The church was a beautifully restored sanctuary in one of the older, historical sections in the heart of Atlanta, and Lisa promptly fell in love with it from the stained glass windows to the sturdy, polished wooden pews knowing instantly this is where she would pledge her life and love to Michael in front of God and all of their family. Whether it was fate or a nudge from Grandma Annie, the church was open on the date they were looking at so they were put on the books with the promise of speaking later with the Reverend Winslow.

Valene had pulled some strings booking them appointments to check out two nearby venues for the reception, a lovely historic hotel about ten minutes from the church, was next. It held most of the architecture that was familiar of most of the buildings in the area though the hotel had been renovated again awhile back. It had a quiet elegance from the sparkling chandeliers, the ornate wainscoting, the gloss and shine on the sweeping mahogany staircase and front desk with the exquisite marble countertop. Lisa let out a dreamy sigh as she clutched Michael's arm soaking up the atmosphere that it invoked of days long ago.

'Isn't it grand? I used to look at this place and imagine I was a Yankee Captain stopping here for a libation …and to pay call to a pretty Georgia peach residing here '

Behind him, Chase snorted out a laugh,' Libation? '

Zoey glared at her husband smacking his arm,' it's a Southern thing you wouldn't understand; Chase, and I see it myself. I have to admit it's the most Southern kind of thing I have ever heard coming from you, Michael '

'I picked up the California slang better than you ever did, Zo, is why '

'It's drippin, that's for sure …' Logan couldn't resist teasing Michael with the slang word the doof invented during their P.C.A. days,' it is pretty fancy looking here.

'

Quinn drifted towards the staircase getting lost in the romance of it herself.' You can almost see Scarlett gliding down those stairs out to charm Rhett Butler …'

Zoey shot her a fixed look,' You could picture that at Grandma Rachel's plantation, Quinn '

'Yes and I imagine I could at a number of historical homes down South, Zoey ,' defended Quinn, surprised by the slight tone in her friends voice ,' wasn't aware it was a thing ? I was just making an observation,'

Zoey wanted to berate herself for making it into a thing.' It's not, Quinn '

Good Lord they were here to help Michael and Lisa not make it into some darn wedding competition like on the cable show that Lola liked to watch occasionally when bored. Zoey didn't understand why she when being so sensitive about every little thing lately.

Chase slid an arm around her waist as he aptly guided her towards the corner of the front lobby of the hotel and seared her with a querulous look. He accidently backed into the large plant , apologized, then fixed his wife with a concerned look .

' Zo , is everything alright ? You've been acting weird a lot recently and that was weird '

Zoey smoothed imaginary wrinkles from her dress.' Nothing is the matter , Chase ,' insisted Zoey without preamble ,' Lisa is the third of us to be getting married and I just think that I'm trying hard not to project all those old pre-jitters vibes that I had back then onto Lisa that it's reversed somehow on me '

'That makes sense to me oddly enough,' admitted Chase,' must be our wedded bliss bond or something. You know , Lisa is like ten times more practical than Quinn so she'll be just fine now Michael will be the nervous groom '

'Michael will make how Logan was tame ….' Something twisted inside of Zoey, her stomach rumbling and an uneasy feeling rose within her as she clutched her stomach ,' uh I knew I shouldn't have pigged out on those collard greens at lunch , excuse me , while I run to the ladies room '

'Are you okay? '

Nodding , Zoey ran hurriedly in the direction of the ladies room and into the empty stall losing the contents of her lunch , wiping at the sudden wetness on her cheeks, as she tried to gulp down breaths as she blew her nose sitting on the cool tile giving herself a moment . It wasn't as if she was feeling sick or anything, she just overdid it on the rich food that she loved but didn't get in California. Used to sushi and salads, it didn't handle the grease well at all.

She picked herself from the floor, flushed the toilet then making sure that she was put together, Zoey went to the sink, cupped her hands to take a sip of water before fixing her make up. She was running a brush through her blonde hair when Quinn came in hurrying in, her pretty face wearing a concerned expression.

'Are you alright, Zoey ? Chase sent me in to check up on you 'Quinn examined her friends face noting the paleness of her skin,' you're still awfully pale ….'

Zoey tucked the brush back in her purse as she dug out a lipstick.' I ate too much, Quinn that is all. Chase worries for nothing '

Quinn's eyes were sharp behind the frames of her glasses.' So you couldn't, I don't know, maybe be pregnant? '

Zoey blinked, dropped the lipstick then stared at Quinn.' Me...Pregnant? No, no, I mean Chase and I want kids but we want to be better career wise before we actually start trying. I've only sold a few of my dresses at the boutique and Chase just started selling his pieces to some small presses here. We have a plan so of course I am not expecting a baby '

However, it wasn't that unlikely either, she and Chase did have a good sex life, they used protection, but nothing was 100 % perfect either. Oh crap!

' Well, you don't have to bite my head off for asking a question , Zoey ,' snapped back Quinn, pushing her brown curls off of her shoulders ,' as you know , Logan and I have been trying to have a baby . I think it would be wonderful if you were having a baby …..'

Zoey clutched instinctively at her stomach.' Since and you Logan can never keep your hands off of each other except for short periods of time , it's more likely that you should get pregnant first . Chase and I aren't in that much of a hurry to start a family '

Quinn blushed then chuckled, softly.' I'll give you that, Zo, but I haven't even been to see a doctor. Besides this isn't about me, it's about you and your positive you're alright?'

Zoey applied her pink lipstick tucked it into her purse and nodded,' I am perfectly fine if not a little embarrassed for gourging myself on fried food which isn't ladylike. Now let's get back out there before Lisa thinks we deserted her '

Pushing aside her own thoughts of maybes and what ifs, Zoey and Quinn rejoined the group into the lovely ballroom with its ornate ceilings, another chandelier, the silk wall paper, and the dance floor. It was like stepping back into another time imagining the sounds of a waltz, visions of handsome men in uniforms swirling beautiful women in a gorgeous hoop skirted gown around the floor. It wasn't a huge room but it felt more intimate.

'The ballroom can hold 100, 125 people at the most,' explained the manager,' we do have the dates open that Mrs. Barrett said you were considering. We do rent table linens but we don't insist that you rent them from us or use our onsite caterer '

'This is really beautiful, Michael, 'admitted Lisa, moving around the carpet,' it's elegant but not overwhelming either. We really don't need the venue to be the size of a football field or anything but what do you think?'

' I've always loved this hotel ,' Michael put his arms around his fiancée giving her a little squeeze ,' Mom and Grandma are on the Preservation Society and helped them with this hotel a couple years back so they probably have clout here too '

Valene gave a casual, little wave.' Guilty as charged nor would the powers that be object if you wanted to set up in here to your liking, Lisa '

Lisa knew exactly what she wanted and knew the hotel ballroom could easily be transformed into the elegant reception without hiring a wedding or event planner. She wanted to follow in suit of her friends by having them help her glue ribbons on vases and cut chiffon and lace.

They had already gone over the guest list narrowing it down to only family and close friends excluding the respective parents business associates ( they so wanted to avoid the uncomfortbalness that this had been at Quinn and Logan's engagement party ) neither she nor Michael budging on this list . Lisa's father had bristled initially but gave in readily.

Lisa consulted the booklet of prices and detailed information packet they had been given while Michael wondered around the room approval in his eyes but then if she had wanted a small wedding at the courthouse, Lisa knew they would already be married by now.

'Well, I love it, and it's reasonable to rent,' Lisa mulled it over,' the linens seem a bit pricey '

She didn't want the venue to eat up their budget even though their parents were each contributing; Lisa was trying to be a practical bride as Quinn had been. Michael she knew would pretty much go along with whatever she wanted as Chase had with Zoey .

'Oh don't rent all the tablecloths,' contributed Logan, examining the landscape pictures on the wall,' we literally have like a whole closet full of them at home you can use. Quinn and I aren't planning any fancy dinner parties anytime soon so you can use whatever you need '

Valene beamed, stopping to tweak Logan's cheek.' That is so thoughtful of you, Logan Reese, and I sure do appreciate it. Marriage and Quinn has done a world of good to you, young man '

Logan colored in embarrassment at the praise.' Thanks but it's not a big deal , Mrs. B , Quinn and I have a bunch of leftover wedding junk Michael and Lisa can have to use .'

Chase jabbed him in the ribs, hissing, and 'Suck up'

' Chase and I have leftover wedding stuff to ,' volunteered Zoey, once again putting in the reminder ,' I have boxes of tea lights we never even opened , Lisa .'

'You guys are lifesavers,' declared Lisa, slinging arms around both Quinn and Zoëy's neck,' thank you both. Trust me, we intend to take you both up on the offer and I hope you'll help me refurbish those decorations with some spray paint, glue, and purple ribbon '

'We can't wait,' smiled Quinn,' Lola will be excited to help too '

'I do wish Lola and Vince would have been able to join us '

'Oh that reminds me, 'this came from Logan, nonchalantly,' Vince texted earlier sending you guys luck and all. He said he's been online pricing bands and d.j.'s around Atlanta and Vince is like compiling a list '

'That will make it easier,' said Michael, stuffing his hands in his pockets as he circled the ballroom taking in the space,' especially since Lisa won't let me do the gig myself '

'Absolutely not, Michael,' Lisa shot her fiancée a pointed look,' I know you miss pumping up the jams but not at our wedding. We'll just hire somebody to do the gig '

'Didn't think so ….oh well, I tried '

Chase nudged his best friend in the side , a wide all familiar grin spread across his face .

' I would offer to be that guy for you …I'm not nearly as smooth as you, man, ' offered Chase ,' but I know how to cue up some music '

'Except that you suck at it, Chase 'chimed in Logan, not unkindly,' they are better off hiring a band or a dude who does the music gig full time '

'We appreciate the sentiment, Chase, but we're not that tight that we can't afford to hire a decent d.j. I mean, we want an awesome wedding, not just a blah, nice wedding day '

'That is all generous of you boys but I also have already compiled my own list on recommended bands around Georgia in the packet I made for you both 'replied Valene , not wanting to step on any toes . It should be enough that Michael and Lisa chose to be married in Georgia rather than in California as she and Roland had nearly expected, after all, it's where they lived.

It did her heart happy so she reminded herself to reign in her own wishes by simply offering her help. Annie might raise a bit of a ruckus if Michael and Lisa opted to go more modern but in the end, it wasn't up to the whole lot of the entire Barrett clan as it were.

Michael walked over pulling his mom into a tight hug.' Sure you got it covered, mama '

Valene pressed a hand lightly to her cheek.' I am just so unbelievably thrilled beyond a doubt that my baby boy is finally settling down with a sweetheart of a woman and coming home to marry her proper'

Michael doffed a kiss across her cheek.' Mom, I love you, but you been watching too many old episodes of Designing Women or what?'

'Oh hush, you …..I'm entitled to be proud '

Quinn lifted her head from the information packet, pushed her glasses up on her nose, making a hmm sound under her voice. 'This is actually quite reasonable to rent and they have the availability you two are considering. '

'We do have an appointment to check out another possible venue idea,' reminded Valene ,' not to mention your Grandmother's house would also be a lovely location if you kids hadn't thought of it .'

' Grandma's place is big enough but we'd be underfoot getting ready and set up ,' rambled on Michael, shaking his head at the idea imagining the craziest scenarios he could come up with ,' it'd drive her up one wall then back down it taking me with her . Uh oh, not happening '

Lisa took Michael at his word. 'What do you think about the hotel, Michael? '

'It's nice, I like the space, and it's not too big,' explained Michael, rocking back and forth on his heels,' I mean, we have to be locked into a certain number of guests so that means your Dad can't invite all his business associates and my Mom can't invite anybody she knows who's ever like changed my diapers when I was a baby. ….'

'Michael Barrett! '

'It's the truth '

' Hey now that's a damn tricky line to walk ,' defended Logan who spoke from his own experience regarding all of his father's business associates , former step-moms , and like not stepping on anyone's toes while giving his Quinn her dream ,'

Quinn moved across the room to lean in for a short but heated kiss.' Which you pulled off splendidly all things considering, sweetie, and I'm sure it is something Michael and Lisa are trying to avoid, the big wedding '

Logan slid an arm protectively around his wife's waist.' Ours was memorable '

'Yes, it was that '

Lisa couldn't resist stealing a glance at them before focusing back on the matter of hand which was making a clear cut decision on a venue for their upcoming wedding here and now. She was trying so hard to be practical without sacrificing her dreams and knowing they had a time table added to that. Wedding planning was supposed to be fun, which meant that it wasn't a life or death situation, it was a celebration of joy and love.

She needn't be so rigid on the budget either or it would suck the fun right out of it.

Not to mention that as breathtakingly gorgeous Chase and Zoey's plantation wedding had been or how simple and ethereally beautiful Quinn and Logan's Santa Barbara wedding was as well, she wanted neither of those things on her day .

Chase hung his head, vividly remembering trying to play catch up to the constant barrage of questions , the changes , how stressed out Zoey had been every other day trying not to hurt her Mothers feelings until he had thought his head was going to explode . As if they hadn't had enough on their plate putting in what they actually wanted their wedding to be like, Amanda had accidentally made his parents, especially his mom, feel excluded from the planning.

He wouldn't wish them that kind of grief on his best friend any day of the week.

' Zoey is right ,' put in Chase ,' don't let yourself be managed. Been there, done that, head nearly exploded until I put my foot down …..You know, I bet between me and Logan, we could like write a book about do's and don'ts for you two '

'That is totally a great idea, Chase,' said an excited Logan,' I mean, thank God, you don't have to worry about a psycho half-brother escaped from prison after your bride either '

' Guys , nobody in their right mind would ever buy that book from the likes of you two and I mean that in the nicest possible way since I love you both ' says Quinn, softly .

'The atmosphere here is almost magical; I can almost see beautifully dressed men and wedding waltzing around in here …'

Lisa handed Michael her purse then did a simple move across the floor, a lovely smile on her pretty face as the others simply enjoyed watching her graceful moves knowing she had already made her decision and was merely waiting for Michael to catch up with her.

' It's nice , I like it , it isn't too big ,' answered Michael, lifting his shoulders then dropping them ,' we said we didn't want big . It doesn't feel snotty so that works for me but we can check out the other place if you want to be sure, hun

'

Zoey patted her hand then grew serious.' Lisa, remember that this is about what you and Michael want, not your folks. There's no rush on deciding now if you're not sure …don't do what I did at first to placate my mother '

'We all remember how that went, Zo ..' added Michael, ' your Mom was nuts '

Amanda had been obsessive Monster mom of the bride and driven them all insane with her precision need for perfection and details as well as nearly locked horns all of the time with Chase's Mom, until Zoey and Chase had taken their wedding back from her. Lisa knew that she wouldn't have any sort of that with Michael's folks which was a relief itself and she truly loved the old world architecture and aesthetic of the hotel and couldn't imagine any other venue that would be more pleasing than the hotel was to her .

'I don't think we need to see the other space, I think this is absolutely perfect for us '

The hardest part had been done, the venue selected; now the fun could begin.

Now they could save the date .

*********************************Weddings **************************************************************************

Meanwhile back in California , Lola drove to the crackerjack apartment that she and Vince shared , her scenes done for the week for the new television pilot, pulling into a parking space noting that her boyfriend was already home . She pushed her knock off designer sunglasses up on her dark hair as Lola let herself into the house dropping her oversized Prada tote bag on the floor calling out as she walked through to the living room. 'Vince, I'm home '

She found him working out and all messy cute to the boot.

Vince dropped the dumbbell on the floor, looked up at her, and smiled.' Hi '

Vince's reddish brown hair was ruffled as if he hadn't combed it; he was dressed in an old pair of sports shorts and a cut off shirt sleeve PCA football t shirt that had seen better days. Lola thought he looked incredibly hot as she leaned in for a short kiss.

'Oh, you're all sweaty ….' Lola threw herself into the old chair beside him,' work was amazing today. I really think they like what I am doing with my character after I ad-libbed a few comments in a crucial scene today so cross your fingers all goes well '

' Good to hear , Lo ,' Vince ran a hand down her leg as he rose from the ground ,' I picked up the house a bit while you were at work so it doesn't look like such a sty then ran to the grocery store . You might start bringing leftovers from the food table at the studio; it's going to be a tight month for us. We also might need to start doing potluck with our friends '

Lola winced at the mention of their finances.' I get paid next week so that should help us with the rent. Vince, I know it isn't ideal but your father has been reaching out to you …..I am sure he would be glad to help us '

Vince's relationship with his father was strained and they hadn't been on good terms since high school. His Dad cared more about his business deals than with his own son, add in his disapproval of Lola, and they had rarely spoken really since his graduation from PCA except the occasional phone call to check up or an email. His latest attempts at a reconciliation of sorts had been made via Lola who seemed much more receptive than he understood all things considering.

' I am not asking that man for a dime ,' dismissed Vince , hurt that she would even suggest it ,' how can you even bring it up, Lola ? '

Lola moved to place her hands on his chest, her brown eyes imploring his.' I'm sorry, Vince, but the man is trying to be civil. It was just a thought … we could always spend some time out at Quinn and Logan's until we get back on track. Quinn wouldn't mind helping us ...'

'Only as a last resort, 'replied Vince, reluctantly not wanting to depend on their friends who were managing just fine and dandy on their own,' at any rate, I have an interview for a sports announcer position at Michael's station this week. It's not exactly the big leagues but the position is a good one and the salary would help us.'

Lola knew he would much rather be on the field but he'd blown his knee out playing college football and now was exploring different avenues. She wrapped her arms around his neck and moved her lips across his in a kiss meant to soothe until Vince took it deeper.

He caressed the side of her throat then pressed his forehead to hers.' Nope, not gonna let you distract me,' Vince made an effort to pull away from her,' what are we, Lola? What do you want for our future together? '

Lola tried to reach for him but he stepped back.' I was thinking making love right now but you don't seem to game. Did something happen today, Vince that you're not telling me? '

There seemed to be waves of emotion wafting off her boyfriend though for the life of her, Lola couldn't figure out where the anger was coming from, let alone why he was mad, in the first place. If it was their finances that had Vince freaking out, he needed to get a grip, because they always managed. They might not be well off like Logan and Quinn or even like Lisa and Michael but they always figured it out and survived none the worse for wear.

'Other than us not being in Georgia to help our friends, no, 'answered Vince, aggravated that she wasn't taking him serious,' what are we, Lola? I am tired of the not putting a label on us...it was fine when we were in school but its old now. Kind of feeling like we're too old for the boyfriend /girlfriend thing when our friends are married and settling down …'

Lola tossed her sunglasses wherever they lay following him into the kitchen where he pulled out the last beer in the refrigerator. Uh oh. Vince was more of a social drinker unless he was hanging out with Logan and the rest of the idiots so obviously he was worked up over this matter. She tapped her newly manicured red fingernails on the counter collecting her thoughts and wishing they didn't have to fight. She hated fights.

'We're hardly old and decrepit, Vince,' said Lola in a soft voice,' is this because Michael and Lisa are finally getting married? You know, Lisa had a plan for her life just as I do mine ….I'm just now starting to get some parts and the occasional commercial. Honey, it's only just a matter of time until I get my break out role and then we can talk about our future '

Vince finished off the beer, left it on the table, scowled at her.' You made the damn list when you were, what, fourteen years old? Can't you alter it for me...For us? Did it ever occur to you, Lola that I might be thinking about us getting engaged? Or is it the commitment part that terrifies you? '

Lola felt as if the air was sucked right out of her lungs, she couldn't breathe, she couldn't think, and it was all crazy. She was devoted to Vince – how could he not know that by now? They were a team, they were probably the unconventional couple out of their friends but they hadn't had really any bad issues in their relationship for ages now. Why was Vince suddenly so bent on changing things between them?

Was he feeling trapped by their relationship? She didn't need a ring and a piece of paper to cement things for her though she supposed a hand fasting ceremony might be something to consider but it was basically like getting married . She just truthfully wasn't there yet.

'We are us, Vince, we're who we've always been,' insisted Lola, leaning back against the kitchen counter to watch him,' this has never bothered you before about our relationship. Is it because Michael and Lisa are getting married?'

Vince took another pull on the beer then pushed it aside, no longer thirsty.' Maybe it's just gotten me thinking about our future because we never discuss it. I want what all of our friends have, Lola, and I want it with you like I always have but I wonder if it's changed for you.'

He swallowed the painful lump in his throat as he pierced her with a hard look that she had never seen on Vince's face before. Lola bit down hard on her lower lip, feeling afraid of finding out what he expected of her now.

'Am I really still your man, Lola, or do you need to try your hand dating the Hollywood scene? '

A stricken O crossed her beautiful face as Lola struggled to make sense of the question that nearly ripped her heart from her chest. How could he even ask that of her?

'I love you '

'I know but that isn't the answer,' Vince sent her a disappointed look,' so maybe you should think about everything. We can talk about this later so I am just going to go take a shower '

Lola contemplated following him into the shower to finish this but thought that sex wouldn't solve this issue between them. Sex was never an issue for them. Vince was obviously deeply troubled about her reticence to jump on the wedding bandwagon and she was torn in where to go from here. She didn't want to break up, the idea was like a slug to her gut but she wasn't ready to tie the knot either which meant Lola was quite frightened that they were at a stalemate in their relationship.

That had never happened in all of their years of dating and she was at a complete utter loss.

Why did things have to change at all?

Why couldn't they just stay the same?