Chapter 31.

Where R U?

Callie hit send, then held onto her phone, waiting for a response. It didn't come.

"What's wrong?" Brandon asked, watching her from his chair at the banquet table.

"My dad's not here," Callie fretted, trying so sound calm. "He's supposed to be here."

Brandon glanced over at the empty chair that was reserved for Donald. "Maybe he got held up?" He placed his hand on her shoulder reassuringly.

"He was supposed to be here an hour ago," Callie insisted. "This is our rehearsal dinner. He's in the wedding!'

Brandon turned in his seat to face her. "Hey. It's going to be okay," he whispered, taking her hands in his. "I'm sure he'll be there. And if he doesn't show, don't let it ruin your night."

She nodded, looking down, tears gathering in her eyes.

Brandon tenderly squeezed her shoulder. "Just hang in there. Everything's going to work out.

She nodded feebly, trying to squelch her disappointment so she wouldn't spoil Brandon's fun. "Okay." She took a deep breath, then looked up to face her family and friends, mustering the best smile she could.

"Are you sure you don't want to go back with me?" Brandon asked, after the dinner. He was going to spend the night at Stef and Lena's, so they could get an early start in the morning. Caitlin was baby-sitting Toby back at home.

"No," said Callie. "I don't want to wake up in your bed on our wedding day." She pecked Brandon on the lips, and he gathered her in his arms, deepening the kiss. When they parted, she smiled. "Where's the romance in that?"

Brandon nodded. "Okay. You know where to find me if you need anything." He kissed her again, more passionately. "I love you, Callie. And I can't wait for tomorrow."

"Neither can I," she replied. She kissed him one more time. "I love you too. See you soon." He got in his car, and she waved as he departed down the Quinns' long driveway.

As soon as he was out of sight, Callie went into the house. Robert was sitting in the living room, sipping a glass of red wine. When he noticed her, he looked up and smiled. "Hey, sweetie."

Callie nodded to him. "Hey, dad."

Her father's smile broadened. "I still can't get over hearing you call me that." He patted the spot next to him, and Callie sat down beside him. "Can I get you something to drink?" he asked. "Maybe a soda?"

"No thanks," she replied. "I'm good." For a moment, she worried that he'd bring up Donald's absence from the rehearsal dinner; something she was in no mood to talk about. When he didn't, she began to relax.

"So, are you excited about tomorrow?"

"Yes," she nodded. "A little nervous, though."

"Well, pre-wedding jitters are normal," he assured her. "I'm betting Brandon is nervous too."

"What was your wedding to mom like?" Callie suddenly asked him. "You've never really told me about it."

He paused, seemingly thinking the question over, turning the wine glass between his hands. "Rushed," he finally replied. "We eloped, you know. Got married by the Justice of the Peace a few towns over."

"Oh," said Callie, quietly.

"Don't get me wrong," he explained. "It doesn't sound like much, but it was a great day, and Colleen and I were so happy... she was just beautiful." He sighed. "Sometimes I wish I'd given her the wedding she deserved: flowers, doves, the whole nine yards. Doing all of this for you kind of makes up for it."

"Thanks," said Callie. "For doing this for me. I appreciate it."

"It's my pleasure," he nodded. "It really is. I love you, kid."

She smiled. "I love you too, dad." She sat back, her legs folded under, resting her head against his shoulder. "How long were you and mom married?" she asked, glancing up. "You've never really told me."

He closed his eyes for a second, mentally thinking back. "A month." He nodded to himself. "Doesn't seem very long, does it?"

"No," she honestly answered, shaking her head.

"But it was a great month," he confided. "One of the happiest of my life."

Callie smiled through a yawn. "I think I'm gonna head up to bed. I need to get some sleep."

"Goodnight," said Robert, setting his glass down on the coffee table.

"Goodnight."

Hurrying up the stairs, Callie started down the hall. Before she could reach her own room, Sophia peeked out of hers.

"Callie?" she called.

"What, baby?" She stopped, turning to her younger sister.

"Will you sleep in my room tonight?" Sophia asked. "I mean, it's kind of our last sisters-sleepover, since you're getting married tomorrow."

"Sure. I'll stay with you," Callie promised. "Just give me a minute to change."

She went to her room, and quickly put on her nightgown, then returned to her sister's room. Sophia was busy fluffing an extra pillow, spreading out her comforter. By the downward tilt of her head, and the stiffness of her shoulders, Callie could tell she was crying. She went to stand behind her, placing her hand on her back. "Are you okay, bug?" she asked, quietly.

"Yeah," Sophia nodded, brushing the back of her hand across her wet cheeks. "It's just... I'm gonna miss you."

"I'm not really going anywhere," Callie told her, managing a reassuring smile. "I'll still be living in the same place."

"But it won't be like this anymore," Sophia pointed out. "Just the two of us. I'll miss our sleepovers, and staying up all night and talking and stuff. Won't you?"

She nodded. "Yes. But I'm sure Brandon won't mind if I came over to spend the night with you once in a while. And we have a spare bedroom at home. You can come stay the weekend with us. We'll cook, and watch movies. That will be fun, right?"

Sophia smiled, her eyes still damp. "I guess so."

"Come here, love bug," said Callie, holding her arms out. "Give me a hug."

Sophia threw her arms around Callie's waist, and Callie held her right back, kissing her forehead. "We'll always be sisters," she told her. "Nothing will ever change how much I love you."

"I love you too," Sophia replied, her tears finally subsiding.

Callie ruffled her hair. "Now, let's get ourselves to bed. I have to ge up at the crack of dawn tomorrow."

They crawled under the covers, Sophia nestled against Callie, her arm draped around her. "You know what?" she asked.

"Hmm?"

"I'm glad you're marrying Brandon," the younger girl admitted. "He's so cute."

"He is, isn't he?" Callie giggled. "And he's really sweet, too. He has the biggest heart of anyone I know."

"You're so lucky," Sophia confided, a hint of regret in her voice. "I'll never have a boyfriend."

"Yes, you will," Callie assured her. "You're pretty, and you're so smart."

Her little sister shook her head sadly. "It's kind of hard to meet someone in an all-girls school."

Callie nodded knowingly. "Just wait until college. You might meet someone then. You never know."

"I hope so," her sister quietly replied.

"You will." Callie leaned over and kissed her goodnight, then switched off in the lamp. As she lay there in the dark, watching the ceiling fan spin, she felt the butterflies in her stomach flutter, but it was pleasant, in a way.

Just as she felt herself falling asleep, Callie heard her phone buzz on the nightstand. She hoped the text was from Donald; he definitely owed her an explanation, but she wasn't disappointed to see that it was from Brandon. They'd been apart for only an hour or so, and already, she missed him. It was a short, sweet message: I miss you. Can't wait to see my beautiful bride tomorrow. Love you, B.

She smiled at the glowing screen, the bluish light illuminating her face. Quickly, she typed a quick reply: Miss U too. I love you. Goodnight. Then she set her phone aside and closed her eyes.

To Be Continued.