mac was a handsome older man with a head full of thick silver hair and a mustache dressed dapper in an expensive suit but there was a strength and kindness in his face that made him relax .

' Slightly, Sir ,' admitted Chase with a little shrug , wishing his friends hadn't disappeared on him ,' this is slightly larger than Logan's house in Santa Barbara , I think, and his Dad is loaded .'

He winced at his poor choice of words and wished Michael was here to kick him in the shins for being an idiot . Where the heck had Michael wondered off to ? He was a writer , dammit ! Chase wished he was more eloquent when speaking to an important person in the woman he loved life .

' Sorry , I didn't mean it the way it sounded ,' scrambled Chase, trying not to make any more of a fool of himself in front of Zoey's grandfather ,' I mean, Logan has money . My family doesn't ..we're just like average .'

' If this were the 1800's, Chase, I would offer you a bracer for your nerves ,' chuckled Mac, moving to the cherry bar and filling a crystal cut glass with sparkling water ,' however , I wouldn't want to cause an uproar so here is some water instead .'

Chase accepted the glass drinking from it , gratefully .' I'd probably just choke on it but thanks ,' answered a truthful Chase ,' I really appreciate you all letting us have our wedding here . Zo didn't even have to think twice about where she wanted it to be and I'm happy if she is happy .'

' Glad to hear that but you might want to consider your stance on the key points of your wedding ,' replied Mac, pouring himself a drink,' I imagine all of the women will have their own ideas and my daughter can be a bit forceful . Amanda will mean well but Zoey is her only daughter so I imagine she will get carried away with the ideas .'

Chase frowned .' Zoey's been freaking out for days about that exact same thing "

' It is to be expected son . It was that way between Amanda and Rachel when she married Zoey's father and I expect it will follow along with Zoey clashing with Amanda as well ,' suggested a knowing Mac , immediately taking a liking to the down to earth young man that their granddaughter had been writing about to them for years . ' I'm sure your mother would be quite helpful in settling any minor disputes between them .'

Chase squirmed in his seat and eyed the whiskey decanter , wistfully . ' Gulp '

' Now lets put all this wedding stuff off to the side for now ,' replied Mac, hoping to ease the young mans nerves ,' Have you and my granddaughter made any decisions regarding how your marriage will work if your across the sea from one another ? '

Chase felt sweat bead his brow so he swiped at it .' Um, we're working on that, sir ,' answered Chase, matter of fact ,' I've been looking into some classes I can take over at the university in Paris and there are online courses . Zo worked hard to get into fashion school over there and I'm pretty sure I want to pursue writing and journalism which I can take over there just as easily as Boston .'

There were still minor details he and Zoey had to work through together and the whole financing college and housing but Chase had faith they would figure it out together . They already agreed they didn't do well with long distance and that helped to make decisions easier for them . They would be okay .

' Excellent '

' The whole Covington debacle taught us a lot about our relationship '

' I would certainly hope so, son , it was a rather reckless expensive semester to transfer you out of PCA and to Covington ,' Ross Matthews joined his son and Mac ,' it pleases your mother and I that you've matured from the experience .'

Chase groaned , mortified .' Dad, please don't '

Ross Matthews tugged on the sleeves of his navy jacket , nodded at his son .' Relax, Chase , you need to get used to talking about your future ,' eased Ross, extending a hand to Mac, ' and your past issues . Mac, Ross Matthews. Pamela and I wanted to thank you and Rachel for your hospitality , we appreciate it .'

' Of course, we're glad to have ya'll down here ,' said Mac , kindly ,' Chase is a fine young man . We are quite pleased to have him marrying our Zoey .'

Mac moved to the antique table pausing at a framed picture of Zoey at twelve, hair in sunny blonde braids , fishing off the cotton dock with a pint size Dustin and couldn't help but think how his grandchildren were growing up on him .

Where had the time gone ?

It felt as if it had only been yesterday that they had run through the whole house laughing a, bickering, and causing a general ruckus as kids often did when they were letting off excess energy.

Ross laid a comforting hand on his sons shoulder .' Chase has loved her since day one and we Matthews love fully with our hearts . She is in good hands .'

Chase turned three shades of red from embarrassment but couldn't disagree with his dads assessment either . It felt good knowing his folks trusted in him even if they might not be crazy about the idea, they were supportive of him and Zoey .

' You'll have to excuse my fathers cheesiness but he is right . I love Zoey with all my heart and then some more '

Mac simply inclined his head believing Zoey had chosen well with her young man .

' Why don't we head towards the dining room , I imagine it's about that time ' gestured Mac , leading them into the foyer and towards the large dining room that held a gorgeous cherry table that gleamed and was decorated with silver candlesticks , fine China and crystal and could easily seat fifty people .

Michael was snapping pictures on his phone and lifted his gaze to grin at the others .

' Mom is gonna want to know all about the old , fancy antiques and if I don't send pictures , she'll want to kill me "

' Val still working her magic on fixer uppers ? ' inquired Ross, curiously .

' Yup and Dad is trying to talk her into opening up her own shop ' explained Michael ,' she bought a bunch of antiques at a garage sale recently to fix up for the house .'

' There are a number of wonderful antique stores in town , Michael, ' suggested Ashton , as she pressed a kiss on Mac's cheek ,' you must look into them , perhaps find a trinket for your mother . Will your folks be coming in for the wedding ? '

' As far as I know they are ,' told Michael, ' Chase is like their other son '

' We still have plenty of room in the carriage house ' offered Rachel, graciously as she led Amanda , Pamela, and Zoey in side to join the others for supper ,' they are more than welcome to stay there .'

' Thanks, Ma'm '

Wonderful smells were wafting in from the kitchen and Michael was famished , he couldn't wait to eat ! He was reading for some delicious Southern cooking for his belly .

Lola adjusted the cameo around her neck, fingered the delicate pattern on the Wedgewood plate, and felt as if she was Scarlett O' Hara preparing for an exquisite dinner party at the Butler mansion . She was a city girl at heart but couldn't help be caught up in the romance and the fantasy that Belvedere brought to her mind .

The actress inside of her yearned to take on a role while she was visiting Zoey's home town , knew her friends would tease her mercilessly , but what harm could it do ? It wasn't as if she didn't act every other day at PCA for some reason or the other .

It was just natural to her as breathing .

She missed Vince though and was slightly miffed that her boyfriend hadn't bothered to call her to check in with her . It had been hours ! He couldn't be spending that much time with his father as they barely were civil to one another .

Logan sidled up beside her .' Do you know what your doing ? '

Lola rolled her eyes at him .' I can tell the difference in forks, thanks , Logan '

He crossed his arms over his chest and inched closer , glancing to his left to find that Quinn was engrossed in a conversation with Chase's mom before focusing on Lola .

' No! I meant what's with all the flirting with Zoey's slick cousin ? Vince would be pissed and hurt if he found out you were playing games ' reminded a loyal Logan ,' you are his girlfriend . Or did you suddenly forget about that ? '

' I wasn't flirting , I was being polite ! Even if I was flirting , it was purely harmless and also none of your business, Logan ' informed Lola, with a huff .

' Vince is one of my best friends so it is my business . You butt in mine and Quinn's life all of the time and I've got to look out for my friend since obviously you cant be trusted to be loyal ' muttered Logan , angered by her behavior. She was supposed to be in love with Vince and this was unacceptable .

Lola's eyes flashed with annoyance as she got in his face. ' I am not cheating on Vince ! Mind your own damn business, Logan Reese "

' Doesn't look like it from where I'm standing '

Quinn caught the bite of Logan's tone and quickly excused herself to move by his side tucking her hand into his arm as she sent her boyfriend and best friend a inquiring look. Logan looked almost irate and Lola was working up at being mad for sure .

' Sweetie , what is going on over her ? Can't I leave you and Lola alone for a second before the next war starts out ? I thought you two were mature and past this ridiculous now "

Logan patted Quinn's hand .' Just looking out for Vince's best interests here, babe .'

' Well can we not do this right now ? We promised not to embarrass Chase and Zoey '

' He's your boyfriend, Quinn,' sniped Lola, a ping of guilt pervading her mind ,' Vince and I are perfectly fine . You stay out of it, Reese '

' Then you wont mind if I call him up and tell him your flirting it up down here ' threatened a hot headed Logan, pulling out his cell phone ,' Vince deserves to know .'

' Logan, stop !' Quinn put her hand over the phone and his hand to stop him ,' Lola, this is like the kissing booth .Y you really don't want to make a problem when there is none between you and Vince . I think you just really need to think about what and why you are flirting with Lewis in the first place ..'

A pout formed across Lola's lips at the disappointment coming from the voice of reason . She didn't think it was worth fighting over but now Quinn was being all practical and making her feel awful.

' Quinn, how can you side with Logan ? '

' I think after supper you need to call and talk to Vince ,' suggested a calm Quinn, under her breath,' Logan, I think we should take our seats now .'

Lola picked at the chip in her nail polish as the couple took their seats , frowned at her best friend , as she muttered under her breath ,' We'll see how long stupid Logan lasts down here without flirting with the pretty southern belles .'

Logan shot the actress a venomess look. ' I respect and love Quinn so that wont happen '

' Pig '

Quinn glowered at both of them and nudged Logan in the ribs .' Stop it ! '

Ashton sidled over to the group intrigued by the whispered exchanges and the obvious bickering as she gracefully settled into the chair between Logan and Lola earning her a grateful look from Quinn.

' Are we all planning a surprise wedding shower for Chase and Zoey over here ? '

' Uh, no,' said Lola, pasting on a bright smile on her face ,' though that is an awesome idea . I bet Chase and Zoey would just flip if we did throw them a surprise shower .'

' That would suck ! Chase is a dude , Lola . Dudes like bachelor parties not some lame wedding shower with his fiancee . Duh '

Quinn shot him another warning look laced with exasperation .' Logan, why don't you and Michael work on planning Chase's bachelor party if you don't care for the shower idea.'

Logan realized he'd mis-spoken and sent his girlfriend a charming , loving smile .

' Cool then we will '

Quinn rolled her eyes at him .' Your impossible '

' But you love me anyway, Quinn '

Quinn blushed and kissed his cheek .' I do '

' Aww, aren't you two the cutest things ever ' sighed Ashton then appraised Logan ,' its terrible that all of the charming ones are taken . Is Michael ? '

Lola groaned .' No, they are disgusting and I speak with love ! ' She turned her attention back on the young woman who was following Michael's rapid fire conversation with Chase across the room as if he were on the menu .

' Michael has a girlfriend '

Ashton trilled slightly then took a delicate sip of water .' Why, of course, he is ! You cant blame a girl for asking ! Zoey's emails are short but terribly lacking on the details '

It was a pity both handsome young men were taken but that was just her luck. It had been an extremely uneventful semester at school, Ashton was between boyfriends, and Michael or Logan would have beat the doldrums around here this summer but she would just have to find her own fun. She didn't poach other women's boyfriends .

Lola lifted a salad fork to examine her lipstick in the silver as she glanced towards Zoë's pretty cousin . She kind of reminded her of a girlier version of Zoey know that they were getting to know her a little better .

' You don't have a boyfriend, Ashton ?'

' Sadly not at the moment , Lola, ' conceded Ashton, ruefully ,' where is your honey ? '

Lola let out a disgruntled sigh .' Vince had to stay back in California to make the rounds smoozing with all of his fathers business associates . He'll be flying in in a week with Lisa to join us '

' So then the gang will all be here '

The meal was delectable featuring a bevy of New Orleans favorites such as a fried eggplant salad , trout almandine , yummy cheesy baked grits , and Cajun stuffed pork chops to suit even the pickiest of eaters around the table . The conversations were mixed and animated ranging from the fishing areas in the bayou , the shopping, followed by the occasional story the young adults chimed in of their shared memories of PCA .

Pamela picked idly at the last of her grits , stole a glance out of the corner of her eye to her son and the woman that he intended to marry and knew it was time to get the ball rolling . Much as it pained her , she and Ross simply couldn't afford to miss any more work to help plan the wedding . It wasn t feasible for them . She knew Chase understood and only hoped Zoey's family would be as gracious about it as well.

' This supper is delicious, Rachel,' brought up Pam with a bright smile ,' I'll have to get some recipes before we leave . Um, I was wondering if we might get an idea of how many guests might be attending the wedding ? Maybe discuss the basics of everything together '

' We have a sensible budget to contribute to the wedding ' volunteered Ross, succinctly .

Chase raised a hand then lowered it .' I have some money put back for our wedding '

Zoey laid a warm hand on Chase's arm.' We really do just want a small wedding '

' A small , simple wedding ' added Chase, helpfully .

' That is lovely but really Mike and I have an account set up for Zoey's big day ,' perked up Amanda , pushing her honey blonde hair off her shoulders ,' I'm sure between all of us we can make it the wedding of the summer, Pamela . Now really isn't the best time to discuss the finer points - we should do that in the parlor, after bit .'

' So maybe 100 people ? ' Pamela figured that Chase would be content with a buffet of all of his and Zoey's favorite foods for the reception. She imagined the talking with the caterers was something she and Zoey might do together .

Amanda paused for a sip of her sweet tea.' Oh Heavens, Pamela, no, our family is quite large, I'm afraid . I was thinking more along the lines of 400 maybe 450 '

Chase grew wide eyed and looked at his mother .'400 ? Gah , I mean, between Mom and Dad, there is really only Grandpa Joe, Uncle Woody and Aunt Kim, and all of our friends who will mostly be in the wedding party - I thought 50 was nice .'

' The kids do want a small wedding , Amanda ' reminded Ross, quietly .

' Yeah, Chase gets freaked in front of big crowds as it is ' offered up Michael, helping himself to another pork chop . It was getting awfully hot in here and it wasn't the bayou heat . Nope, it was looking like the parents might thrown down here in the dining room.

Not good at all .

' We don't have to invite everyone we know, Mom,' Zoey tried to make her voice heard ,' I mean, Chase and I aren't inviting all of PCA to our wedding . Only our close friends and 400 guests is not small …'

' I am sure ya'll can sit down together and whittle down that guest list ' suggested Rachel , catching her granddaughters eye with a wink,' perhaps come up with a more suitable number . We wouldn't want to overwhelm Chase's family either, Amanda .'

Pamela gripped her napkin, tightly as Ross covered her hand with his .' Thank you, Rachel, we appreciate it . I hope I don't insult or offend anybody but I hardly think the kids want or need a society wedding .'

' Mom is exactly right ! Maybe we can throw some ribs or burgers on the grill for the reception , you know, make it fun and tasty ' Chase knew that he was rambling but he was feeling jittery again at the massive amount of strangers that Mrs. Brooks was wanting to invite to the wedding . Maybe he and Zoey should have eloped instead .

' I can have Chauncey fly in our lobster guy ' Logan tried to be helpful,' I bet Dad and Julia would even give it to you guys as like part of a wedding present from the Reese family .'

' Thanks, Logan,' Chase was thankful for the hand from his pal,' see, we can plan our big day and not have to spend millions either .'

' Gentlemen, I'm sure the ladies appreciate your gestures ,' this came from Zoey's father who was struggling with his own issues in taking part in his only daughters wedding ,' but I think it best if we table this discussion for a later date .'

Amanda narrowed her eyes at her husband .' Ross and Pamela will only be here a short time, dear, so its important we atleast come to terms on the more crucial aspects of Chase and Zoey's upcoming nupitals .'

' Not giving them heart attacks might prove to be beneficial ' contributed Mac, slyly.

' Daddy "

' We don't have that kind of budget , honestly ,' addressed an embarrassed Pamela , sending an apologetic look towards her son ,' but we can still put together a perfectly lovely small wedding for Chase and Zoey if we just put our heads together .'

Zoey sent her mother a pointed look .' That is exactly what Chase and I want '

Before Amanda could put forth her two cents in on how big the wedding should be , thankfully, Quinn jumped in regaling them with a fun story of her Mothers teenage youth and the summer she spent down in the bayou studying the flora and fauna of the region before she moved to Seattle and met Quinn's father . Everyone was relieved for the change of topic and followed by lame jokes from Michael, the wedding talk was temporarily placed on hold .

After the parents had left for the Brooks home , Chase and Zoey took a walk in the moonlight following the trail down towards the old cotton dock , a light breeze lifted Zoey's hair as she swung Chase's hand along the walk . The parlor talk had turned to a discussion on how much it cost to put on a suitable wedding , her own mother had been almost forceful, and Zoey was very much afraid she had hurt Pam's feelings .

Thank God Dustin had saved the evening by announcing he was hiking into town on his own ! Amanda had become ten times more protective now of Dustin since she and Chase had announced their plans to marry this summer .

' How is your Mom doing ? I am so sorry that my Mother has turned into the MOB from hell . I'll try to talk to her once she has calmed down, I promise '

Chase tucked his cell in his pockets .' Mom is fine , Zo. She can hold her own against your mom, I think . "

Across the bayou, a crane lifted off from the water and the sounds of the swamp echoed in the countryside . It was unlike anything Chase had ever scene before and felt calm .

' You said that earlier but that was before Mom went insane , Chase ' Zoey leaned against the wooden railing , her expression bordering on pensive ,' I don't know , maybe we should have insisted upon handling everything ourselves .'

Chase draped a comforting arm across her shoulders .' There is still loads of time to do that and I know my folks will be okay with whatever we want . All of our friends are here and they can help us so it's really just your Mom we have to make understand '

' Yeah, well, maybe your parents can talk some sense into her ' sighed a wistful Zoey,' I don't think I can handle much more of Mom tonight . '

She leaned up for a kiss .' I love you so much, Chase Matthews '

He lingered over the kiss , taking his time to kiss the spot behind her ear .' Right back at you, Zoey Brooks '

Zoey rested her head against his shoulder and breathed in the familiar scents of her childhood . It was nice to stand on these docks with the man she loved and feel loved .

' Lola, Quinn, and I are going into town tomorrow to start looking for our dresses for the wedding ,' said Zoey, brightening at the happy thought ,' then we're meeting Grandma for a bite of lunch . Afterwards we're going to Louisa's boutique , she's an old family friend , not to mention a designer and she's going to let me look around her place to see if she has any material I like for my gown .'

' Cool but what are the guys and I supposed to do ? '

' Go sightseeing ,' decided Zoey, matter of fact, ' Take Dustin with you and he can show you around St. Martinsville , and you could be fitted for suits, Chase .'

A mischievous grin spread across Chase's face as he feigned an innocent look .

' I thought me and Michael could just borrow suits from Logan ? '

Zoey swiped playfully at his ribs .' Absolutely not ! Go in town be fitted for tuxedos '

' Fine but it'd be free if we just borrowed from Logan's closets '

' You are being ridiculous , Chase ! ' teased Zoey, feeling lighter in spirit .

' True but I made you laugh ' Chase pulled her to his side for a hug ,' there's still time for us to plan that little beach wedding back at PCA '

' No, I want to get married down here , Chase ,' stated Zoey, softly ,' we just have to assert ourselves and remind them its our wedding . Not theirs .'

' Piece of cake '

' I want chocolate '

' Chocolate wedding cake works for me . See, we made a decision about us '

Zoey laughed loving Chase more and more for just being himself and hoped fervently that her mother wouldn't hijack their wedding before it even came to fruition .

.