I went through this chap a few times fixing typos! I think I got them all, but it's like I kept finding them. So hope I did. Sorry in advance if you spot some guys! Enjoy the wedding!

Carson knocked then walked into the bedroom quietly. "Sally…" He called as he walked up to the bed. Setting down a glass of juice on the bedside table before sitting on the bed and brushing his hand over her shoulder. "Morning.." He greeted. Sally turned and looked at her father. Her eyes looked heavy with bags underneath. "Did you sleep last night?" He asked. Sally shook her head answering in a whisper, "I was sick all night." "How? You didn't even eat.." He reminded. Sally just shrugged then turned over, facing away from her Father as she stared blankly across the room. "Are you okay?" Carson asked. Sally sighed, "Yeah…" But she sounded so depressed.

Carson glanced at the juice he brought in then asked, "How about some juice. Might help your energy. It would be good for you." "No… I'm fine.." Sally muttered softly. Carson frowned.

Thinking a moment before threatening, "I'm taking you to the clinic if you don't eat today. You can't go three days without eating." "I won't go… I'm to tired.." "This isn't you. I don't know what's wrong, but something is. Did you and Lightning get into a fight?" "No." "Sally…" "I haven't spoken to Lightning sense yesterday morning, Dad. I'm just tired from being sick all night." Sally explained.

Carson took a moment to think. Then he stood up and warned, "You eat by noon or I call Lightning and tell him." Hoping that would do something. Sally sat up and looked at her father. Her hair in a messy bun, her eyes heavy, her face red and cheeks a bit puffy. Wow, she looked like shit. "Oh Sally…" He cooed. Sally sighed replying, "You could just go home. I'm fine.. Just tired." "No, this is something more… The last one drained you…" he reminded. Sally looked down. Thinking about that a moment. Could she really be pregnant with another baby that was draining her nutrients again? Carson placed a hand on Sally's and softly spoke, "You can not sit here and starve yourself. Not in your condition." "And what condition is that?" Sally snarled as she lowered her brows.

Carson stared into her sleepy eyes a moment before answering, "Noon. You eat by noon or I discuss this with Lightning and take you to the clinic." Getting up and leaving.

Sally sat there a moment. She didn't want Lightning to worry. She sighed and lay back down. Feeling sick, exhausted, miserable and yeah, depressed….

Noon came around. Carson was about to come in and check on Sally. Fully prepared to take her in, but she came out and sat at the table. Laying her head on it. Carson stared at her a moment and asked, "Do you want something to eat?" Sally looked over at him. Head still lying on the table. Carson just knew something was wrong. "That's it. I'm taking you to the clinic." He growled as he grabbed his keys. Sally sighed and muttered, "Fine… Just bring the small trash can… I can feel that I'm going to be puking the entire way…" Carson sighed. She shouldn't be this sick, should she?…..

Lightning was driving the suv on the highway. The new look of it was… Different. It had a "shovel beard" flame thrower on top of it.. Spikes around the fenders welded on.

The two were completely covered in dirt and dust. It was quiet for some time. Awkwardly quiet. Mater then cleared his throat and said, "At least they fixed the flat…" "Don't!" Lightning snapped! Mater hunkered over in his seat.

Lightning was pissed. His phone was broken by the weirdos, the suv was ruined and Sally back home, was an entirely separate problem! It got quiet again. Awful quiet. Then suddenly flashing lights behind and a siren. Lightning growled loudly, "Gah! What now!?" He slowed and pulled over. Mater looked at his friend and asked, "You don't think it's the flame thrower, do you?" "Of course I do!" Lightning shouted and shut off the vehicle. An officer then tapped on the window. Lightning rolled it down, but the window stopped working about half way. Lightning sighed. "Can I help you, officer?…" He asked nervously. The man crossed his arms saying, "Very interesting vehicle you got here, Sir. License and registration?"

Lightning glanced at the glove box. Shit. He pulled out his license and handed it to the man then explained, "It's a rental… Don't really have the papers anymore. We had an accident and lost them." "Hmm Monty McQueen?" "Yes?…" "Alright… Is that decor up there?" The officer asked, referring to the flame thrower.

Lightning nervously smiled answering, "Oh yeah! Fully decor." "Where you two gentlemen headed?" The officer asked as he handed Lightning back the license. Lightning almost answered, but Mater shouted, "We're headed to my sister's wedding!"

The officer nodded then said, "Sit tight. I'll be right back." Lightning nodded and watched the officer head back to his car before quickly scolding Mater, "You do not speak here! We will be lucky if he lets us drive this thing on the road and I don't get arrested! Do not! I repeat, DO NOT speak!" He was pissed, tired, annoyed.. Everett negative emotion in the book. Mater just poured and stared out the passenger window.

Lightning sighed and the two waited for the cop to return. He walked up and explained, "So… I'm not going to give you a ticket…But it's illegal here to drive without registration and with these types of modifications. That being said, I can't allow you drive this vehicle on the road." "Oh… Um… Is there something we can do to uh… Make it road ready again?" "Sure. Take off that pointy thing on the bumper, the spikes, and your roof decor there and I would say it would be fine."

Lightning nodded replying, "I can do that. I think I have a few tools in the back…" Mater opened his mouth, but Lightning shot a mean glare with a shut the hell up expression. So Mater kept quiet.

The officer nodded then told the two to have safe travels before returning to his vehicle. The two friends sat there a moment. Waiting for the officer to head on. Mater then asked, "So what are we gonna do? We don't have tools."

Lightning turned the vehicle back on. Waiting until the officer was out of sight before answering, "We get there as fast as we can without attracting to much attention." "How?" "Backroads…" "we don't have your phone for maps though. We are not gonna take another one of them there shortcuts, are we?" Mater asked. Lightning thought a moment before answering, "Right… We drive to the nearest exit with an auto store, buy some tools, or find a body shop… And take this crap off the car, then head to that wedding as fast as we can." Mater only glared and snarled, "Great… Can't wait to see my sister.."……

So finding a body shop, and paying them a hefty price… Lightning managed to get the modifications off the vehicle. While in the shop, Lightning decided he should buy another phone and attempt to call his wife. Walking out of the cell phone store, Lightning pulled his phone and out dialed his wife's number. Hoping she'd answer. It rang… And rang… Ringing… "Come on Lightning quietly pleaded. It rang a few more times before Carson answered,

Hey, how's the trip?

Lightning hesitated, "Fine.. Is Sally alright?"

She's sleeping.

"Oh.. How is she?"

She's alright. I took her to the clinic. They gave her some medicine for the nausea along with other medications…

"Is she?… Is she pregnant?"

…. Look… You can talk to her about later when she's up. She's definitely having some issues, Lightning..

"What kind of issues?.."

She hasn't been eating, she's sick all of the time, she is exhausted and depressed.

"Why is she depressed?"

I'm not sure.. Maybe she'll talk to you more. Part of it is missing her Mother for sure.

"What? Alright, look… Tell her to call me as soon as she's awake. And wait a second, are you saying she's being drained again? Like the last one?"

I… I'm not saying that. But this is serious, Lightning.. Not only does Sally need you to be the strong one, but I need you to to be. I need to know that my daughter is in good hands and that you are going to do whatever it takes and by any means to ensure she will be okay.

"Yeah, of course."

Even if it means taking something away from her..

"….. What do you mean by that?"

……

"Carson?"

I'll tell her to call you when she's up. She's just resting. She's had a long day.

"Okay.."

I'll make sure she eats and takes her medications. You don't need to worry. I'm here. I won't let her hurt herself.

"Alright.. Thank you, Carson."

Of course. Be safe. I'll see you soon.

"See you soon." Lightning hung up and sighed. The baby was killing her, wasn't it? This is exactly why he wanted to adopt. He didn't want Sally to hurt or get sick like this or something worse happen later. Lightning sat on the bench near the building. Lowering his head and trying to focus on breathing. Panic and regret setting in a bit. He could never handle losing her. He could not handle seeing her that sick again. I sick she would lose weight, look pale, no energy, be in pain, possibly lose the baby and look like death. Not again…..

The two friends headed down the road early morning, and turned into the long drive way surrounded by trees. Lightning sighed and admitted, "I can't believe this trip is almost over. It's going to feel so good to be home." "Yeah… Okay, of course." "In the mean time, we can relax and take a load off at your sister's wedding." Lightning said with a smile.

Mater only made a weird face, which Lightning noticed as asked, "Come on, Mater… What's going on? Mater quickly admitted, "Just thinking about seeing my sister makes me anxious." "Come on, relax. I'm sure there's nothing to worry about." Mater suddenly slapped the dash then leaned in closer to his friend and explained, "You don't understand. When I get around my sister, something unexplainable happens to me.." Lightning stared at Mater. A bit concerned, but replied, "Awe, she can't be that bad. I have three sisters, Mater. She's probably just jealous because you moved somewhere new and she never left her humble be..gin…" Lightning stopped as his jaw dropped seeing the mansion ahead.

Lightning slowed the vehicle to a stop and just stared and "HOLY MANSION!" Mater sighed and frowned. He just wasn't happy to be here. Lightning pulled in and Mater pointed where to park.

There, there were tons of other vehicles parked. Some people still getting out stared at the two friends in their… Vehicle… Lightning parked and shut off the suv. Still not believing Mater grew up here! The two looked around and saw everyone so dressed up.

Lightning raised a brow and asked, "The wedding is tomorrow, right? This is rehearsal." Mater reached around to the back seats and pulled out his bag, digging around and pulling out the invitation. He looked at it a moment then cleared his throat and read, "Save the date…. Wedding… Oh shoot. It is today!" "What!? We are a mess!" Lightning pointed out! Mater thought a moment then assured, "Don't worry. We can always take a quick shower then change." "But our clothes were stolen. We don't have much or anything this nice!" "AWE, don't worry. We have very few things in the closet." "I'd say more than a few…" Lightning mumbled. Mater then got out and shouted, "Come on!" Shutting the door. Lightning sighed and got out. Staring at the mansion. This was ridiculous and slightly unbelievable!……

Once showered, cleaned up, dressed up in some classic white and black suits, the two headed to the courtyard for the wedding.

Lightning walking next to his friend was still astounded! "You grew up here!?" He asked! Mater snickered answering, "Yep. It's funny though.. when you always go back to your old house, it always looks so much smaller than you remember it."

Lightning stared and looked around as the two walked. Wide eyed and surprised more than ever before. Now away this was real! The two walked through the courtyard full of well dressed guests, not taking long for the two to reach the buffet and desert table. Lightning stared at all the fancy treats and admitted, "Huh.. This is not what I expected." Not at all. Seriously. Some guy manning the buffet grabbed drinks and handed it to the two gentlemen. "Gee, uh… Thanks…" Lightning mumbled. Staring at the alcohol. Yeah, probably not the best idea. "Hey! Do you have an invitation!?" Shouted a familiar raspy voice! Lightning's eyes widened! "What?…" He muttered quietly as he turned around. "Mr. McQueen!?" Cruz shouted with excitement!

"Cruz!..". Lightning shouted and smiled a bit awkwardly huge as the young woman walked up. She smiled and said, "Come on! It's been months! Bring it in!" She said with a growl as she moved closer to hug him, but she suddenly stopped and pulled back asking, "Should we hug?" "I…" "That could be weird. That's weird. A hand shake, maybe?" She asked as she lent out her hand, but then pulled her hand back nervously and said, "No that's even more weird. Maybe just a smile, right, yeah. Definitely.. Not… That. Um… Mr. McQueen!" She shouted again, only this time a bit awkwardly.

Mater and Lightning stared at her. Mater confused by the way Cruz was acting. Lightning cleared his throat and corrected, "You don't have to call me Mr. McQueen anymore, Cruz. Not your coach or anything anymore." "Okay, Lightning." Cruz replied with that cute, but awkward giggle of hers. Then she blushed, "No, I'm sorry.. That just sounds weird." She rambled. Lightning had to change this conversation and pick it up fast. "What are you doing here?" "Oh! It's my cousin, Mateo's wedding. He's getting hitched to some eccentric social light." She explained. Mater then crossed his arms and corrected, "For your information, that eccentric satellite, is my sister." Cruz's smile became more real as she nudged Mater saying, "Mater! That practically makes us family!" "I'm gonna be Mater Ramirez!"

Mater exclaimed. Cruz stared a moment and admitted, "I… Don't think it works tha"-"Soooo.. How's the two week break treating you?" Asked Lightning as he infuriated. Cruz grabbed his arm and the two began walking a bit as Cruz answered, "Great! I started working for a small racing school, formed a non profit that provides coats and sneakers for kids, and I'm learning French!" "Wow… That's uh… That's a lot." "Qui. So tell me! What have you been up to?" The young woman asked with excitement and curiosity.

Lightning thought a moment. "Uh.." Let's see.. Destroying everything he touched, not finding his place after leaving the racing world, nearly draining the motels of a budget, causing chaos with the town folk, fucking his wife senseless, moping, worrying, freaking out time to time.

"I've been on this long road trip with Mater.. And Honestly, I can't wait to be home." Cruz giggled a little, leaning her head on his shoulder. Wow. She looked gorgeous. Her hair down and wavy, white flowers in it, a beautiful loose, shot sleeve, ankle long and tan colored jumpsuit with tall black heels. Wow. The two walked to the garden. Walking into it and Cruz let go of Lightning's arm as she looked at the beautiful gardening. "It is kinda nice to see you again." She said. Stopping in front of Lightning and smiling. Lightning stared a moment before replying, "Yeah, uh… It's… Nice to see you.." "Especially sense the last… Never mind. How are things back home? What are you doing now?" The youngster asked with a beautiful smile.

Lightning stared. Her eyes, her make up, her lips. Nope. No, not this. "Um…" Lightning began, "Good. I mean.. I'm just… Working all over town. Doing whatever.." "Sounds great! You know, I thought about visiting, but decided it best not to because I didn't want to mess things up for you." "No, I… Of course not.. I mean.." Lightning stumbled over his words.

Trying to come up with anything! But rally wound up drinking out of his glass to shut himself up. Cruz giggled and complimented, "You're funny. You look nice." But oh would she love to see him without the classic suit on. Lightning stared at her. Silent.

For a moment. It became a bit awkward. "Mr. McQueen?" She questioned his silence. Lightning looked her up and down discreetly then blushed a bit answering, "What? No. I just… I should go find Mater." He said. Cruz nodded. Trying to keep her smile as she really missed him. She hadn't been with anyone else sense and was still in love with him. Lightning turned to leave, but froze when Cruz grabbed his hand. He looked back at her. Staring all wide eyed at her beauty. She just… Smiled at him in this warm way. Lightning sighed, a frown prowled onto face. Cruz noticed and let go of his hand. She understood his expression. He didn't want her. He lost all feelings with her being back with Sally. Cruz looked at the ground. Oh fuck. Lightning hated hurting her.

He hated making her feel like this. Like that. Unwanted. Cruz sighed, "I'm sorry…" "No. no, you don't get to act like that." Lightning scolded. Cruz stared at him with confusion as he continued, "You don't get to act all innocent and friendly and come up to me with expectations!" "I wasn't expecting any"-"Bull shit! You pull me along into this little private garden and mention our little fling, but try to do it in a discreet way!?" "No, I wasn't! I didn't mean it like that!" Cruz yelped.

Lightning only continued being harsh, "You cum on my fingers, cum on my face!? And you live in my head rent free sense the moment we met! You screwed up everything! And all I can think of, is how I want to punish you for turning my entire world upside down!" "What?.." Cruz asked as she took a step back with her eyes wide.

Lightning yelling, "You think I don't want you?! You think I don't think about you!?" "I don't know?… Do you?" Asked Cruz softly. Lightning growling, "Of course I do! You!… You.. You just…" He calmed down. Staring at her. His heart feeling like it just sank into his stomach. What the hell was wrong with him. Why was he so pissed to her and yet, excited and happy at the same god dam time!? The two stared at each other. Not sure what to say now. Cruz stared at him warmly and softly, "I missed you, Mr. McQueen.. I'm… Glad to see you." She smiled a little. Lightning stared at her. Feeling awful! Then Mater called, "McQueen! Lightning! Where are you!?"

Cruz walked around Lightning towards the exit, stopping next to him and with a frown said, "You should go… I.. I hope you are happy and I mean that. Not in a I hope you're happy after saying all of that, you know… Kind of way… Um..". she sounded nervous. Cruz sighed, "Hope your happy.."

She continued to leave as Lightning watched her and called, "Cruz… Cruz, wait.." But as she left, Mater ran in! "There you are, Buddy!" Wrapping an arm around his friend. "Hey, what's wrong with Cruz?" He asked Lightning frowned answering, "Nothing… Let's just get to the wedding and get this over with so I can go home.." Man, he felt horrible after speaking to Cruz that way. It wasn't needed at all. What had come over him?….

Everyone sat down. All the guest whispering and smiling. Excited for the wedding. Then the brides anthem began. Everyone hushed and watched as the beautiful, older woman began making her way up the Sid rod the stage, up to the waiting groom. Mater leaned over to his friend, Lightning and growled, "Oh boy.. There she is…" Lightning stared. She didn't look all that bad. Just a little younger than Mater even though she was older. But the minute the bride laid eyes on her brother. The entire wedding stopped! "Baby brother!?" The bride shouted! Everyone looked over at Mater whose eyes widened. "Uh oh." He mumbled. Then the bride came running up the idle way! "Baby brother! Baby brother! Baby brother!" She exclaimed the entire way!

Mater jumped up and tried running away, but the bride tackled him to the ground! Everyone gasped! Lightning made his way over. The groom then telling everyone to take a brief brake and people started to talk while the bride and her baby brother catch up.

Mater stood up and dusted off, glaring at his sister. "My… Well tell me, who is this terribly sheik guest of yours?" Looking at Lightning. Mater glanced at his friend and introduced, "Well this is my best friend, Lightning. And well… This is my dear sister…. Mato ."

Lightning raised a brow asking, "Mato?" The older woman nodding and answered, "Yes. Like ta-Mato, without the ta." She smiled kindly. Lightning smiled back then leaned over to Mater saying, "She seems nice." Mater rolled his eyes replying, "Just wait for it. It's comin." Mato then speaking to her brother, "Baby Brother, I am so glad you made it! Seeing as nobody ever knows WITH YOU!" Mater lost it! Snapping back, "And here we go!" "With your laid back, awe shucks, don't need to know where I'm going attitude." "Nope, I'm not gonna buy it! Because I'm better than that." Mater said proudly. Mato snickered replying, "oh… It always comes down to who's better, doesn't it?" "That's not what I said!" Mater shouted at his sister!

Lightning stood there awkwardly watching the two fight back and fourth, but then suddenly! The two took off down the courtyard! Lightning shouting, "Mater!" But the siblings were gone. The groom became worried and the minister shouted, "What about the wedding!?" Some guests even stared in awe.

The groom then announced, "It shouldn't be much longer my friends. Just a brief intermission. Please, enjoy the refreshments in the mean time." Everyone seemed fine with that. Lightning sighed then saw Cruz.

Watching her talking to some couple. How she smiled, how she was laughing. She was beautiful and he really shouldn't have snapped at her. Why did he even do that!? He saw Cruz wave goodbye to the couple then head towards the garden. The garden was near the exit. Was she leaving? He couldn't let her leave yet! Not after how he snapped at her! He just had to see her. Lightning set the glass on the nearest table and quickly caught up to Cruz in the private garden they were in before. "Cruz!" He shouted, stopping her in her tracks. Cruz turned around and frowned, "I'm sorry… I didn't mean"-"Wait, I'm sorry. I should never have snapped at you like that. Im sorry." Lightning apologized as he walked up to her.

Cruz shrugged, "Eh.. I forgive you." "Are you leaving?" "Yeah, thought I'd go ahead and head out. Got a photo shoot tomorrow anyway." She announced. Lightning stared. "Oh.. Sure, of course.. Um…" he didn't know what to say, he just didn't want her to go yet!

Cruz smiled at him. She still loved him, but knew what they had was over. "It was really great to see you, Mr. McQueen." "Yeah… Um…" his heart racing. Panic. Trying to think of how to get her stay! "Cruz…" He cooed. Cruz stared at him. Staring into his dark blue eyes.

She stepped closer to him. Only a few inches apart. Lightning's brows lowered as he swallowed nervously. "If you want me, all you have to do is say so." She announced softly. Lightning's eyes, his expression widened with surprise. Then she added, "Because of course, I think about you too." He blushed. That willingness, her eyes, her lips. He was weak and she knew it. Cruz smiled warmly then blushed and stepped back. "Sorry, I… I'm sorry. That's… I…" "How about dinner?" Lightning suddenly asked. Cruz raised a brow and asked, "Dinner?" "Yeah, I… As friends.. Just to catch up?" "I'd love that!" Cruz exclaimed then wrapped her arms around his neck and hugged her former lover. Lightning hesitated, but wrapped his arms around her middle. She smelled amazing. He had forgotten how good she smelt! That caramelized scent. Fuck. Cruz pulled back and grabbed his hand saying, "I got a better idea." Pulling him, guiding him through the garden and to this little tree and flowers hide out of circles with a small gated entrance covered in flowers. A worn out sign next to the gate read:

Mato's hideout.

DO NOT ENTER!

GIRLS ONLY!

Cruz bent over upon entering, Lightning following. The gate swung closed behind them and Lightning looked up at the sunny and open sky above. The circle was so thick of vines, flowers, and trees, no one could see through it. The ground beneath was a field of beautiful purple flowers. Cruz fell flat onto her back and smiled in a come and get me way. Lightning hesitated. Sitting next to her then explaining, "Cruz…" but she stopped him and patted the ground of flowers next to her. "Come on! Lay next to me. Look at this!" She exclaimed and referred to the beautiful sky above. Lightning sighed, but sat down then lay next to her. Looking up and beautiful blue sky. Then he glanced at her. Gazing at her. Of course he still had feelings for this gorgeous, younger woman! Cruz snorted a bit as she giggled, "I'd love to have something like this when I was little. Instead, I just shared a room with my stinkie brothers." Lightning couldn't help, but chuckle a bit. Looking back up at the sky. It was pretty relaxing and unbelievable that Mater had grown up like this. Cruz glanced over at Lightning. Smiling as ever. She was absolutely in love with him. "Mr. McQueen.." She hummed. Lightning turned and looked at her curiously. Cruz then sat up, straddling over his body and looking down into his blue eyes. Lightning just stared back up into her brown ones. Both knew exactly how the other felt, what the other wanted. Lightning swallowed nervously. This was bad. He needed to get out of this. Cruz grabbed his tie and pulled up as her face came down to his. Their lips centimeters apart. Lightning smiled and asked, "What do you want?…" Ever so softly. Cruz blushed answering, "I want to be with you.."