Chapter 30
Saturday Morning
Bridget woke up at 6 am and wasn't feeling well she saw that Brian had left supplies on her side table and munched on some crackers took a sip of ginger ale took her prenatal vitamins and chewed on papaya tablets and she lay back down,
"Boy that certainly helped settle my stomach" She thought to herself. "As long as I remember to do that every morning I will be ok" She lay back down next to Brian who was still sleeping, He still insisted on keeping that bandana on. "He shouldn't be self-conscious about it around me." she thought to herself She didn't want to wake him but she wanted it off his head she ever so gently slid it off his head. And put it on her side table. "Much better" she thought. "His hair certainly was growing fast" She rubbed his head.
He opened his eyes when she rubbed his head "Hey you took my head covering off" he said
"Hey I told you that you don't need to wear it in the house when we are alone ok" and she kissed his head. "Hopefully your hair will have it come in enough that you won't need to cover your head when we get married. It actually looks ok now. You can barely see the scar."
"I don't know, I am not comfortable with my head being uncovered right now. But we will see how it looks in a week, ok but I won't make any promises." He said "hey how are you feeling this morning, you seem ok."
"Right now I am ok, I woke up horrible but I am glad you put my anti-nausea supplies over here. I just took some of the crackers and ginger ale and of course the tablets and it settled my stomach." "You know I am kind of enjoying the fact that we can just Lay here and not do anything for a while we have at least 3 hours before we have to even think about getting up" He said "Hmmm I wonder how we can occupy ourselves for all that time." she said "Well I have a few ideas" he laughed "Yes I just bet you do" she said and they had 3 hours of spectacular intimacy.
They got up and showered around 9:15 she was dressed just in her robe. She had a bunch of different bags of stuff she bought yesterday from Target. A bag with all her bra and underwear one a couple with Maternity skirts and pants, one with some Maternity tops a few dresses and she also had hit the baby department and found a few cute baby things that could be for a boy or a girl.
Brian had still been in the bathroom as she was going through all the stuff. He came out half-dressed and grabbed her from behind and kissed her neck.
He saw all the stuff on the bed and said "Wow you got a lot of stuff,"
"I had to, most of the stuff I had; even from the storage unit was too small or just barely fitting in the tummy area. Don't worry, I won't leave it out all over the place like this, I am just going to put this stuff away. I just have to figure out what to wear today. That's why I have it all out. She pulled out underwear and then said "I think I will wear a strapless bra because I will be trying on the dresses today" so she put that aside
She looked out the window nice and sunny I think I will wear this skirt and top with these sandals, both were maternity wear. They both got dressed and she put her new clothes away
Brian saw another bag that was sitting there. "You forgot one." he said
"No this I am taking with us it has baby stuff I couldn't resist."
He took some of it out." Wow this stuff is so tiny, just like Bella
"Oh that reminds me." She said "I have to call Nicole about what time."
"Hey while you are doing that do you mind if I make coffee I don't want to make you sick."
"No I will be ok Just open the kitchen window to let some air in the kitchen Oh and can you make me more soup it's the only thing that really helps and maybe some toast"
"sure Bridget" He said he kissed her and went into the kitchen. She then proceeded to dial the Camden's Ruthie answered "Hi Camden residence"
"Hi is this Ruthie, Yes who's this?"
"Hi it's Bridget."
" Oh Hi Bridget, boy do you and Brian have this house in an uproar but in a good way" she laughed
"What do you mean "Oh come on the planning the wedding in a week and a brid..." she stopped herself she didn't know if was supposed to say about bridal shower "Well and the baby planning stuff oh congratulations on the baby by the way. Oh and don't worry mom loves doing this stuff she is having a ball doing it"
"I am glad she likes doing it my mom and dad are really not active participants in my life. They are along the same line as Brian's adoptive parents. So I may send them an Email about the wedding or leave them a voice mail and I may expect to hear from them in six months or so if I am lucky and my 2 brothers are overseas in the Marines so I doubt they would get any time off"
"Oh that's right ,Did you say Marines My Grandfather is retired Marines." Ruthie said
"Oh that's right Matt I think said something about him last night. That's why they call him the colonel"
"Oh I forgot to tell you why I was calling I am supposed to be over there around 11 am. We are going to David's Bridal. But I have to call Nicole to tell her where to meet us. But I forget to ask which one are we going to, the shop in Burbank or the shop in Monrovia? Oh and you are coming too right?"
"We all are, even Sarah's mother Rosina is coming too, let me ask mom about which shop be right back Oh Sarah just walked into the kitchen."
she handed Sarah the phone Sarah answered it. "Hello?"
"Oh hey Sarah"
"Oh hi you still going to be here at 11am?" Yeah, we will be there and Brian can help they guys watch the kids. I heard you mom is going to go with us today I look forward to meeting her."
"My dad Richard will be here too. He wants to help with the kids, He just loves the boys Oh Ruthie is back I will see you at 11"
"Hi Bridget mom says Monrovia is closer to the house and have a better selection of off the rack stuff so I guess you can tell Nicole to meet us around noon at the Monrovia store"
"Ok thanks Ruthie I will see you all around 11"
She hung up and dialed Nicole. Nicole answered "Hi this is Nicole,"
"Hi Nic, Its Bridget are you still coming with us. I am not sure I only can if maybe Brian can watch Bella. Jamie the Manny is sick"
"Oh sure then instead of meeting us at the shop meet us at the Camden's. All the men are watching the kids there while we go out, one more child won't be a problem. I am supposed to be there by 11,Nic,"
"Ok then see you then" Nicole said
She hung up and grabbed her stuff put in in the purse along with her tablets and the bag with the baby clothes and some knee highs she might need to try on shoes and went into the kitchen and made sure she also out a bottle of ginger ale and crackers in a bag to bring too. Brian did as she asked he had made her the soup, toast and had it along with some ginger ale waiting for her. He was eating a bowl of cereal,
"Thanks honey she said "Nicole will meet us at your parents at 11 instead of the shop I hope you don't mind I volunteered you for something, you will need the practice."
"Oh for what?" he asked
"Well she needed someone to watch Bella her Nanny or Manny whatever she calls him is sick."
" No problem I love my little cutie pie"
"That's what I figured told her you wouldn't have a problem not with all the men the watching the kids. There will be 7 adults I think watching 8 kids I think so it will work out ok"
"What Seven adults?" Brian asked.
"You, Matt, Carlos your dad, Sarah's dad, Kevin and Ben. That should be enough I think"
"I hope so" he laughed they ate and headed out around 10:30.
Nicole actually got to Brian's parent house before they did She was waiting outside with Annie, holding Bella as they pulled up.
"You know Brian It will be nice when you are allowed to drive again."
"I know I miss it but I have to do what the Doctor tells me I don't have a choice."
They got out of the car Brian had decided to wear his sling just in case he knew the kids could get rough and he wore it as a reminder for him and the kids to take it easy on him he did however do as Bridget had suggested he went without a head covering but he had the hat tucked in his pocket just in case he felt uncomfortable. As they were getting close to the front door, Nicole walked over to Brian he took Bella from Nicole,
"Are you sure you can handle holding her with your shoulder," She asked,
"Yeah no sweat" he said
then Annie said "no bandana today?"
"Well Bridget is trying to get me use to not wearing it around family I have my hat if I had to go in public Bridget told me I shouldn't feel self-conscious around family"
"She's right" Annie agreed
"I just have to run in the house and go to the bathroom again and then if everyone is here we can go" Bridget said
Brian went in with Bella, Nicole gave him her feeding schedule and Diaper bag
"Don't worry Nicole she will be fine with me and there are a whole lot of experienced dads here if I get into a jam. She was introduced to Rosina Sarah's mother
"So Nice to meet you I hope you will come to the wedding too.
"I wouldn't miss it she said so the women all headed out they got to David's Bridal before noon. Bridget was completely overwhelmed the sales women asked what the needed Annie told her they wanted off the rack wedding dresses they were directed to the correct area, she must have tried on 10 dresses She found a beautiful one, sweetheart neckline it was it actually for her perfect as long as they got married soon it was flowy around her tummy she tried on some shoes with a slight heal which went perfect. Annie told her this was perfect.
The consultant jacked her up with a matching veil and some Jewelry she looked stunning in it everyone agreed this was the dress. So with that decided they needed to move on to the Brides maids she had become close with Sarah and asked her to be her matron of Honor
"I would be honored" Sarah said
She took the wedding dress off and asked them to press it and bag it they would take it with them at the end of the appointment so the attendant did
"I am not even sure what to do for bridesmaids I guess I should have all of you huh" she laughed.
Annie turned to the her attention to everyone else "So now it is your turn to see if there are enough off the rack that would go look appropriate on everyone that would either be the same or same color same material but slightly different"
"we would also need one for Deena I so wish she could have been here" Nicole said Well I am pretty sure of her size Nicole added and If we find one it we can get it a little bigger and it can be altered"
They found a beautiful tea length style with a sweet heart neck line strapless two tone white on the top peach on the bottom they were all the same style except for one with capped sleeves which she wanted for Sarah and even had little girl flower girl dresses that were ankle length with cap sleeves that Mary decided to get for Chrissy and Jenny and Lucy got the same one for Savannah. Nicole got a matching colored little ruffled dress for Bella.
Mary told her she could have Charlie pull Her down the aisle in a wagon Bridget couldn't believe how lucky they were to find all this on one day they all going home with dresses even one for Deena.
Annie even found a mother of the groom dress she liked as well. They were there however all afternoon they attendant came back with the wedding dress all pressed and bagged and the veil and shoes in another bag
"Wow what a day we had" Bridget said "Next up the guys have to figure out what they are going to wear, but at least we are done"
" I wonder how they are doing with the kids?" Annie said should we call them?"
"Nah" Sarah said
They guys were having fun with the kids Matt and Brian were in the living room with Bella and his boys Richard had fallen asleep on the couch
"Hey after church tomorrow we should go figure out our own wardrobe for the wedding. We should probably go to Friar Tux in Arcadia. I know they are open on Sundays and they are quick to get you fitted. I know I had to go there for a rental for my prom tux I hadn't planned on going and at the last minute I did and they had one for me in a couple hours" Matt said
"Yeah we should. Bridget and I have to get wedding bands too" Brian said "You will be my best man right Matt? You have been here for me more in the past week or so than my well friends have my whole life"
"Of course I will be your best man I would be honored," Matt said
"Hey think we can get Simon down here to go to a tux shop tomorrow. Brian asked
"Yeah I bet we could" Matt replied
"Your boys will have to be the ring bearers and you know and I think maybe Charlie could pull Bella down the Aisle in a wagon or something" Brian said.
"Sounds like a plan" Carlos said as he came in and said "And I bet Mary is getting Chrissy and Jenny pretty dresses too."
" Wow it is already 4:30 they have been gone all day Brian said "Hey Carlos where is everyone else,
"Dad is in the Kitchen with My son and Sam and David. Ben and Kevin are upstairs with my girls and Savannah Dad ordered pizza for everyone because it was getting late and we have no idea when the women will be home."
The doorbell rang and all the Sam David and Charlie came running in with Eric close behind yelling Pizza's here well that woke up a sleeping Bella
Matt looked at Brian. "Better get used to it" he said
"Will you hold her while I go make a bottle, Brian asked,
"Actually I will go make the bottle you have a poopy diaper to change," Matt laughed.
Brian laid her on the chair he took the sling off and put it aside and changed a crying Bella. Matt came in and handed him the warmed bottle Brian picked her up and sat in the chair and fed her, I can hardly wait to do this with my own he said I don't even think I will care about 2 am feedings"
"You say that now my friend Carlos said as he laughed.
By 5:30 they heard all the cars pull up.
The kids ran to the window, "they are home" they said excitedly.
Annie came in first, she told Brian to go into his dads office so he couldn't see the bridal dress so he went in there with Bella he was still feeding her. Bridget came in with the Dress and everything as well as the baby bag she had brought with her from home She and Annie went up to the master bedroom to put the dress up there so Brian wouldn't see it
The rest of the women brought their dresses in as Matt opened his Dad's office door
"You can come out now." He said.
He brought Bella out. Nicole showed him Bella's Dress and her own dress wow they are very pretty and then asked "Did Bridget get what she wanted? How did she look?"
She did get what she wanted and that's all you get to know, you have to wait."
He gave her the pouty lip he used to try to use on her when he was a kid "Forget it not going to work" she told him
"It was worth a try he laughed. Mary showed Carlos her dress and the she showed the girls their dresses but because they were covered in Pizza sauce she wouldn't let them touch them.
"Ok daddy" talking to Carlos "go get them cleaned up while I bring these upstairs All the women went upstairs to the Master bed room Nicole Hung her dress, Deena's dress and Bella's dress on the closet door downstairs she took Bella from Brian and went upstairs with the rest of the women once the girls were cleaned up they were sent upstairs to try on their dresses too "Wow Brian" Carlos said. "It looks like you are really getting married next week are you ready for it?"" I am more than ready. I have been waiting my whole life for this. It is actually hard to wait a week" he replied
In about a half hour they all came down stairs "Hey any Pizza left?" Rosina asked "or did Richard eat it all?"
"Hey why are you picking on me I have been sitting here quiet and not causing trouble" he said
"Ok I will be nice" she said
The women went into the kitchen and the all finished off the left over Pizza .Except Bridget who again had soup and she tried a piece of leftover chicken which was ok on her stomach. Oh I forgot to tell you I was able to get a caterer for next Saturday And One of Simon's Friends is a DJ we got him too And Ruthie has a friend who is in college with her and he is a photographer and we have him so It looks like everything will come together, and I will do the cake, I did Lucy's and Matt's so I have experience"
"Wow this is really going to happen next week isn't Bridget said "I still haven't heard from my parents nor would I expect too I am have not gotten a message from my brothers but only one is overseas in the marines so it is doubtful he would make it but we are not all that close anyway, but my other brother Steve is stateside , he said he would try his best to be here he emailed me his measurements to give to the place where they are getting the tux"
"Oh speaking of Marines, the Colonel and Grandma Ruth are coming in for the wedding too. They can't wait to meet Brian" Annie said
"Wow it's getting late. I suppose I should get Bella home" Nicole said.
She told them good bye and went to say good night to Brian and that she would see him tomorrow at church Bridget said "I am kind of tired too, hey what time should we be at church tomorrow?" She asked
"oh you should get there by 9:30 ok" Annie said
"Ok Well I am going to get Brian and we are going to head out see you all tomorrow and thanks for everything today" she hugged them all "I am so happy that I get to be a part of this family." She went in the living room "Hey Brian, I am ready to go I am tired."
"Sure honey let me go say bye to mom and everyone and then we will go He went into the kitchen and said his goodbyes and they headed out.
As they drove home Bridget said "Your mom is so terrific do you know she has everything figured out already Photographer DJ and caterer she did it last night and this morning I think we should call her wonder woman"
"Wow, I can't believe we are pulling this off in a week" Brian said "All us guys, are going tomorrow after church to get fitted for tuxes I want to call Dave but I don't know if I should given the Carrie situation"
"Yeah I know" She said, "What about Adam?" Oh By the way my brother Steve told me he emailed me his measurements for a tux The military tailor measured him so it is accurate so bring that with you tomorrow"
OK I will bring it and give it to whoever is in charge" and as far as Adam I guess he will have to be there too I will call them both in the Morning. Oh do you know what time church is?"
"Yeah we need to be there for 930 and Nicole is going too"
They got home and they were both really tired. There was a message in the answering machine buy if it had been an emergency he figured whoever it was would have called his cell he was to tired to deal with anything else tonight the went into the bedroom and they got changed and she put her supplies again next to the bed for when she wakes up to keep away the queasiness. They were too tired to be intimate Brian set the alarms and they went to sleep.