Chapter 23

"I just don't know why he is in such a hurry to get married, Winona," Sandy said to her next door neighbor and friend. "It's not like there's an expiration date on engagements. Mike and I waited for almost a year before we got married, and another year after that before we had Tyler. Have things changed since then?"

"Maybe it's because he's crazy in love with you and thinks you'll find another guy while he's on the road. Only explanation I can think of, honey."

Sandy shook her head. "Paul's really the only man I've seen since I've moved down here. I was rarely dating when Tyler and I lived in Philadelphia. Then again, I was too busy working two jobs to even think about men."

"Yeah, kind of the same here, except I keep getting losers instead of Mr. Right. And if I actually do one of these days, they have to accept Janice too."

"I know what you mean. At least I don't have to worry about Paul in that department. He and Tyler are already close."

"You got yourself a catch, girl," Winona said with a wink. "Hey, how did the family visits go?"

"His father and stepmother are hard to figure out," Sandy replied. "But his mother was just the sweetest little thing. I can see where Paul gets being so charming. I felt comfortable with Ana almost right away, and she took such an interest in Tyler."

"What about your family? How did they take to Paul?" Winona asked.

"Dave eyed him up like he was some kind of serial killer at first," Sandy sighed. "Of course, Dave and Mike were close friends, and as far as he's concerned, no one will come up to the standard of Mike. On the other hand, Andy and Paul hit it off big time, and somehow, Paul also managed to charm both my mother and sister in law. Little Davey is even crazy about him. And here is the best part; Mike's parents even think Paul will make a good husband for me, and 'a great role model' for Tyler. How about that?"

"That's unusual. Former in laws aren't usually ones to praise the replacement of their loved one."

"It also helped that Peter is a big wrestling fan," Sandy laughed. "I thought he was going to crush poor Paul to death when he hugged him. And Suzy thinks he should be doing movies."

"Can't argue with that point," Winona nodded. "He's gone to some auditions, but I still say whoever doesn't pick him must be on crack."

"Maybe we're just a bit biased," Sandy chuckled.

"Perhaps. So has Mr. Let's Get This Wedding Going ASAP even suggested a date to make it official?"

"No, not really. But he's mentioned getting us a house."

"Wow. Man is serious."

"Yeah, considering I haven't even picked out a dress yet, and he's discussing a house. Go figure!"

Winona raised an eyebrow. "Call me crazy, but I have to wonder if that soon after your wedding, he'd like to try to expand the family a bit."

"Surely you don't mean…." Sandy began.

"Yeah. You said his mama was taking an interest in Tyler. Maybe she's getting grandma fever and passed it on to sonny boy."

"Truth be told, Win, we hadn't even discussed children."

"No? Well, maybe I'm thinking too far ahead then."

"It would be pretty tricky to start a family with him on the road so much," Sandy pondered.

"Honey, it only takes one time. You should know that with Tyler being here."

"Oh, stop it," Sandy giggled, giving Winona a playful tap on the arm.

"So you need help with a dress? Why don't you come down to the store? I can get you a good discount."

"I was thinking a second-marriage dress. They have those?"

"The bridal department has a variety that you wouldn't believe. Just the other day they were helping this sixty year old lady choose a dress to get married."

"Sixty? Wow. I didn't think seniors got married these days."

"Evidently, some do," Winona said.

"Well, while we are on this, I need suggestions for a good black suit for Tyler. He came up with this crackpot idea to use the one he wore for his grandfather's funeral, but since then, he must have had a growth spurt, because the pants look as if they could survive a flood."

"Bring him down," Winona nodded. "I can get someone to hook him up with that too."

"Great. Now I have two more problems out of the way. I can come down tomorrow after dinner and bring Tyler. I'd like to get him done first."

"In that case, you better plan a date before the pants of the new suit become flood length too."

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Spanky had been having an animated conversation with some of the younger guys when Paul spotted him.

"Hey, Spanky!" he called. "Yo, blond dipshit in the blue pants!"

Spanky headed over, giving him a grin. "We got to stop meeting like this, dude. People will talk."

"As if they don't already," Paul joked. "You think I give a shit?"

"Anyway, what's happening with the big wedding plans?"

"Not too damn much. We survived meeting the families, though."

"Well, that's always a good sign. I'm also guessing Sandy's kid is cool with this too?"

"Cool with it? Dude, we're already close. I don't think Sandy could ask for a better kid. But on to another thing, I want to ask you something."

"All ears, man."

"Well, you and I have known each other for a long time and I consider you my best friend, almost like a brother. Anyway, with that in mind, I'd like to have you as my best man."

"Consider it done, man. Does this mean I get to arrange the bachelor party?" Spanky asked, laughing. "And is the maid of honor hot?"

"Dude! You're engaged yourself, and as far as I know, Sandy hasn't chosen her maid of honor yet. And don't go nuts with the bachelor party. I know how you and the rest of these jackasses think, and I want to be a good example for my soon to be stepson and I don't need a 'Superstars Gone Wild' type of thing leaking out on the Internet. No crazy shit, okay?"

"Okay, but I'm not responsible if the other dudes get out of control."

"Just keep the guest list at a minimum," Paul advised. "It's not like Sandy and I are going to have a giant wedding anyway, so no use throwing a huge party."

"The usual guys then?" Spanky wondered.

"That should work just fine. And make it a cash bar if you're going to be drinking. These guys see 'open bar,' they'll go ape shit and God knows what will happen from there."

"They're not going to like it," Spanky said, "but I can see where you're coming from."

"Thanks, dude. Now let's get ready to go kick some ass."