The month flew by in a flurry of excitement and activity as the big day was rapidly approaching, Michael and Lisa's engagement photograph was taken on the campus of P.C.A. , the pose was casual , the couple sitting together near the tree where Michael had long ago saved Lisa from a go cart gone out of control, his hands resting lightly on her shoulders , she looking up with him, delight shining bright in her lovely face with a laughing Michael behind her . It was them.

The announcement was posted by Lisa's parents in the newspapers in California while another one announcing the nuptials hit the Georgia papers alongside a more fun announcement compliment of writer Chase Matthews hit the P.C.A. News in case the alumni from their class would be interested in one of the steadiest couples finally getting married.

Meanwhile the Reese plane was loaded with a ton of reception stuff for the hotel venue along with the groom and his best men who were taking a day trip down to Georgia to help his folks tie up any loose ends while the women helped Lisa paint the walls of her dance studio. Lisa had her black hair piled on top of her head, an old blue bandana around it to keep sweat from rolling into her eyes and looked every inch the talented dancer she was even dressed in loose style flowing pants and a matching midriff top holding a roller in her hand.

' Thanks for helping me out with this ,' said Lisa , over her shoulder as she began to work on the currently dull beige wall ,' I needed to accomplice something to the studio before I got a case of the terrible crazies '

Lola having just arrived from her day on the set on the teen drama she had a bit player role in still managed to look fashionable in her idea of grubby clothes: a pair of cutoff jean shorts that had seen better days , a purple camisole over a yellow tank , and her hair in a high ponytail .

' You want crazy, Lisa, my show is a hotbed of daily drama ,' extolled Lola , taping around the large mirror so she wouldn't paint over it ,' it's like if you took Dawson's Creek drama mixed it together with Beverly Hills 90210 then to make sure it got all twisted up loopy throw in some of the One Tree Hill. Let me tell you there are eating disorders all over set – I actually felt like a pig when I was eating off the food table this afternoon '

Quinn stepped into view from where she was busy painting Lisa's office to address her friends, her brow creasing in concern. Both Lisa and Lola had always been almost fanatical about their weight through the course of high school and college a lot of it having to do with their careers.

'You eat like a normal person, Lola,' pointed out Quinn, pausing to appraise the dark blue door with a critical eye,' so, don't get any ideas. You don't need to follow the crowd ….'

'Yes, Mom '

'Oh, shut up, Quinn,' said Lola, not unkindly. She knew Quinn wasn't being preachy, she was just being the same best friend she had always been showing her concern,' throwing up on purpose is totally gross. Besides if I need to work out, Lisa's dance class will keep me in shape '

She flashed Lisa a teasing smile.' If the woman doesn't kill me first with the routine '

Lisa couldn't help but to laugh her agreement.' Shall I quote the famous Fame line now? '

She stepped up on a ladder to reach a spot on the wall with her roller.' I've always believed in following from the Lydia Grant rule of dance, I'd be more than happy to demonstrate '

Lola shook her head then tucked her tongue between her teeth, musing.' After all of this work the only exercise I might need is a doozy of a yoga session '

'We could do that,' agreed Lisa, readily,' I could also try the Coco Hernandez approach '

'Or just plain, old normal yoga that won't kill me works '

Zoey stepped around a pillar, a jug of bleach in her arms as she intended to tackle the cleaning of the bathrooms which were located in the corner hallway. Bleach might not have been the best idea as the smell of it was making her want to yak herself so she joined her friend's conversation and the need for fresh air. She figured paint fumes might be less evil here.

'Spare us, please,' said Zoey, teasingly,' Quinn and I don't need the melodrama in our life '

'Yes, 'pointed out Quinn, with a good natured sigh,' my husband brings enough drama home from work as it is as of lately. I honestly believe he was much calmer about directing when he did the old Jet X commercial when he was just a spoiled rich kid than the confident man he is now. Logan is obsessing horribly on this first project of his wanting to live up to his Father's standards '

She blew a strand of brown hair away from her glasses as she blotted her paint roller. They were at the auditions and casting character roles now which brought up old insecurities for Quinn. She was trusting of her husband, just not the idea of the gorgeous actresses who might try to see if the old casting couch was still a viable thing these days.

Naturally it was a stupid, ludicrous thought to be having in the first place. She scolded herself mentally then decided it wasn't worth mentioning to her friends although Quinn knew they would be sympathetic and supporting. It was unnecessary garbage.

Lola finished painting a strip of wall, glancing over her shoulder at her friends.' I am still ticked at that jerk face Logan for not doing the whole nepotism gig. I so would be absolutely perfect for the role of Hilary, not to mention, I actually did read those books '

'Sorry, lo, you know he is quite adamant about nepotism '

Lola rubbed at the kink in her neck as she heaved a sigh.' Good for the scum but if he would change his mind, I'd be happy with a part as an extra even ' She swallowed her pride reluctantly before adding ,' Money is super tight right now for me and Vince . We're even couponing to help with groceries and everything so just wanted you all to know the score '

Lisa walked over to hug her friend.' There is no shame in that, Lola, we've all been there. Do you want to see mine and Michael's budget? Planning a wedding that is budget friendly plus our entire extra is going into us fixing up my studio, we're managing just fine but Lord knows it hasn't been all that easy. Michael and I are eating a lot of breakfast dinners because it is cheap '

She didn't bother mentioning that Michael had a whole thirty two dollars on him while the guys were bringing in the décor for the hotel venue. That was life for you. She trusted that all of his family wouldn't let him starve while he was back home in Georgia.

Zoey twisted her band around her finger as she settled down on a straight back chair that Lisa had brought in for the studio. It wasn't pretty but it had good bones with the bonus being it had cost her five bucks at a flea market. She sat as the dizziness left her, thank God!

Zoey gnawed on her lower lip.' Chase and I couldn't seem to agree on our grocery budget last month because I might have gotten used to eating a certain way while I was in France.' She lifted her shoulders in a careless shrug,' I was spending too much so now Chase is doing the shopping. '

She had been reluctant to admit she had gotten used to the rich foods and the six meals a day while studying in Paris until Chase had taken it upon him to dissect their checkbook to determine where all of their extra money was going besides bills and house payment.

It had turned out that it went to food of the name brand type, and then turned into an argument until Zoey had agreed that Chase should take over buying the groceries for a month.

She didn't think her husband had the patience for price checking at local markets around the city but Chase would figure it out on his own one way or the other.

She made a disgruntled face.' Chase isn't exactly health conscience but we've got a unique variety of food to choose from though I don't begin to understand this as he lives on processed everything. My feelings aside, it is cheaper though don't tell Chase I said that… '

The smell of the paint hit her causing her to turn away trying to avoid the urge to throw up – this stupid sickness that freaking wasn't in the morning wasn't a barrel of fun either. Clutching her belly , praying her friends were too busy talking to pay much attention to her , Zoey scrambled across the room for her handbag and the ever present Tums . She popped 4.

Lisa, Quinn, and Lola all gaped at her, concern etched on their lovely faces.

' Zo, are you alright ? '

Zoey managed a tired smile as she pulled out bottled water pulling a drink of it as she nodded before tucking the roll of antacids in her pockets. Couldn't hurt to have them close.

'Why are you all looking at me like that? Do I have paint on my face? I'm fine, probably just got overheated plus with all of the awful fumes we're inhaling '

Quinn really looked at her, bells going off in her smart brain of hers, as she tapped a finger against her full pink lip. Zoey had been awfully moody lately now the paint fumes were bothering her – it was so obvious!

Quinn slapped a hand over her forehead which might have been comical if not for the seriousness of her statement when she blurted out,' oh my God, you're pregnant! '

Zoey attempted glaring daggers at the scientist. 'Quinn, I am ...not! It's those weird winds blowing off the coast that is messing with my system. It's possible I might be getting...um, seasonal allergies '

It was lame and she knew it. It was also the best that she could do right now. She hoped that Quinn wouldn't pursue this line of questioning letting it drop but that was wistful thinking. Zoey snuck a peek at Lisa and Lola who had ceased their painting to stare openly at her.

A dawning of realization hit Lola who pointed an accusing finger at her.' You pigged out on three chocolate Ho Ho's instead of fruit at lunch the other day! You, Mrs. I Eat Super Healthy didn't touch the bag of grapes which we all know is your favorite fruit! It's true!'

Zoey hung her head as a groan escaped her mouth. Leave it to her girlfriends to know all about her favorite foods enough to call her on it now. Meanwhile Chase was probably in some happy guy bubble not even thinking of blurting out their news to the rest of the guys. He hadn't even blinked or tripped on a word or hinted so much so it was all on her.

'I never turn down chocolate, Lola, and a girl doesn't live on grapes alone, you know '

Lola planted her hands on her hips, tilted her head to one side then the other as she examined Zoey . The loose fitting tee shirt wasn't the most flattering on her fashion minded friend but then again they were helping Lisa with the studio.

'You don't look like your showing yet or that ugly shirt hides it well '

Lisa moved closer, noticing that Zoey's face was a slight bit fuller than normal and knew Quinn's assessment was indeed true. Quinn and Lola weren't ranting which was a miracle of any sort while Zoey had stopped protesting. They should be hurt that she hadn't told them but Lisa understood in her heart why Chase and Zoey hadn't made the announcement.

'You might as well admit it, Zo, since the cat is obviously out of the bag '

Zoey folded her arms across her chest as if it could defend her. 'The cat can just go right back in the bag, Lisa. We can chalk it up to the three of you losing your minds while I continue ignoring all of your ridiculous suggestions ...'

'Michael and I don't want to hog the spotlight, Zoey Matthews,' encouraged Lisa, tugging, lightly on her friends arm, 'it was truly a selfless gesture that means the world to me but now I need to know the truth.' She lifted her delicate brow,' Spill it '

Slowly Zoey let out a shuddering sigh of relief, dropping her hands to her sides, as she stood, fixing all three women with a tiny smile curving around her red lips. She should have known the girls would have figured it out on their own – they had never been able to keep secrets from each other long. Quinn still held the longest record regarding her secret relationship with Logan back in their P.C.A. days of high school.

'Yea, I'm going to have a baby! I'm not very far along …we only just recently found out '

Squealing in unison, Zoey was engulfed in a group hug, her friends all chattering at once, Lola muttering about how she was going to have to design herself beautiful maternity clothes since the actual ones in shops were gross, Lisa scolding her for waiting so long so they better tell Chase to let Michael in on the news, while Quinn rambled on a dozen questions regarding her health. Zoey laughed then stepped away, wiping at the happy tears at the corner of her eye.

'Yes, Lola, I am going to design a few maternity outfits for myself,' answered Zoey,' actually I think my clothes are getting a little tight already. I might have to have my bridesmaid dress taken out if I balloon out before the wedding, Lisa '

'Then you'll be a glowing bridesmaid, Zoey 'Lisa blew her a kiss.

'If I don't look as big as a freaking house by then, Lisa, which is possible '

Quinn sat down on the floor peering up at Zoey through the lenses of her glasses, biting down thoughtfully on her lower lip sorting through the sudden onslaught of emotions she was feeling. She was thrilled for her friend yet felt a palpable sadness it wasn't her that was expecting. She silently berated herself for the selfish thought then forced a bright smile on her face.

'Have you told your parents the good news yet? How has Chase not blurted it out yet? '

'We told them as soon as we got confirmation from the doctor,' explained Zoey, folding her arms across her still flat stomach,' they were over the moon. I fully expect Mom and Pam to be sending us baby care packages soon ….as for my husband , Chase must be using all of the restraint he has not to blurt it out to Michael and the guys '

Lisa handed her a cell phone.' Call Chase, Zo , tell him to spread the news or I'll tell Michael myself '

Zoey dialed the familiar number. 'Chase, the girls know the secret now '

Chase picked up immediately. 'How? '

'It doesn't matter,' dismissed Zoey, softly,' time for you to pass out cigars to the guys '

'Cigars? '

'Just do it '

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

' Cigars ,' repeated a baffled Chase , staring at the phone as Logan and Vince carried in the last box of decorations into the room in the old hotel that was the reception venue would store for them until it was time ,' Zoey , honey , w..What now? Great. She hung up on me '

Michael placed a stack of gold picture frames on a table then looked at his best friend.

'What did you do to tick Zoey off? Why is she calling you anyway? I thought Zo and the girls were helping Lisa out at the studio today '

Chase tucked the phone back into the pocket of his jeans then shrugged.' They are as far as I know, Michael, and she didn't tell me differently. '

Vince leaned against a chair, crossing his arms in front of him, thoughtful.' What was that bit about the cigars, Chase? Is it some new writer habit your picking up because you've never been a smoker since I have known you, man '

' No way in hell that would be a thing ,' offered Logan, elbowing Vince in the ribs ,' Zoey might drive him to drink but she'd nag him to death if he took up smoking..'

Michael chuckled,' That is the truth, man, cause no way Zoey would stand for cigars. '

Chase threw up his hands in the air in sheer frustration at his friend's good ribbing teasing, dropped his hands to his side, and glowered at the three of them before sucking in a breath. It looked as if Zoey had spilled the beans to the girls which meant it was his turn.

'No, you morons, I am not smoking! We're pregnant! Well, obviously I am not going to have a baby but Zoey is pregnant! We were going to wait to announce it after the whole wedding was over but the cigar thing was my wife informing me I could tell you idiots the news '

Chase actually felt a load lifted off of his shoulders from telling them the truth because keeping it a secret had been hell on him. He would have plastered it on the billboard if he could as excited and terrified as he was on becoming a daddy. He had never been much of a blabbermouth – that was Michael, but it was tough keeping it to him.

The women must have gotten the truth out of Zoey somehow. It was probably Quinn – she was smart like that. He really should have thought to place bets on that little bit.

Michael stared incredulously at Chase.' Man, Chase that is freaking the best news ever! "

He clapped him hard on the back before lifting him up in a manly hug as Chase chuckled. Reminded of the time he had finally come back from England to P.C.A. His friends might be certifiable but they were loyal, dependable, and always there for him when he needed them.

'Man, how is Zoey doing? Why the hell didn't you tell us sooner? '

Chase's smile widened.' Zoey is healthy, the baby looks good, though there isn't much to see right now since Zo isn't that far along. Man, Michael, we didn't want to take anything away from you and Lisa. We still don't but the girls must have figured out about Zo because I got told I could tell you three the news ...'

'Aw, Chase, that's real sweet and sappy of you,' Michael pretended to wipe a tear away from the corner of his eye,' but you don't need to sit on big news like this. Dude, you are going to be a Dad ...'

'I know,' answered Chase,' I'm beyond happy and only slightly terrified at the fact. I think that Zoey was more freaked than I was at first …..Originally she wanted to wait a few more years before we tried to get pregnant. This was a surprise for both of us '

Logan clasped Chase's hand then pulled him into a hug.' Chase, you have nothing at all to worry about, because you will be an amazing Father to this kid '

'Thanks, Logan, appreciate it '

Vince followed suit shaking the father to be hand then declaring,' this calls for a celebratory drink '

Michael rubbed his hands together, gleefully.' Excellent idea, Vince, and I think we should celebrate the old fashioned way with bourbon and cigars '

'We don't have to be literal with the cigars, Michael 'said a hesitant Chase, thinking back to his bachelor party gone awry in ,' I can go buy gum cigars instead '

'It's a southern thing, Chase,' explained Michael, guiding his friends towards the hotel restaurant,' humor me. We've carted and unloaded boxes of decorations, you're going to be a Daddy, I'm getting married in a few weeks , and hell, Logan is directing his first actual movie so we need the bourbon and cigars '

'What am I, Barrett? Chopped Liver? 'Called out Vince, putting in his two cents.

'Stop whining like a girl, Vince Blake,' Michael tossed back over his shoulder,' you deserve all of the bourbon and smokes for calling the shots with Lola on a daily basis '

Vince flipped him the bird.' Lisa has you so whipped, Barrett. You've given in to everything she has wanted for this wedding '

'I have not caved or we'd been married at her parents' house instead of my church '

'I knew we should have taken bets on the venue 'added Logan with a grin.

'Shut up, Logan '

As Michael led them into the lounge, they all couldn't help but be aware of the circle that was life was spinning around in their little group with most of them married, now there would be a baby on the way, careers were taking off, and lots of changes happening .

Life really was a celebration .