So, as I've promised, here's the Royal Wedding Chapter! Thank you so much to everyone who has reviewed all of the chapter, and as a celebration for breaking 200, I've written an extra long chapter! Thanks to MzPink4, loveizzymellark, and HarryLovesGinny09 for their suggestions on what to put in the chapter!
Disclaimer: I don't own anyone except Clara. The rest belongs to Sara Shepard and ABC Family
Read, Enjoy, and Review :D
Chapter 24:
Ezra POV:
Luckily, I emerged from the shower and got dressed just in time for Clara and Mom to walk through the door.
"Daddy," said Clara who let go of Mom's hand and ran to wrap her arms around my leg. "I missed you," she said looking up at me. "Where's Mommy," she asked looking around eagerly.
"She's upstairs, in the bedroom getting ready. Why don't you go see her," I said. With my permission, Clara bounded upstairs.
"Mom, what would you say if while Aria and Clara are out tonight, I go out and buy and engagement ring," I asked sheepishly. The idea first popped into my head after I got out of the shower. I had no idea when I would give it to Aria, but it was better to be safe than sorry. Right?
Mom looked at me shell-shocked for a little bit, but came to her senses. "You seem to love her very much. I don't see an issue with it. Just promise me you won't rush into once you've got the ring. Propose at the right time," she said patting me on the shoulder. "I've got go. Your father and I have dinner reservations and I need to get ready," she said kissing me on the cheek. "Give Aria and Clara my best," she called as she left.
I felt jittery the minute she left. My hands started to quiver a little bit, and a huge grin appeared upon my face. I went upstairs to find Aria standing in the bathroom, applying makeup in my robe, while Clara sat on the closed toilet seat, telling Aria all about her day. I leaned against the door frame smiling a bit, and then made my way over to the bed and sat down on the edge. I pulled out my phone quickly to text Lucas and Toby.
Ezra: Meet me at the Starbucks on the corner of 47th and Broadway 5:00.
Both of then texted me back asking why and I said I'd tell them when we met up. I slid my phone back in my pocket and took my place back against the door frame.
Aria POV:
I was standing at the bathroom mirror, finishing the last application of my makeup, as Clara sat on the closet toilet seat, telling me about her day. I glanced down at Ezra's checkered robe, bringing back the delicious memory of out activities today.
"Mommy, why weren't you at school today? Grammy said you were with Daddy all day," she asked.
"Well," I said trying to find the right thing to say, because you can't tell your 5 year old daughter that you and her father stayed inside all day, having sex. "Daddy and I were talking about how I'll be moving with you two," I said excitedly.
"Really," Clara squealed. "When?"
"After this coming weekend. My parents, your grandma and grandpa, are coming for a visit," I said giving a final swipe of blush. "Let's go get you ready," I said turning around and running straight into Ezra, who had been standing in the doorway.
"Daddy, have you been there the whole time," Clara asked, putting her hands on her hips.
"Ummm...no," said Ezra blushing. "How about we let Mommy get dressed and get you ready to go to Auntie Hanna's," said Ezra leading Clara out of the bathroom. "You go on ahead, I'll be right there," he said giving her a pat as she ran to her room.
I felt his arms wind around my waist, and his lips met my ear. "You look lovely in my robe," he whispered, bringing back the memory of our shower. He grinned deviously and pulled in into a kiss.
"Ezra," I said pulling away. "I love you, but stop with the innuendos and help out daughter get ready," I giggled and he left the room laughing.
I took the time I had to do my hair, and then get dressed. I settled on dark jeans, and loose and flow-y white tank top, which I paired with small black suede lace up booties. I thew on a cream crocheted long cardigan, with had floral embroidery around the hem and arms ( all outfits on website which is located on my profile)
After packing an overnight bag, I quickly walked to Clara's room and smiled at the scene playing out in front of me. Ezra was reaching up into Clara's closet to bring down a Disney Princess duffel bag and Clara was laying a few dolls out on her bed. There was a pile of folded clothes on the floor, which I assumed had to be put in the bag. I loved to see how Ezra glowed around Clara.
"I need room for Ariel, Belle, and Cinderella in my bag, Daddy," said Clara.
"Are you sure you need all those," I asked coming into the room. I leaned down to give Clara a kiss on the forehead.
"Yes," she said nodding her head quickly. Ezra came over and set down the duffel bag. "Do you have everything," I asked her.
"Mhm. I put in my night gown, and Daddy picked out jeans and a tee shirt for me that says Daddy's Little Girl," she finished, curling into Ezra's free arm. He leaned down to give her a little kiss and said, "Let Mommy get you ready. I'll be downstairs," and left the room, giving me a small peck on the lips. I couldn't help but notice the slight change in his demeanor. It wasn't as carefree as it was this afternoon, and was a little bit jittery and nervous. I shrugged it off, and pulled out a plaid dress with a little bow around the waist.
"What about this dress," I asked handing it to Clara.
We left the townhouse after saying our goodbyes to Ezra and stepped outside into the pouring rain. Clara was wrapped up in a warm little pink windbreaker and rainboots, while I had pulled on my tan trench coat. I opened up a huge umbrella that was big enough to cover both of us.
"Mommy, can we get a taxi," whined Clara.
"But if we get taxi, you're going to miss out on all the fun the rain has to offer," I said. "Come on." I clasped her small hand lightly in mine as we walked to Hanna's.
If it wasn't obvious by now, I loved the rain. The rain brought me such comfort. It was as if my world was being protected by the sheen of droplets falling around us. Even at 4:30 (of course we were running late. my signature trademark was that I was never on time for anything), the sky had grown dark, and the lights from windows gave the city its majestic glow. I thought to myself how lucky I was to be living here.
"You're right, Mommy. This is fun," said Clara giggling as she jumped into a shallow puddle.
"Pumpkin, please don't splash in the puddles," I asked lightly. "Do you know what we're doing tonight?"
"Going to Auntie Hanna's," said Clara, but it came out more as a question.
"We're going to be watching Prince William and his girlfriend, Kate Middleton get married. It's called the Royal Wedding."
"Is she a princess," asked Clara.
"Ummm...something like that," I replied. We continued to walk in a comfortable silence, with the sound of the rain pouring and the occasional splash of Clara's boots in a puddle.
"Auntie Hanna! You have pink pants," laughed Clara as Hanna greeted us at the door.
"Don't make fun of the pink pants," said Hanna, giggling, and picked up Clara. "How are you, sweetie," she said giving Clara as kiss on the cheek and then set her down. Clara ran towards the living room to greet Spencer and Emily, as Hanna took my coat.
"Spencer told me you weren't in school today. You're spilling everything once Clara goes to sleep," she said winking.
We arrived in the living room to see Clara on the ground, comparing her rainboots with Emily's and Spencer laying out on the couch in her work clothes half asleep.
"Hi Spencer," I said in her ear.
"Shit Aria," she exclaimed, shooting up. I gave her a stern look and nodded towards Clara. "Sorry. I mean Jesus Aria."
"You know you love me, Spence," I said and went over the Emily to give her a hug. "Clara, hun. Do you want to take off your coat. Maybe stay awhile?"
"Sure," she said shrugging off her jacket and handed it to me. When I came back from hanging it up in the closet, I found Clara telling the girls all about our excursion in the rain.
"Wow, Aria. Look at this one. She's exactly like you already, a little spitfire, and loves the rain," said Hanna laughing.
"When are we going to see the princess," asked Clara. Spencer came over and lifting Clara into her lap. "Before we watch the wedding, we're going to eat dinner and watch the essential Disney Princess movie, 'Cinderella'," she said, causing Clara to spring up from her lap.
"I have a Cinderella doll in my bag," she exclaimed, running off into the hallway.
"Yup, definitely a spitfire," said Hanna, causing us four to laugh.
Ezra POV:
"Alright Man. What did you need us for," asked Toby as we sat in Starbucks. I had a steaming cup of black coffee that I had originally bought to calm my nerves, but it only accelerated them.
"Yeah, you ok though? You look jittery," said Lucas.
"I...uhh... I want to pick out a ring for Aria," I said, letting my words come out into a jumble. I looked at the guys nervously. It wasn't everyday that your old AP English teacher tells you that he wanted to propose to your girlfriend's best friend. Depsite how good of friends you became. I eyed each of their faces expectantly, waiting for their response.
"Sure," said Toby, smiling.
"I don't see any problem with it," said Lucas. "You guys did help me pick out Hanna's ring on Monday." This was true; we spent all afternoon trying to find the perfect ring.
"Thank guys," I said, and in 15 minutes, us three were pounding the pavement of the diamond district in the pouring rain. We had gone into two stores, but out of each of their large selections, I couldn't find anything. Toby and Lucas were looking in windows, as I walked dejectedly beside them, discouraged that I wouldn't find the most perfect ring for Aria, until a gleaming in a shop window caught my eye. I got closer and saw the ring. It was circular diamond, rimmed by another circle of smaller diamonds. The slender band was encrusted with diamond chips near the top. (ring on website)
"Guys," I called. "This is it," I said gazing at the ring through the glass. Within minutes we were in the store, and I later walked out with a small bag containing that little black velvet box. Once we were back on the street, Toby asked, "So what about that Madden rematch? My place?"
"Is Noel home," I asked remembering he lived there too.
"Nah, he had a date tonight. I don't even expect him to come home," laughed Toby.
Aria POV:
After finishing dinner and Cinderella, we started the Royal Wedding. Clara in my lap on the couch, while Hanna was laying across the love seat and Spencer and Emily were sprawled out on the floor. We had bowls of junk food splayed out on the table. Once Hanna and Spencer both had to get up to check their phones at the exact time, a the same secretive smile slipped over the faces for a moment.
It was exciting to watch the procession. I loved seeing the crowds that lined up, proving how devoted England was. Hanna was literally bouncing in place, waiting to see Kate's dress. When she stepped out of her car and onto the red carpet leading inside Westminster Abbey, a collective gasp went throughout the room.
"Oh. ," exclaimed Hanna.
"She looks gorgeous," said both Spencer and Emily simultaneously. I let out a gasp, and Clara asked loudly, "Mommy? Is that what you'll look like when you marry Daddy?"
The four of us girls were startled. Hanna gave a smile and said, "Isn't this kind of like what you're dream dress would look like, Aria?"
I shot Hanna a look, as if to say not to go into this. I wasn't in the mood to speak about how I imagined my wedding to be in front of Clara. "Yes, I...uhh...guess it is. Except without the long sleeves. But I love the lace and the full skirt. Its traditional, but beautiful and modern all the same," I said smiling.
We continued to watch the wedding until the very end. Clara fell asleep during the vows, leaving us to freely "ooo" and "aww" throught the rest of the ceremony. There was a quiet squeal when we saw the royal couple's first kiss. When we were finished, I took Clara upstairs and put her in bed. As I came back downstairs, I found the love seat vacated, and the girls gathered on the sofa.
"Alright," said Hanna. "First off, how was dinner with the parents last night?"
Let the interrogation begin!
"It was fantastic! They immediately let me into their family. His sister is hysterical, you'd all like her. Her name is Vera, and she kinda reminds me of you, Han. She uses a lot of sarcasm, but means well," I said laughing.
"I'm going to have to meet her," said Hanna to no one in particular.
"And get this," I continued. "They've known about Ezra and my relationship since it first started. In high school."
Emily partially spit back some of her water into her glass. "What," she sputtered. "They were ok with it?"
"Well, they thought it was wrong, but they could tell I made Ezra happy, so they accepted it."
"And what do they think about what you're doing for Clara and Ezra," asked Spencer.
"They're greatful. It was really a great night," I said and blushed at the thought of what helped make the night so great when we got home.
"You're blushing," said Hanna. "What else happened?"
"Nothing," I shot back.
"Liar," said Spencer grinning.
"What happened," asked Emily.
"Well," I said giving in, "Clara slept over Gillian and Wayne's townhouse. So Ezra and I had the night to ourselves. We got inside his townhouse, and started kissing, and one thing led to another, and well..." I said drifting off.
Hanna let out a squeal, while Spencer's mouth dropped, and Emily gave an excited giggle.
"You naughty girl! You and the English teacher," teased Hanna.
"Ew, Hanna. It's nothing like that. Its been 6 years. Now, its just two people showing each other how much they love one another," I said dreamily.
"So, then where were you at school today," asked Spencer.
"Let me guess," shouted Emily. "You were in bed all day with Fitzy." I blushed even deeper, acknowledging the truth.
"That's so hot," said Spencer.
"So, how was it," asked Hanna.
"Wonderful," I said.
"How was he...was he-"
"Ew! Hanna! Cut it out. I'm not going into that," I said smacking her shoulder.
We spent the rest of the night, watching both "Princess Diaries" movies, and the girls decided to make Ezra and my activities the main subject of the night's gossip.
"So where's Lucas," I asked Hanna, surprised that he wasn't here. "He's staying over at Toby's. I kicked him out for the night," said Hanna, giving Spencer a small secretive smile. Around 1 a.m., I went upstairs to change into a soft sweater of Ezra that smelled like his cologne and pajama pants. Us four fell asleep on Hanna's huge king sized bed, around 2 a.m., but not until after I recieved my goodnight text from Ezra.
Ezra POV:
It was around 12, when the door to Toby's apartment creaked open, and Noel Kahn stealthily walked in. Once again, I was winning Madden, but Toby was quickly catching up to me. Us three were so focused on the game, that we were startled when Noel's voice boomed, "What the hell is he doing here?"
Uh Oh! Noel's not going down without a fight! I'm actually very satisfied with this chapter :D
Please review! It honestly makes my day, so much! Thank you to those who have reviewed, and to those silent readers out there, don't be shy! tell me what you think!
if you have any ideas for the next chapter, let me know!
.soprano.