If anyone still wants me to make the previous chapter longer, suggestions are welcome. From here on out I will attempt to make sure the timeline of events is as realistic as possible. I'll split this chapter into two parts and cover the bachelor party and bridal shower quickly. I'll cover the night before the wedding, the wedding and wedding night in the next chapter. Honeymoom will follow. I do want to cover Tobias' graduation as I did before I revamped the story. Hope that all makes sense so y'all have an idea of what's coming.


Tobias POV

Probably the best decision I made was surprising Tris for her bachelorette party. I didn't think of it because I knew, traditionally, it's something that a bride shares with her female friends and sisters if she has any. When Christina told me that she wanted to do this surprise for Tris, I knew that I couldn't say no. I knew Tris wouldn't be the type to get mad about that something like that.

For my bachelor party Zeke convinced me that we go to play laser tag then to bar and billiard hall. I never thought that I would still wanna play laser tag at my age but I still agreed and the guys know that I won't be drinking. The only time I'll be drinking will be at my wedding but even then I only plan on drinking a little. Even to this day the thought of alcohol brings up memories of that night. Although I'm sure I'd have more will power than Marcus did, it's still something that does not sound at all appealing to me.

After Tris and I spend the morning in our own little bubble, I finally get up and ready. Tris and I have found a balance of spending time together and apart. I spend a significant amount of time with my mom - just the two of us. At least one a month we do something with our friends - Tris with just the girls and me with just the guys. Of course we all get together as much as we can too. Everybody has their own thing going on but we always manage to find time to get together.

I say goodbye to Tris with a lingering kiss as I head out to meet the guys for laser tag. It's crazy that the wedding is only a few months away. I'm beyond excited to spend forever with Tris.

"So laser tag, huh?" I tease Zeke, nudging his arm.

He grins and shrugs. "I thought why the hell not? It isn't just for kids."

"I certainly don't mind. Come to think of it, I haven't touched a real gun in years."

"I figured. That's kind of the reason why I thought we should do this instead. I know I never really asked you about it."

"It's alright, man. I don't mean to avoid the topic, but I guess I have tried to block all that out. I'd only use a gun now if I absolutely had to. To protect Tris and my children."

"Understandable. And kids, huh?

I smile. "Yeah. Tris and I have had conversations about it. We'll probably wait a few more years, but it's something we both want. I didn't think I'd ever want kids after what Marcus did to me, but Tris changed my mind. I know she will be by my side if I screw up."

"Psh! You won't screw up, Tobias. You will be an amazing father. No parent is perfect, but you will be the best father that you can be and I know you will never hurt them like you were hurt by your dad. If I have to keep reminding you that you aren't your father, then I will."

"Thanks, Zeke."

We end up meeting a group of guys around our age and agree on a best of 5 games. We end up winning four, which we can't help but find hilarious and ironic, and afterwards head out to the bar.

PAGE BREAK

We're all sitting at the bar, me with only a glass of ice water. The bartender comes over to me.

"Are you sure that's all you want? Aren't you celebrating your bachelor party?" He asks me.

"Yeah, but I don't drink. I made that decision even before I turned 21."

"Really? Wow. Bad experience?"

I nod.

"Were you in a car accident with a drunk driver or something?"

I shake my head.

"Is your old man a drinker?

"Was, but alcohol actually didn't kill him. He, uh, beat me daily when I was a kid. The very last time he did it, he was drunk."

"I'm sorry, man. I get it though. If you need anything else, let me know. Name is Matthew."

"Thanks."

We play a few rounds of pool and darts afterwards. I'm really glad with how the day turned out.

PAGE BREAK

Tris POV

My bridal shower is in full swing. The girls and Evelyn have done a beautiful job with everything. I couldn't ask for anything more.

"Only a couple months left. Are you excited?" Christina asks me.

"Of course. I'm relieved that everything is pretty much ready. I have one or two more fittings for my dress."

"You definitely picked the perfect one. Tobias probably won't be able to take his eyes or his hands off of you when he sees you in it."

I blush. "Hopefully everything will go off without a hitch, but even so, all that matters is that we get married."

"Exactly. I know I've said this a million times but I'm happy for you, Tris. You found a great guy who loves you unconditionally."

"I know. And thank you. Big or small, you played a role in all this and I am grateful to have you as my best friend."

"I am too, Tris."

I get a lot of gifts that will be useful for Tobias and I. In a not surprising move, Christina gifts me lingerie. She says I'll have to wear it under my dress to surprise Tobias on our wedding night. I roll my eyes and blush but thank her all the same.

After most everyone has left I walk up to Evelyn.

"Thank you, Evelyn, for all your hard work helping put this together. It was really beautiful."

"You are very welcome, Tris. Thank you for letting me be a part of it."

"Of course, Evelyn. We are going to be family soon and I, just as much as Tobias does, want you to be a part of everything possible. When Tobias and I have children, I want you to be there, upfront and center."

"Thank you, Tris. And I hope you don't wait too long to make me a grandma."

"We won't. We do wanna enjoy the first few years of our marriage just the two of us, but we know that children will be in our future."

"That sounds like a good plan. I think any newlywed couple would want to spend a year or two getting settled into married life. The first year is the hardest but I have no doubt that you and Tobias will be okay. A marriage isn't just about being in love but clearly you and Tobias know that."

"We do. There's trust and respect and passion, but obviously you know that things haven't been easy for us and we know that they won't always be but we are both committed to each other. We made the promise to always fight for our relationship and communicate if something is bothering one of us."

"That's how it should be. I'm sure you snd Tobias will get through any obstacles thrown your way. I'm glad he chose you."

I smile and am truly grateful for Evelyn's words. I think she and I understand each other now.