Disclaimer: I own nothing Zoey101, Another World, or Couples .

48 hours before the wedding

Belvedere was in full swing of preparations for the wedding , the house was being transformed with yards of tulle, ribbons, and twinkling lights while most of the men in the family were helping to carry in tables and chairs to set up for the reception .

Pamela had drafted Lisa and Quinn to help her iron the crisp linen tablecloths while Lola and Nicole were carting boxes of shiny candleholders downstairs for the start of the decorating of the tables once the guys were finished with the ballroom.

The kitchen was overflowing with boxes of the ingredients for use for the menu that Chase's Aunt Kim would create for the buffet . Woody and Kim had drove in from Rose Hill, Maryland, and greeted enthusiastically by a wired Chase who hugged them both as he ushered them into the large working kitchen with trepidation .

' I hope this works alright for you, Aunt Kim ,' gestured Chase, opening the large refrigerator door then closing it again ,' It's fully stocked with stuff from the list that you sent us and if we forgot something , I'm sure someone will go into town for you .'

Kim , a pretty woman with light brown hair and glasses , surveyed the kitchen and sighed over the state of the art mixer in the corner of the counter with a wistful sigh at her husband . Though her own working kitchen at home was a sweet set up for her own catering company , this kitchen was a dream .

' This will work perfectly , Chase ,' assured his aunt , placing a hand on his arm ,' I've worked in less space than this kitchen before . You can relax now '

Chase bounced on the balls of his feet .' It's a complete madhouse here '

Woody , who had the same lanky frame and fuzzy dark hair as his nephew , snapped his red and yellow suspenders against his tee shirt slapped a hand on Chase's back then elbowed him, lightly .

' You drink a gallon of coffee this morning , Chase ? There is no need for the pre-wedding jitters , buddy , your Aunt Kim and I have got you covered with the food ,' went on Woody , without pre-amble ,' just let us have an hour to get settled in her e before she starts cracking the whip on prepping some food .'

' Woody ! You nutcase '

Chase allowed his shoulders to relax and he leaned against the solid wood cabinet with a heavy hearted sigh . He had figured since they had cut stuff down to make the wedding smaller it wouldn't take all the million and five details that was currently going on in the house . Vince and Dustin were still hauling chairs in from a van and it looked like it was more than 109 chairs . His worse fear was that they would have surprise wedding guests that didn't RSVP and the numbers would rise .

' Everyone has lists of lists ,' ticked off Chase by way of explanation ,' Zoey has lists for everyone in the wedding party . Mom and Amanda are like comparing lists and I even spotted Dad with another list - I hate lists ! Ow , we should have gotten married at P.C.A and we wouldn't t have all of the fuss '

He exhaled as Woody handed him a bottle of water .' Better now ? '

Chase tipped back the bottle and guzzled it as if he were dying .' I am good , it's all good . Please don't tell Zoey about this - I want to get all my nerves and freaking out now while its still early '

' Your secret is safe with us , pally '

' Hey Chase , you want to give me and Logan a hand with these damn tables ,' declared Michael, waving a detailed diagram in the air ,' look at this! Mrs. C and your Mom gave us this diagram on how to set up stupid table and chairs '

' Yeah and it's worse than Lola barking orders at us on how she wanted the Senior Breakfast deal to go, Chase ' volunteered Logan, joining them in the kitchen .

They had been at it for over an hour and the guys were in need of a break plus the kitchen seemed like a safe hiding place from the crazed women . Though they both wanted to spend time with their respective girlfriends , they didn't want roped into more work either .

Chase guzzled the rest of the water .' Just set them up like they want , fellas '

Woody gazed fondly at Kim then rocked back on his heels much like his nephew .' Aw Kimmy, doesn't it remind you of when Laurie Bennington married Dick Westergard back in our day ? She was a crazy bride too ….'

Kim chuckled ,' It was beautiful in the end result '

Logan went to the fridge, pulled out two Blix for himself and Michael then looked at the older couple . Well, they weren't old like his Dad but in their mid -thirties old .

' Hey, who are you ? '

' Logan , Michael, meet Kim and Woody ,' picked up Chase ,' my favorite aunt and uncle on this planet plus our kick butt caterers '

' Well, good to meet you,' replied Michael, cheerfully ,' if you need help tasting anything, I am up for the job . I am a pro at tasting food plus if you need actual help , I bet my Mom would volunteer too. She's like Chase's second mom and I know she'll want to help too'

' Val is awesome '

Logan took a pull on his drink .' Lobsters should be coming in for you today according to my step-mom . We can help you kill them if you need us to cause there is a ton of them .'

Kim chuckled at his easy comment.' Thanks , guys , but we might just need for you to haul all of the boxes in while I figure it out '

Chase took the Blix from Logan and gulped the rest down in a swallow .' Don t mention the needing to figure things out to Zoey, please '

Woody slung an arm amiably around his nephews shoulder .' Chase , why don't you give me and Kim the nickel tour of this awesome mansion and enlighten us and introduce us to folks before we get this shindig started '

Glad for his uncles easy way about distracting him, Chase forced his nerves to settle down as he began the grand tour of the family mansion pointing out cool stuff while stopping to make introductions to various family members .

Woody and Kim were here and so was the wedding countdown.

*******************************Chase and Zoey****************************

Nicole fussed with the snowy white tablecloths while Lisa smoothed out a wrinkle on the one she had just put on a nearby table decided it was just as right as it could get and noticed the young woman staring .

' Nicole is there a problem ? ' Though she really didn't know Nicole , Lisa had been trying to make it a point to be nice get to know her better as the others were fond of the woman . It had been a hoot to listen to them chat and laugh over old P.C.A. memories together though she had felt as if she and Vince were out of that loop .

' No, sorry,' said a sheepish Nicole ,' I was just thinking how special you must be for Michael to be in love with you ' She wasn t good with words and winced at herself ,' I didn't mean that in a bad way - Michael is a teddy bear . I had a tiny crush on him once … but I had loads of crushes .'

Lisa propped a hip against a table .' It's fine , Nicole , really . Michael and I have a ridiculously crazy story on how we got together in the first place and if you had a crush on Mike, I am sure your not the only one .'

Nicole cocked her head.' I also thought Logan was cute '

Lisa couldn't resist laughing .' Don't let Quinn hear you say that , she's super crazy jealous '

Nicole moved onto another table .' Quinn and Logan . I still don't believe it . That is so unreal . Really unreal .'

' Cupid knew what he was doing with those two ,' replied Lisa , spreading out another cloth on the round table ,' and Chase and Zoey have been coming like this for a very long time . '

' Yeah , I know ,' surmised a thoughtful Nicole ,' even in the ninth grade , I think somehow I knew they were supposed to be together . This one time when Lola asked Zo if it were okay if she asked Chase out , Zoey went crazy nuts about it '

' I can see that and it kind of explains the dynamics of Lola and Chase's friendship much better now . Good to know they didn't let it go all weird and awkward '

' No, they were cool ' said Nicole , thinking of how insane that week had been so many years ago ,' sigh , I wish there was a man out there with like all the attributes of Chase, Michael, and Logan and really hot too because I have the worse luck ever in the dating department '

' Good luck with that ,' joked Lisa ,' they broke the molds on those three loveable idiots when they made them , Nicole '

' A girl can dream . Can't she ? '

Lisa glanced out at all the plain tables and at the boxes of linens at their feet .it was a tedious job but somebody had to dress the tables and they had volunteered but when Michael and Logan came back in, she was so drafting those jerks to help them .

' Alright , enough chit chat , we have about 50 more tablecloths left before Quinn and Lola bring the decorations in here so lets get back to work '

***********************************Wedding Bells ************************

Oh, I cannot believe one of my boys is getting married !

Valene Barrett swept Chase up into a hug , patted her owns sons cheeks then moved on to embrace Logan in one fell swoop while Roland offered a hand to Ross to shake as they observed the exchange with very little interest .Other than the heavy lifting and writing checks , Ross felt as if Pamela and Amanda had everything under control .

.

' Val's bought out half those antique shops in town ,' said Roland , good naturedly ,' thought we'd come out here to see what we could do to help with wedding details '

' Mike and the rest of us men are setting up for a poker game later ,' conspired Ross , under his breath ,' this is the women's show , we're mainly underfoot anyhow so we figure it's a safe bet . You in ? '

' You bet '

While the men were plotting poker to avoid being dragged into wedding prep, Val soaked up the moments until her other honorary son would be wed with a mothers sigh . Though she was grateful that her own Michael wasn't ready to tie the knot to his dearest lil Lisa just yet , she couldn't be any more happier for Chase .

He was the most down to earth, practical of her boys and she knew in her heart that he and Zoey would be just fine as young married couple .

' How are my boys ? Happy that you three haven't cut and run this madhouse for the hills or those silly video games you enjoy so much '

' We have wedding chores , Mom '

' We've been hiding from Mom before she assigns us more stuff to do ,' this came from Chase ,' we haven't seen Vince and Dustin in an hour . They went from hauling in chairs to hauling in like some fountain thing that Zoey ordered online for our wedding ..'

' A champagne fountain ' added a knowing Logan with disdain ,' Julia had one of those when she and Pops married years ago '

Val rolled up the sleeves of her forest green blouse, ready to get to work .' What can I do to help ? Your Mother swore everything is under control but I am sure there is something I can do so point me in the direction of where that is , Chase Matthews '

' Mrs. B you rock ,' Chase gave her another hug ,' Aunt Kim and Uncle Woody could use an extra hand in the kitchen so they aren't up till like two in the morning making appetizers and prepping fruit . '

' Well, I am handy in the kitchen ,' declared Val, eagerly ,' Michael, do you have best man duties to shirk with Logan or can you lend a hand washing grapes , son ? '

Michael looked woefully at his father who just smiled, calmly , as if to say that he was on his own on this one . Figured his cooking talents would be called on by his own mom.

Logan decided to save his friends butt .' Mrs. B, Michael and I have like a crap load of best man stuff to do like iron our own shirts , shine our fancy shoes , and help the girls finish with the decorations and all . Besides Michael would just eat all the food if you made him help , Ma'm '

Val shook her head amused as always by the casual smoothness belied by Logan's charm and was grateful of the brotherly bond between those three men .

.

' You still have a sly tone, Logan Reese , so why don't you boys go help then while Chase shows me the way to the kitchen '

' Sure thing , Mom ,' Michael fixed Logan with an annoyed look ,' come on , dude , maybe if we're lucky Quinn and Lola are already done putting the fancy candles and ribbons on the tables already '

' Don't whine, dude '

' It warms my heart to hear you boys still argue like brothers …'

' They aren't boys any longer , honey , their men ' chimed in Roland , quietly .

' They will always be my boys '

' We love you too, Mrs. B '

Bickering as usual, Logan and Michael made for the ballroom as Chase led Val into the oversized kitchen where Kim was putting up a board outlining the menu and what had to be done ahead of the time while Woody munched on a praline .

' We'll be washing grapes for hours , that's a hell of a lotta grapes ' replied Kim , pulling out vast amounts of red and white grapes ,' I should invent a dishwater for fruits and veggies . Boy, that would save us some time ..'

' You invent in and I'll make it for you '

Kim gave him a playful shove .' Woody , I love you, but you aren't t a carpenter '

Woody planted a kiss on her upturned lips .' For you, I would try '

Chase stuck out his tongue at their lovey doveyness .' Ew! Stop please ! Uncle Woody, Aunt Kim, I brought you help …this is Michael's mom, Val '

Valene smiled brightly at the couple .' Hello . Give me a apron and a colander and I can start washing fruit and we can get an assembly ready here , folks '

' Thanks , Val. Appreciate all the help we can get '

Val accepted the Earthly Delights 2 apron from Woody and fastened it before moving towards the large sink to start the grape washing process , content to be helpful .

That Zoey sure has a fondness for grapes . Doesn't she ?

A wide grin flashed across Chase's face as he recalled all of the grape sharing and the grape throwing war that he and Zoey had throughout the years as he grabbed a handful of red grapes from the colander .

' Yes, she does . I'm just going to go take some to my bride to be '

*************************Wedding Bells *******************************

While her maids of honor and bridesmaids were on decorating details downstairs, Zoey had finished last minute phone calls to various guests that had sent a present but couldn't attend the wedding . She had lost track of where Chase had disappeared to but since his favorite aunt and uncle had arrived earlier she figured he was busy with them .

Amanda, Pamela, and Rachel had driven into St. Martinsville to pick up the girls dresses from Louisa's then to the florist shop to go over last minute details with the flowers and floral arrangements to be delivered in the morning .

Zoey knew that she needed to get her butt downstairs and help her friends but a five minute nap sounded heavenly . She lifted her blonde hair up and stuck a bright pink hair clip in it as she deliberated on her hair for the big day .

A chignon was traditional and her veil was now edgy but then Chase loved her hair down and dang it , she needed one of the girls thoughts again .

There was a light tap on the door startling her momentarily .' Come in '

The door opened and Chase poked his head in then held out a hand filled with a sprig of grapes , a mischievous gleam in his bright green eyes .

' Wanna share some grapes ? I stole them from the massive stash in the kitchen '

' Yes, please ,' Zoey pulled him inside , brushed her lips over his ,' you're a lifesaver, Chase ! I am starving ! I love you !'

He kissed her back .' You'd better '

She helped herself to a few grapes munching on them with a deep sigh .' Does Woody and Kim think I'm being rude ? I don't mean to be but I called back the ten guests to thank them so we can cross that off the list . We should order them pizza or food from town since they are glued to the kitchen for us …'

Chase dropped the rest of the grapes on the table then wrapped Zoey tightly in his embrace, nuzzling her neck and dropped a kiss on the shell of her ear .

' Michael's Mom is here being her cool self and helping in the kitchen '

' Mrs. Barrett is so awesome '

' Yep and our friends are fancying up the reception ballroom for us ,' reminded Chase ,' I think our Dads are hiding out which sounds like a good idea . Sure you don't want to go into town for that justice of the peace and get hitched ? '

' Chase . NO '

Chase smiled and drew lazy circles against her back as she relaxed against him . It could have been any other day when they were together but it wasn't and very soon , they would be married .

' I know …I was just kidding . We done with the wedding crazies ? No more surprise internet orders coming in from California ? I promise I'm done with my pre-hyperventilating thing so for us , I think we ought to be awesome by now '

' The most awesome '

Zoey kissed him deeply then stood , offering him a hand .' C'mon , I think our friends could probably use a break right about now …I cannot believe my cousin bailed on unloading chairs . That rat '

That is why my cousin in Arizona isn't coming to our wedding ' added Chase, simply .

' Oh ,' Zoey held his hand as they strolled downstairs ,' James sent us a gift '

' Of course your perfect ex-boyfriend would send us a gift . Would you be mad at me if we returned it to him ? '

It was a nice gesture and very mature , considering '

Chase made a strangled sound in his throat .' Mature is me not inviting Rebecca to our big day, Zo . If you wont let me send it back then I want to smash it '

Zoey gave him a fixed Zoey Brooks look that spoke volumes .' That isn't mature '

' It's a guy thing , you aren't suppose to understand '

' Oh, let's just help our friends and stop this ridiculous conversation '

In a matter of hours, they would be having these absurd debates as Mr. and Mrs. Matthews . He couldn't wait .

*****************************Wedding Bells ***************************

8:15A.M.

Morning of the Wedding

The sunlight broke through the lace curtains jolting Zoey awake while the sounds coming from downstairs alerted her that the last minute touches for today was already happening . Sitting up in bed and stretching her arms above her head , a joyous smile wreathed the young womans face as she practically jumped out of bed doing a little happy dance .

'I'm getting married today !'

It was overwhelming , terrifying, and wonderful at rolled up together in a pink bow !

She and Chase would be married then thanks to her awesome grandparents , they would be off to a quick honeymoon in Hawaii before their life would officially start as a married couple . By some grand miracle , they would both be off to Paris where she would study fashion while Chase would take online college courses while finding a job . Daddy had found then a small apartment to live in during their duration there thanks to his business acquisitions . It was just incredible and so real .

There was a light tap on the door and Rachel poked her head in the door , a tray of breakfast in her hands , and a warm smile resting on her grandmothers face .

' Good morning, sweetheart . How does breakfast in bed sound ? '

' Morning, Grandma . Breakfast sounds really good though I don't know if I could eat I bite ..I'm a little nervous '

Rachel placed the tray on the nightstand .' It's to be expected , Zoey, why, your mother was a nervous wreck the day she married your father . All that pacing drove us nuts ! Here , have a cup of coffee to settle those butterflies , maybe eat some toast before you need to have a nice soak before its time to start getting you dressed for today '

Zoey savored the richness of the chicory in the coffee , soothed her soul .

' No doubt the girls will be rushing in here shortly '

Rachel laughed , lightly .' Of course , I wouldn't expect anything less out of those fine friends of yours . Any last second doubts about marrying Chase ? It's perfectly fine to have them …you wouldn't t be human if you didn't have a few

A peaceful smile crossed Zoey's face as she realized all the little doubts had evaporated leaving her happily content .

' I am exactly where I want to be marrying the man I love '

*********************************Chase and Zoey****************

9:00A.M.

The sounds of the hustle and bustle of the florist moving about downstairs followed by what could have been clanging pots and pans startled a sleeping Quinn and Logan awake with a jolt and a curse from an annoyed Logan .

' What the hell is all that racket ? '

Quinn pushed her brown hair off the side of her face, lifting her head from Logan's chest, and blinked a few times reaching blinding across him for her glasses which she slid back on and dropped a soft kiss on his bare chest . They had spent the night together wrapped in each others arms and celebrating their love in such a wonderful way . Quinn sighed thinking of their lovemaking as she tucked her leg between his underneath the covers then settled her arms on his chest as she tipped her face up to his .

' Hmm, sounds like it's officially Chase and Zoey's big day ,' Quinn tipped her lips up for his kiss ,' Don't be such a grump, baby .'

Logan caught hold of her hair loving the tangle of curls as he kissed her temple .

'Wow , that is really happening in a couple of hours , Chase will tie the knot to Zoey ,' surmised a quiet Logan, as his love nestled closer in his arms ,' you know there was a time I would have been a jerk and would have tried to talk him out of it '

There had also been a time their sophomore year when he had still harbored faint hope that Zoey would be swayed by his charm and want to go out with him . Man, look how much had changed , how much he had changed when he and Quinn had fallen in love .

His life was pretty amazing !

Quinn gave him what might have been a stern look .' Don't make me hit you today , Logan , I'm really not in the mood for it '

Logan drew her into another slow , long kiss that made them both breathless .

' I'm not going to talk the dude out of it , it's just weird is all but I'm happy for them '

Quinn wound her arms around his neck as she pressed her forehead to his , his hand smoothing the line of her back, and all was right in their world .

' No serious thoughts today, no worrying either , Logan . Today we're going to watch our friends get married together then we're going to dance and celebrate their love while everyone else wonders when we'll be next '

Grinning at her, Logan kissed her again ,' I love you , Quinn Pensky '

' Not more than I love you, Logan Reese '

The door burs t open and an embarrassed Lisa stepped inside the room, took one look at the couple , groaned , then half covered her eyes with a hand .

' Oh God, sorry ! Really hate to interrupt but Quinn, I thought I'd rally us girls together so we can help start getting Zoey ready …..and when you weren't in your room, I figured you'd be with Logan . Which here you are …'

Quinn's cheeks turned pink as she held the sheet against her chest while Logan scowled at Lisa , unaffected by the rude interruption .

' You could have called or sent a text, Lisa . Seriously rude , Quinn and I are busy and I would have thought you'd still be with Michael '

Quinn smacked her boyfriends chest with her hand as she found his tee shirt and put it on while she climbed out of bed and began looking for her own clothes on the floor . She discovered her orange bra buried underneath Logan's shorts .

' Give me five minutes to get dressed, Lisa '

Lisa nodded at Quinn then appraised Logan .' Oh no, Logan, do not go there . I wasn't about to share a bed with Michael while his parents are visiting here . His mother likes me and I don't want her to change her mind about me if she caught wind that her son and I were sleeping together '

Logan shrugged .' Adults here . '

Quinn slid on her own shorts and shook her head in amusement at him .' Logan, you wouldn't touch me if you even thought my father was in the same house as us so leave Lisa alone . Your just upset because we got interrupted …'

'Yeah ! I don't see why you girls need to help Zoey anyway ..its early '

Quinn scrambled over to Logan for a kiss .' Stop whining ! Go get coffee , help keep Chase calm, and I will see you later '

' Better '

' C'mon, Quinn , let's go wake the others '

Quinn trailed after her friend .' I think your taking lessons off of Lola on how to irritate Logan , Lisa '

' Logan is easily irritated . Oddly enough, I will probably miss the jerk '

Pausing outside of Michael's door , Lisa was tempted to surprise her own boyfriend but after interrupting Quinn and Logan, she figured she ought to be practical and save it for later . There would be plenty of time later to be together .

Quinn attempted to tame her hair without a brush as they approached the door to the guest room where Nicole was staying . She appreciated Lisa's thinking of being there by Zoey's side to help her pamper and polish for the big day but she didn't understand why she couldn't get a shower and change first before doing so .

' Nicole , you up !' Quinn pushed open the door and found the brunette brushing her hair while she perused a old scrapbook with a sort of wistfulness in her eyes . She had been feeling weepy the last couple of days and feeling separate from her old friends .

P.C.A . seemed so very long ago to her now and though her old friends had gladly welcomed her back into the fold, it felt a little off to her .

' You outgrew Quinn vision '

Quinn chuckled thinking of how she had once rigged it so she had access to Nicole and Zoey's room enabling them to chat easily enough . How insecure she had still been friends yet on the very edge of the fridge of those friendships and let out a tired sigh .

' My concession to privacy , so, yes, I did '

Lisa looked from Nicole to Quinn, baffled .' Do I even want to know what you two are babbling about ? '

' No,' Nicole closed the book on a picture of her and Michael sharing a piece of fish on a beach ,' just me being melodramatic this morning . I'll be a sopping mess when Chase and Zoey actually say their vows to each other '

' You wont be alone ,' commented a knowing Lisa ,' I imagine Michael will be Mr. Emotional himself ! Chase is his best friend and this is huge '

Nicole dried a tear on the edge of her sleeve of her silk robe and peered up at the girls .

' Is it breakfast already ? I thought the caterers have taken over the kitchen this morning and we were driving into town for a real , Southern breakfast '

' Kim and Woody do have the kitchen but I don't know about the whole breakfast part,' admitted Lisa ,' I haven't been downstairs yet . Get dressed , Nicole , we've got to get Lola then we're all going to help Zoey look more gorgeous for Chase '

Nicole stood, stunned .' But I'm not a bridesmaid or anything …'

' You are still one of Zoey's best friends and I know that she would want you with us ,' determined Lisa without preamble ,' Go ahead and get dressed so we can grab Lola '

Quinn's hands went to her hips in defense .' How come Nicole gets time to get dressed and I look like a bum with tangled hair because you didn't give me time to comb my hair ..not to mention this is Logan's shirt '

A mischievous smile formed around Lisa's lips .' You got to have sex with your boyfriend last night therefore I had to track you down this morning besides your dressed , Quinn . You'll have plenty of time to get pretty when it's our turn to get dolled up '

Nicole pulled a sundress out of the closet .' I am sooo incredibly jealous '

Quinn folded her arms across her chest .' Like Lola isn't going to be with Vince '

Nicole stepped into the dress .' Oh my gosh, Vince is sooo Handsome !'

' Well, on that note, Nicole, you haven't changed all that much ,' teased a good natured Quinn ,' Still gets distracted by cute men '

Nicole gave them a sheepish smile ,' I didn't need that much therapy '

***************************Wedding Bells *******************************

10:19 A.M.

I Love You, Zoey

I'll Tell you what I said about you in my time capsule cd in ten years '

I've been in love with Zoey ever since I met her . When she got out of her dad's car and I saw her, I rode my bike into that stupid flagpole , I was in love with her before I ever hit the ground .

Chase bolted out of bed , the litany of precious memories embedded in his mind playing on a really cool montage in his brain, as he shook sleep out of his brain and plopped down on the side of his bed .

'Today is the day '

'Chase , my man, you up ! It's the big W day ! ' Michael burst into the room fully dressed in cargo shorts and a yellow polo shirt ,' How you feelin ? '

' I'm going to marry Zoey today , how do you think I feel, Michael ? Just a little freaking out while the rest of me is unusually calm unless worse case scenario, James shows up, says no to this wedding , and Zoey runs off with him in which case , kill me now '

Logan stepped into the room beside Michael and handed him a cup of black coffee .He had figured that since he was already up, he might as well annoy Chase on this special day plus coffee for a jolt . Luckily , Michael had the same idea too.

.

' James is not going to show up today, dude . This is your wedding day, not a damn episode of Simon and Simon . Relax, Chase , breathe '

Michael clamped a reassuring hand on Chase's shoulder .' Logan is right , that isn't happening though that was an action packed episode for the Simon brothers . You sure your not having cold feet , man ? '

' I can slap you if it would help ' offered Logan, mildly .

Chase scowled at him .' I don't need slapped , jerks . My feet are not cold, nope, they are firmly planted here and now and I want to marry Zoey . I am so ready to say the I do and I'm good . James declined Zoey's stupid invitation , thank God but my inner self still has issues with her ex- boyfriend '

Michael and Logan shared puzzled expressions then looked blankly at Chase .

' Zoey invited James to your wedding ? '

' Even after all the lies and crap the son of a bitch did - she invites James Garrett here to your wedding ? '

' Sort of , kind of, she and I got it worked out ,' explained Chase , trying to be nonchalant about the whole episode ,' Zoey forgives the jerk for all he did and you know how forgiving Zo is but I told her I didn't want him here . That It would be like if I called up Becca and said hey I'm marrying Zoey , wanna come watch ? '

There was no love between Chase's controlling freak of an ex-girlfriend and Zoey- those two had clashed at first sight . If Chase detested perfect James then it was accurate to add in that Zoey disliked Rebecca with a passion .

' That'd be a Moldavian Massacre right there since Rebecca and Zoey hate each others guts ' this came from Michael , in a matter of fact tone of voice .

' That's cruel ,' added Logan ,' Quinn wouldn't dare invite Del Figgalo to our wedding just like I wouldn't think about inviting any of the chics I dated before Quinn .'

This time it was Chase and Michael who fixed their friend with a strange look , distracted from the James Garrett debacle for the obvious that was coming from Reese so clearly .

Chase tapped his ear .' Am I hearing things ? You and Quinn are engaged ? '

' I thought Quinn was adamant about waiting to be married , Logan ? Did you change her mind suddenly ? '

' Hmm, I hadn't thought about the engaged thing but I will,' replied Logan ,' naw, Quinn still wants us to wait and besides we wouldn't want to screw up your day , Chase . All I was saying is how me and Quinn are seriously really discussing marriage and stuff in much more detail now '

Chas slapped him on the back.' Good , I'm happy to hear it and thanks for taking my mind off the James thing . It's a fear I didn't think I still had so I'm over it now '

' She's marrying you, Chase . She chose you ,' reminded Michael, picking up the coffee that his buddy hadn't touched ,' Now throw on some clothes , we'll grab Vince and go into town for some breakfast since there isn't anything we can do here till its that time . '

Chase moved over to the dresser pulling out a pair of jeans and a plain tee shirt then had a thought which needed to be questioned out loud .He wasn't given a list of groom do's and don't's from any of the moms or the woman he was going to marry this afternoon .

'Am I allowed to go into town ? I never checked with Mom or with Zoey about the groom rules and things for the wedding day ? '

' You'll lose what's left of the rest of your mind if we hung out here until it was time ,' continued on Logan,' you don't need to ask permission . Lame , man '

' Don't be a wuss '

' Give me five minutes ' Chase headed for the bathroom down the hallway .

' That should give us time to haul Vince's ass out of bed ' declared Logan ,' I bet he caved and lured Lola into his room .'

' Only one way to find out '

The room that Lola was occupying was down the hallway across from Chase 's room and as all of their friends had suspected , Vince had been easily persuaded by his girlfriend to be with him . She appreciated his gentlemanly manner towards her as of lately , enough was enough .

This wasn't the darn 1800's and they were in love !

Like everyone else on their floor , the activity going on downstairs had awakened the couple much to Lola's dismay . She lay in bed, arms folded across her chest , as Vince continued doing his morning push ups on the floor .

' Must you get all sweaty this morning, Vince ? I know you look all hot when you work out and I really do love that but I could think of a much more fun way to um, exercise '

Vince grinned, wolfishly at her .' I love you too, Lo '

' Vince , we're hardly going to have anytime to spend together probably until the actual wedding because hello, we have important duties today '

Vince stopped his push ups and pulled on his tank top then leaned in for a kiss .

' We're alone now '

The door opened bringing in Lisa, Quinn, and Nicole with Logan and Michael hot on their heels in the hallway . Recognizing her friends , Lola lifted her arms , a pout already forming on her mouth , and glowered at the three before her as they barged right on in .

.

' Really ? All of you ? I thought we had an understanding about private time …'

' Sorry ,' said Nicole , turning bright red even though she snuck an admiring glance towards Vince ,' I'm sure the rule is a really good one, Lola, but we have important bridesmaid duties for Zoey this morning or we would have never barged in on you and Vince '

Vince didn't appear upset by their appearance .' Ladies, morning '

' Good morning, Vince ,' muttered Lisa , with a small smile ,' Sorry for interrupting but duty calls . Get a move on , Lola . '

Lola dressed in a short lavender camisole frowned ,' I swear, Lisa Perkins, I am so going to interrupt you and Michael in the worse way possible '

' Lisa's just grumpy because she chose not to spend the night with her honey ' added Quinn in a crisp tone .' No primping , Lola '

' Is this a party ? ' asked Michael as he and Logan pushed their way into the now crowded bedroom . He observed a very put upon looking Lola rifling through the closet for an outfit while Vince sat on the bed looking calm as can be as usual .

He gave Quinn a gentle shove and pulled Lisa into his arms for a delightful good morning kiss . Lisa reached a hand out to study herself , felt the beating of his heart thundering beneath her hand and sighed into the kiss .

' Michael ! '

Michael kissed her cheek .' How's my baby ? I missed you '

' Ah, I missed you too '

Logan sidled up beside Quinn to run a gentle hand down her back even as he addressed Vince . He knew if the guys didn't move fast, they could get drawn in and sucked into last minute wedding set up by the women in charge .

' Dude , get changed like fast . We're hauling Chase's butt into town for breakfast '

Lola pulled a shirt from the closet .' I don't see why we can't all have breakfast together '

Nicole stopped examining the pale pink polish on her fingernails .' We couldn't do that , Lola ! The bride and groom really shouldn't see each other before the wedding ! We all know deep down where it counts, Chase and Zoey are traditional people .'

No one could argue or dispute that .

*******************************Wedding Bells ************************************

12:45

Brides Suite

The weather was a perfect 85 degrees in the shade with the lightest of a breeze blowing through the willow trees outside as the arbor got the last touches of twinkling lights and tulle while the florist and her team arranged the red roses and white lilies artfully around the entryway and near the alter where Chase and Zoey would say their vows to one another in a few more hours .

Kim and Woody had been busy in the kitchen since the early morning and the occasional delicious smells of the wedding feast would waft up the stairs to them causing their stomach to growl in anticipation .

Zoey clad in an ivory silk robe paced the room, anxiously as she awaited the stylist to arrive to fix hair and make up . If her mother hadn't already paid the nearly late Monique to beautify her and the girls, the bride was about five minutes away from letting Nicole do it .

Zoey gripped the brush tightly in her hand as she treaded across the plush carpet in her bare feet . She wasn't putting on those fancy sheer stockings until it got closer to that time or she'd sweat to death in them . It would be disgusting .

' Zoey, you are going to make a hole in the carpet if you keep this up '

' Sorry, Mom, but why did Chase and I think a two o'clock wedding sounded ideal ? There is still too much time and I am going to go crazy !'

Amanda gripped her daughters shoulder and nudged her into a chair .' Two is perfect . Why don't we have some champagne and toast to your happiness , honey '

Lisa lifted a brow ,' Champagne ? '

Amanda sent the girls a teary smile of her own .' It's my babies wedding day so one little toast to her happiness is a must '

' Sounds wonderful , Mrs. Brooks '

' Be right back '

Lola, Quinn, and Lisa looked lovely in short dresses in various shades of pink from pale to deep , the style each suiting their own coloring , with strappy silver heels for that just right edge of modern that the bride wanted in her wedding . Traditional with a fresh edge .

All three of the women wore their hair loose until the stylist arrived to give them updos.

Delicate pearl earrings, a gift to her bridesmaids, graced their ears while Zoey wore her grandmother 's double strand of pearls that had been in the family for generations and that Zoey would pass along into hers for years to come .

Quinn adjusted the sleeve of her off the shoulder gown as she let out a wistful sigh .

' I am so happy for you, Zo . Chase is wonderful and I am so incredibly happy that you two soul mates are getting married '

Zoey brushed at the tear hanging on her eyelashes to give Quinn a one arm hug .

' Ohhhh thanks , Quinn ! A girl couldn't ask for better friends to share her day with '

' We are the best ' agreed Lola, flashing a teasing grin at her ,' You know , Chase really loves you , Zoey, more than anything '

' I know , I love him too '

Lisa drew them into a sister circle , arms around each other , and laughed , happily .

' Just be happy , Zoey '

Tears flowed freely among the best friends as Amanda and Pamela entered the room, quietly, champagne and goblets in hand, sharing a warm motherly smile between them at the bonds of friendship in that circle .

Pamela wiped at her own tear then lifted a glass .' Maybe they didn't need the champagne , they just needed each other '

Amanda shared the smile .' I think my Zoey got lucky on all accounts finding life long friends and her soul mate .' She held up her own glass .' Thanks , P.C.A.

With a sip, Amanda and Pamela jumped in the crowd to help polish and pretty as Monique arrived to transform them the rest of the way .

*********************************Chase and Zoey**************************

1: 35 P.M.

Breakafast , followed by an intense rounds of the video games kept Chase's runaway nerves at bay until they were given the sign to change into their wedding gear which consisted of navy blue pants , a white button down shirt, a pale pink bow tie , suspenders , with brown shoes . His groomsmen wore the identical outfits .

They all looked quite handsome though and were more than ready to get this show on the road . Waiting was not something that Chase was good at doing and he had checked his watch about a hundred times in the past hour.

' Can't we just walk out there and wait already ? We should have had a morning wedding instead of this late afternoon deal …..it's like a seven minute walk to the alter '

Dustin smoothed down the flower on his lapel and fixed his soon to be brother in law with a trying look . It was true that Chase could get worked up really bad but just being in the same room with the man was enough to drive a dude to drink .

' A little too late for that, Chase, but get a grip. My sister isn't going to bail on you, she really, really loves you , man '

The younger mans words surprisingly helped Chase to relax as he threw the cards down the table where he and the guys had been playing a round of cards . Chase had been losing very badly to Vince and he really didn't want to blow all of his money on a game , not when he had a honeymoon with the love of his life to look forward to .Vince folded his own cards sensing that another round of poker wasn't in the cards for them any longer .

' I really love her too, Dustin '

Michael threw his own cards down on the table .' We're happy for you, Chase, we really are . I know it seemed like it took a long time to get here for you and Zoey but you two are going to make each other so just happy '

Chase tapped a hand to his heart .' Michael, man, thanks '

Logan clamped a solid hand on his friends shoulder .' Dude , it's been Chase and Zoey since day one at P.C.A. and we all know it . I know it ….best man won and that is you, man '

' Logan , that is really nice , you jerk '

' I was being serious . That was sincere . I'm honestly happy for you '

' I know '

Not to be undone and the last to be accepted into their group, Vince clamped a hand on Chase's other shoulder, and nodded . This was a huge monumental step for one of their own to be taking and they were all feeling that emotion this afternoon .

' You and Zoey are going to take on the world together , Chase . It's a n honor for us to be a part of the happiest day of your life '

There was a moment of macho pause before it went out the window in favor of manly hugs , handshakes , and cigars that Dustin had procured from his grandfathers humidor to celebrate life .

************************************Choey******************************

The sun shone brightly making even the bayou seem to sparkle or that might have been the bride being fanciful as it was her wedding day . The simple arbor managed to dazzle without too much fuss with yards of tulle and fairy lights while gorgeous vases filled with lovely white lilies and red roses graced the alter and the aisle where simple white chairs held the excited guests awaiting the arrival of the bride .

A nervous but handsome looking Chase nearly managed to trip up to the alter which oddly enough felt fitting considering his history with Zoey . His fuzzy hair had been tamed by product and he sent a side long glance at his best man , lifting a brow .

' Do you still have it ? '

Michael folded his hands in front of him .' Ring is in my pocket '

' Just checking '

' You've checked enough ' contributed Logan, under his breath .

Pamela and Ross met Chase's eye as they took their seats in the front row beside Grandpa Joe along with Woody and Kim . His family that meant the world to him were all here .

Looking out he noticed Zoey's grandparents , a few of the cousins he had been introduced to, among other faces he didn't recognize . All of their friends parents were present except for Vince's father and it warmed his heart that they cared enough to be there for him and Zoey . A hand shot up giving a enthusiastic wave and Chase lifted his to return it discovered it was a dressed up Stacey Dillsen and was quite glad about it .

The music changed and a lovely Lola glided down the aisle , lips curved , as she connected with Vince as she took her place on the other side of the alter as Quinn strolled down the white runner , brown eyes twinkling as she caught Logan's gaze with her own .

Next was Lisa , beautiful as ever in a gown that suited her , and couldn't resist winking at Michael which didn't go unnoticed by his mother who gripped her husbands arm, happily .

Wake me up I must be dreaming

I can't believe that you are real

I heard somebody call us crazy

They don't know what we feel

I feel like I'm finally finished running and ended all of this wasted time

Chase's heart thudded so loudly from his chest as Mike escorted a radiant looking Zoey down the flower strewn aisle . Her honey blonde hair was swept up into a old fashion chignon , a ornate rhinestone studded veil with a sheer train of white and pink adorned her hair . There was a small, secret smile on her red lips that he knew was just for him .

Zoey took his breath away in the white strapless gown with delicate beadwork on the bodice that slid into the frothy skirt and seemed to have been made just for her , which it clearly had been the brides own designer hand in the creating of her own gown .

It's not just in the way I love you but how I feel when I'm with you

But today the love I promise will grow from year to year

To have this moment last forever

It's simply love

Mike pressed a kiss on his daughters cheek as he handed Zoey over to Chase, his hands clasping hers , their smiles bright with love .

Zoey felt moisture build in her eyes .' Finally '

A wide grin filled Chase's face ' I'm the one who should get to say that '

The nervousness broke away as those who witnessed the union chuckled at the seriousness behind Chase's words and knew it had been a long time coming for these two to get here now .

Zoey laughed and held tightly to him .' You always needed prodding '

' True because we both think too much ,' replied Chase and he and Zoey had decided to make up their own vows . He couldn't wait much longer ,' You know, Zo, I've been in love with you since I first met you . '

'When you got out of your Dads car at P.C.A and I saw you, I rode my bike into that stupid flagpole . I was in love with you before I even hit the ground '

Mike held onto Amanda's hand , sharing the sentiment of their daughters moment together as Ross pulled Pamela closer in his arms as Chase spoke from the heart .

The guys gave me a lot of grief about just telling me and I wont go into detail about the lost Tek-Mate incident or Covington . I'm not very good with words and I sometimes make a mess of them but today I am marrying my best friend because that's what you are to me , Zoey. My best friend , my soul mate , the one true love of my life '

Michael placed the simple band in Chase's hand and he slid it onto Zoey's finger .

Zoey handed Lola her bouquet as she thought of the words she had written for her own vows then looking at Chase , opted to change them right then and there .

' Chase, you were my first friend , my best friend - sorry , Michael, I have to say it '

Michael shrugged .' I'll allow this '

Zoey continued , moving closer to her fuzzy haired man .' You know me better than I know myself sometimes and you keep me grounded when I lose my head . I know it hasn't been easy for us with me being so afraid for so long to admit what I think I have always known from the start but been afraid to say outloud , that I've been in love with you since that silly flagpole too . Now in front of all of our friends and family I have no problem vowing to love you forever and ever , Chase Bartholomew Matthews '

As their lips met in a sweet kiss, they married to the sounds of laughter .

*.

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'