This chapter is a bit short, it was actually my first chapter originally but I changed it up. I hope you enjoy it.

I wanted to take the time to thank my four reviewers for chapter 1 and 2, your reviews were greatly appreciated.

A BIG THANKS to:

The Unnamed Avatar

Sis21K

markaleen

inawhisper

PS- Reviews are like crack to writers, they give us a creative high and inspirational juice to finish our stories. ;-)

July 4th 1933 (30 minutes before midnight)

Dear Milly,

Oh, this weekend has been such a blur and I have neglected you these past few days! I must say that the whole past week starting with Annie's arrival in Oliver's mansion to tonight's festivities have caused our whole world to tip on it's axis a bit, and I foresee it only being a bit more chaotic until after the wedding; BUT, have no fear I am relishing in it! My oldest 'daughter,' yes I am free to call her my daughter now as well as Abigail and Ellis as my children (even though at times I find it hilariously odd since they are married), will be marrying Oliver her long time love.

William and I are so honored and elated I don't know where to begin! Well, I guess I could start around the time … well I guess … after Grace and Oliver 'sealed the deal' they invited the rest of the family up to the office to confirm Annie's bellowing announcement in addition to sitting down with them to 'start' breakfast again since none of us truly had a filling morning meal due to all the adrenaline from the horrifying night before. Ugh, those Hannigans if I ever get my hands on that Rooster I'll be going to jail!

Now where was I? Oh, yes, while we all sat around the office utilizing the small table and Oliver's desk to consume our eggs, bacon, and toast we all filled each other in on the past events of the day and week. We also got down to the nitty gritty or should I say the children did after our long discussion. Milly, the children asked if they could call me 'Mama Esther' and William 'Papa William'! I mean I know they always use them in jest, but they weren't jesting they were serious! To say I was speechless and the dam broke on my tear ducts was an understatement of the morningThe girls rushed to me immediately squishing me in the most wonderful embrace stating how much I was their mother and the title was so deserving. Then Ellis came up to me as well pulling William along with him and joined our group hug. Of course this caused two smaller bodies to join our party momentarily leaving out Oliver but Grace must of signaled him to join us. I would say it was the greatest moment of the morning for me, but I'm sure a few others would say it was their second or third greatest moment that day. :-)

You know I thought that it would be hard for the children to start using our 'new titles,' but it was quite the opposite. I'm sure that it helped that both grandchildren, Willis and now Annie, call me 'Grandma Esther.' It didn't take long for the little fire cracker, lovingly known as Annie, to start calling us 'Grandma Esther' and 'Grandpa William' once given the green light that she'd definitely be adopted by Oliver and Grace now.

Once, the heavy heart discussions tapered off, we discussed today's party and all the festivities that would occur. Grace, I believe was extremely surprised that we pulled it off without her assistance. I told her that once we had her rolodex, Dottie and Helen knew her preferred caterers and party suppliers and if they weren't available on such short notice they knew her back up groups. Fortunately, all the preferred companies were available, and Saunders contacted and secured the circus entertainers as well. I'm not sure who was more excited about the circus coming to the mansion Oliver or Annie.

Oliver just told me to have the invoices on his desk prior to the party so he could write certified checks for the different groups, and he would leave the invoices for his fiancee to process on Monday morning. It wasn't so much the words but their results that had everyone sharing elated, exuberant, and giddy facial expressions with each other that he and Grace finally got their acts together! Personally, I think Oliver and Grace would have floated away on cloud nine had it not been for their precocious 10 year old who kept them grounded.

Around 11:00 am yesterday, Dottie came by the office to inform Oliver and Grace about the other orphans and also questioned how they wanted to proceed (whether to keep them until Monday or send them back to the orphanage then fetch them for the party). You should have seen how Annie silently pleaded with her father to let them stay until Monday and when he consented she ran out to inform them of their stay.

Before long you could hear seven little girls hooping and hollering outside doing cartwheels, back bends, and other simple gymnastic stunts to show how excited they were to be staying for a few more days. We all got a good kick out of their ecstatic antics and it appeared several of staff members were willing to keep a close eye on the girls as well. At least it became more apparent of all the watchful eyes when Mabel and Jane were seen dashing out toward one of the trees reprimanding then educating Pepper and Duffy on the dangers of climbing trees. Of course, Abigail guffawed and cheekily said that they'd try again when they weren't looking because it was an excellent climbing tree.

The boys all looked at one another and silently communicated that they would go out for a bit to chaperone especially after Abigail's comment. I also think they wanted to get out of any last minute party planning that may have been required. Anyway, once they left I asked Grace if she'd given their wedding day much thought and I also planted a seed for next Saturday. Milly, Grace's replay was that they could wait awhile, maybe a month or two, before getting married that way they could settle Annie in and such. It wasn't me this time Milly, but Abigail I swear! She said, "I'd rethink that one if you want to be a virgin on your wedding night! I think ten years of pent of sexual frustration and deniable love will have you quickly reevaluating your plans!" Of course, typical sister discourse came into play immediately with Grace denying those actions with her face flaming bright red as well.

I, being 'Judge Love,' and having several years of experience more than Abigail, not only as a loving wife but also as the local counsellor of troubled married or engaged people, wholeheartedly agreed with Abigail. Grace continued to deny it but finally agreed to let me get the ball rolling. I asked her how she imagined their wedding. She stated "I want it to be simple, something in the garden it's so enchanting in the summer. I'd like to wear your dress Abigail if you don't mind? It represents both our mothers, Cecile did such a great job combining both of their dresses as well as making it fashionable for today. Of course, I want my sister to stand up for me and I'm sure Oliver would have Ellis stand up for him since 'Papa William' will be walking me down the aisle. I imagine Willis is too little to be the ring bear but Annie will definitely be my flower girl!"

After several more notes about how she imagined the garden wedding to be we were interrupted by Oliver and a Mr. Donatelli from the board of orphanages (he came in with a large bag). Oliver asked that Grace remain behind but it was our cue to leave. I reiterated that we would make sure all was ironed out for today's party and that Grace and Oliver didn't need to worry about any of the details. Their only job until the party was to just enjoy each other and Annie.

I'm not sure what occurred behind closed doors but Oliver and Grace were in the office with Mr. Donatelli for at least an hour. Then Grace went outside to retrieve all the girls from their game of hide and seek. They all marched behind her in a straight line like a goose and her goslings. They all remained in the office for over two hours until Cecile, Annette, Mabel, and Jane ran up after their shopping trip. Oh, I forgot to mention earlier but Dottie sent them out to get one or two outfits for each girl after learning they would be staying for the weekend as well as swimming suits.

Anyway, something must have occurred up their because eventually the girls came out with red rimmed eyes in the comfort of the each woman as they left to return to their rooms. No one said anything but dinner was very melancholy after Mr. Donatelli's visit. It wasn't until this morning that it appeared the girls got some pep to their step. They spent a good three hours in the pool learning how to swim with Oliver, Jack, Michael, Dexter, and Rolland teaching them how to swim.

On a side note, I also have to add that this morning Grace found me and said that Abigail and I were right yesterday. She and Oliver agreed to get married this coming Saturday. Grace also knew that I at least was very aware of how her father found them this morning, and also his recommendations until she and Oliver were married.

Boy am I tired yet I have so much to tell you! The party was marvelous! I know Oliver was not thrilled that Miss Hannigan came to the party and let Grace know about it. I told him that Annie requested that she be invited since she attempted to save her from her brother. I think in their own way the girls care for Miss Hannigan, and I also believe Miss Hannigan does have a good heart and looks out for the girls in her unusual way. The only other people Annie wanted us to invite were FDR and Eleanor. I was shocked that Oliver didn't blink an eye when they arrived. He actually greeted them quite warmly and also let them know about Grace and his new relationship. Alan from the New York Times was also invited to take photos as well as Burt Healy so he could be the first to release the information about the upcoming nuptials.

Probably the greatest moment tonight was Annie and Oliver's dance and song routine, and right after it he gave her the locket Grace had picked out on Thursday for her. Grace gave me a watery smile before joining Oliver and Annie at the fountain as a family to watch the firework show. After the fireworks the trio were pretty inseparable unless the other girls coerced Annie in a game or to ride the elephant, and during this time Oliver would take the opportunity to gather Grace in his arms and waltz her around the fountain.

I am so glad I thought to bring you with me because the party didn't end until 30 minutes ago. Oliver and Grace suggested yesterday during dinner that we stay the night after the party. I am so glad we agreed. I hope to recover quickly tomorrow so I can move onto the wedding planning. I know we already secured the companies we used tonight for the wedding so that's a few less headaches that won't occur.

Till tomorrow … I hope!

Esther