Why was this thing so damn difficult?

Pee on a stick. Done. Wait the amount of time. Look.

Quinn nearly wore out a hole in the carpet as she paced across the bedroom floor, pausing every few seconds to remove her glasses, wipe the lenses on the well-worn Boston Film School tee shirt that had been Logan's, slipped her glasses back on her face then heave a huge sigh.

She and Logan didn't have some timetable on when they would start having kids just the general ballpark area which Quinn always thought was just good for them but damn it , this was freaking nerve wracking ! The great love of her life was downstairs in the kitchen finishing up loading Vince up with their supposedly 'tired leftovers 'from the freezer for him and Lola to use up for them.

Only a minimal amount of protest and a fast argument between the men had occurred with Logan insisting Vince take all these boring leftovers home so that they wouldn't go to waste.

He really could be a sweetheart and now their friends wouldn't starve or Lola wouldn't have a reason to take food from the food table on her new TV show home or heaven forbid, feel her purse with doughnuts and mini sandwiches.

'Oh the hell with it ….it has to be time 'Quinn tore into the adjoining bathroom automatically reaching for the pregnancy stick on the sink, 'oh boy, here I go ...'

Quinn's heart hammered like mad in her chest as she stared at the stick blowing out a breath she hadn't been aware of holding . It wasn't positive. She wasn't pregnant. She knew that she should probably be relieved and really it hadn't been all that long in the whole scheme of things but instead a twinge of disappointment coursed through her.

' Babe, you might need to go grocery shopping cause I sort of cleaned out the freezer so Vince doesn't have to resort to delivering pizzas as a second job or something just so he and Lola can eat but I figured you wouldn't mind ..' declared Logan , joining his wife in their bedroom .

Quinn stepped out of the bathroom, biting down hard on her lower lip.

'I'm not pregnant …not with child '

A mixture of scattered emotions flitted across Logan's face then he was pulling his wife into his arms, holding her tight as he felt a tremor go through Quinn's body. They had discussed, debated, argued a few times, and Logan knew Quinn had been hopeful too.

'Oh baby, it's alright,' reassured Logan, pressing kisses against the side of her face, lovingly,' that was just the first time. So we didn't get preggo on the first round, we'll try again. '

' I know the statistics on conceiving early on but still I believed it was probable this time around ,' admitted Quinn in a quiet voice ,' I thought you'd be disappointed , Logan '

Logan took her hand leading her to the edge of the bed then twining their hands together, taking a moment to look at their wedding bands, smiling. He was so damn happy, they were damn happy, they had a good life, and this was one little bump in the road Logan was quick to remind himself. Quinn would get pregnant; it would happen when it happened.

Maybe a smidge,' said Logan, indicating the slight amount with his two forefingers making her smile,' but we haven't been trying all that long really. It just gives us a reason to make love more often to help things along …'

Quinn jabbed him in the ribs as he released her, as she pushed her brown hair back off of her face to regain her own composure. Dwelling on this wouldn't help matters and since she had spent most of the morning as well as a good portion of the afternoon, wedding dress shopping, there was a million things around the house that needed tended too.

'How positively romantic of you, Logan,' remarked Quinn, drolly,' did Chauncey go home for the evening? Uh he didn't come up to tell me that he was leaving as always but then you were both downstairs so I assumed he told you '

Quinn needn't to be productive instead of dwelling on the negative. Time to be practical.

Chauncey was their aging butler who had been with the Reese's since Logan was a little boy , when Malcolm and Julia had given Logan and Quinn the house for their wedding then moved into the new condo closer to Malibu, the older man had refused to retire . He insisted upon staying on to help the young marrieds but concerned about his failing health, Quinn had insisted on cutting down his hours so he wouldn't tire out. Logan who was accustomed to Chauncey doing chores for him had balked at first but grown to realize his wife had been right.

' Yeah he left already said he had stew on in a crockpot at his apartment and Dad sent him a bunch of DVDs of old westerns to watch so Chauncey waddled out that door before I could ask him about what he fixed for our supper ,' explained Logan , matter of factly ,' I didn't smell anything cooking in the oven '

Quinn leaned over to drop a kiss on his nose.' I'll go see what you actually left us then scrounge up something for supper. If you start up the laundry for me, I'll see about the food situation...'

A scowl appeared on Logan's face at the dreaded word.' Babe, you know I suck at laundry! It's a mutual suck as it doesn't like me either and you know it's expensive on our budget when I turn our clothes bleach white or pink '

Quinn chuckled as she headed towards the stairs and the kitchen, calling behind her,' Oh, don't be such babies! That hasn't worked since you were 15! You'll be okay and I'll be very appreciative much later ...' a hint of a sexy smile played around her mouth.

'That's not playing fair, Quinn '

' I know ,' murmured Quinn , mind going a million places at once ,' I need to call my Mom later to run an idea by her for a surprise for Lisa for the wedding . I thought I'd see if Mom could make some Tussle Mussies for the mothers and the grandmothers because Lisa loves that idea but the florist she has checked with had a steep price tag for three of them '

'Your Mom does good work with dried flowers things '

'That's what I thought too,' answered Quinn, holding onto the doorframe,' Lord knows Michael and Lisa were wonderful during our wedding craziness, I just want to help as much as I can. Lis isn't saying so much but I know her and Michael's budget for the day is lean '

'I keep offering him the lobster guy on me but Michael turned me down three times but I get it, Quinn. We will help our friends as much as we can without insulting them '

'I love when we're on the same wavelength '

'I love you '

'Love you more '

Quinn disappeared downstairs while Logan dug his feet in and waded into the laundry room eyeing with disdain the three baskets of clothes and towels then went to work. Maybe he and Quinn should have supper delivered to them instead – it was a sushi kind of night.

^^^******************************Wedding Bells ****************************

Around Melrose at the modestly small home of the Matthews, Chase sat on the floor in the living room, an old marathon of detective television series from the 1980's playing on the TV as he gathered the stacks of wedding and bridal magazines from way back when to now that his wife kept in the house for inspiration from the magazine rack. Zoey hadn't let him pitch the magazines from before they were married in the trash meaning she had a nice collection of them buried along with all of her other, pricey fashion magazines that helped her spur her creativity into overdrive . Or so that was her excuse for buying the glossy rags.

Luckily she kept them in a magazine holder in the living room so he could watch the tube and help at the same time. Chase figured he was being pretty productive overall.

' I don't understand why Lisa needs all fifty of these magazines since you girls already bought your dresses ,' called out Chase , looking up in time to see the Simon brothers jump a car , guns a blazing and thought how cool the whole private investigator gig thing appealed to him ,' and some of these are ancient . 'Like why hire someone to write out invitations for you? That is a complete waste of money …..We never did that.'

'No but your Mother was thrilled to send out our invites for us if I recall ' called Zoey from the small bathroom off the side of the living room ,' and it was legitimately from the list we composed , not my mother's list .'

' That's true ,' Chase skimmed another magazine ,' so I guess once Lisa looks through the weird array of wedding leftovers from ours and Quinn and Logan's , she'll figure out how we're going reuse them so I'm guessing spray painting party '

'I think that is the general idea,' told Zoey, glancing up towards the counter where the evil pregnancy test stick taunted her as she sat on the toilet lid, waiting. Still having not gotten her period and not feeling quite herself, she had bitten the bullet and bought a test earlier,' I don't think Lisa has mentioned to her Mom about the whole crafting the reception thing either. Mrs. Perkins is a lovely woman but I think she is of the crystal and silver country club chic like Mom.'

Chase thought of Michael's mom fondly and his face split into a big grin.' I betcha ten bucks Val will be making her own fancy pretties as back up decorations as her own way of helping and will bring them out at last minute so as not to step on Lisa's toes cause the woman is a sweetheart '

Val and Roland were like second parents to him as far as Chase was concerned.

Valene was like his second mom therefore could do no wrong .

Zoey yanked her honey blonde hair out of the ponytail, dragging her hands through it , then moved to stand in front of the stick, she closed her eyes tight , counted to three then gave in opening them staring at the positive sign before her as she braced a hand on the sink .

Oh dear Lord, she was going to have a baby!

Of course these drug store tests probably weren't like 100% positive so it might be wise if she went to see a doctor to be really sure. Her heart fluttered in her chest and Zoey pressed a hand over it, letting the news really sink in to her. She and Chase had really revisited the starting a family thing in depth and though he was still working on the newspaper, selling short stories and articles with the hopes of eventually starting his own novel in the imminent future and her job at the Boutique helped pay the bills while allowing her to sell her own sample pieces but she was just getting started on that dream. How would a child fit into the equation?

God, I sound like Lola,' Zoey berated herself,' get a grip, Matthews. This is happy news '

'Zoey, you alright in there? You taking a bath? Did you fall asleep in the bathtub again? '

'No...no, I am definitely awake ' muttered Zoey, gathering herself up to her full height then taking a deep breath , picked up the now positive pregnancy stick, and slowly walked out into the living room where her husband was sitting cross legged on the floor surrounded by bridal magazines and taking pictures ,' Chase, what on Earth are you doing ?'

' Sending Michael pictures of these awesome looking mint chocolate chip mini milkshakes ,' informed Chase, putting the cell phone on the floor ,' that'd be a cool mini drink at the reception . It is also really cheap to make a bunch of them '

A wide grin spread across his boyish features nodding slightly.' I mean I know beer and wine are the traditional drinks at weddings but mini milkshakes would kick it up a notch. Michael and Lisa both love mint chip too '

'Michael might like the milkshake but I seriously doubt Lisa is going to go for it '

'We don't know that, Zo,' pointed out Chase,' Lisa has been mostly agreeable '

Zoey shuffled her feet nervously running a toe back and forth against the medium blue carpet half tuning out the rambling of Chase while she worked up the compunction to figure out how to tell him this news. It wasn't as if she was 16 and pregnant, she and Chase were married, for Heaven's sake! Oh God her butterflies were dancing a Congo in there!

'Zo, aren't you going to hit me for calling you a freaked out bride before our wedding? Because with all of the drama happening around us like every other day, you did freak out way more than me until I had the breakdown '

' Fine , yes, I was a freaked out bride but that is way old news now, Chase ,' replied Zoey, her voice rising with emotion ,' we'll give Lisa all of the medals for calmest bride ever if that is what you are aiming for '

It was a conversation they had before and Zoey figured would have again until all of their friends got married. Right now it was the last thought on her mind. Walk down memory lane officially finished time to move onto the next phase of their wedded bliss.

Recognizing the slightly panicky tone of voice in his wife, Chase forgot all about the magazines, as he stood up from the floor, approaching her with caution. If he had done something wrong, he was clueless. They hadn't been fighting either. Zoey didn't sound annoyed with him.

' Zoey, honey, is everything alright with you ? You seem, uh, upset '

Zoey shook her blonde hair vigorously.' No….I I'm not mad. 'She took another shaky breath then met his concerned gaze with her own, holding it.' The truth is that I've been feeling a little weird for a while now. Really I thought it might be stress from work '

She shifted from one foot to the other.' Selling my sample dresses, designing new ones, managing the shop, is a lot of pressure. Working for an ex-boyfriend is so not anything like on those old sitcoms you make me watch with you either '

'Maybe we should sit and talk 'Chase gestured to the couch,' I have my own concerns regarding your boss ex the perfect James though I've tried not to be the jealous hubby '

'You can sit. I need to stand,' babbled Zoey, feeling utterly ridiculous,' so back to my weirdness, I, er , took a pregnancy test '

Chase gulped at the words, his Adams apple bobbing , along with a dull thud in his head as he opened his mouth, stared at his love of his life, then closed his mouth again , trying to absorb the news . He thought that she was telling him that they were going to have a baby.

' Zo …..'

'I'm expecting, Chase, I'm going to have a baby 'muttered Zoey, holding out the proof with the plastic stick to show to him,' we're going to have a baby '

'Oh my God! Zoey, this is amazing news! 'Chase scooped her up in his arms spinning her around the room eliciting a surprised laugh from her,' oops sorry, hun, I probably shouldn't be doing that, don't want to shake the baby up '

Zoey gave up and into another little laugh then folded her arms around his neck, pressing her nose into the side of his neck, breathing in deeply. She didn't know what she had expected from Chase but his response had settled the team of belly dancers in her stomach that must have been nerves.

She pressed a light kiss on his earlobe then pulled back to look at him. 'Thank goodness, I was afraid you'd freak out on me, Chase, the way I was freaking out on myself '

'No way! This is awesome!"

Chase soothed her with a warm kiss then pulled her down on the cozy but ugly couch, engulfing her into his embrace felt her release the tension that she had been holding in with a sigh. His Spider sense was tingling which meant his normally confident wife had misgivings about baby.

He thought that they had tackled the whole starting a family gig when they debated the whole Paris issue a while back assuming they had it all cleared and good.

Chase had also known to be wrong before.

'Is this not good news for you? Because I am jumping for joy,' swore Chase, mouth splitting into a wide grin,' seriously you want me to do some jumping jacks? I can, I will. We need to have a big party, invite all of the gang over, phone the parents, make the announcement '

Zoey placed her hands over Chase's hands as she contemplated the whole situation.' No, it's wonderful news, and I am happy. I think the whole idea of being pregnant overwhelmed me a little...okay, more like a lot for a minute there. '

She tilted her chin up to smile at him.' First out of our little group to get pregnant '

'Logan will have a cow! The mans had baby on the brain practically since he and Quinn got back from their honeymoon yet we beat them '

Zoey rolled her blue eyes upwards in mild amusement.' Again, not a contest,' She grew pensive,' Chase, please don't be upset with me but I think we should wait until after Michael and Lisa are married before making our announcement . We don't want to horn in and ruin their day with our news...it wouldn't be right '

'Wedding is only a couple months away and won't you be, um, showing? Baby bump and all might be a dead giveaway '

Zoey untangled from his arms then moved sideways tucking her leg beneath her as she turned to look at her husband. She wanted the big party, the big baby announcement, the whole splashy deal with their family and closest friends in attendance but she didn't want to hog the attention away from their devoted friends. Michael and Lisa would be brimming with happiness for them of that Zoey had no doubt but it didn't feel right either.

Zoey pressed a hand to her now flat stomach already imaging the flutters of a baby inside her , red lips curving , wondering if their child would have Chase's kind green eyes or if the baby would take after her . With a start the thought took her back to a conversation she and Chase had during finals week during the eighth grade with a chuckle.

'Guess I should have proposed back in the eighth grade after all 'replied Chase, sliding his arms around hers to rest upon her stomach,' you remember, Zo, the whole gene recession question we discussed? '

Zoey's lips curved, knowingly. 'Of course I remember '

It had been a silly topic, the easiest way to explain the different genes to help Chase study for his final, among all of the many other friends and classmates she had offered help to that week. Looking back on that day now with a much different perspective, Zoey realized that she should have seen behind Chase's glib jokes to the seriousness behind it concerning their relationship .

Oh, how young and immature she had been at 13!

Not that Zoey felt that much more adult at 25 or that she was all the wiser either sometimes but she supposed that was just life. This was the next phase in her life with Chase and it was just incredibly unbelievable real. They were going to be parents.

Zoey realized that she had been babbling like a full on crazy woman without giving her hubby time to answer anything that she had sort of thrown at him. She felt as if they needed to be in sync on the baby thing but if Chase had any reservations about being quiet for a little bit then they really should discuss it rationally.

'Chase, how do you feel about all of this? '

' Taking it all in , basking in the glow of the baby that is our baby ,' answered Chase in a reverent voice ,' ready to shout it on a rooftop, pass out cigars that I don't smoke , put an announcement in the paper celebrating that we're going to have a baby but I have calmed down since the initial first three random wow thoughts ' He lifted her hand to kiss her knuckles ,' As much as I want to announce to the world about our kid , I think that you are right .'

He grew more serious,' We can't take the spotlight away from Michael and Lisa '

Zoey lifted her lips for his kiss.' It will be our little secret '

The best secret of all – the celebration of a new life.

******************************Wedding Daze *********************************

Meanwhile over at the apartment of Vince and Lola, the sports channel was blaring loudly from the television as Vince studied the figures in the checkbook mindfully of the pitifully low numbers that existed there pausing to glance at the screen for the distraction as Lola stepped out of the kitchen, a bowl of leftover pasta in her hand, spoon at the ready, lifted her brown eyes to catch his, holding. She had changed into a comfortable pair of purple yoga pants that had seen better days and one of his old football sweatshirts, her brown hair loose around her face. Vince still was blown away by her beauty just as much now as he had so long ago.

' This chicken pasta reheats pretty good ,' spoke up Lola ,' want for me to heat you up some or did you guys pig out on burgers and junk at Logan and Quinn's place ? '

Vince closed the checkbook then put it in the drawer of the small table they kept in the living room. It was meant to be used as a nightstand but he had found it kept more organized for their important bills, papers, checkbook, and remote controls rather than be a catch all for Lola's hand lotion, night creams, and other beauty regime she liked to keep littered out.

' No, not hungry ,' said Vince , patting the empty seat beside him on the sofa urging her to sit beside him ,' If we lay off the morning smoothies and the fancy coffees, we can afford to spend between fifty and a lean one hundred dollars on a wedding gift for our friends '

Lola put the bowl down on the other side of him, swallowed.' Vince, that is so cheap! Michael and Lisa are two of our best friends! I know we're broke people but that will maybe buy a fancy barbecue fork from Mayfield's Department store '

'What is it? A gold plated barbecue fork? I think Michael would be pissed at us if we spent that much on a stupid fork he'll only use in the summer '

Lola couldn't help but roll her eyes upwards at his utter helplessness of the brand name variety. She wasn't a fancy cook in the kitchen but Lola had always been interested in all the high end names like Mayfield, Wedgewood, and Waterford. Not that her family gave two figs about any of it either but she had plans to be a worldly woman with all the cool items in her mansion. If that meant she poured over the glossy magazine ads as if for a homework assignment for future reference , well, then, it worked for her .

Of course she and Vince had a long way to go to reach the mansion stage of the dream.

They were in the poor working people stage which Lola hoped didn't last long because it basically sucked. Thank goodness they got their bills paid before the end of the broke month though she hoped to make her character shine so much the network would make her a regular thus. Making her paycheck bigger .

' I don't think we can afford the fake gold barbecue fork right now ,' Lola plopped down on his lap ,' you know , Vince, the sad, sad fact is our gift isn't going to anywhere near as good as anything Quinn and stupid Logan give Michael and Lisa . Zoey and Chase won't have whole gobs of extra to spring for a Waterford vase if I had to guess either ….which means we might not be the only cheapskates '

Vince reached around her to steal her fork and managed to snag a bite of pasta from the bowl around her taking his time to answer . She playfully slapped a hand against his chest as if to say' I thought you didn't want any pasta? '

'I am sure all of these things that you are suggesting are very nice, Lola, but not exactly practical. How about we just find out what Mike and Lisa actually need? They both have apartments so you got to figure they will have the basics covered twice '

He knew that the couple was hoping to start house looking after the wedding once Michael's lease on the apartment was over. He had been semi living with Lisa for months anyway.

' Oh I suppose we could check the wedding registry ,' Lola blew a loose strand of brown hair away from her eye ,' though the only one I know Lisa has actually done is Target . Mrs. Perkins is going to make them go register at one of all three of those swanky department stores like Nordstrom for the good china and the fancy silver that weighs a ton '

'It still doesn't mean we can afford to get them from anything fancy, Lola 'reminded Vince beginning to get exasperated with the whole conversation,' I don't think we need to impress our best friends. You didn't obsess this much over a damn gift when It was Quinn and Logan's wedding so what is all this melodrama actually about? '

Lola placed the bowl on the table then maneuvered herself to face her boyfriend as she struggled to explain what she herself wasn't quite sure of herself. It just felt as if everything they knew were changing at a speed of light and she couldn't catch up with them all. Her career was barely jetting along and it wasn't as rich or glamorous as Lola always dreamed it to be,

Lola bit down on her lower lip, pushed impatiently at the hem of her shirt then managed to heave a sigh that might have been filled with a touch of sadness along with frustration.

'I don't know, Vince, it's possible I am losing my mind! It's just that when Michael and Lisa get married then all of our best friends will be in the married couples club except for us,' wailed Lola, knowing she sounded ridiculous,' not that I want us to tie the knot to compete with them either .I feel like we'll just know when it's right for us to wed so it'll be spontaneous and wild when we do …..See what I mean? What if I have nothing in common with Quinn, Zoey, or Lisa now that I am not in that little group?"

Lola brushed away a tear that fell from her eyelashes feeling like a fool.' Dammit, I hate this! For Gods sakes, stupid Logan emptied his freezer being all a good friend and all for us! Gah ! Maybe I should dust off the Tarot cards and I don't know, sell readings to help us out '

Vince knew Lola was troubled when she joked about her Gypsy heritage, she came from a family of witches though she shared their knowledge and beliefs she rarely lived by it preferring to focus more on living life, enjoying it thoroughly, and focusing on her acting career. The fact that Vince thought her comment might have held a bit of sincerity in it, he knew he needed to calm her down before she got thoroughly upset. It also helped him to understand her stance regarding their relationship lately – leave it to Lola to go round a bout way then circle back to the heart of the actual problem. She hadn't been that half crazed in high school or college.

'Lola, we aren't about to become homeless so I don't really think you need to resort to giving Tarot card readings unless you are feeling especially rusty in that area,' said Vince, trying to tread lightly lest hurt her feelings,' as for your friendship with the girls, I don't think that is going to change just because all three of them have rings on their fingers. You three have been stuck together like glue before I joined the ranks, I honestly think it'll be fine '

Lola lifted a delicate brow as she crossed her arms, fixing him with a quelling look.

'Really, Vince? Because so far none of us are an episode of Friends,' exclaimed Lola, a pout forming across her red lips ,' we're barely verging on becoming Thirty something the TV show , not our ages , I mean , and I couldn't bear it if all this crap messed up my friendship or our relationship ! '

Vince recognized the panic attack on the horizon simply wrapped his arms around her before covering her mouth with his, the kiss was meant to soothe, to calm, but he felt Lola lean her body into him as he slanted the angle of the kiss, passion and heat rising between them.

Vince lifted his face, their eyes locking, her own beautiful eyes dreamy like, as he nibbled a kiss on her collarbone. He dropped another kiss lightly on her jaw then on the side of her lips .Lola smiled into another heart stopping kiss then leaned into his forehead.

'Are you trying to make me feel better for acting like an idiot? '

Vince shot her a devilish look that still made the butterflies dance in her belly.

'How's it working? '

'Take me to bed and love me '

Vince scooped Lola up in his arms causing her to laugh carrying her upstairs putting their problems aside for right now to live and love in the moment.

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

Across town in Lisa's apartment, Michael busied himself in the kitchen preparing a simple salad while the pork chops sizzled in the skillet while his bride to be chatted with her mother on the telephone, he divided his attention to supper, eavesdropping on the conversation between Lisa and his soon to be mother in law, as well as watching the action happening on the television screen which was broadcasting old Knots Landing episodes.

A lot of stuff going on with all of those close knit group of neighbors, lovers, married couples, friends, and evil Abby but Michael liked the idea of living in a house in a cul de sac . He wondered briefly if they could afford to live in the suburbs in this neck of the woods.

He flipped a chop over just as Lisa let out a troubled,' Mother, how dare you be so presumptuous! How did you even manage to listen to them in the first place …did you and Daddy just hop on a plane , fly to Georgia , and hold auditions ? '

On the other end of the telephone, Merilee took a calming breath, released it then resumed her conversation with her daughter. She and Jonathon understood that Michael and Lisa were trying to plan a wedding on a shoestring yet it didn't have to be the bare essentials either.

'Now Lisa, don't be rude,' scolded Merilee in an even tone of voice,' Your Father and I haven't meddled into well, nearly anything as you asked of us. We want to contribute as much as Roland and Valene have...an orchestra is a little thing, really. The trip down south also gave us a chance to visit with Michael's parents and Annie recommended this particular orchestra...honestly, it's the tiniest thing.'

Lisa counted to three, clutching the phone tightly against her ear.' Michael's Grandma turned you on to this five piece orchestra? '

Michael stared at her mouthing,' My Grandma did what. Exactly? '

Lisa held her hand over the mouthpiece to cover it.' Our parents have been in cohorts, Michael, and hired a freaking orchestra to play at our wedding? '

'An orchestra? Classical music isn't exactly our style, Lisa '

' I know that but my parents hired one while they were down visiting with your folks on a whim ' responded an annoyed Lisa ,' so now apparently we have an orchestra and a DJ'

'Damn '

'Lisa, I can hear you and Michael arguing, dear ...'

Lisa glared at the phone as she moved to plop down on a chair in the kitchen.' Mother, if you and Daddy want to buy the champagne and the beer, Michael and I won't stop you but you'll just have to cancel the orchestra. We have a friend who will be DJing our wedding reception '

Merilee let out what might have been a long suffering sigh.' Very well, dear, but we simply want to help. Please don't dismiss us entirely, it will hurt our feelings '

' That isn't our intention at all, Mom, ' insisted Lisa as Michael turned off the burner to move to take his place beside her ,' we never meant it to seem that way at all . Believe me, I am happy you get along with Roland and Val and so long as you follow in our ideas of a simple wedding, we would love help...after you cancel the orchestra '

'Very well, darling, I will call and cancel the orchestra. Love to Michael '

'We love you too, Mom. Goodbye 'Lisa hung up the phone then reached her hand across the table to hold onto Michael's,' I cannot believe our folks conspired together over a damn orchestra! I've been trying to avoid all the high faulting bells and whistles , all of the drama that our friends had during there's and how do we wind up with ..With...an orchestra and well-meaning parents '

Michael lifted her hand, dropped a light kiss on her palm.' We did put our respective feet down about our wedding but maybe we accidentally slighted them. Guess there's no harm in letting them do the parent thing, pick up the tab on a few things so we don't insult them '

'I just ...i don't want to resort to screaming matches over every little detail of our wedding with my Mother ,' says a distressed Lisa , woefully ,' remember how Zoey and Amanda used to lock horns ? It gave me such bad anxiety, I never have anxiety, but I was doing yoga twice a day to calm down and I don't want to be stressed. I can't be a stressed out bride, Michael '

' Then you won't be , lil Lisa ,' replied Michael, firmly ,' we'll eat this delicious supper I am making for us then we'll get out our wedding book , make some lists, and give out assignments to your folks, my folks, our friends, whoever . '

'Or we could have hired the wedding planner ...'

' Still can't afford any wedding planner but lists we can do ,' Michael silenced her with a long, luxurious, dizzying kiss ,' it's all the million, little things that we have family for '

'