Michael had always been aware that Logan Reese was wealthy having been impressed upon him and Chase from their first meeting with him as their roommate at P.C.A. followed by the state of the art entertainment center for their dorm then later spring break in Santa Barbara at the summer house which was now Logan and Quinn's home upon their marriage.

However he obviously wasn't prepared at the sight of the sleek plane on the runway as their luggage was whisked away; he heard Chase let out a low whistle under his breath while Lisa and Zoey talked excitedly beside them. This was the lap of the luxury.

'My, oh my …this is most definitely first class style '

The cabin was generous in sight with plush navy blue seats, small tables were tucked into the corners where a Waterford vase held white roses , and they could spot a small but state of the art galley where the a sharp dressed stewardess was preparing coffee and champagne .

'Yeah, it has all the bells and whistles,' addressed Logan, nonchalantly as he settled into a seat beside his wife,' Dad isn't filming anything this month because Julia is trying to get him to slow down for a change. It's at our disposal whenever we need ….it's all good '

'Malcolm and Julia have been ...well, I don't want to say nagging ...' started Quinn, considering.

'Nagging works, babe '

' They've been urging Logan and I to take the plane and make use of the various properties they own all over the place' finished Quinn , clasping Logan's hand tightly,' Julia believes its wasteful if non one uses the condo or the cabins they own . Incidentally, Michael and Lisa, I am to inform you they are also available to you as honeymoon options …'

Lisa could only stare at her friends in sheer surprise.' Truly, Quinn? Because Michael and I were thinking of putting off our honeymoon until we could actually afford to go someplace exotic '

Michael had grumbled at the idea at first even suggesting that they stay an extra night at a fancy hotel in Atlanta and call it their honeymoon though he agreed their budget was tight. This suggestion seemed like a Godsend and he found himself grateful for the kindness of his friends.

'We want a house more than an expensive honeymoon,' admitted a reluctant Michael, 'Your folks are really offering up a honeymoon for us, Logan? Cause that is generous of them '

Logan couldn't resist flashing him a cocky grin.' You heard, Quinn, dude, and she doesn't lie. Julia will put together a folder with your choices later but consider it your wedding gift from them '

'Thanks, man, thank you '

'This is the nicest present ever, Logan 'Lisa threw her arms around an embarrassed Logan in a hug,' we probably should be polite and turn it down as too much but I don't want too. You'll have to tell us when the best time is for Michael to personally thank your folks '

Logan patted her back, awkwardly.' Geesh , Lisa, it's Dad and Julia , not me and Quinn ! Don't start slobbering all over me but of course, you should accept it. It's a present '

Lisa swiped at her eyes but her smile was luminous. 'Don't be such a pig, it's sweet and wonderful. Cut out the tough guy act, Logan, I know that you and Quinn are aware of our financial situation and could have suggested this to them '

Quinn's smile didn't quite meet her lips.' It's possible an idea was mentioned but only because we want the best for you and Michael '

'You guys are the best 'agreed Michael as the stewardess passed around flutes of champagne which all accepted except for Zoey and Quinn who opted for iced water instead citing it was much too early for bubbly .

Chase studied the champagne then narrowed his eyes to Logan.' Malcolm and Julia never offered me and Zoey the private plane and a honeymoon, Reese! What gives? '

Logan made a face at him.' Zoey's grandparents sent you to Paris! Besides Chase, they gave you big bucks as a wedding present ...'

'It was a lot of money 'chimed in Zoey, tucking her legs beneath her as she tried to get comfortable,' stop whining, Chase '

Chase feigned offense.' I wasn't whining, I was questioning, Zo '

Zoey had been touchy lately over the oddest things but Chase was ambivalent about pushing her to talk to him about what was bugging her. He hoped like hell it didn't have anything to do for working for her perfect ex-boyfriend who it seemed hadn't lost the sheen of perfectness.

Man, Chase still really hated the guy!

Zoey reached her hand across to grasp her husband's hand.' Will your folk's nose be out of joint when you accept a honeymoon from Malcolm and Julia?'

Lisa took a moment to look into the swirling depth of the blue sapphire considering all of the arguments or options that her own parents would present her, carefully. Her Father might be affronted by the overly generous gift but on the other hand, he wouldn't want to offend Logan's dad either. He was still trying to work out a lucrative business deal with the man.

' My parents will let it go after giving us a overblown drawn out argument then all will be fine ,' determined Lisa, knowing how her parents operated ,' Michael's family , I am not so sure of ..Will they protest? '

' Malcolm and Julia are already on my Mom's top friends list so she'll think this is the kindest wedding gesture in creation ,' explained Michael, finishing up his champagne ,' I fully expect my Father to lecture me on my manhood and my responsibilities to my bride . If it gets too much I'll just throw Logan and Chase to him …..You two have always been good at distracting the man '

'We got this, man '

'We can help you out with the old man, dude '

He would take the offered honeymoon then take the lumps from whoever dissed them out.

'Sucks that Lola and Vince couldn't get away to go with us '

Lola had been called to the studio and Vince didn't want to fight with her so he had opted out of the trip this time not wishing to cause a war with his girlfriend this time around. Still, Michael could have totally used Vince's Buddha calmness right now.

Everyone muttered their agreement then settled back to discuss the hotel arrangements seeing how Michael and Lisa would be staying with his parents. Sadly Malcolm Reese didn't own property in Georgia for them to stay in but Logan had booked Chase and Zoey along with him and Quinn in a suite in one of the nicest hotels in Atlanta.

Shortly they touched down at the Atlanta airport where after collecting their luggage a car had been arranged to take the two married couples to their hotel downtown while Michael and Lisa caught a cab to drive them to his parents' home. Rather than to disrupt the craziness of his family's afternoon by calling someone to come pick them up, Michael liked the idea of catching the folks off guard. Oh sure, Mom and Dad knew they were coming in today but not the details.

Lisa folded then unfolded her legs, nervously.' Shouldn't we at least call your Mom now that we on the way, Michael? If it were my parents and we came without calling first, Mom would go into fits as if the house wasn't perfect '

Michael shook his head.' Nope besides it will suck all of the fun out of just waking right in plus I love your Mom but the woman is way more uptight than mine is about stuff like that …. '

Lisa shot him a dry look that spoke volumes.' Okay so my parents are slightly more reserved than yours, we still don't need to barge right in on them '

Michael chuckled and patted her thigh.' Mom will love it, you'll see '

'It will be good to see them both '

They drove through one of the oldest neighborhoods in the city stopping in front of charming restored Colonial Revival home with lovely Corinthians columns, beveled glass panels around the large doors, and a wraparound porch where Michael recalled weekends repainting its posts under his Dads watchful eyes then Mama bringing out glasses of fresh lemonade.

Those short breaks from school and P.C.A. almost always meant he would be put to work and every time he had vowed to drag Chase and Logan with him to help but somehow it hadn't been that easy. It was always backing home to Baltimore for Chase and Logan was living the glamorous summer life in Santa Barbara.

'Home sweet home 'muttered Michael, under his breath as he paid the driver then collected their luggage. He cast his gaze towards Lisa who was smoothing a strand of dark hair behind her ear, smoothed an imaginary wrinkle in her dark blue wrap dress struck again by her loveliness.

'Here we go 'Lisa slid her hand into the crook of Michael's arm,' let's do this thing '

Michael lifted his hand knocking once on the door then swept it open pulling Lisa inside the house with him, dropping his suitcase on the floor with a thump, grinned widely as he took in the antiques his Mom loved to collect mingled in with the Art Deco pieces his Dad was fond of taking in the blare of television which sounded like sports was on.

'Mom! Dad! We're home! Anybody here? '

Roland Barrett stepped out of the den, a tall, handsome man with the same, thoughtful blue eyes as his only son, dressed in his ever present khaki slacks and an old college sweatshirt that had seen better days. Val had been threatening to throw it out for weeks now so he had taken to having it cleaned at the dry cleaners to preserve it.

'Michael! Lisa!'

He ushered the couple into the living room with the comfortable oversized couch that his wife had just done up in a new chintz fabric and the long cherry coffee table they had gotten the first year they were married . Michael and Lisa would have the joy of fixing a house together.

'It's about time, Son, 'scolded Roland, embracing his son,' Your Mama is in a tizzy already '

Michael inhaled, deeply.' Smells good in here '

' Hello Roland ' greeted Lisa as he pressed a kiss to her cheek ,' I am so sorry , I told Michael we should call, but your son wanted to surprise you both '

' I think it's high time you started calling me Dad now that my Son has finally popped the question to make it right ' declared Roland , noting the beautiful blue sapphire ring on her finger ,' That is a fine ring , my dear '

'I think Michael did well too 'beamed Lisa, 'I love it '

'Michael and Lisa! ' Valene swept out of the kitchen ,a beautiful bundle of energy in a trim pair of jeans , a bright purple tunic with an apron over her clothes tossed her dishtowel to the wayside instantly pulling her son and future daughter in law into a warm hug .

'Oh, how I've missed you so! Let me see that ring, sweetheart 'Val chattered as she made excited noises over the engagement ring,' We are so ridiculously happy that you two kids are finally getting married '

Michael gave her a hearty bear hug followed by a smacking kiss.' Mama, it was all about the dang timing! Where's Grandma Annie? '

'She'll be along in time for dinner,' explained Roland, jumping in on the conversation,' Mom had a meeting downtown then she was finishing dropping off those fall wreaths to some of the businesses in town. You know your Grandmother doesn't like to sit idle, Michael '

'True 'said Michael, patting the head of the weird flapper dancing lamp that hadn't been here the last time he visited,' Is that chicken I smell? '

Val tried to give him a somewhat stern look but managed a wide grin instead before slapping his hand away from her latest flea market find in Savannah. It was so fun to look at and wasn't that part of the whole in keeping a house a lovely place to live.

'I roasted a chicken, so, I hope you are hungry,' said Val,' where are my other boys and their wives? Why, I have fixed enough food to feed an army and you know how I feel about all you young people living on sushi and weird stuff out in California '

Michael examined the lamp once again,' Mom this is a butt ugly thing '

Roland made a disgruntled sound.' See, dear, Michael agrees with me on the flapper '

'Neither of you have any taste,' chided Val as they all settled around the couch and the burgundy antique sitting chair,' before we jump right into me firing away with hearing about your plans for the wedding, now where are the others? '

' They are at the hotel downtown ,' picked up Lisa, simply ,' surprisingly enough , they didn't want to horn in on us all at once which is strange now that I think about it …'

'Yeah since we horned in on everything with Chase and Zoey ,' added Michael,' not to mention , Quinn and Logan and it was cool . Vince and Lola couldn't come with us though...work stuff '

'Oh very well but you call them as we'll be expecting them for dessert '

No one dared arguing with Valene Barrett, as her word was law.

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

Valene was a woman of many talents dabbling in real estate, interior design, antiques, and cooking always keeping her family on their toes. Though they lived in different states, Chase's mother Pamela Matthews and Val had taken to the real estate gig attending seminars together in California together and were also learning this online work site which is how they had found Chase and Zoey's charming, little cottage last year. Her antique shop was in the early stages as she was collecting inventory for it along with the outside help from Susanna Pensky , who made the most unique pieces of jewelry . It always tickled her that her son's great lasting friendships had also carried over with her as well. It was simply fate. God surely knew what he had been doing when he put her Michael rooming with Chase Matthews and Logan Reese all those years ago at Pacific Coast Academy.

Val had made a spread to make the mouth simply water as there was two roasted chickens ( as she had been expecting 4 more to the supper table as well ) , fried okra, green beans because she knew Lisa loved them , homemade macaroni and cheese , collard greens , and cornbread along with fresh lemonade and southern sweet tea to quench their thirst .

Good, real honest to goodness stick to the ribs food because Michael and Lisa could use some meat on their bones. She knew that as a dancer, Lisa to great care of her body but the young woman was still too thin. Michael was a foodie for sure but sushi and junk food 24/7 out in California just didn't cut it in her book.

'This is delicious, Mom,' managed Michael, between a hearty mouthful of roasted chicken. He could cook when it was necessary but his chicken never turned out like his mothers,' I haven't found a restaurant in California yet that makes southern food like yours .'

' We've looked too ,' contributed Lisa , taking a sip of the sweet tea ,' though lately it seems we have sushi on speed dial unless our friends take pity on us inviting us for supper . It turns out that Chase is a decent cook … all these years, who knew? '

'Well it is good to know all of you aren't living off take-out food,' contributed Roland, steepling his hands over his plate,' with the wedding, Lisa's new dance studio, and I hope you two are considering buying a house to start a family in, you need to be paying close attention to your finances rather than frittering it away on junk '

Michael grimaced as he reached across the table for another piece of cornbread before speaking. He and his Dad usually didn't have too many problems, they got along well, but he recognized the beginning of a lecture when he heard it.

'Dad, I'm not 15 anymore,' said Michael, trying for levity in his tone,' I haven't frittered away money since me and Chase went in on that gaming system to prove to Logan that we weren't taking advantage of his friendship '

They had proven their point to Logan but were broke for the entire month and would have starved to death if Logan and the girls hadn't taken pity on them. Between all of their friend's generosity, they made sure they had food and other important stuff that month.

'Just making sure you are keeping a good head on your shoulder, son '

'Believe me, I am,' interjected Michael, shooting a loving look in the direction of his fiancée,' if I forget Lisa will remind me. She's good at that ...'

Lisa stuck her fork in the cornbread which looked delicious, pondered the million calories she was sure lived within it, not to mention the entire meal, wondering how long she would have to dance to burn off the fifty million calories. Not to mention she wanted to look incredible in her wedding dress!

She didn't have the same metabolism as Lola who could eat like a pig and still look like a model, Lisa had to work and dance off all of those calories. She had stopped following the crazy fad diets after that first year in college but Lisa always was mindful of what she ate as a dancer.

Lisa didn't believe in starving herself or making herself sick for dance either.

' We know that having our wedding here might mean that not everyone will be able to attend ,' Lisa changed the subject to the wedding as she cut up a chunk of the buttery cornbread ,' Michael and I really don't want a huge wedding but not quite as small as Logan and Quinn's little wedding was either . A mid-size wedding actually -100-ish people '

'It'd better be a church wedding 'declared Annie, Michael's beloved and sassy grandmother swept into the dining room, her long red wool cape coat moving with her. She was a petite woman with long, raven colored curls shot with silver, keen brown eyes, and a fiery personality to boot. Michael was her only grandson and she loved him fiercely.

'We wouldn't have any other way, Grandma 'exclaimed Michael, swallowing his supper as he was engulfed in a hearty hug,' Lisa and I are traditional, you know that.'

'True but then what took you two so long to get on with getting married? Anything over five years makes folks start a wondering,' chided Annie, moving behind Lisa to reach for her hand to examine the sapphire her grandson had given the young woman,' you can call us old folks old fashioned but you should have known about three years back ….'

Lisa laughed,' I didn't want to rush into marriage '

'No one could accuse you of that, Lisa,' said Annie, unfolding herself out of her coat then tossing it in the direction of a chair nearby before settling on the other side of Michael, 'sorry I'm so late but Abe cornered me into a game of bunco during my wreath deliveries so I had to stay long enough to kick his sorry butt '

'So, you won?'

Annie rolled her eyes at the question as she piled a heaping spoonful of macaroni on her plate her brown eyes following her family around the table. It didn't appear that she missed much. She helped herself to a little of this and a little of that for supper.

'Of course I won! Now enough chitter, has anyone spoken with Reverend Winslow yet? Michael, you and Lisa will need to go by the church and speak with him about having him perform the ceremony as well as reserving the church,' rattled off Annie, not skipping a beat,' it's all good and well, you want a fall wedding but that is only barely four and a half months away so you need to move it '

'They just got in town a while ago, Mother '

'I know but since we don't need to hire some fancy wedding planner, we need to hop to the planning immediately '

'My parents offered to get us a planner,' admitted Lisa, wryly,' Michael and I thought it might make more sense to roll that money into venue here. Michael mentioned there are some lovely ballrooms and historic hotels for us to check out ...'

'We thought you'd be able to help out with that, Mom '

Val smoothed the napkin on her lap, felt the swell of emotion in her eyes, and tried to tamp it down. Her baby was finally getting married to the woman of his dreams and she vowed that she wasn't going to cry over every little thing, she'd save those happy tears for later.

' I've already made some calls when you gave us the good news that you wanted to marry here in your hometown , sweetie ,' murmured Val, laying her hand on her sons ,' we've got appointments set up tomorrow afternoon '

'Oh wow, that was quick,' says Lisa, the reality that this was actually happening making her catch a breath,' I appreciate it, Valene '

' I told you she would be on it , honey ' said Michael between mouthfuls of chicken and cornbread ,' I'd be shocked if she hasn't gotten like an old phone chain thingy from the 80's going on the invitations and the caterer'

Roland held back an amused chuckle as he lifted a glass in his wife's direction. 'Who says she hasn't? It's been near ten years ….. There's probably a phone chain and a wedding book from the last time she and Pam conspired about all of you kids

'

'Do I even want to know what you and Chase's Mom are up too, Mama? '

'Pam and I just like to give fate a little push now and then,' grinned Valene, innocently,' which you'll be thankful that we did. Now Lisa, should we be expecting your folks in this weekend? '

Lisa placed her fork aside then took a sip of her drink before answering.' No, Ma'am, ' responded Lisa ,' they won't be able to come in , unfortunately, but they trust that Michael and I know what we want but they'll take care of the expense of the venue according to my father '

It was said a bit more stiffly than would have suited Lisa but she knew her parents would contend to anything so long as she was happy. It just wouldn't be a California wedding. Thank the Lord her mother wasn't friendly with Amanda, Zoey's Mom, or she could easily be swayed into becoming the monster mother of the bride two points oh.

'Very well so we'll just have to send them photos and keep them in the loop at all times '

'Wonderful '

Annie jabbed a fork in the direction of her soon to be granddaughter.' There's a perfectly lovely veranda out back that be splendid for a reception, you ought to keep that in mind '

Lisa bit down on the bottom of her lip then looked pleadingly at Michael for help. He just grinned like a fool at her as he continued chomping down on supper as if to say' what are you going to do? '

'Maybe,' him hawed an overwhelmed Lisa,' I don't know. It might be chilly for an outside reception but I guess Michael and I can think about it.'

Where were the girls when she needed saving from wedding woes?

****************************Wedding ****************************************

As requested by Valene , the Matthews and the Reese's joined everyone for dessert which consisted of peach pie made from the peaches she had canned earlier . Though the wedding itself seemed to fill the room, it didn't sway Val from interrogating Zoey and Quinn while Lisa quietly perused the bridal magazines with the pages of interest earmarked by her future mother in law. She didn't think renting vases and candles for the reception tables appealed to her and idly wondered if they could repurpose the ones from her friend's weddings.

Well, maybe not the glass beaker and lab glasses that Quinn used as vases but the glasses ones that Zoey had would work. They could spray paint them and tie purple ribbons on them. That made more sense to her than renting a bunch of vases at 10 bucks a pop – that was just highway robbery!

'How are the newlyweds? '

'You can take that, Quinn,' said Zoey, politely passing the question,' I don't think Chase and I qualify as newlyweds anymore. Been more than a couple of years for us now …. I think that makes us the old married couple of our group now '

Quinn sat her empty plate down gently on the coffee table then smiled happily.' We're really good,' admitted a thoughtful Quinn, wondering how much to share,' Logan and I are making the Santa Barbara house more our home '

'You should probably stop referring to it as the Santa Barbara house then, Quinn ' Lisa couldn't resist teasing her friend , good naturally ,' call it your home instead '

Quinn gave a chagrined laugh.' Good point ,' conceded the scientist ,' we can't really afford to do like a remodel or anything drastic to the house but I like to think that Logan and I are putting our own touch on it .'

Logan, who was holed up in the corner with Michael, Chase, and Roland, discussing sports, caught his wife's remark, couldn't help but respond back to it.

'We can afford it but Quinn thinks we need a budget '

Quinn shot him a tight smile.' We're being practical, sweetie, and since we are discussing starting a family, our budget needs to reflect that. We've kept Chauncey on because he is practically family and would be heartbroken if we let him go though I am perfectly capable of cooking and cleaning as are my husband '

Logan made a face causing his friends to laugh riotously at him. 'Right, babe, whatever you say '

He didn't mind doing basic cleaning because he wasn't a slob but Logan drew a line at cleaning the toilet. That was why they paid Chauncey the extra big bucks but he didn't dare debate the manner with his wife. Quinn was bound to zap him in front of Michael's folks just to make a point and now wasn't the time.

'Sharing the cleaning and the cooking is just part of being married 'said Roland , including his son as well as Chase and Michael in one this sage piece of advice ,' stop while you are ahead , Logan , lest Quinn will make you sleep on the couch , son '

Logan gave a slight shrug of his shoulders.' Not if she is wanting to make a baby '

Quinn had the grace to blush and sent him a stern look,' Logan, please ….'

Valene just looked at them with fondness and affection.' Well you all seem perfectly happy to me,' she focused intensely on Lisa,' give and take is just part of being married as Roland stated. This is always good to keep in mind. Now Lisa , I know we are all going to be driving you just around the bend butting in with our ideas for your wedding day so don't be afraid to tell us all to butt out '

Annie perched on the edge of the Queen Anne chair as she lifted the china cup to her lips assessing the bride to be with keen blue eyes and humor.

'Or just tell us to shut the hell up and remind us it's about you and Michael, not us '

Michael looked aghast.' Not if it will get us killed by you and Mom, Grandma cause you know , my Lil Lisa and I don't won't be dead before we tie the knot either '

'You two will have a million and one different decisions to make and not so much time to make them especially since it's only a manner of months,' conceded Annie, bluntly,' we don't matter, it's all about what you two want and what will make a wonderful, special wedding that you'll remember for the rest of your days of your life '

'Then I want a dreamy, simple wedding with touches of traditional and a bit of pizazz 'vocalized Lisa, meeting Michael's loving gaze across the room,' that shouldn't be too difficult '

'That sounds good to me, honey,' declared Michael, 'whatever will make you happy '

They should have known it wasn't as easy as their friends had made it seem.

It was chaos.

'