"I wasn't sure if you were coming in today," Ravi said, as Rachel arrived for work.
"I know, I'm late, sorry," Rachel said, "I had to see about Kyle this morning."
"He's not having problems, I hope," Ravi said.
"No, just the opposite," Rachel said, "He's home now."
"That's good news," Ravi said.
"The best," Rachel smiled, "I know I've missed a lot of work, but now that things are settling down, I will be here more often."
"Not to worry," Ravi said, "I have had things under control. Although, it is nice to know I no longer have to slowly go out of my mind from stress."
"Been busy?" Rachel said.
"Just a little," Ravi said.
"Best get to it," Rachel said.
Ravi nodded as they settled into their respective work spaces. Ravi focused on his computer screen, until he was distracted by a disturbing but familiar sound coming from Rachel's work area. Ravi momentarily closed his eyes before, shifting his look to Rachel as she began her work day, amid background music.
"Rachel?" Ravi said.
Rachel adjusted the volume down, however the music stayed on. Ravi smiled to himself, slightly moving to the melody, before settling back to work.
"Thanks again, I really appreciate this," Kyle said, as he spoke into his phone. Traci entered the room, as Kyle ended his call, with a smile, pulling his fist towards himself in a gesture of victory.
"That looks like good news," Traci said.
Kyle nodded. "It's a surprise for Rachel," he said, "At least I hope she is okay with it."
"I'm sure she appreciates anything you do for her," Traci said.
"Let's hope," Kyle said, "This is really important."
"Do I get a hint?" Traci said.
"Honeymoon planning," Kyle said.
"Does this mean you two have set a date?" Traci said.
"Nothing definite," Kyle said, "We promised to settle that later today. Which, is why I hope she is okay with what I just did."
"What did you do?" Traci said.
"Something that she will either be excited about or upset with me," Kyle said, "Anyway, it must be time for my next dose of medication."
"Not yet," Traci said, "I have your dosing schedule, I will not let you miss any."
Watching Kyle stand up, Traci said, "Where are you going?"
"To the kitchen, I would like something to drink," Kyle said.
"I will get it," Traci said.
"You don't have to…" Kyle sighed.
"Not to worry," Traci said, heading out of the room, "I am on top of things."
Hearing the sound of the doorbell, Kyle walked towards it, muttering to himself, "I suppose, she wouldn't even let me answer the door."
Pulling on the handle, Kyle was greeted by a familiar face. "So, it is true." Smiling Summer walked towards Kyle and hugged him. "I was so happy when I heard you were released from the hospital."
"It sure is good to be home," Kyle said, "What brings you by? Checking up on me?"
"Of course," Summer said, "I hope you are up for a visit. I can come back if this is a bad time."
"Stay awhile," Kyle said, "It's nice to have company."
Following Kyle to the couch, Summer said, "Look at you, walking and talking."
"It's a work in progress," Kyle said.
As Summer sat next to Kyle, he noticed she was quiet. "You realize you are staring," Kyle said.
"Sorry," Summer said, "It's just…here you are. I got scared for awhile that you…"
"Wouldn't be here anymore?" Kyle said, completing her thought.
"Thankfully, everything worked out," Summer said, "I really am happy for you."
"Thanks," Kyle sighed.
"Things are okay, aren't they?" Summer said.
"Of course," Kyle said.
"I thought you would be more jubilant about it," Summer said, "It's not everyday someone gets cured like you did."
"Yes, I am so grateful and relieved that I was able to beat this," Kyle said, "But I had cancer and there's a good chance that it could come back. That's the thought that scares me."
"I understand that would be upsetting," Summer said, "Put it this way. There is also a good chance that you could go on to live a long and healthy life."
"That's the plan," Kyle said.
"I can see it now," Summer said, "You will be married and there will be babies and not to mention that CEO spot at Jabot. It's all going to be yours."
"I think you're getting ahead of yourself," Kyle said.
"Mark my words," Summer said, "You have a wonderful future in front of you. I'm kind of envious that Rachel gets to share that with you."
"Hey, just because I'm getting married, doesn't mean you and I are not still friends," Kyle said.
"Doesn't it?" Summer said.
"We have known each other all our lives," Kyle said, "That kind of friendship is forever."
"I don't think your future wife shares your sentiments where I am concerned," Summer said.
"Rachel will come around," Kyle said, "Besides she can't call me out for being friends with someone she is not too fond of. Not when she has a newfound friendship with Fen."
"She what?" Summer said, "Since when?"
"Oh, he didn't tell you about that?" Kyle said.
"Tell me about what exactly?" Summer said.
"They had dinner the other night," Kyle said.
"Did they?" Summer said, distastefully, "Why that little…"
"No, not like that," Kyle said, cutting her off, "I should have clarified. They both had dinner at Kevin and Chloe's, with the kids."
"I've never known Fen to be too chummy, with his Uncle Kevin," Summer said.
"It's my understanding, Susie invited him," Kyle said.
"That girl is really trying to compete with me for my boyfriend's affections," Summer laughed.
"Afterwards Fen walked Rachel home," Kyle said.
"I wonder why he didn't tell me about this," Summer said, "But I will be sure to ask him."
"That should just about do it," Ravi said, punching away at his keyboard. As Rachel looked over his shoulder, Ravi tested his theory sighing as an error message popped up on his screen.
"Or not," Rachel said, "Listen, I'm going to go up there and see if I can tackle this from their end."
"Good idea," Ravi said, "I'll keep at it here." He was intent on his screen, ignoring the ringing of his phone a few times, before responding. "Ravi Shapur," he said.
"Ravi, it's Kyle Abbott," Kyle said.
"Mr. Abbott," Ravi said.
"I've told you to call me Kyle," Kyle said.
"Of course," Ravi said, "If you're looking for Rachel, she is not here."
"I was hoping to talk to you," Kyle said.
"What can I do for you?" Ravi said.
"I need a huge favor," Kyle said.
"I'll help if I can," Ravi said.
"You know Rachel and I are getting married," Kyle started.
"She has mentioned that to me several times," Ravi said, "Today."
"We are both really excited," Kyle laughed, "I would like to ask you this in person, but under the circumstances, I thought a phone call would be just as good."
"You have me curious," Ravi said.
"I was wondering if you would like to be in our wedding," Kyle said, "As one of my groomsmen."
"You're asking me?" Ravi said.
"Rachel has a large bridal party and I need the same number on my side," Kyle said, "Besides you and Rachel work together and you are friends, that makes you a good choice."
"When is the wedding?" Ravi said.
"We have not firmed up a date yet," Kyle said, "Hopefully soon. What do you say?"
"I will say…yes," Ravi said, "I would be happy to accept."
"Thank you," Kyle said, "I really appreciate this."
"Thank you, for asking me," Ravi said.
"I will be in touch as soon as I can about details," Kyle said.
"Sounds good," Ravi said, ending the call.
Rachel stepped back into the office saying, "Please, hold your applause…"
"For what?" Ravi said.
"I fixed the issue on the 3rd floor," Rachel said.
"How did you do that?" Ravi said.
"I don't like to reveal my secrets," Rachel said, "I unplugged everything and then plugged it back in again."
"You know that's only a temporary fix," Ravi said, "We still have to find out what is causing the problem."
"At least they are up and running for now," Rachel said.
"You just missed a call from your husband to be," Ravi said.
"Kyle?" Rachel said, "Was he looking for me?"
"No he asked me for a favor," Ravi said, "He offered me the option to be part of his side of the wedding party."
"And what did you say?" Rachel said.
"I accepted," Ravi said.
"That is wonderful," Rachel smiled, "I'm so happy you are going to be part of the ceremony. Although we don't have a date yet, hopefully soon."
"Those were Kyle's sentiments," Ravi said, "Your groom seems anxious to marry you."
"No more than I am," Rachel smiled.
"I really like this as a centerpiece for the tables at the reception," Chloe said, as she sat next to Kyle on the Abbott living room couch.
"It's nice," Kyle said.
"You don't like it," Chloe said.
"I think it takes up too much room," Kyle said, "I like the one you had selected a few minutes ago."
"Swiping the screen on her tablet," Chloe said, "This one is better?"
"Yes, that's the one," Kyle smiled.
Stepping through the front door, Rachel overheard Chloe say, "Good, we will see what Rachel thinks."
Looking up at the sound of the door, Kyle said, "We could ask her right now."
"This is nice surprise," Rachel said, "Chloe I didn't realize you were stopping by." She walked over and shared a quick kiss with Kyle.
"I took a chance that Kyle was up for a little wedding planning," Chloe said, "We have been kicking around all kinds of ideas."
"What have you come up with?" Rachel said, sitting in between them.
"Pink," Chloe said.
"Excuse me?" Rachel said.
"Kyle and I like the idea of pink for the wedding," Chloe said, "The backdrop, the tablecloths at the reception and of course the bridesmaid dresses."
"Show here the dresses we were looking at," Kyle said.
"This is my favourite," Chloe said, "Floor length satin gown, now we can do different things with the top part. We can make the front all lace, we can make the sleeves a little longer or we can do an over one shoulder style, or even strapless. What do you think?"
"I agree they are lovely," Rachel said, "But how are we going to get them ordered the way we want?"
"Leave it to me," Chloe said, "I have it covered."
"I like the over the shoulder look," Rachel said.
"Perfect," Chloe said, "On that note I am going to leave you to enjoy your evening. Kyle we will set up another session in few days?"
"Sounds good," Kyle said, "Just let me know when, I'll be here." Rachel looked at them both questioningly, prompting Kyle to say, "Chloe and I decided to plan the wedding together. With your final say so on everything of course."
"Is that okay?" Chloe said.
"It's fine with me," Rachel said, "As long as I have input too."
"Absolutely," Chloe said, "I would love to get together with you and brainstorm ideas. I have forwarded you samples of things we touched on today, look them over and let me know when you decide what works best."
"Will do," Kyle said.
"Thanks for all your help," Rachel said.
"This is going to be the biggest and best wedding anyone has ever seen," Chloe said.
"Within reason of course," Rachel said.
"You cannot use reason when you plan for epic," Chloe said, "Kyle told me that is what you both want."
"We will talk later," Rachel said, sharing a quick hug with Chloe.
Chloe approached the door, pausing as she opened it. Looking back she said, "Could you both do me a favor?"
"What's that?" Rachel said.
"Set a wedding date," Chloe said.
"On it," Kyle said.
"So, it sounds like you had a busy day," Rachel said.
"Chloe sure is full of energy about this wedding," Kyle said.
"She gets a little overzealous sometimes," Rachel said, "I hope she didn't wear you out."
"No, it was fun," Kyle said, "Planning makes me look forward to it even more."
"Speaking of which," Rachel said, "We need a date."
"I glad you brought that up," Kyle said, "Because I have something to tell you."
"Should I be worried?" Rachel said.
"First of all," Kyle said, "I came up with two possible dates. What do you think of getting married on Christmas Eve. It's the first anniversary of the day I proposed to you and then we can celebrate our first Christmas as husband and wife."
"I don't know about that," Rachel said, "It's such a busy time of year already. It's not that far off either."
"I don't want to wait," Kyle said, "I will be better by then and we have waited long enough, don't you think?"
"It's also my first Christmas with Susie in years," Rachel said, "I wanted to make it special for her. I can't do that if I'm having a wedding. I don't want to put it off for long either. You said you had two dates, what's the other one?"
"I should let you know, I called the resort in Hawaii," Kyle said, "The one we originally planned for our honeymoon. I apologized for having to cancel without much notice and explained the reason why. They were very understanding and it just so happens they had a cancellation. Under the circumstances, the resort offered those dates to us. So, I booked them."
"You what?" Rachel said.
"It was either that or we don't get in until January 2025," Kyle said.
"What dates did you book them for?" Rachel said.
"First of the year," Kyle said.
"Which year?" Rachel said.
"The next one coming up," Kyle said, "So, I was thinking we could get married on New Year's Eve."
"Kyle that's so close," Rachel said.
"Before you panic, I have to admit I suggested it to Chloe," Kyle said, "She assured me it can be done. What better way to put this intense and stressful year behind us. We can start fresh, with a new year, as a married couple."
"It does sound wonderful," Rachel said.
"So, what do you say?" Kyle said, "Would you like to start the New Year, with a new husband?"
"I would love to," Rachel smiled, leaning in to kiss him.
Receiving Rachel's text about the wedding date, Chloe smiled as she stood in the lobby of the Grand Phoenix Hotel. "Okay," she said to herself, "You can do this."
Spotting Chelsea, Chloe rushed towards her and said, "Just the person I was looking for."
"Hi, I'm really busy right now," Chelsea said.
"There is something I would like to talk to you about," Chloe said.
"At the moment I…" Chelsea started.
"It's really important," Chloe said.
"You look excited," Chelsea said, "What have you done?"
"Let me ask you this," Chloe said, "What would you say if I told you, I want to book the guest hall here at the hotel for a wedding?"
"You found a booking for one?" Chelsea said, "That's wonderful, we would love to host them. What the name of the party and which dates do they need?"
"You see the thing is," Chloe started, "It's for Rachel Brantford and Kyle Abbott and they need it for New Year's Eve."
"You have got be kidding," Chelsea said, "That is practically around the corner."
"We have lots of time," Chloe said, "Is there one available?"
"Let me see," Chelsea said, checking her tablet, "As luck would have it there is one, but it's one of our more expensive halls."
"The groom has assured me that cost is not a factor," Chloe said.
"Why are you setting this up for them?" Chelsea said.
"I agreed to be their wedding planner," Chloe smiled.
"You?" Chelsea said, "You have no experience."
"It's for one my oldest friends," Chloe said, "Rachel is so excited. I want to help her have the wedding of her dreams. Please book the hall and I will let them know."
"Alright," Chelsea said, "Consider it done."
"Thank you," Chloe said.
"Now if you will excuse me," Chelsea said.
"There is just one more thing, I wanted to ask you," Chloe said.
"I see that look in your eyes," Chelsea said, "You are up to something."
"I need help finding bridesmaid dresses," Chloe said.
"Then I suggest you start calling around, because time is not on your side," Chelsea said.
"I was hoping you could do it," Chloe said.
"I beg your pardon?" Chelsea said, "Do what?"
"The dresses," Chloe said.
"I don't know if I have time for something like that," Chelsea said.
"It would mean a lot," Chloe said.
"You're talking alterations to existing dresses, right?" Chelsea said.
"Actually, I need you to make the dresses," Chloe half laughed, "From start to finish."
"Chloe…" Chelsea said, "How many are we talking?"
"Six bridesmaid dresses," Chloe said, "Oh, and one has to be for a junior bridesmaid."
"Six dresses?" Chelsea said, staring at Chloe in disbelief, "In six weeks? Are you out of your mind?"
"I know you can do it," Chloe said.
"This means ordering material and fittings and there is no way I can do all that by New Year's," Chelsea said.
"We have settled on style," Chloe said, "And I personally will help you. Plus I will find all the extra help we need."
"I am afraid it's impossible," Chelsea said.
"Nothing is impossible," Chloe said, "Please say yes. You are the best choice to do this. I can assure you, that you will be well compensated for this."
"How well?" Chelsea said.
"It's an Abbott wedding," Chloe said, "What do you think?"
"I think I'm going regret this," Chelsea said.
"Then you will do it?" Chloe said.
"Alright," Chelsea agreed, "But you owe me."
"Thank you," Chloe said, "While we are on the subject, the bride has her dress but it may need some touching up."
Chelsea closed her eyes and sighed.