Holton sat down at the table of wheel well. Pulling out his notebook and smiling at the couple before asking, "How are things?" Sally answering "Oh good. Getting more and more excited about the big day as it gets closer." LIghtning smile hearing how excited Sally was. Gazing at his love. Holton noticed and nodded with a smile then asked, "How are the preparations going? Well?" "Extremely," Sally answered. Grabbing Lightning's hand tightly. "My friends and I just picked out the bridal gowns, Lightning's MOther's new dress, and mine." "That is exciting. It's not too far from now, is it?" He asked. Lightning shook his head answering, "Not at all." "Are you ready, Lightning?" LIghtning smiled, "I am. I'm very ready." "How are the vows coming along?" "Uh.. Good.. Good. Just good." Sally raised a brow and asked, "Have you even started?" "Yes, I have thanked you." Lightning replied.
Holton chuckled then write something in his notebook before asking, "What else needs to be done? Before the wedding?" Sally thought a moment before answering, "We still need to buy our wedding bands. There is the rehearsal of course." "Of course." Agreed Holton. He glanced at his notes then sighed, "So let's talk about the future. Have you two talked about the near and far future at all?" Sally nodding and Lightning answered, "Yeah. We talk about it a lot." Holton nodded, "So any plans?" He asked. Sally bit her lower lip before announcing, "Next year we plan to start a family." "Wow. And what about retirements?" LIghtning shrugged replying, "Not exactly talked about much but.. I mean I know we both plan to retire after some time." Sally then with, "Well you before me. Obviously. I mean you can't expect me to raise a child forever alone while you travel all the time." "Well, no.. I wasn't expecting you to do that but.." "I mean you can retire easily. I, on the other hand, can basically run the motels with my eyes closed. I can retire way later." She bragged. Lightning wasn't sure he liked that idea though.
Holton nodded then asked, "And what about after retirement? Do you know? Once you are both home and old and retired. Do you two have any plans for that?" Sally and Lightning glanced at each other before Lightning answered this one first, "Well, not really but.. Whatever it is, I'm sure it will be in Radiator Springs or Texas." "Why Texas?" Sally asked. Lightning shrugged admitting, "Just kind of figured. I have roots there." "I don't.. I do in California though." "Yeah, but... You have a... COmplicated... Relationship with your family. I don't think that would be good for our kid." "And your family is better?" Sally questioned. Lighting just stared at her. NOt sure what she meant by that or why it was even a problem.
Holton sighed. Writing in his notes. Clearing his throat before continuing, "Sometimes couples feel doubts when it's so close to the wedding. Are you two good? Need to vent to each other?" Lightning shook his head answering, "I don't have any doubts. I know I love Sally and I want to marry her." Sally smiled, but it faded as she admitted, "I do-did." Lightning stared at her in shock. He never thought that! Well, that's a stretch. He was suspicious and then on top of what Meg tried telling him before made him think about it. Holton motioned for Sally to continue. So with a deep breath, she did. "Okay well.." She began, "For one, Lightning has been having this weird relationship with his ex. Meeting with her at motels and his garage and probably more places.. ANd only when I'm not around.. I began to wonder if he was cheating.. Says he wasn't, but.." SHe paused. "I know he's not but.. It made me uncomfortable and put fear and doubt in my head."
Holton nodded and assured her this was good to talk about. LIghtning then said, "There was no reason to think I was cheating." "You were meeting up with her at motels! If I did that with"-"BEN!?" Lightning snapped! The couple stared at each other. Not a word for a few seconds. Sally frowned. Her meeting with Ben all the time was causing issues with her and Lightning. She looked away. Lightning rolled his eyes and griped, "If I can deal with you and Ben, I think you could handle a good friend of mine for me. Josie is just a close ex. It's not like I fucked her? I just was.. Was hanging out. The same thing you did and do with Ben." He growled. Sally kept quiet. He was right. She had no say here because she had been putting Lightning through the same thing with Ben,
"I'm sorry..." She finally mumbled quietly. Lightning leaned in his seat and sighed. Assigning her that, "It's alright.. It's a different situation." He rubbed her back with his hand. "I love you." He reminded. Sally just nodded. She was obviously a little upset about it. Holton wrote a note then changed the subject. "Homework. The next and final time I see you two before rehearsal, I want you both to have your vows written out on paper and bring them to me to read over them. It'll help me get to know how the two of you feel for each other when asked personally and alone. Okay?" He smiled. The couple agreed. Lightning determined to figure out something to say for his vows!...
Lightning and Sally walked into their home. Lightning closes the door and asks, "You don't expect me to retire right after we have the baby? Do you?" Sally's eyes widened, "No, not exactly. I figured you wouldn't e ready quite yet." Lighting smiled and snickered, "Good. Had me a little afraid there." Sally smiled back and asked, "Can you take a year off when we have the baby though? For me?" "Of course. For you? Just about anything." He assured. Pulling her close and kissing the side of her face. Sally nestled into his embrace. His scent filled her nostrils. "I love you, Lightning." "Love you more." Lightning replied...
Lightning waved to the fans. They all cheered for him. Taking 5th place in the race today. Kori ran up and shoved the mic in Lightning's face asking, "How did you feel about placing fifth?" Lightning glanced at the camera then back to her answering, "It feels alright. It's nice to take it easy every so often." "And it's cutting close to that wedding. How are you feeling about that?" Lightning smiled, "I can't wait. Counting down the days. Just hoping I make it to that day before Sally realizes how much better she could do." He joked. Then wondered why the fuck he said that. Rolling his eyes and pushing the mic away as he walked on. Bobby ran up and laughed! "Man, that was Some crap to say on tv!" Slapping his friend on the back. Lightning glared a little. Cal walked up and jumped in front of his friends and said, "Meet me at Red's bar and grill in two hours." Lightning whining, "Two hours? But I was hoping to get to the motel early tonight." Bobby nudged Lightning and teased, "Gotta get home for your nightly bubble bath, McQueen." LIghtning's brows lowered as he growled, "You're one to talk? At least there isn't a photo of me getting a manicure from a gay fruit loop." "Hey! I didn't know he was gay!" Bobby defended. Cal rolled his eyes and butted in, "Yeah, yeah, you're both pretty. Can you two just meet me there? I have something to tell you two." Lightning shrugged and agreed a little reluctantly. Bobby sighed, "Sure, I guess. You said bar, right?" Cal glared and nodded. "Great! Two hours!" He shouted before walking on...
Two hours later..
Bobby and Lightning walked into the place. Slow and rather depressing country music played in the low lightroom. A few families, couples, and loners are all here tonight. Bobby snickered and griped, "What a downer of a bar." Lightning nodded a little, agreeing. Suddenly Bobby felt a hand on his shoulder and he froze stiffly. Slowly turning and looking over to see Cal. He jumped forward and pushed Cal's hand back! "Don't creep up on me like that, man!" Bobby shouted. Cal rolled his eyes then motioned for his fellow racers to follow him. They all sat at a booth in a corner. More private as little to no one was on this side. Bobby quickly grabbed the menu and asked, "Where are the drinks? I thought you said this was a bar? Where are the girls?" He chuckled. Cal raised a brow and asked, "Did you not hear grill after the bar? It's a restaurant, Bobby." Bobby snickered then lend cover to Lightning and mumbled, "Technically, a strip club could be considered a restraining to." Lightning shivered at the thought of what Bobby meant by that.
A waitress walked over and smiled asking, "What can I get you, boys, to start with?" Before anyone could really answer, Cal raised his hand and said, "The best beer you got for the table. On me." The lady smiled then took the menus, including the one in Bobby's hand then walked away. Bobby watching her ass sway a bit. Lightning looked to Cal and shrugged, "Gotta say, you seem to be in a great mood tonight." He pointed out. Bobby than with, "Yeah! Especially for a guy who just placed twenty-third today." Cal bobbed his head back and forth a bit before replying, "Yeah, well.. There is a reason. I wanted to tell you guys some big news. Lightning, has Sally told you?" He asked. Lightning glanced at Bobby then cluelessly asked, "Has Sally told me?.. What?" Cal stared into Lightning's eyes from across the table and repeated, "Has. Sally. Told. You?" Lightning started for a few seconds. Trying desperately to remember what he may have been told. Was he supposed to know? Cal sighed then leaned back in his seat with a. Smile on his face.
"Not." He continued. "Great." Bobby raised a brow and asked, "Well? What's this news?" Cal snickered and proudly announced, "Well. Megen is pregnant." Bobby and Lightning's eyes widened! "Really!?" LIghtning asked with shock! Cal nodded. Bobby leaned back in his seat and chuckled, "Well dam! Congrats I guess. Who would have thought Cal had it in him." He teased. Cal glared and reminded, "We've been trying for a while there, Bobby." Bobby nodded and quick=joy apologized, "Sure, of course, man. Sorry. That's great though, right?" Cal nodded. Lightning then with, "Yeah, congrats, Cal. Wow. A Dad, huh?" He asked. Cal sighed, "Yeah. Yeah, I.. I can't believe myself. I mean I knew what we were trying to do and all but it was taking so long and so much effort I was surprised when the doctor read us the results." "So Sally knows?" "Yeah. Sally and Jesse. Meg told them while they were all out dress shopping." Bobby smiled and added, "Dam. Our little Cal is gonna be a Daddy and Lightning here is getting married. What the fuck is happening to us, men?" Lightning snickered with a smile saying, "I think it's called growing up." "Getting old." Corrected Cal.
Bobby chuckled, "OH no way. You'll get old maybe. But for me? Nah!" They all kind of chuckled at that. "Are you nervous?" Asked Lightning. Cal sighed and thought a moment before honestly answering, "I'm extremely nervous. You know, my family's history before my Uncle and Aunt took me in.. I don't wanna be my parents." "You aren't. You won't be." "Of course not but... I'm scared that I'm just... Cursed." Cal admitted. Lightning nodded replying, "I get that." Bobby then asked, "What you want? A boy? To carry on the legacy of Cal Weathers and The King?" Cal shook his head, "I'd love a son but.. I don't think I honestly want my kid racin." Bobby and Lightning about died hearing that! Bobby asks, "WHAT!? But you are a Weathers!?" "Yeah, so? Racin is dangerous. Look what happened to my Uncle. My Dad." He reminded.
Bobby blew it off saying, "Flukes." Cal glared and joy continued, "Junior's Dad, Lightnin's brother, Doc Hudson. The rookie Tony killed." Bobby quickly defended, "Not Tony's fault. That kid was stupid and should have never been a racer, to begin with." "I agree, but he made a mistake that cost him his life No. No, once I retire, I want my family to be done with racing. At least as drivers." Cal explained. Lightning and Bobby glanced at each other. Both so shocked by what they heard out of Cal's mouth. Bobby leaned back and crossed his arms saying, "Whenever I have a kid. They better be racing. I want my kid to do better than me. I want mine to outshine me in every aspect of racing." LIghtning then teased, "That shouldn't be very hard." Bobby glared. Cal chuckled at that then asked, "What about you, Light? We both know you ain't far from starting a family. You want your kid racin?" Lightning shrugged, "SOmeones gotta carry Doc's legacy for me." Bobby smiled, "Now that's the spirit."
The waitress returned bringing the drinks to the table. "Can I get you'll anything else?" She asked kindly. Bobby placed his hand on her lower back answering, "Not at all, Mam. But you let me know if I can get anything for you, Kay?" He smiled and winked. The girl looked uncomfortable. Staring down at Bobby. Lightning quietly growled, "Let her go, Bobby." Bobby removed his hand almost immediately and apologized. The young lady walked off rather quickly. Cal sipped his drink then asked Bobby, "Think you and Jesse will ever be exclusive to each other?" Bobby snickered answering, "Nah-maybe. I don't know. It was her idea." "Sure," Cal muttered. Sipping more of his drink. The others drank a little as well. Cal then asks Light, "How is the wedding coming along? About ready for that rehearsal next week?" Bobby nudged Lightning and added, "Yeah, man! I almost forgot. Tuesday, right?" Lightning nodded replying, "Yeah, Tuesday evening. Then Sally and I are going out to California to meet with her Father for dinner then ring shopping." "Sounds fun. NOT." Bobby chuckled.
"Hey, isn't a month a little early for a rehearsal?" He asked. Lightning nodded but explained, "It's to fit everyone's schedules. Including Sally's. With the wedding coming up, she's busier than ever. I hate it." Cal then asked, "What about vows? I know you've been having a hard time with that." Lightning frowned a little admitting, "I'm just having trouble fixing the right words.. Which is stupid. I usually always know what to say. But.. This time everyone is going to be watching. Usually doesn't bother me but this time it is.." Cal snickered then drank slowly. Bobby chugged the rest of his then asked about the honeymoon. Lightning sighed, "Sally wanted Paris. I wish I could give her that but.. It's so last minute and.. And.." "And you're afraid to fly out of the country still." Bobby reminded. Lightning felt so bad for that and you could tell.
Cal reassured his friend with, "It will be okay. If she's expecting that though, you need to tell her before she finds out that that is not where you two are going." "So where are you going?" Asked Bobby. Lightning shook his head. Clueless. He didn't know where to take Sally. Where would be an amazing place to spend their honeymoon? Someplace he could make special for Sally. But where? Cal smiled assuring, "As long as you two are happy, It doesn't necessarily matter." But Lightning felt like it did. It would be their first couple of days as a married couple. What he did and said those first days would be the foundation of what was to come for them...
Lightning came into the house Dropping his keys on the entrance table. "I'm home." He called. Taking off his jacket and hanging it up. He walked into the kitchen to see Minty and Sally putting little cards into tan-colored envelopes. Lightning walked over and asked, "What are you two doing?" Sally looked up and smiled, "Going ahead and preparing the thank you cards." "Oh." "That way it's just another thing off the list." "Right, right. Um.." Lightning paused. Staring at Sally. Her beautiful smile and perfect skin. Her eyes are all sparkly and lit up right now. He sighed. Thinking about what Cal said. That he needed to tell her in case she was expecting it. "Sal." His tone changed, grabbing not only Sally's attention but Minty's. "Can I talk to you for one little second.. Alone?" He asked. Sally hesitated. Maybe she got a little nervous even. She nodded then stood up, scooting her chair back and the following Lightning out to the garage. Lightning closed the door and got to the point so he wouldn't worry Sally.
"I can't take you to Paris." He announced. Sally raised. a row and replied, "Okay?" In a questioning tone. Lightning sighed and continued, "I honestly don't know where to take you for our Honeymoon, okay? I want to take you around the world. Anywhere you want but.. I can't." "Stickers, we don't have to travel the world. Especially for our Honeymoon." "Well, that's good but.. Are you sure you are okay without Paris? I thought you really wanted that?" "I'm perfectly fine with that. Paris is more of a trip that needs to be planned to at." "Oh." "You have no clue where to go for our Honeymoon though?" She asked. Lightning stared a moment. He almost decided to lie but he shook his head and honestly explained, "I wanted to give you Paris. I've been holding out and hoping I would grow the fucking balls to make it happen but I can't. I can't fly out of the country. Not again. Not right now."
Sally's brows lowered with confusion. "Wait? Are you scared to fly?" She asked. Lightning shook his head and corrected, "Not to fly. Just.. To leave home-well.. America again." Sally stared at her future husband. The Prix. He was still dealing with it. She realized she had been neglecting that. Putting it on the shelf for the wedding and here Lightning was, silently suffering and fighting his fear and trauma just to give her Paris. She sighed and walked up to her love. Reaching out and embracing him in her arms. Nestling her head in his chest. Lightning wrapped his arms around her. A little confused at the moment. "I'm so sorry, Stickers." She cooed. "I've not thought about that all. I love you." She said as she tightened her arms around him. Lightning sighed and tightened his arms around her too. "I love you too." He replied. And they just held each other close for a moment. Taking each other's scent in, the warmth of their bodies, the closeness at this moment. It wasn't often they did this. Just held each other in the quiet. For no real reason except to say I love you and to feel each other's heartbeats. Fully satisfied with everything they had...
Holton stood at the place wherein a few weeks, he would be marrying Lightning and Sally. He stood there and checked his watch then grabbed a notebook with the wedding schedule and road map if you will. Mater was over at the snack table, stuffing his face with cheese. Bobby's brows lowered as he saw that and he asked the older man, "You sure you can handle that much cheese, dude?" Mater swallowed a giant gulp of the dairy product then smiled, "Yes Sir! This stuff is just too good to leave sitting out, want some?" Mater asked the racer. Bobby shook his head answering, "No, thank you.." Holton then called out to everyone, "Alright, alright! Time we get started on this Mock wedding. So gather up here. So... Says here, Minty, you want Monty to walk you to your seat." Bobby chuckled quietly and nudged Cal mocking, "Monty.. What a name." Cal only glared at Bobby for that. Holton then continued, "So Lightning, We will have you walk your Mother to her seat then take your place up here, followed by Mater and.. Samantha." Samantha raised her hand and asked, "Who is Mater again?" Everyone looked back to the cheese table where Mater was stuffing cheese in his pockets. Samantha sighed and muttered, "Charming..." Sally tried not to smile as she grabbed onto Lightning's arm and hid her face.
Honestly, Lightning thought the way she did that was just the cutest thing ever, which made him smile. Holton cleared his throat and continued, "Then will be the Swifts, followed by the Weathers, then Sally and her Father. Um.. Where is.. Mr. Carson?" He then asked. Looking around and not seeing the man. Sally stepped forward and explained, "He won't be here until the day of the wedding." Holton nodded. A little surprised by that. "And the ring bearer?" "MY nephew. Won't be here until the day of either." "Oh. Alright, that's fine. Once we get everyone to their places, I'll say a few words for fun, and then to two of you will join hands and say your vows before we go through with the rings and I do's. Let's get started!" He exclaimed. So the friends that were there for support all sat down. Then lined up in the back, Minty and Lightning walked up the aisle to the front row and Minty sat down then Lightning took his place next to Holton.
As planned, Mater and Samantha liked arms and began their way up the aisle. Halfway up, Mater pulled out some cheese and offered it to Sam. She stared disgustingly at the ball of blue in the old man's hand and shook her head. Mater shrugged and popped it in his mouth before they made their way up the stage and took their places. Followed by the Swifts. Jesse and Bobby linked arms and beautifully made their way up the front. Taking their place then the Weathers. Walking up nicely with smiles on their faces as they took their places next to their friends. Sally then stood at the end. Where Ramone, ran up and grabbed her arm saying, "I'm not letting you practice alone, baby." Sally smiled and thanked her friend for that. Ramone and Flo were the best. So Ramone walked Sally slowly and gently down the dirt-covered aisle to her love who stood waiting. LIghtning smiled seeing how happy Sally was for this. And ready. Man, was she ready for this? You could see it on her face, on her red cheeks, her wide smile, and bright eyes. It made Lightning's heart flutter. A bit nervously! Beating hard in his chest and up his throat as Sally and Ramone stopped in front of him. Ramone grabbed Lightning's hand and gave it to Sally. The future married couple took each other's hand and stared into each other's eyes. Gazing. IN less than a month, they would be married!
Holton took a breath then said, "So we come here today.. To witness the union of two souls. Two people who never stop moving long enough to smell the roses. But.. They seem to stop for one another. It works. And so far, as long as I've gotten to know these two, they are just about perfect." He joked. "Alright so, after I say a little speech, then I'll have Sally start with her vows, then you, Lightning. And after this, I will ask you each if you take the other and to which I hope you both do. Such a lovely couple." He said with a heartwarming smile. Sally smiled as she looked up into Lightning's eyes. Lightning snickered and nodded saying, "I'm just worried that Sally might change her mind last minute." He joked. Nervously. You could hear his nervousness in his tone, see it in his smile. Sally gently slapped Lightning across the shoulder. He awkwardly just rubbed his shoulder with his hand. Holton snickered then continued, "Well, after that. I'm going to turn you two to face your guest and announce you as MR. and Mrs. McQueen. Sound good?" He asked. Sally and Lightning stared at each other. Both nodded as they glanced at Holton. You could see the excitement and anxiety in the couple. But it was a good kind.
LIghtning stared at Sally. Nevermore sure of anything in his life. He could not wait to marry the woman before him. He smiled at her. Butterfly's in his stomach. Mrs. McQueen. Sally McQueen. She would be his. As his wife...
