Michael had thought that the hard part of the wedding planning was already tackled thanks in part to their friends who were knee deep in spray paint and very boring decorating stuff, he couldn't be any more grateful to them than he already was at this point in time.

Chase and Logan, those assholes, hadn't warned him about the stationary shops.

Scum of the Earth morons.

Michael hadn't been prepared for the hell of deciding on the actual invitation. He and Lisa had looked at a bunch of invitations online , simple ones , modern ones , traditional ones with floral designs , ones with squiggly lines in the font , abstract designs , a lot of chooses to make .

They all kind of blended in to looking alike after an hour of scrolling so Michael had figured it'd be a cinch for him and his bride to decide in person. Yeah, that wasn't the case and who knew his practical, loving Lisa cared about the damn texture of the paper?

That was the stupid cockamamie thing Zoey would probably freak over but turns out; Lisa cared about the stupid paper the invites were printed on. Hell, wasn't paper just paper? After much debating and some backpedaling on his part, they agreed the linen invitations were classier.

He had liked the abstract design in lavender and gold but Lisa thought it was too modern.

The gazebo invitation looked nice except they weren't getting hitched in said gazebo so ultimately that chose was automatically out of the question. By the third book of wedding designs offered , Michael found himself sweating, tugging at his collar, wiping his hands down the sides of his jeans , wishing he had worn shorts instead, and praying they found the invitation that dazzled them both before he lost all of his cool . Chase must have freaking lied to him about this whole decision making deal- the dude wouldn't have cared this much either. He would have just agreed with whichever Invitation Zoey liked best.

Bastard should have warned him! Reminded him at the very least that was his job as his best friend and best man!

'Do they have liked an invitation with a horseshoe on the top of it? We could tie that in ...'

'Michael, it was a sweet gesture we are incorporating into our wedding but we don't want people to think it's a cowboy wedding either,' scolded Lisa, turning another page in the millionth book of invitation designs they had looked at thus far ,' Southern, yes, but we need something that speaks to both of us '

At this point, Michael felt that his eyes were crossing from all of the chooses offered to them then wished that Lisa wasn't so stubborn on picking a design. He had liked a handful of them an hour and a half ago but now he just wanted to be done with the whole ordeal.

Michael sucked in a breath then let it back out.' Lisa, honey, we nailed down the linen stationary as well as the font, why don't we just go with the invitation that you like? Really, I am good with whatever design you want …..Promise '

Lisa narrowed her eyes at him, folded her hands on top of the book as she fixed him with a look between agitation and attempted patience. He responded with his adorable puppy dog look that always got to her every single time since their early days together and still worked.

'I want us to decide together, not you placating me, Michael '

Michael shook his head vigorously.' There is no placating in this, last thing on my mind, truly. Can't I be like that photographer that married the model in that old wedding movie you forced us to watch with you girls? He went away to Italy until the wedding and his woman picked out all the details and there was no fight or fuss. I am like that dude!'

Lisa spluttered out a laugh at his cockamamie logic, skewered as it was though she realized they really needed to just pick out one. She might be obsessing a little bit. She knew they were starting to get down to the wire closer to the wedding and she needed to reign in this whole ugly Bridezilla thing she vowed that she would so not become.

'I'm not Nora Landry and you, my dear Michael, are not an Italian photographer madly in love with me, however, point taken 'She flipped through the pages in the massive book stopping on an invitation that had captured her attention earlier, tapping a finger on a pale lavender marbled paper,' it's hardly traditional, both of our folks will likely hate it, but this one calls to me. I know it isn't quite the abstract you liked earlier but it's sort of modern and elegant '

Michael covered her hand with his own.' Love and lavender is perfect '

Lisa beamed at him,' just like that? '

Michael drew her in for a dreamy kiss.' Let's order those invites '

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

The invitations were ordered with a rush put on them, a quick visit to their old P.C.A. classmate Jeremiah Trottman , who worked weddings on the side agreed to be their videographer and had given them a decent discount ( thanks in part for the Reese's private plane being the party plane so to speak ) which checked off another item from their list as the couple drove into downtown Beverly Hills to meet Lisa's parents for lunch at the Beverly Hills Hotel .

Michael gnawed anxiously at his inside of his cheek sparing a pitiful glance at Lisa, who was driving. He attempted to smooth the collar of his polo shirt then frowned at her.

'What was wrong with the restaurant we originally picked to meet them at, huh? It wasn't a five star, snooty restaurant but the food is good,' explained Michael, upset by the sudden change of plans ,' why do we have to meet them in the 90210 ? It'll take us freaking two hours from here to drive out to Logan and Quinn's place afterwards ,,it throws us all out of whack '

' Daddy had a business meeting in town , Mom drove in with him to do some shopping ,' murmured Lisa , softly ,' it was just more sensible for us to meet them here . There isn't any sense in getting riled up over it, Michael, none at all '

'We don't have the Dylan McKay trust; we probably can't afford a five dollar mineral water at this hotel restaurant! We just dropped stupid money on 150 invitation's so I was figuring, like, 35 bucks for lunch at the minimum '

Lisa's lips hid a half smile. 'Whose idea was it to binge Beverly Hills 90210? Logan? '

Michael smirked.' No, it wasn't Logan; it was Vince's, actually. Lola was trying to find her inner Kelly Taylor to incorporate into this new gal she is playing on that teen drama so inspiration. Vince, pal of mine that he is, thought we should see how we resembled the men of 90210 '

Lisa didn't even try to refrain her giggle.' I…I can't even think of a thing to say to that '

Michael slipped his shades on, struck a classic Michael Barrett cool look.' I could be a cool cross between David Silver and Dylan McKay '

' Then you should have no problem making nice with my parents during lunch to which they will likely pay which means you can stop with the macho freak out now , Michael '

She pulled into the elegant hotel scanning for a parking space only finding none and being forced to use the valet the haughty hotel employed. It was very high class and Lisa had a moment of doubt about her dress dismissing it as crazy. She touched her engagement ring using it to ground herself then Michael took her hand, all was well in her world.

Michael and Lisa were used to a certain amount of how the other half lived but Logan had gotten almost casual and blasé about his own wealth upon marrying Quinn while Lisa's parents never really flaunted their own status but the elegant hotel spoke volumes to them both. The reception area was bustling even this late in the day and Michael almost expected to see Brenda Walsh saunter in to see her Dylan. Then again, he was a romantic.

The dining room was done up in elegance from the low lights surrounding the bar to the crystal and stemware on the dining table , Michael tugged nervously at his jacket as they were led to Jon and Merilee's table . The older couple was already having cocktails it seemed.

'Daddy, Mother, sorry we're a little late,' apologized Lisa, doffing a kiss on her father's cheek,' this is a bit of a drive from our meeting with our videographer plus traffic was a bear '

Jon dismissed it with a wave of his hand.' The old classmate that did the PCA News reports when you were in high school? He works in weddings? '

Michael seated Lisa before taking a seat on the other side of her then answered, directly.' Jeremiah works as a camera operator at one of the affiliates closer to town but he mixes it up with wedding gigs on the side. He did a great job at Quinn and Logan's engagement party '

'Jon,' reprimanded Merrilee , gently ,' no third degree on the kids choices, please . Was your friend comparable in prices to other videographers available to you? I know, Valene suggested if you couldn't get your friend, she has some suggestions locally in Georgia '

Michael reminded himself not to gulp the pitcher of water, keep it cool. Be polite. Lisa's folks meant well and he had passed any test they might have given him back in the day when he and Lisa had been dating that first year. This wasn't the grand inquisition, it was lunch.

He took another drink of water then managed a friendly smile.' Not surprised that Mom would have backups, just in case, because that is my mama. Jeremiah gave us a good price and it helped us that Malcolm is offering up the plane to those nearby so that really helps '

Merrilee sipped her white wine spritzer then touched the sapphire earring she wore before folding her hands on her lap. It was all coming together so fast now and her heart hurt just a little that she wasn't in the thick of the decision making. Still she chided herself for her attitude , it was uncalled for as she didn't want her daughter to feel pressured into making decisions that didn't appeal to her .

'Wonderful,' muttered Merrilee ,' now have you registered yet ? I know it's old tradition and you two are the embodiment of a modern day young couple but it does so help the guests.'

Jonathan took a drink of his bourbon before scoffing,' Which is how we wound up with a glass bowl that collects dust and three gravy boats, sweetheart '

Merilee rolled her eyes heavens ward.' Those were gifts from the grandparents as you well know, Jon, even though I haven't made gravy in years. The time was different too '

Michael perked up at the mention of gravy.' I make Grandma Annie's homemade country gravy all of the time! It's delicious plus super easy to make...not to mention, cheap '

He rubbed his chin, thoughtfully.' You know I don't think I should have one of those gun thingies in a department store, y'know , might go a little crazy picking out big screened TV's and a pool table which I could use for a wedding gift ..'

Lisa lowered the menu letting out an exasperated sigh. 'Michael, we are certainly not registering for those! It's for things that we need...if you want to play with all the men toys, you can just go hang at Logan's house '

Michael nearly bugged out at the prices on the menu – 20 bucks for a dang cheeseburger? It had better be made with freaking prime rib for that outrageous price for a burger. Heck if they were living the whole California dream and if the Peach Pit was a real live diner, Nat would set them up with a whole meal for like 5 bucks. Actually if they drove back out towards Melrose Avenue, they could probably find a decent diner and afford to eat well.

'Which is why I think you and Merilee should do the registering,' picked up Michael, nodding at his future mother in law,' it won't hurt my feelings. Make it a mother daughter shindig and maybe by then the invitations will be in so the gang and I could start addressing them '

Jonathon finished up his bourbon, lifting the glass slightly towards Michael as if to say 'Smart '

Hosting dinner parties had always been an essential part of his and Merilee's life so it had been necessary for them to have the good china, crystal, silver, but he supposed that lifestyle wouldn't suit Michael and Lisa. Pitch in casual dinners and retro television marathons were more apt to what the young people tended to do – certainly very different.

'Michael makes a good point 'acknowledged the older man, signaling for the waitress to come take their order,' besides I am sure Lisa knows exactly what they already have rather than cajoling the groom to register for the next newest video station '

Lisa folded the napkin over her lap, weighing her decision. Michael had only made noises grumbling about the online registry for about ten minutes and it had only been one store. As much as she wanted him to help her make a wish list for their registry, she couldn't see the sense in torturing him. Looking back, Quinn had been against the whole registering thing believing it rude to tell their friends and family what to buy them and Logan had registered for them. Zoey and her mother had dragged Chase through three department stores in St. Martinsville and Chase had come back a babbling fool . Perhaps this was one tradition they could adapt and really it wasn't such a huge event in the scheme of the wedding.

' See, hun, your Dad thinks it's a good idea ' reminded Michael, wishing this swanky restaurant had free rolls or bread but no basket had been brought out to the table while they perused the long winded menu ,' we can kill another bird with two stones this way '

Merilee slid the warmest of smiles towards her future son in law then a wistful one towards her daughter. It really sounded like the most perfect day out spending time with Lisa and contributing her own input to their lives.

'We don't have to shop in Beverly Hills,' contributed Merilee,' there are just as many lovely shops around Carmel, Monterey, and even Malibu or Santa Barbara. We could start early, dear, and shop to our hearts content …I promise not to nudge you to register for boring , old cheese boards or expensive salad forks '

Lisa arched a brow, flicked a playful look towards her fiancée.' It couldn't hurt to register for few sets of silverware seeing as our collection of forks tend to disappear with regularity or Michael accidentally throws them out with the paper plates '

Michael shrugged as he gave them a sheepish grin.' It's a bad habit I picked up and sometimes I just forget...its more spoons though than forks because cereal or ice cream '

Lisa decided then and there the registry was settled.' Well then I guess Mom and I will handle the registry while you and the gang take the time to address all 150 invitations. Michael, you can tactfully put Logan to work on something else because his chicken scrawl is awful '

Michael made a dismissive laugh as if it wasn't an issue.' Like Logan is gonna be offended that we don't want him writing out names on our invites? The man won't care, Lisa '

'You never can tell with Logan Reese '

The waitress arrived to take their orders then afterwards conversation turned towards the state of Jonathon's latest business acquisition, the latest project for funding for the arts that Merilee was heading, along with general wedding conversation. The event itself was only a few months out and the to do list was slowly being checked off. For the most part, the hard part was finished and Lisa was trying her best to not stress the small stuff including the hotel and other arrangements that Michael's family was handling for them in Georgia.

Despite the nerves and anxiety of beforehand, lunch went well then Michael and Lisa were back on the road driving across the freeway towards Santa Barbara. Michael gripped the steering wheel, relaxed, sent her a charming smile before covering her hand with his own.

'Lisa, do I need to talk the gals into doing like a wedding intervention for you? I know you've been dead set on not becoming one of those Bridezillas or crazy bride like Zoey but your either stressed or anxious about half of the time ,' replied a concerned Michael, all seriousness ,' you were the one who insisted we have fun with the whole wedding . I can't tell if you're having fun anymore or if you'd rather us hire a last minute wedding planner '

Lisa tucked a loose strand of black hair behind her ear as she let out a weary sigh.' I did say that and I meant it. I think someone stuck the word perfect in my head and it's getting in the way of the fun. Our wedding special and memorable, a celebration of us '

Michael narrowed his gaze, hesitantly.' You keep saying that but then you sort of freak over the little things so I just wanted to make sure there wasn't anything I needed to do to help you enjoy the party '

'Stop calling our wedding a party '

'We don't have battling mothers or an escaped psycho to contend with, lil Lisa, which as far as I am figuring makes our nuptials the party of the whole year '

'I guess it's all about perspective '

Lisa hoped they wouldn't have to keep repeating this conversation – she seriously needed to nab Vince and Lola for some serious yoga sessions as clearly she was wound too tight.

If that didn't do the trick, a spa day just might be in the works.

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

Michael was determined not to be in wedding mode 24/7 so the rest of the drive out to the Reese mansion was filled with his tunes rocking on the local radio station, the wind blowing off of the ocean bringing with it, its tangy scent to tantalize. He rambled on about the inner office gossip at the news station he produced, switching gears to update Lisa on the hot news that Logan would be directing his first small budget film soon. It had fell in his lap through one of his teachers from the Boston film School he had attended who thought Logan could do the script justice. It had turned out to be based upon some teen romance book Quinn had loved convincing her husband that he had to make the film. It was currently in the planning and contacting people stages before it became a reality.

Lisa gaped incredulously at him.' Michael, how am I just now hearing about this? This is incredible...i cannot believe that Quinn didn't tell me about this! How long have you known about this news, Michael Barrett?'

Michael made a show about being involved with the driving as to evade.' Quinn probably didn't want to rain on your parade with her husband's gig. Logan brought it up the last time we were cleaning the garage ….plus I think the dude is a bit on the nervous side '

He lifted his shades then dropped them back on his face.' Following in Malcolm's footsteps is a very huge deal , not to mention, kind of a hang up to the dude with not wanting to mess up '

'I am a horrible friend,' declared a forlorn Lisa, playing with the strap on her seatbelt, annoyed with herself,' My God, I've done exactly what I strove not to do and been dismissive of our best friends! Zo was a self-absorbed nutcase during the whole pre-planning but she never dismissed us! Amanda was driving her up the wall! Quinn …God, she could have had a full blown panic attack during the pre-planning but she kept it together '

'Here I have been trying to be this calm, perfect bride to avoid all of the things I wanted to avoid now I am worse! I'm a new kind of crazy bride! Well, all of that stops right here and now,' declared a fired up Lisa,' we are going to ooh and ah over all of the gang's hard work on our reception stuff then we are going to discuss them. Not our wedding '

She folded her arms across her chest, concentrating on the matter of hand. 'We are going to stop somewhere in town and pick up several bottles of wine to toast success to Logan as well as Lola. We can show them our support for a change '

'That is fine, honey, but Logan kept his Dad's fancy bar downstairs '

'Not the point, Michael, 'reminded Lisa, nodding her head assertively.' we're buying '

Michael tightened his hands on the steering wheel, tapping out a beat on it.

'I have eleven dollars and fifty three cents to my name so it's going to be cheap wine '

'Our friends really won't care '

Forty five minutes later with a pit stop made at a tiny liquor store /gas station , Lisa had procured a couple of bottles of decent wine then they were on their way to Logan and Quinn's sprawling mansion they called home . Though it was gated for security and privacy, Logan buzzed them in with Michael parking behind the seen better days car that belonged to Chase and Zoey . Vince's 80's red Porsche (it had been a birthday gift from his Father when he turned 18), Michael still thought it was a sweet ride. He still had his classic convertible that ran like a dream.

Logan's fancy sports car was in the second garage along with Quinn's sensible Jetta as well as the Reese small limo that Malcolm insisted they keep for practical reasons.

Bright lights illuminated the driveway as Quinn spotted them from the balcony of her bedroom; she stepped out, leaning over the railing to yell down at them in a greeting.

'Hi, you two,' hollered Quinn, with a friendly wave,' you're just in time, we finished painting about an hour ago. Go on in the house – the guys are throwing together fixings for a barbeque. There was a debate going over steak burgers versus ground beef which Chase was trying to moderate ….I'll be down in a few minutes '

'Good,' yelled back Lisa, reaching for the bottles in the backseat,' we brought wine '

'Excellent '

Michael rubbed his hands together.' I better go help my main man, Chase '

They let themselves in the house , comfortable enough in their surroundings , following the animated voices to the kitchen where all of their friends had gathered . Though the kitchen had been updated by Logan's stepmom while he was still at P.C.A., it wasn't a stuffy kitchen; it was an actual livable, working kitchen as Quinn and Logan often cooked a meal together rather than enlist Chauncey to do it himself. Zoey and Lola were putting together the fixings of a salad while Vince and Logan's voices rose in one of the most absurd debates they had ever had.

This was saying a lot because Vince and Logan had had some whoppers of arguments through the years especially if you consider that Vince Blake had been the first to discover the truth of Quinn and Logan during their whole stupid secret dating months.

'Dude, this is premium steak burgers,' argued Logan, leaning against the counter,' does your girlfriend have you on some wacky vegan diet or something? You can have regular hamburgers every day of the week but why should you? '

Lola who was busy cutting cucumbers wagged her knife towards Logan.

'Don't tempt me to use this on you, Reese '

Par the usual; Logan ignored the actress as he implored Chase.' Matthews, do you know what nonsense has gotten into Vince's little brain? '

Chase took a drink of his beer.' I do not however this is very dumb '

Vince groaned in sheer frustration wishing he could rewind and fix this conversation because it had gotten off the rails. He hadn't meant to make a big deal out of the meat but he was starting to feel as if he was taking advantage of his friends' generosity which he couldn't exactly express to Logan either. They tried hard not to go into mushy chick territory.

'No, I am not vegan, it isn't anything like that,' Vince paced the tiles in the kitchen,' regular burgers are good. All I meant was that we don't always have to eat high on the horse whenever we visit with you and Quinn ….cheap eats are still cool eats '

Chase nodded, understanding.' Now that makes sense '

'Vince, dude, we all get it but need I be the man to remind you that Logan doesn't give two damns,' stated Michael, clamping a hand on his friends shoulder,' hell there were times Chase and I might have starved because we blew all of our food budget on something cool, then Logan would order a bunch of sushi or pizza. Eat good out here, save the leftovers for later '

Logan dropped the package of steak burgers on a platter.' Thanks, Michael '

'No problem,' said Michael, exchanging a high five with Chase,' been there '

'We certainly were,' agreed Chase,' however, Vince was quite compelling '

Vince gave up, throwing up his hands.' I give up! '

' It was a valiant effort , Vince , so, don't be too hard on yourself ' contributed Zoey , busying herself but running water over the lettuce and spring mix ,' if it troubles you so much then I am sure Logan would appreciate all the extra muscle when he needs help moving stuff in the house since he and Quinn are still redecorating this house '

' It's a good trade off while I will be giving Quinn decorating advice ' offers Lola, munching on a carrot ,' the whole boho meets enchanted forest doesn't translate well into a living space '

Quinn bounded into the kitchen just in time to hear her best friend's proclamation, her hands automatically going to her hips in a defensive gesture as she gave Lola a reproachful look.

' For the record that isn't what I had in mind at all for the living room, 'defended Quinn, sidling up to her husband who dropped a kiss on her cheek ,' Logan and I agreed we don't want the modern 1980's aesthetic that Malcolm's taste. Not ours '

Lisa moved into the kitchen to open the wine then pulled down the glasses from the upper cabinet where Chauncey kept them. This was real, this was right, this was family. She poured a glass handing it along to Lola and Quinn with Zoey dismissing it with a shake of her head.

'I know it's not Parisian wine, Zo, but your usually not this picky '

Zoey transferred the lettuce to the plastic container that would dry it .' It isn't anything like that, Lisa , but between the horrible smell of the spray paint and the glue we used on the decorations , my stomache is a little iffy right now '

'But I'll take her wine,' Lola downed her own glass in a gulp, 'wait until you see your decorations, Lisa, they are fabulous. I had my doubts at first but they turned out wow '

' I am sure they look beyond amazing and Michael and I are excited to see them but let's give the wedding talk a rest for the night ,' declared Lisa , taking in all of their dearest friends in this kitchen ,' I hear that we have a budding producer finally in our midst , Logan , so we should toast to your success on your new venture '

Logan had the grace to appear sheepish as Quinn leaned solidly against him.' Thanks, Lisa, but we didn't want to make a big deal about it until after you and Michael got hitched , the whole movie is in the planning stages right now , really early stuff '

'The script is wonderful,' gushed Quinn, proudly,' Logan has these incredible visions for it

'

They all raised their glasses as Michael moved to stand beside his lady love.

'To our best friends, all of you, for all the fun and love you have always shown us and the support, and to all the new adventures and successes in the future. '

The conversation flowed around them from sports to fashion , to everyday living , and it was just a normal night for a group of forever friends from P.C.A.

'