Disclaimer : I still own nothing Zoey101 You all know the drill .

'Chase, is that Girly Cow ? Why are you watching that without me ? ' asked Zoey, upon entering the suite that they were staying in and catching sight of what was playing on the big screened television . It looked like it was the crazy bra episode too .

An embarrassed expression flashed across her husbands face . ' I got them from Logan ,' explained Chase, lamely ,' He has the whole collection in his Dvds so I thought it might be fun to watch it . I didn't know how long you'd be helping Quinn this morning either .'

Zoey tossed her purse on the bedside table .' We're back ,' said Zoey, matter of fact,' it didn't take that long to pick up two boxes of old lab beakers from PCA . I begged off on cleaning them which is what Quinn and the rest of the girls are doing .'

Chase arched a brow .' Should I know why beakers for a wedding ? We didn't t have beakers at our wedding '

Zoey kicked off her flip flops and joined him on the sofa .' We did not because we aren't scientists ,' explained Zoey, because it made perfect sense to her ,' Quinn is going to put flowers in them as the decorations on the tables for the reception '

' That sounds like Quinn '

' Where's Logan and the rest of the guys ? I sort of expected you to be assigned best men duties and all '

' I was smarter than Vince and Michael, ' grinned Chase, teasingly ,' I said I needed to speak to my wife . Logan dragged Vince and Michael with him to the country club to help him give orders and set things up just right to surprise Quinn for the engagement cocktail party plus it s good distraction since Quinn's parents arrive this afternoon '

Zoey chuckled as she propped her feet up in her husbands lap .' It is kind of funny how even after all these years with Quinn, Logan is still freaked over her Dad '

Chase began rubbing the soles of her feet making her sigh .' Your Mom still scares me and we've been married a year, honey '

' Chase , that is ridiculous '

' We all have our thing so since we're here and alone, can we talk about what you don't want to talk about ? No trying to change the subject or seduce me to distract me because I am onto you, Zoey Matthews '

Zoey bit down on her bottom lip, pushed absently at a strand of blonde hair and knew he was right . It didn't mean it was something that she looked forward to having but it wasn't very mature to evade as she had been doing for weeks now .

' I know we agreed we'd only stay in Paris for a year but Chase, things are going so well for us ! I am learning so much about design and we're both doing good in school ..I think we need to reconsider our agreement '

Chase stopped rubbing her feet to stare forlornly at her .' We can easily transfer to our colleges here in California , I've already looked into it , and it's all good . Not to mention the little fact that even with me working we cant afford to live in Paris , Zo '

Zo laid a gentle hand on his arm .' We could if we accepted the money from my folks '

' No,' Chase rose, dropped her legs, dragged an aggravated hand through his bushy hair ,' we accepted the loft simply because I didn't want to hurt your Grandparents feelings since they were so good to us . I am not letting your parents support us by throwing money our way when we're capable of taking care of ourselves, Zoey '

Zoey crossed her arms , staring sullenly at her husband .' I can work too '

' Not in Paris ,' argued Chase, holding his ground ,' I think its important to us together to just transfer colleges like we originally agreed to do in the first place and forge our own life here . Come on, Zo, My Mom and Val did those house tours here for us when they were here for their real estate convention or whatever it was they were at together and the house they found for us is nice . It's not the Ritz or this place but its good for us '

' You went and saw it without me ? '

' No but the Moms sent video ,' argued back Chase, evenly ,' its affordable and we could fix it up . Hell, its even cheaper than if we got a dump apartment in L.A. and I can do school , maybe even get a couple of jobs so you can spend more time in your design classes if that helps . I…I'm just done with living in Paris '

Zoey's hands fell to her side as she let out a breath she hadn't realized she had been holding either . It would seem as if they were at an impasse but God she didn't want to fight with him. She hated when they argued and fought .

' I love Paris . I don't want us to leave '

Chase frowned then surprised her by pressing a light kiss on her forehead .' I love you more than anything in this world, Zoey, but marriage is about compromise and well, lots of other things . I know you live and breathe Paris and it makes you alive , I've seen you and I know that, but I think us making this change is better for our marriage '

' You think about it , I'm going to go downstairs see if Quinn can give me a wedding assignment or maybe get a drink '

' Chase, I love you '

' I know which is why this is really important ' With that being said , Chase left the room , as Zoey stared longily at her wedding ring , in deep thought while Girly Cow chuckled hysterically in a cheesy situation of a life of a teenager which seemed so long ago to Zo.

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

The Santa Barbara Country Club was a mixture of the Aztec style melded with the gables of the Victorian architecture giving the buildings a haughty appearance from the well manicured lawns , the stately tennis courts , the long outdoor pool and hot tub surrounded by the cabanas and the spa room , but those weren't important to Logan Reese today as he led his friends through the main dining room where he intended to have his and Quinn's engagement party . The wait staff was busy putting snowy white linens on the tables as fresh flowers in crystal cut vases were being brought in by the dozens by the local florists that Logan had hired . It was a profusion of roses and tulips in bright colors that Quinn favored .

.

Logan, hands on his hips , took stock of the set up with a critical eye .' I want a lot of pomp but not flash if you get my drift . Maybe tone down some glam to make it comfortable because I don't want my bride to be not to be comfortable at our engagement party '

Charlotte McVee , the manager of the club, consulted her list .' You were very specific in your wishes , Mr. Reese , and I assure you my staff has it all under control . You and your family have always been a huge part of the club since well, since you were young and we intend to make your event memorable for you and your bride , Logan '

Once long ago, Charlotte had the opportunity of becoming a Reese but recognizing that Malcolm had still been mourning Lorraine, she had declined the proposal . She didn't regret it and once the awkwardness had passed , she remained friends with them . Enough years had passed since then and she was fond of both Malcolm and Julia .

She was genuinely happy that Logan had found someone to love .

' I know , I'm probably being a pain but Quinn didn't hardly give me input on this which is huge because my girl, she has opinions . Never been shy about sharing them either and this is my gift to her '

Vince slapped Logan on the back as if to bring him back down to Earth .' Let the lady do her job, Reese , and chill out . You don't want to be a jerk '

Michael came back from the kitchen where the caterers were busy . He popped a shrimp popper in his mouth as he joined his friends .the buffet was going to be sweet .Being the awesome friend that he was , Michael had taken it upon himself to sample some of the food that was being prepared for tonight's shin dig .

' He cant help being a jerk, Vince ,' added Michael, with a wide smile ,' As long as you don't have them bring out the fancy silver or caviar , I think your ass is safe from the love of your life '

Logan rubbed at the back of his neck where a ball of tension had built up . ' Quinn wants really low scale on our wedding so I've only got our engagement party to introduce her to a lot of important people in my life that didn't make the wedding cut '

' Quinn would have had you eloping if you invited like 500 people to the wedding '

' I know , I know , and 200 gave her a panic attack '

' I'm glad its you, not me, Reese,' contributed Vince , nonchalantly ,' Lola talks in vague terms when marriage is brought up at this juncture in our relationship we're focusing on our careers for right now , thank God .'

Michael helped himself to an iced tea , drank , ignoring his friends shared looks .

' Uh no, I'm staying out of this one ,' declared Michael ,' Lisa has been acting weird since we got here . I'm not risking jinxing us at this point .'

Just then a delivery man passed them carrying a bouquet of black roses past the three young men, blonde hair tucked beneath a baseball cap, a pair of shades hiding his eyes .

Logan's head swiveled at the sight of them , his gut tightening .' Hold it , man , I didn't order freaking black flowers ? Who the hell fucked up my order ? '

Michael grabbed one arm while Vince snagged the other to keep Logan from losing the rest of his control . It wouldn't do at all and angry Logan was still a bad place to be .

He'd calmed down a lot over the years but he still got spitfire mad easily enough .

' Dude , let Miss. McVee handle the mistake , it's why your paying her the big bucks '

' You should go talk to the caterers with Michael and I'll see if I can get the funeral flowers removed from here . It was probably just a stupid mistake or maybe Del Figgalo's idea of a funny not funny joke '

Logan glared at Vince at the mention of Quinn's first love and former old boyfriend .

' Quinn hasn't spoken to Del Figg since we graduated ! He wouldn't have the balls to send us flowers ….'

Michael gave his arm a yank .' Shut your yap and calm down . Do you want to be a raving lunatic before Quinn's parents get here ? Cause , dude , your close to it '

Logan heaved a irritated sigh .' No '

' I am on flowers , get him away from here , Michael ' ordered Vince , heading in the direction that they had seen the flowery delivery guy go towards the open room where the open bar and small dance floor would be . A longer table would be set up for pictures of the happy couple which Logan had chosen from his favorites of him and Quinn .

From the glass doors of the terrace , he grinned , enjoying his own cleverness and the stupidity of Logan and his idiot buddies . It was too easy .

Leaving Logan in good hands with Michael and wishing they had dragged Chase with them because it would have been much easier , Vince had just located the manager /party planner who appeared to be puzzling over the black roses in question .

' Miss. McVee , hey , ' replied Vince , frowning at the dark roses , a niggling at the back of his mind ,' We've got Logan under control but can we get rid of these gruesome flowers ? Are the rest of the order right - I know Logan ordered French tulips and roses '

Charlotte held a card .' Its addressed to Ms. Pensky '

Vince was curious but went practical .' We should just get rid of them , note included . Its probably her old boyfriends idea of a funny joke because he is a moron . Quinn wouldn't appreciate it at all .'

He agreed with Logan's assessment of Mark Del Figgalo but he was emotionless so it reasoned that sending Quinn funeral flowers would fit Mark's thought process which was warped .

Charlotte hesitated .' Shouldn't we check with the bride to be first ? They are for her '

' Quinn is already apprehensive about this party and black flowers might tip her over the edge . Trust me, I am saving you from both the bride and the groom '

Charlotte accepted this but tucked the unopened card into her file , just in case ., as she picked up the black roses with disdain . It really was in poor taste to send black roses and also quite on the creepy side . She would just take them in back and throw them in the trash . She felt Vince's gaze upon hers and met his eyes in a straightforward manner .

' Is there anything else , Mr. Blake ? '

' Nope , just don't bring in an ice sculpture or play boring elevator music , I think you've got this event all covered '

As Vince walked back to the kitchen to help Michael with Logan , he hoped that Quinn would appreciate all the work that Logan was putting into this party was for her , because he adored her . He imagined that Lola would be enthralled by all the trappings of the fancy right down to the crystal and the fresh flowers as it was the fanciful life she often dreamed of for herself . He was a football player at heart , she an actress, he didn't know if it was plausible that they could afford the lifestyle of the rich and famous .

It wouldn't do to burst Lola's bubble either so they could also deal with that later on down the road when it was necessary for them .

Tonight wasn't about them but Quinn and Logan .

******************************WB**********************************

' Mom ! Dad! '

' There's my Quinnnie Girl ' Frank Pensky pulled his only daughter into a strong embrace, kissing her cheek , ' let me look at you '

Quinn hugged him back.' Oh Dad '

' Oh hun, just indulge your father ,' Suzanna reached for Quinn with a throaty laugh ,' He's been a weepy mess since Logan asked for his blessing a while ago though he will claim otherwise . . I am so thrilled for you , Quinn '

Quinn held out her ring for her parents to behold . .' This ring belonged to Logan's mom so it s quite precious to him . I just love it and him so very much .'

' How thoughtful ' gushed Suzanna ,' and I've brought you my own wedding dress if you would care to wear it or update it as you choose to though the choice is entirely yours , my lovely daughter '

' Thanks , Mom ,' says Quinn, carefully ,' the girls and I went dress shopping but I didn't like a single gown I tried on for myself , it didn't feel right '

Logan stepped out onto the patio with Malcolm and Julia following at his heels . All of their friends were back inside preparing for the engagement party in a few hours but he'd gotten sidetracked by a telephone call from an old friend . It had been unexpected and Logan had babbled like a moron debating with himself on how to handle said old friend .

He didn't think that Quinn would appreciate that Dana Cruz was back in California .

All of this slid from his mind at the sight of Quinn's parents talking a mile a minute with his bride in the entryway . Logan straightened his spine , held out a hand, and approached Frank , a careful smile in place . The man was formidable and though he had given him his blessing to marry Quinn, Logan still felt like he was walking on crushed glass around the man .

' Frank , Suzanna , hello ,' greeted Logan ,' I wish you had let us pick you up at the airport . I know traffic can be such a pain at this time in the afternoon '

' Nonsense , Logan, we made good time ,' told Frank ,' I understand you were seeing to the final arrangements of your engagement party for this evening '

Logan nodded, sagely .

' My gift to Quinn '

' Forget me being the so called Bridezilla ,' teased Quinn, lovingly ,' Logan is trying to start a new trend as a Groom-zilla, I think '

Logan glared at her .' She mocks me '

Suzanna kissed his cheek .' You'll get used to it , Logan ,' replied Suzanna , easily enough ,' now lead me to the kitchen , I surely could use an iced tea about now '

' Why don't we go to the sunroom, ' suggested Julia , taking Quinn's mother from her stepson as Malcolm fell in line with Frank,' I'll have Chauncey bring in some refreshments and we can chat a bit about the kids wedding while they get dressed for tonight '

' We were quite pleased the kids insisted upon getting married here ' told Malcolm as a weary Quinn and Logan followed behind at a slower pace ,' Nothing but the best for Logan and Quinn, I say . Money isn't so much as an object when we can give them the perfect wedding the way I see it , Frank '

Quinn winced and grabbed Logan's hand ,' Oh dear '

Frank's jaw tightened .' We appreciate that, Malcolm, but my daughter isn't after some high faulting wedding just because you have the wealth . I believe that Quinn has expressed wanting a small intimate wedding …'

Julia sent Frank a consoling smile .' Yes and our kids will have exactly that . You'll have to forgive Malcolm, he does tend to get carried away wanting to spoiling Logan especially now with the wedding '

' I am sure we can discuss our part in the wedding financial and otherwise in privacy ,' suggested a calm Suzanna , ' now certainly isn't the time .' She spied a watercolor of a sandy beach, pausing to admire ,' That is lovely as is this house , I can see why my daughter feels comfortable here .'

Quinn bit her lip .' Should we join them in the sunroom ? I really don't want our parents arguing over who is going to pay for what for our wedding , Logan , and Dad already has his back up so to speak .'

' Naw , babe, I think its for the best if we let them deal with that crap on their own ,' suggested Logan, searching her eyes and finding worry behind them ,' I don't think Julia or Suzanna will let it be a knock out drag out fight or anything .'

' My Father has a lot of pride ,' mused Quinn, twisting the ring on her finger in a nervous gesture ,' them talking money right off the bat freaks me out, Logan .'

Logan simply pulled her into his arms as the parents went inside . He smoothed a hand down her hair and pressed his forehead against hers .

' Quinn, hey, its going to be fine ,' declared Logan, matter of fact ,' Dad isn't going to push your Dad cause he knows I'll be pissed at him if he tries . Second, Julia and Suzanna are pretty sensible women and they will want to give you your dream wedding to make you happy so I really don't think its gonna be like the blow out between Chase and Zoey's moms or anything '

' I suppose I might be overreacting a tiny bit '

Logan pushed her frames up on the bridge of her nose , affectionately .' Yeah , a little bit but I still love you,' joked Logan, kissing her , sweetly ,' Why don't you go upstairs and get all prettied up for our party and I'll haul up your folks luggage '

' Your actually going to carry their bags to their rooms by yourself ? Not make Chauncey do it , Logan '

Logan kissed her nose .' I can carry bags up the stairs , woman .'

' So you can ' murmured Quinn , leaning into him slightly ,' I cant believe I am actually nervous about our engagement party tonight .'

' Don't be '

Quinn blew him a kiss as she made a beeline for the stairs glancing sideways where her folks were in deep conversation with Malcolm and Julia then back at Logan . It seemed as if they were on track and steamrolling closer and closer towards their wedding day.

It was both exciting and terrifying at the same time .

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

The Country club had closed its doors for the private party of Pensky /Reese , the terrace doors opened allowing for the guests to mingle amongst themselves , as silver and crystal gleamed and winked , a champagne fountain flowed between two rooms while a large buffet table invited everyone to feast and enjoy.

Light classics could be heard mingling with the soft rock in the background as Quinn gripped Logan's arm, looking for familiar faces among the sea of people she didn't know in the room . So many people, so many strangers to her .

.

Logan looked handsome in a dark blue suit and a white button down shirt , minus a tie while Quinn looked lovely in a swinging green dress with a black lace neckline , her brown hair loose around her shoulders .

' Quinn, what do you think ? '

Quinn tried to let go of her nerves to really take it all in. Among all the touches of the elegance , her eyes came to rest on the framed pictures of them together on display . She noted to her delight one was of them just holding onto each other in the PCA lounge .

Chase had taken that so long ago and she knew it was one of Logan's favorites which made her heart swell even more with love for him .

' It's wonderful, sweetie ,' admitted Quinn, her voice raspy with emotion ,' I cannot believe you pulled all of this off on your own '

Logan huffed a bit stopping short of preening because it wasn't manly or cool .' I knew what I wanted ,' told Logan , ' the guys did lend me a hand with the details . If the food sucks we get to blame Michael ..'

Quinn slapped him, playfully .' I am sure it will be yummy '

She accepted the glass of champagne that he offered her .' I love the fountain ! Isn't it so romantic ? I've seen pictures of them because Mom and Dad had one at their wedding but I didn't know you would get us one .

'

' I knew you'd like it ' beamed Logan , recognizing a tall man in an expensive grey Hermes suit near the buffet sampling the shrimp ,' come on baby, you gotta meet Uncle George '

Quinn took a sip of her drink .' Is he the uncle that sent you that extreme amount of money when you graduated from PCA '

' Yup and I'm really like a son to him ' explained Logan, taking her hand ,' Uncle George , I want you to meet my beautiful Quinn '

While Quinn was being introduced to Logan's favorite honorary uncle, Zoey smoothed the crease in her sleek blush colored sheath dress with the sassy ruffles down to the hem , it was one of her newest designs and a favorite . Her husband and Michael were in a huddle near the buffet eating rather than mingling it seemed to be while she chatted with Quinn's mom about the upcoming nuptials .

.

' Is married life treating you well, Zoey ? I would let go any thoughts on lecturing Chase on pigging out on crab puffs , let him and Michael have their fun ,' replied a fun loving Suzanna ,' I expect Frank will find his way to the table soon enough '

For now it appeared that Frank was talking poor Vince and Lola's ear off by the piano bar .

Zoey turned her attention back to the older woman .' Oh, Chase and I are still good ,' assured Zoey, taking a small sip of the bubbly ,' we're thrilled for Logan and Quinn too . I figured she'd hold him off getting married for a few more years yet …..we were all really surprised when she said yes .

'

Suzanna chuckled at that.' Quinn's heart knew when its right , its right '

' I suppose that is true '

' This really is a lovely party , I wouldn't have expected party planning to be one of Logan's specialties ' joked an impressed Suzanna of her future son in law ,' that young man is certainly full of surprises '

' The guys had to talk him down from going too over the top '

' I don't know who half of these people are ,' Lisa , looking stunning in a black sheath dress with a watercolor of pink and purples splashed across the front panel of the dress. Her black hair tumbled down her back ,' are they all Hollywood bigwigs that Mr. . Reese knows or something ? '

' I thought I saw Mr. Thatcher in the back earlier ,' admitted Zoey, conversationally of a Math teacher of PCA ,' Quinn always loved his Fancy geometry class and the way he taught it . It sort of makes sense that he would be invited to this thing .'

Suzanna looked at both young women .' Who made this guest list , girls ? '

' Logan '

' It's mostly family friends, business associates of Malcolm's , ' added Julia , joining the women in a huddle ,' Logan didn't want to insult anyone that worked with his father but he couldn't include them in a wedding invite . There are probably a handful of producers and directors holding court with Malcolm as we speak .'

Lisa took a sip of her wine spritzer .' Quinn's head is going to be spinning soon '

Zoey finished the rest of her drink, sent a sympathetic look towards Quinn, who had a polite smile pasted across her face while Logan did all of the talking for her .

Oh yeah, Quinn was stressing !

*****************************************WB**************************

Michael popped another crab puff in his mouth, scanned the room for the love of his life , chewed then turned to face his very bored looking best friend as Chase kept tugging his collar .

' This party sucks '

' Yup,' agreed Chase , solemnly ,' Not one of Logan's finest hours ever . Do you think anyone would notice if we paid the music man to play something from this century ? '

' Not the best tunes ,' agreed Michael , with a nod ,' Quinn cant dance to this stuff . This elevator crap must be what the mucky mucks listen to at wing dings like these ritzy glitz parties and such '

' The dude did say he was showing off Quinn to all his Dads associates and all ' commented Chase , taking a drink of the champagne with disdain ,' I feel like this is a step up from the fancy lifestyle of Grandma and Grandpa Cory , you know '

Michael heaved a sigh .' I feel like we should help Quinn from Logan well meaning gig and all '

' I agree but how would we do that ? Logan worked his butt off to make this thing something special ,' mused Chase, scratching his head in thought ,' who can we call that can spice this engagement party up and make it fun ? '

Michael scratched his chin .' Too bad we don't have any old footage of Quinn and Logan from PCA cause that would be fun to put on a screen and show '

Chase snapped his fingers .' Let me step outside and call Jeremiah Trottman , see if he can loan us anything . He's doing some summer intern thing in Malibu ..'

' How do you know this ? I haven't heard from that dude since we graduated '

' Jeremiah is taking all kinds of journalism classes in college , he's been emailing me for months trying to find a hook to cover Zoey becoming this break out designer in Paris ,' explained Chase ,' He's still annoying but Zo likes the idea so there you go '

' I'll go call him '

' You do that . Man, Logan should have thought of this first if he wasn't blinded by love ' said Michael but Chase had already made a beeline outside to make his phone call .

' Love blinders , hmm ! Sounds like something weird Quinn might invent ' declared Nicole in a husky tone of voice ,' isn't this party divine , Michael ? I feel like I should be some Hollywood wife or something …'

' Gulp '

Michael tried to avert his gaze from Nicole but a man would have to be blind not to notice her . Her hair was piled on top of her head, diamonds winked from her ears, and she wore a slinky white dress that showed off her cleavage to its best advantage and didn't leave much to the imagination .

' Nicole , um, hey ,' squeaked Michael , trying to find Lisa in the crowd of partygoers ,' I wouldn't say that too loud or it might freak Quinn out some '

Nicole laughed , inched closer to Michael so that he could smell her perfume , her breasts brushing against his arm in a provocative manner . She felt brazen and knew that she looked gorgeous so why shouldn't she aim to seduce tonight ?

Michael tried to step back from her .' What ..what are you doing , Nicole ? '

Nicole's lips pursed in a half smile as she laid her hand on his arm.' Isn't it obvious by now , Michael ? It's a party but I thought it might be better if we go somewhere private and make our own ? '

Michael spluttered , shock and color rising on his face as he was backed into a corner .

' Nicole ! Stop , whatever this is, just stop it ! We don't need to make a scene or anything ,' chuckled Michael, at a loss as to what to do here ,' You know you're a beautiful woman and I'm really , really flattered but I am not interested '

Nicole brushed her body against his, provocatively .' You don't mean that, Michael . Trust me, I know when a man wants me and honey, you do '

Michael held up his palms then dropped them .' I am in love with Lisa Perkins '

' I never said a thing about love, Michael, but we could have us some fun tonight '

' What in the name of God has gotten into you ? '

' Michael , really , Michael, don't tease me '

Before Michael could manage a respond , Nicole was yanked by the back of her slinky dress by an enraged Quinn, who had witnessed the whole thing as she was going to find her friends while Logan was talking to Malcolm's tennis partner .

' That is enough ,' Quinn tried to keep her voice down but her temper rose at the audacity that was Nicole Bristow ,' I've had enough of your rudeness and scheming when we've been nothing but kind to you. Now your trying to seduce Michael at my engagement party, well, that is the last straw '

Nicole smoothed her lips in a thin line .' I think you are the one making the scene, Quinn . Lower your voice and no one will pay the least bit attention to us '

' Oh, shut up, Nicole ,' swore Quinn, angrily ,' I know what I saw and what Lisa told me about you is obviously very true . I think you'd best leave my engagement party right now and don't think about coming back '

Logan came up behind Quinn, placing a hand on the small of her back .' Better yet , Nicole , why don't you pack your bags and get the hell out of my house '

Nicole cursed them .' Damn you both '

' You don't belong here anymore , Nicole , and I think we all know it '

Swiping at the furious tears that sprang from her eyes, Nicole straightened her dress and sauntered out of the engagement party while Quinn and Logan watched her walk away .

Michael sighed ,' Well , that livened things up '