Chapter 2

Aubrey moaned as she slowly began to wake up the next morning. She opened one eye and couldn't help but giggle at what she saw. Stacie was curled up beside her with a lazy grin as she scrolled through her phone.

"Morning, baby," whispered Stacie and Aubrey had to hide her smile.

"Wipe that smug grin off your face," said Aubrey and Stacie sighed happily.

"Nope, not happening, not only did I get thoroughly laid last night, but I went viral. Amy retweeted a video of me and Cynthia Rose singing last night and Ariana Grande liked the tweet."

"Seriously," asked Aubrey as she sat up in bed and Stacie beamed with happiness as she showed her the tweet.

"Another perk of being Beca Mitchell's bestie, access to the stars," teased Stacie and Aubrey stretched.

"Well, I just hope no one let it slip last night where and when the wedding will be. I wouldn't put it past one of her fans to try to sneak in."

"You've got to admire their dedication. So, Future Mrs. Conrad-Posen, how does it feel to be one day away from the wedding?" Aubrey sighed happily and snuggled into Stacie's side.

"Amazing, but the orgasms last night may have something to do with that."

"And early this morning, you know babe, you woke up yesterday assuring me that there was no way the Hunter would seduce you and yet here we are, four orgasms later. Belize is going to be fun."

"First off, it was five orgasms. You forgot the one in the shower."

"Oh yea, damn I love our nights out."

"Second, I am adding a new wedding vow. No using the Hunter against me," said Aubrey and she smiled adoringly as Stacie threw her head back in laughter.

"I am not agreeing to that, ever. I have to keep you on your toes, babe."

"The Hunter is evil. I never get my way around him."

"Yea, but you get orgasms. The Hunter isn't evil and you are marrying him as well. I, the Hunter, promise you, Aubrey Posen, that my life's mission will be to make your toes curl." It was Aubrey's turn to throw her head back in laughter and Stacie giggled.

"I think that is a good vow. Do you think our parents would approve," teased Stacie and Aubrey ran a hand through her fiancée's hair.

"Probably not, so we better commit to those vows now. I, Aubrey Posen, promise to love the Hunter for as long as we both shall live. To have and to hold, from this day forward, for horniest of all horn dogs, in all your kinkiness, until death do us part," recited Aubrey and Stacie peppered kisses on her neck.

"That was the sweetest thing the Hunter has ever heard," cooed Stacie and Aubrey playfully rolled her eyes.

"You better be glad you are cute."

"And sexy, don't forget sexy…and smart…and rich. You totally get the full package with me, babe."

"I am glad to see your confidence never takes a hit, baby," teased Aubrey, but she couldn't stop laughing as Stacie began tickling her.

"Well how can it when I wake up to you every morning, especially this morning, naked," giggled Stacie. Aubrey sighed happily and nuzzled her neck.

"I love you so much."

"I love you too, Bree. Now, how about we go have some fun in the shower before we spend the day wrangling our family and friends," suggested Stacie.

"Ready for another round already?"

"It is my last day as a bachelor, I have to get in all the sex I can," assured Stacie and she laughed as Aubrey chased her into the bathroom.

The easygoing, euphoric morning was fleeting for Aubrey as the rush of final arrangements and preparing for the big day began to take its toll. As soon as Stacie left to spend time with her family, it was as if the world began to speed up for Aubrey. It was just past noon, but in her mind, it felt like the day was already passing in a blur with fires to put out. She paced back and forth outside on the terrace of her and Stacie's suite as Chloe and Camron, her personal assistant, went over the list of errands left for the day.

"Beca just texted me to say she and Stacie just finished up with last minute alterations for their dresses. It didn't take very long and Stacie's dress fits her perfectly. The caterers have arrived at the house and are setting up for the rehearsal dinner. Everything is going as planned for tonight, Bree, so take a breath," assured Chloe, but Aubrey shook her head.

"I am not worried about tonight. I am worried about tomorrow. My grandparents' flights got delayed. I don't even know who else is going to be able to make it, which means my side of the aisle is going to look pathetic as usual. I haven't heard from my father. The wedding cake is behind schedule…"

"That isn't what they said. The cake will be ready for tomorrow. They just aren't ready to show you pictures yet. It is a seven tier cake with an elaborate design, Bree. That takes time," reminded Chloe.

"Then they should have started earlier! That cake has to be perfect. Each tier represents a year that I have been with Stacie and if they ruin our wedding cake, I swear to God…"

"You need to breathe, boss, you are getting yourself worked up over nothing," said Camron as Aubrey began to take shorter breaths. She felt her chest tightening and her stomach churning in the way it used to years ago when she couldn't get a handle on her anxiety. Chloe rushed over and guided her to the nearest chair.

"Aubrey, calm down. Everything is going to be fine," soothed Chloe as tears filled Aubrey's eyes.

"He isn't coming. None of my family is coming. Am I cursed or something? Is this some kind of sick joke from the universe," she sobbed and Camron sighed in relief when Stacie and Beca walked out onto the terrace. Stacie immediately rushed over to her fiancée and cupped her face.

"Hey, it's me, calm down, baby, I am here," soothed Stacie, but Aubrey shook her head.

"No one is coming," she cried, but before she could continue to ramble, Stacie tenderly kissed her. Camron, Chloe, and Beca went inside to give them some privacy and Aubrey melted into the kiss. Stacie held her tightly as she slowly began to calm down.

"Talk to me, baby. What is going on," asked Stacie as she nuzzled Aubrey's neck.

"It just feels like everything is falling apart. I am cursed, Stace. I know it is stupid, but that is why I didn't want to have sex until our wedding night. It is a dumb superstition but I believe in stuff like that, no sex until the wedding night, no seeing the bride on the day of the wedding. I know you think stuff like that is ridiculous, but…"

"Okay," agreed Stacie and Aubrey frowned in confusion.

"Okay, what?"

"Okay, no sex tonight or before the wedding. I will even follow your no seeing each other before the ceremony rule tomorrow. If that is what makes you feel better, then that is what we will do."

"But I am being ridiculously difficult right now, even I know that." Stacie giggled and shrugged.

"Bree, you have spent most of your life wanting perfection and I firmly believe that you deserve a perfect wedding, so if you need us to do certain things so you can feel in control tomorrow, then that is what we will do. That's really all superstitions are about anyways. They give people rules, traditions, and habits they can follow to feel like they are doing things the right way and not upsetting the universe."

"But you don't believe in stuff like that."

"I don't have to. I believe in you and us and if this is what you need to feel comfortable, then it is what we are going to do. I am sorry I didn't take it seriously yesterday. I never meant to pressure you into sex," said Stacie as she looked down, but Aubrey quickly shook her head.

"Hey, you didn't. I thoroughly enjoyed being seduced yesterday and I know you would never pressure me. It is one of the reasons I fell in love with you, Stace. You are always so patient with me and never make me feel ashamed if I panic or get too upset about something," said Aubrey as she ran a hand through Stacie's hair. Stacie tenderly kissed her and leaned her forehead against her fiancée's.

"I love you, Bree."

"I love you too. Thank you for calming me down."

"Always, babe, now, tell me what triggered all this. Maybe I can help." Aubrey took in a deep breath and sighed.

"My grandparents' flight is delayed an hour, so they may not make it for the rehearsal dinner. I haven't seen any updated pictures of the wedding cake. Camron and Chloe said everything is on schedule, but it doesn't feel like it." Stacie slowly nodded as she laced their fingers together.

"And you haven't heard from your father yet, have you," asked Stacie and Aubrey shook her head as a fresh set of tears filled her eyes.

"I don't think he is coming. I want to believe that he wouldn't do that to me. He wouldn't let his 'confusion' as he calls it over our relationship stop him from walking me down the aisle, but deep down I know he would. The General is a stubborn man. I love my father so much but it wouldn't be the first time he disappointed me," sobbed Aubrey and Stacie sighed as she rubbed her back.

"I know, baby, and I know it is easier said than done, but we can't let him dictate our lives or our happiness, especially tomorrow. Bree, I love you so much. Being with you makes me so happy and the night you proposed, I fell even more in love with you because I realized it meant you loved me as much as I love you. So, tonight we are going to have an amazing dinner and welcome all our guests. Tomorrow is going to be the best day of our lives, whether he shows up or not, and we have a great contingency plan."

"Yea, if my granddad even makes it in town. The stupid storm delayed their flight. It isn't even storming in Colorado, but all the flights are backed up."

"I will take care of that. Maybe they will finally take me up on my offer to charter them a flight now. I guess you don't just get your stubbornness from your father."

"Pride is the downfall of many of my family members on both sides. My mother was pretty stubborn too. She would have to be to win even one argument with my father."

"Well, Conrad's are known to make people bend to their will, so trust me. Your family will be here. All of our friends are here, the rest of them arrived this morning, and this is going to be an amazing weekend. I already went to the house and my parents have things in order. The decorators and wedding planners are already setting everything up and it even looks like the weather is going to cooperate. There is no rain in the forecast tomorrow and it should be a beautiful evening, a bit of a cool breeze, but nothing a bit of dancing won't fix. They even have the tents set up just in case a rogue shower rolls through. Everything is going to be perfect, baby," assured Stacie and Aubrey hugged her.

"You are right. Thank you, I feel much better."

"Good, now come on, let's go talk to our besties and Camron. You know you have them worried about you." Aubrey nodded and sighed in relief as she finally felt her body calming down.

"It never ceases to amaze me how easily you manage to comfort me," confessed Aubrey and Stacie kissed her forehead.

"Yea, I am pretty awesome. You should marry me before someone else scoops me up," teased Stacie and Aubrey kissed her cheek as they entered the living room. Camron and Chloe hopped up and Aubrey smiled appreciatively at them.

"I am feeling better. Stace calmed me down and she is right. We got this," assured Aubrey and Beca shook her head in amusement.

"Stace, does part of being a genius involve having some sort of freaky spidey senses or something," asked Beca and Stacie shrugged.

"Probably, but only for Aubrey," said Stacie.

"What do you mean," asked Aubrey.

"I just had a feeling you were freaking out and told Beca we needed to come back here instead of heading to the house." Beca shook her head.

"No, we were on our way to the house and Stacie suddenly got this 'feeling' that she needed to check on you, so we turned around. I thought she was being dramatic, but as soon as we walked in, you looked like you were ready to pass out."

"I know my girl," said Stacie proudly and Aubrey pulled her in for a kiss.

"You definitely do," agreed Aubrey. Stacie winked at her before giving their friends her attention.

"Okay, so this is how it is going to work. Chlo, you are staying in here tonight with Aubrey and I am staying in your suite with Beca. We aren't going to see each other before the wedding, starting tonight after the rehearsal dinner."

"Slumber party," exclaimed Chloe as she happily clapped and Beca smirked.

"Really, no seeing the bride before the wedding? How very old school of you," said Beca.

"Shut it, bestie, you know you want to spend time alone with me, which is why you were all sappy this morning talking about how we rarely get to have Stace and Bec time," teased Stacie and the others laughed as Beca flipped her off.

"I take every nice thing I said about you this morning back. I can't wait to embarrass you in my speech tomorrow night," said Beca.

"Good thing I don't embarrass easily," taunted Stacie and Beca rolled her eyes.

"Embarrass us tomorrow and I will kill you, hobbit," warned Aubrey and Beca stuck her tongue out at her.

"Cam, will you check the flight status for Bree's grandparents again? If they aren't in the air in an hour, call Derek and have him charter one of the jets for them. I already checked yesterday in case anything happened and there should be two jets available in Colorado, one in California, and both our jets are here just in case they are needed. Do whatever needs to be done to get them here by the rehearsal dinner. I'll have the wedding planners call for updates on the wedding cake and you will have your pictures by the time dinner starts tonight. Everything is going to be amazing, babe. I promise," assured Stacie and Aubrey sighed happily as she hugged her.

"You are so damn sexy when you take charge," said Aubrey and Stacie grinned.

"Keep it in your pants, Future Mrs. Conrad-Posen," teased Stacie.

"Then stop being so hot," whined Aubrey and she giggled when Stacie showered her with kisses.

"Alright, Bec, let's get out of here before my bride tempts me too much. We will see you tonight, baby. Call me if you need me."

"I will," said Aubrey and she sighed happily as Stacie and Beca left. Camron and Chloe smiled at each other.

"And that's why Stacie is her perfect match," whispered Chloe and Camron nodded in agreement.

Beca had been aware of Stacie's wealth and status since their freshman year at Barden, but it was rare for it to be as obvious as it was when Stacie was home in Portland. The Conrad Estate was impressive in both size and design and the family was well known in the region, especially since the headquarters for Conrad Industries were located in Portland City Limits, and much pomp and circumstance was on display to celebrate the heiress's wedding. Beca let out a low whistle as she got out of the car and looked around.

"Why aren't we staying here instead of at the hotel? I mean the hotel is nice, but you definitely aren't lacking on space. This place is like a gazillion acres," said Beca.

"It is only thirty acres of land. Besides, I wanted to be able to get rowdy without the prying ears and eyes of my parents last night. Plus, as you can tell, everyone is a bit busy setting up and I didn't want us to be in their way," explained Stacie as they looked around at all the bustling of the crews and staff setting up for the rehearsal dinner and wedding. There were several vans and trucks in front of the main house and Stacie smiled when she saw her father walk out of the house. He was speaking with one of the movers.

"You can move whatever is in your way. Just put it to the side and we will have it moved into the garages. If you have any other questions, Marcus will be happy to help. Princess, you're back," said Eric and Stacie groaned as Beca smirked.

"Princess, of course you are his princess," teased Beca and Stacie nudged her.

"Hey, dad, I see you are still at it. I thought I told you to let the staff handle all this. You need to relax. I know you are jet lagged from your trip to Dubai." He pulled her in for a warm embrace and hugged Beca as well.

"Like your mother would let me rest when there is so much to do. You know she loves this, right? It has her in her element. She even managed to get your brothers on board."

"I understand Derek, but EJ, really? He isn't exactly big on parties," said Stacie.

"But I am big on weddings, especially the wedding of my baby sister," informed EJ as he walked outside to greet them. Stacie hugged her brother and he kissed her cheek.

"Where is Aubrey? You know she is my favorite," teased EJ and Stacie nudged him.

"Love you too, bro. She is dealing with her family. I am trying to stay positive, but she isn't going to take it well if her father doesn't show up. If he ruins our day, I am going to kill that man," warned Stacie.

"Now, now, my love, murder isn't necessary," assured her mother as she walked out of the house with Derek. Beca watched as Stacie hugged her mother. She would never admit it out loud, even though Chloe had no problem doing so, but she was a bit enamored by the confidence and sex appeal of Helen Conrad. Beca was impressed by the way Helen effortlessly received the attention of all in her path merely by walking by them. Chloe assured her that she did not walk. She glided, or at the very least, sauntered. Either way, it was safe to say many of the Bellas were infatuated with the beauty and presence of Helen. Beca smiled when Helen kissed her cheek in greeting.

"Welcome to our home, Beca. I can't believe after all these years, it is the first time you are here," said Helen and Beca nodded.

"I know a lot of the girls are excited to finally be in Portland," said Beca.

"I guess Aubrey is the only one you have brought home and that is only because we demanded it. If I didn't know better, my love, I would say you were ashamed of us," teased Helen and Stacie rolled her eyes.

"Yes, mother, that's it. I am ashamed of all of you. Our schedules just never line up. You and dad are always gone or busy. Aubrey wants us to come back more often though. You know she loves it here and loves our family, which is why I am counting on all of you to remind her that you are her family now as well. Her dad is such a prick, but she isn't alone. She doesn't just get me forever. She gets you awesome nerds too." Helen winked at her.

"We will make sure she is aware, but do not fear. I have a sneaking suspicion that General Posen will be in attendance tonight," said Helen and Stacie eyed her carefully.

"A sneaking suspicion….okay, what did you do," asked Stacie and Eric smiled adoringly at his wife.

"What she always does, she handled it," he assured and Helen shrugged.

"I know how upset the two of you were when her father didn't RSVP and said he was still thinking about it, so I went to pay him a visit," informed Helen and Stacie groaned.

"What did you say," asked Stacie.

"Nothing to embarrass you, just that he was acting like a horrible father and I would not let him ruin your wedding."

"That's it? How did he take that? I am sure the General isn't used to being told off," said Stacie.

"I'm not, but sometimes I need it," said a voice behind them, causing Stacie and Beca's eyes to widen as they spun around. In front of them stood General Trent Posen, Aubrey's father, and Beca couldn't help but to point.

"Holy shit, he is a real person. Lilly owes me twenty bucks," said Beca as Stacie crossed her arms and glared at the man.

"What the hell are you doing here," questioned Stacie.

"I am here for a wedding," he said.

"No, I mean what are you doing here, in my house, instead of at the hotel begging your daughter for forgiveness, the daughter that I had to calm down an hour ago because she thinks she is being abandoned yet again by her father? You have never once reached out to me and have treated Bree like a pariah, but you just show up unannounced and expect what?"

"Stacie, be civil," warned her mother, but Stacie continued to glare at him.

"One thing you will learn very quickly about me, General, is that when it comes to Aubrey, I am extremely protective, so if you are here to cause problems…"

"I am not here to cause problems for you or my daughter. I understand why you are wary of me. You have been with Aubrey for years and we are just now meeting."

"Seven years to be exact," corrected Stacie.

"Can we speak in private," he asked and Stacie gave a curt nod.

"Follow me," she said before heading toward the side of the house and Beca looked back and forth between them and her family.

"None of you are going to stop her? When it comes to Aubrey, Stacie doesn't play. I have watched her take down massive dudes before, you really think she won't try her hand at knocking him down a few pegs," asked Beca and Eric chuckled.

"Oh, I am sure she will, but we already spoke with him. He arrived this morning and I believe the conversation will be tense, but productive," assured Eric.

"She once kneed a frat boy in the groin for grabbing Aubrey's butt," reminded Beca and Eric smiled proudly.

"That's my girl," he boasted and Helen giggled.

Stacie practically stomped up the steps leading to the modern cottage her father had built for her sixteenth birthday. The moment she entered, she began to pace and Aubrey's father gave an impressed nod as he looked around.

"The background check made it clear. Stacie Conrad comes from money, but it is one thing to see it on paper and another to see it up close."

"I wasn't like other kids in high school. While most of them were going to parties and worrying about prom, I was working on patents and spending as much time as possible in the lab with my dad. Maybe that's why I wanted to party as much as possible when I first got to college. I always felt different, even from my family, and being the only girl didn't exactly help, so when I turned sixteen my dad gave me this place. He said it could be whatever I wanted, a cottage, loft, lab, whatever. I called it my Fortress of Solitude."

"Superman reference, right?"

"Wow, who knew the General would get a pop culture reference."

"I am full of surprises."

"Apparently, so why are you really here, General? You didn't RSVP."

"I was wrong and it is difficult for me to admit that, but I was. I didn't give you a chance and I was wrong to assume I knew you would be bad for my daughter."

"You really think I care about your view of me? This is about how you treat Aubrey. You know, I have played this out in my head so many times, how I would respond when I got a chance to talk to you. Sometimes, I tell you off. Other times, I just beg for you to see reason and see how you are hurting her. She lost her mother and practically lost her father as well. All she has ever wanted is for you to be proud of her, to love her, to be there for her, but I don't think you are capable of that, so this is how this is going to work. You need to decide right now. I am not going to let you hurt her again. I am taking vows tomorrow to love her forever, but that started a long time ago, so if you are just here to stick your nose up at us or spout some archaic beliefs about the sanctity of marriage between a man and a woman, leave now."

"Before she even told me, I knew she met someone. We didn't speak often, but she is still my daughter. I could tell there was something different about her. Something had changed and I could hear it in her voice. I was just waiting for her to tell me who he was. I already had it in my head that it would be some prim and proper, ambitious overachiever. He would be at the top of his class and probably heading to law school soon. I even envisioned what he would look like, a bit like one of my friend's sons, an army brat like her. Then, she told me it was you, and all my preconceived notions went out the window. I never once even thought about it. They say there are signs for these things, so I guess I missed them all. Her mother would probably have known. She was always better at stuff like that, noticing the things people were too afraid to say. It caught me off guard and I didn't handle it well, but I am here now because I love her. Your mother is right. It isn't the job of a parent to dictate their child's life. It is my job to make sure she knows she is loved. I have failed her."

"Yes, you have, but for some reason, she keeps holding on to hope that you will figure it out. Have you," asked Stacie and he nodded.

"Yes, I have."

"Good." They were both quiet for a moment and the awkward silence crept in.

"Question, you have an indecent exposure charge on your record. It was removed, probably because of your parents and who you are, but I run very thorough background checks. What exactly happened?" Stacie giggled.

"Sophomore year, one too many body shots, and a dare. I don't back down from dares, not even streaking around campus."

"I figured it was something like that," he chuckled and she shook her head at the memory.

"Bree was pissed. She was out of town and it was our first weekend apart from each other. I was banned from all parties without her supervision after that."

"You are good for her. Aubrey is a lot like me and I made her that way, structured, organized, but at times she takes herself too seriously. Her mother was the only person that could get me to loosen up and it sounds like you are that for her."

"She is everything to me," assured Stacie and he nodded.

"Then let me officially welcome you to the family. I am sorry it took me so long to do it before." She shook his hand.

"Thank you, General."

"Call me, Trent."

"Trent," she said with a nod as understanding passed between them. She knew there were still years of hurt and tension between Aubrey and her father, but also that her fiancée would be relieved to see him.

Aubrey felt anxious, but in a completely different way as she, Camron, and Chloe pulled in front of the Conrad House. She missed Stacie already and couldn't wait to see her fiancée.

"Whoa," was all Chloe could say as she took in the expansive home that was a mix of rustic and modern and Aubrey nodded.

"Told you, there is a reason it is one of my favorite places in the world. Come on, Stace and I will give you a quick tour, but then I need to spend some time alone with her. We all know once the guests start arriving, it will be too hectic to sneak away," said Aubrey as she got out of the car.

"Don't worry about entertaining us. We will have one of her yummy brothers give us the tour. Is it a requirement to be hot in order to be a Conrad? Someone needs to bottle their DNA," said Camron.

"Wait until you see her parents," whispered Chloe and Aubrey rolled her eyes.

"Yes, apparently most of the Bellas have a crush on at least one Conrad. You are just joining the club," said Aubrey as they entered the house.

"Stace," called Aubrey and Camron smirked.

"You sure she can even hear you in this place? It is a freaking castle," said Camron and a giggle made them look up toward the stairs where Helen was descending.

"She is out back with Eric. About time you got here," said Helen and Aubrey jogged over to give her a hug.

"Hey," giggled Aubrey.

"How are you doing, sweetheart," asked Helen as she looked her over and Aubrey sighed happily. Aubrey never realized how much she missed motherly affection until Stacie introduced her to the family. Helen made a point of making sure Aubrey felt welcomed and treated her like a daughter from the beginning.

"I am doing better. I miss Stace though. I am going to check on her. Will you two be alright by…"

"Go," encouraged Chloe and Aubrey gave her an appreciative smile before heading toward the backyard. She beamed with happiness when she spotted Stacie laughing with her father and playfully swatting at his shoulder as he tried to throw fake moss at her from the decorations being set up. Aubrey always envied the relationship Stacie had with her father.

"Good to see you two are hard at work," she teased and Stacie's eyes lit up when she saw her. She jumped into Aubrey's arms and Aubrey nuzzled her neck.

"I missed you so much."

"I missed you too," whispered Stacie and Aubrey kissed her cheek before hugging Eric.

"We were just making sure everything was in order," said Eric.

"Oh yea, I see that," she teased as she picked up some of the moss and sprinkled it on his head. He shook out his hair dramatically and laughed.

"No fair, you two don't get to team up against the old man," he said and Stacie nodded happily.

"Yes, we do, she is always on my team and don't you forget it," said Stacie.

"As long as she is still my jogging buddy, that is fine," said Eric and Aubrey nodded.

"Of course, who else am I going to jog with? This one doesn't get up early enough," said Aubrey and Stacie scoffed.

"See, this is why Amy always believed in horizontal running," said Stacie as Aubrey rolled her eyes.

"Good to know that habit stuck, nothing like a good jog in the morning," called a voice behind them that made Aubrey freeze. Stacie and Eric glanced at one another and Aubrey turned around to see her father walking over to her with a small smile.

"Hi, sweetheart," he said and she took in a shaky breath as tears filled her eyes.

"Dad," she whispered and he nodded.

"I couldn't miss your big day and really want to be here to support you if you will have me." Aubrey nodded as she ran into his arms and Stacie sighed in relief. She hugged her father and kissed his cheek, suddenly feeling very blessed to have him in her life. He kissed her forehead and they turned to leave to give Aubrey and her father some privacy, but Aubrey grabbed Stacie's hand to pull her back. Stacie smiled at her as Aubrey laced their fingers together.

"I am really glad you are here, dad, but I hope you know that being here means you have to be here for both of us. I love Stacie with every part of me and we are going to be together for the rest of our lives. Are you sure you accept that? I only want you at the wedding if you do," said Aubrey and Stacie smiled proudly at her, knowing how difficult it was for Aubrey to take such a stance. Her father nodded.

"Stacie and I had a good talk. I want to apologize to both of you. This is the happiest time of your life and I don't want to be the reason you even think of anything else but that. I want to be part of this family, if you both will have me," he said and Aubrey was surprised when he opened his arms to both of them. She hugged him and Stacie did as well while her parents watched from the deck.

"I don't know how you do it, but I love you for it," whispered Eric as he held his wife and Helen giggled.

"Sometimes it just takes a mother's touch," she assured and he kissed her before walking back inside to get ready for the rehearsal dinner.