Chapter 12: Goodbye My Friend
Winter started off with a bang. It was a cold and snowy December. Things were quiet in Yellowstone. Cody was spending more time on patrol in a SUV or on a snowmobile than in a chopper. Lizzie and the other rangers on her team were planning ranger programs for the next year.
Cody and Lizzie would get together at her place or his depending on whose roommate was around. Christmas came, Lizzie and Cody were both on duty. Mark went home for the holidays to visit his family. Cody and Lizzie stayed and spent the week together at Cody's apartment. During the week there were some holiday parties they would attend. But Christmas Eve they spent a quiet evening together. Both had to work Christmas day so once they were done with work, they spent the evening calling their families.
First, they called Lizzie's family in San Diego. Lizzie's parents surprised them with plane tickets to fly to San Diego in April. Cody and Lizzie had already asked for the time off to visit them but had not gotten the tickets yet. They were both very excited.
When they called Tahoe, they were surprised to hear that Jesse, Jackie and Jackie's husband Pete were celebrating Christmas together with Matt and Robin.
"Cody, when am I going to me your young lady?" Jackie asked.
"Not sure when we will get away again. Unless you want to come here for long weekend?"
"I would love to meet you in person Mrs. Simpson. We….." Lizzie was about to say something about their trip to San Diego and Cody shook his head no. "We would love to see you some time soon. Unfortunately, neither of us get much vacation time."
"When the weather gets warmer; we will try make it up to Bozeman. I heard there is some great shopping up there," Jackie said.
"That would be wonderful Mrs. Simpson." Lizzie said.
After they hung up. "Why didn't you want your mom to know we will be in San Diego?"
"We are only going to be there for a few days and my mom can be over whelming. I don't want her coming to take away time with your family. If she joins us, while we are visiting my family, it is okay, but I don't want to take away from your family's time."
"Someday, I would like to meet your mom. I know she has hurt you, but she is part of your family. I would like to know her too," Lizzie said. She laid her head on his shoulder.
"Lizzie, you are all the family I need." The two began to kiss and retired to Cody's bedroom.
Mark returned from Maine. "So, I can see that Lizzie lived her for a bit."
"Yeah, we spent a lot of time together. Gave her roommate a break from us."
"Should I call her Mrs. Hawkes yet." Mark asked.
"Not yet. We are talking about it. We are going to see her family in April, and I am going to ask her dad for her hand."
"I was joking, you are serious man," Mark asked.
"Let me show you something." Cody went back to his room and got a box. Cody threw the box to Mark. Mark opened the box.
"You are not joking," Mark said. "You already have the ring. Has she seen it? Does she know you have it?"
"She does not know. We have gone to the mall in Bozeman a few times to just walk around, and we stopped at a jewelry store, so I got an idea what she liked. She tried this ring on, and her face just lit up. So, I went back and bought it. Man after this last week. I don't know if I can wait that long. I want to marry her now. I can't wait to spend the rest of my life with her," Cody said.
"Wow man," Mark said. "I have some news too. When I was back home, I ran into an old girlfriend. We really hit it off and we had a couple of dates."
"Wow, I am excited for you. And how did your interview go?" Cody asked.
"The interview went well. I think I will get the job at Arcadia," Mark said.
"That is great news, you can be closer to your family and your new lady friend, but I will of course miss you as a roommate." Cody said.
"I don't think you will be alone long," Mark said.
Cody smiled back, "When will you find out?"
"They just started the interview process so could be another month before they decide. Then if I get it. It still might take a month or two for the transfer to go through. This has always been my dream to work there. I hope I get it. If not, I am ready to go back to Maine, so I may look into a new profession. A week at home and I saw how much I was missing." Mark said.
"Mark, I pray you get it," Cody said.
"I hope you can wait," Mark said.
Cody received an invite to attend a conference being held at Joshua Tree National Park. He decided to take a three-hour drive to Lizzie's parents' house for a night to visit her family before he flew back to Bozeman. While there, Cody was able to get Lizzie's dad alone for a bit.
Cody was nervous, "Sir, can we talk? I hope you are aware how much I love and care for your daughter. I love her more than anything. I will never be a rich man, but I will take care of her and her every need. Sir. I am asking for your daughters' hand in marriage. Do I have your blessing?"
"Cody, I have not seen my daughter as happy as when she is with you or talking about you. I can tell you both love each other. Of course you have my blessing. Welcome to the family, son," Mr. Donavan said. He put his hands on Cody's shoulders. "When do you think you will ask her?"
"I want to as soon as I get back, but next weekend we are going on a snowmobile trip as a farewell for my roommate Mark. I think I will ask her then," Cody said. "I think Mark will be okay with it. He was excited when I told him I was going to ask her. I was not going to ask you until we came in April. But once I got this opportunity for the conference at Joshue Tree, I could ask for her hand sooner. Lizzie does not know I am here. I told her time would not permit me to drive out here."
Cody returned home, "Mark, are you pretty much all packed?"
"Yep, ready for our one last adventure this weekend. Were you able to see Lizzie's parents? Did you ask her dad?"
"I did," Cody said.
"Don't leave me hanging. What did he say?" Mark asked.
"He said yes."
Mark screamed. "When are you going to ask her."
"If you are okay with it. I was thinking about asking her this weekend on our trip."
"I would be honored man. We both hoped to find our future brides. And you found yours here. I hope I have found mine back home. You better invite me to the wedding."
"Of course. I hope you will be one of my groom's men. And stand up there with Matt and I."
"You're getting little ahead of yourself, man. You should ask your lady first. What if she says no?"
"She will say yes, I have no doubt."
"I can't wait to celebrate with you guys," Mark said. "So glad to celebrate before I leave. Do you know how you are going to do it?"
"I know sunset is her favorite time of day. If it looks like there is going to be a good one, I will take her to the side and ask her then," Cody said.
The weekend came. A group of about ten National Park Rangers set out on a weekend snowmobile trip just outside Yellowstone National Park. They were riding for the day to reach a lodge where they could all stay together for the night. Late in the afternoon they experienced a beautiful sunset. Cody led Lizzie to a little private snow bank.
"Wow it is so beautiful. I just love this," Lizzie said, not even looking at Cody.
"Lizzie, it is almost as beautiful as you are to me," Cody said. He then got down on one knee. "Lizzie, I have been in love with you since the first time I went out to the bee hives with you. When I am around you, I am so happy. When we are apart, I miss you and cannot wait to see you again. I love you so much. I can't imagine anything better than having children with you and growing old with you. Would you do me the honor of being my wife?"
Cody took one of his gloves off and pulled out a box with a ring in it. "Cody, I love you so much. Yes, I will marry you, but you said you would not ask until you asked my dad?"
"I saw your parents last week and I asked your dad than." Cody said.
"You did? You said your schedule would not permit."
"I know. I did not want you to know. I wanted it to be a surprise and I could not wait until April. I was able to ask your dad for your hand. He gave me is blessing," Cody said.
The two walked into the lodge where their friends were all waiting. Cody and Lizzie looked at each other. "WE ARE ENGAGED!" Everyone screamed and cheered for the happy couple. Cody got down on one knee again. Took off his gloves and put the ring on Lizzie's finger. Everyone screamed again, they all huddled around Lizzie to look at the ring and congratulate the happy couple.
Cody and Lizzie decided they would cherish the moment between them and their friends. They will call their families when they return home. Lizzie and Cody were sitting by the fire as their friends started disappearing one at a time. Lizzie was sitting on the floor in Cody's lap. "Cody, I can't believe I will be your wife. You have made me the happiest woman."
"I will be your husband. I am the Lucky's man in the world," Cody said.
"I think I might be luckiest man," Mark said. "I am getting out of here just in time before I live in wedding central."
"Ha, ha, ha," Cody said.
"Seriously guys, I am glad I could share in your engagement. I had a front row seat to your relationship. From first time Cody saw you at that bar, to hearing about you first non-date date to your engagement."
"Non-date date?" Lizzie asked.
"Man," Cody said as he got red in the face.
"That is what Cody called the day the two of you went out to the beehives for the first time. You both paid your own bill at dinner that night. He said he called it a non-date date. Then that Saturday after the ranger show, I told him you could have another non-date, date if you went hiking with the group. And you did."
"That so cute," Lizzie put her hand on Cody's face. "No worries you still won me over." She leaned into Cody and kissed him.
Next morning the group was eating breakfast. Mark started tapping his glass and stood up. "Can I have your attention everyone. I want to thank you for coming on this one last adventure with me. I have so enjoyed all my time here at Yellowstone. I am going to miss all of you, but especially my roommate and best friend Cody. We went through Park Ranger Law Enforcement Academy together, kept in touch while we were at our first assignments. I convinced this man to come here to Yellowstone. He grew up right in front of my eyes and is now getting married. My work here is done, my man will be very well taken care of by this lady. I will miss you guys. Cheers to Cody and Lizzie." Everyone raised a glass to the happy couple. "But seriously. I have really enjoyed my time here and getting to know all of you. You have become more than friends, but you have become my family. If you are ever in the Arcadia area. Please look me up."
They arrived home late Sunday afternoon. Mark was getting together with his department for a goodbye party. Cody and Lizzie had the apartment to themselves for a few hours. They called Lizzie's parents, and they were over the moon with joy with Lizzie and Cody's news. They decided when Cody and Lizzie come out in April, they will start some of the wedding planning. The couple has not had a chance to think about when or where they wanted to get married. They were thinking the off season, so they would have more time off and, in the future, would allow them ability to get away easier.
"Lizzie when you come next month, why don't we do some wedding planning then. This will give you both a chance to talk about when and where you want to get married." Lizzie's mom said.
"Mom that is what I was thinking as well," Lizzie said.
"Cody, please invite your family. Then they can be a part of it too. We would love to meet your family." Lizzie's mom said.
"Are you sure, Mrs. Donavan? I know this was going to be some family time," Cody said.
"You are going to be part of our family and we want to welcome your family as well. Lizzie's mom said, "We were thinking of hosting an engagement party on Saturday for the two of you."
"We will ask them. Thank you, mom. Can't wait to see you," Lizzie said.
Then Lizzie and Cody called his dad and Matt's family.
"Hello," Matt said when he picked up the phone.
"Hello, big brother," Cody said. "Is everyone there with you?"
"Yep, we are all here. Someone wants to say something to you. Okay say hi to Uncle Cody."
"Hi Uncle Toad," Kelly said in her sweet 2-year-old voice.
"Hi sweetie, I love you my little princess. I can't wait to see you."
"Love you," Kelly giggled and ran to her father.
"So Matt, did you really have to teach your daughter to call me Toad?"
"Like Father like daughter," Matt said. "How was the snowmobile trip."
"Matt, it was the best day of my life," Cody said. He was holding Lizzie's hand as they snuggled close to the phone.
"Best day of your life wow," Jesse said.
"Dad, Matt, Robin we have some news we want to share with you," Cody said. "Last night I asked this beautiful lady to marry me. And she said yes."
"Your engaged! Congratulations!" Robin shouted. "When? How? I need to know the story."
"Sweetie, Uncle Cody is getting married," Matt said.
"To me?" Kelly asked.
"No, honey," Matt said. Kelly immediately started crying. Matt picked her up and walked her away to comfort and settle her down. "Honey, you are much too young to get married. Your mom and dad would be so sad if you moved all the way to Yellowstone. And your Uncle Cody is already part of your family and will always be part of your family and your life." Kelly was still sniffling. "Do you remember Ms. Lizzie?" Matt asked. Kelly nodded yes, "She is marrying your uncle Cody and then Ms. Lizzie will be your Auntie Lizzie. Then she will be part of your family too."
"Congratulations son," Jesse said, he was smiling from ear to ear.
Matt came back with Kelly. "Congratulations. Kelly is okay now."
"Sweetie, I am so excited you are going to be getting a new Auntie." Cody said.
"Can you tell Uncle Cody congratulations?" Matt asked. Kelly shook her head no and buried her head into Matt shoulder.
"Lizzie, tell us how he did it?" Robin asked.
"Well… you know we went on the snowmobile trip. We arrived at the lodge where we were spending the night, shortly before sunset. Cody and I stepped away from everyone and we watched the sunset together. It was one of the most beautiful sunsets I have ever seen. He got on one knee and told me how much he loved me, that he wanted to spend the rest of my life with me, he pulled out the ring, and asked me to marry him. And of course, I said yes. When we went into the lodge, we were able to celebrate with our friends. It was perfect." Lizzie explained. She had the biggest smile on her face.
"Oh, how romantic." Robin said with tears in her eyes.
"Have you thought about when the big day will be?" Matt asked.
"We have not had time to think about anything yet, but probably sometime in the off season," Cody said.
Matt looked at Robin and she shook her head no.
"My parents would like to invite you to San Diego next month. We are going to do some wedding planning and Saturday night they are going to throw us an engagement party."
Matt looked at Robin and she shook her head yes. "Lizzie we would like to come. We will get things sorted here when we are back to work."
"Have you told your mom yet?" Jesse asked.
"Not yet, she is our next call," Cody said.
"That is good son," Jesse said.
"We have only made one decision yet," Cody said. "Kelly, we were wondering if you would be a flower girl in our wedding?"
"What is a flower girl?" Kelly asked.
"A flower girl gets to dress up like a princess. They get to walk down the aisle before the bride. It is a very important role in the wedding." Kelly said.
"YAY!" Kelly said jumping up and down with a big smile on her face. "I get to be a princess."
Everyone laughed.
"Well one decision made, about 100 to go," Cody said.
Matt gave Robin a look and she finally agreed.
"We have a little news here as well. We were not ready to tell people yet, so still under wraps," Matt said."
Robin whispered something to Kelly. Kelly said, "I am having a baby."
"What?" Cody said.
"Matt and I are expecting a baby in early October." Robin said. "It is very early, so we have not really told anyone yet. Outside I am back to radio duty at the ranger station. And your dad knows, as I am having a lot of morning sickness."
"Congratulations," Cody said.
"We did not want to crash your big news. But when you start planning a date, we just wanted to let you know we won't be able to travel around then," Matt said.
"Matt and Robin congratulations. It is good to know when we think about when and where we get married. We definitely want your family there," Lizzie said.
"Don't say anything to Mom. We have not told her yet and may wait a bit before we do." Matt said.
"We won't say anything. But does help as we think about when to have the big day." Cody said. They ended the call.
"Wow, Cody is getting married." Matt said.
"It is wonderful news." Robin said.
"I hope they don't rush too fast to get married. They have not been dating that long yet. When your brother gets excited about things, he does not like to wait, and he wants it now," Jesse said.
"I think Lizzie has a good head on her shoulders and she will talk some sense into him and make him wait," Matt said.
Back to Cody and Lizzie. "Another baby, that is exciting," Cody exclaimed.
"Glad they told us, unless we got married in Tahoe, we probably want to wait a bit before having the wedding," Lizzie said.
"Have you thought about where you want to get married?" Cody asked.
"I know it is tradition to get married at the bride's hometown, at the church where she grew up. but I have not lived there in a long time. I don't have a strong desire to get married there. I have only been to Tahoe once. So, I don't have a strong connection there either. I know some day you want to back to Tahoe and work as a High Mountain Ranger. And I am totally okay with leaving Yellowstone and making a home there with you. But what I have been kind of thinking… I would like to get married in the place where we met, here in Yellowstone."
"I would really like that too. This is where we will start our life together. I am happy here with you. I would like to go back to Tahoe someday, but I love working here too and I would like to be here for a while longer. We will have to make the decision together when we want to make the move. But I am good staying couple more years for sure," Cody said agreeing with Lizzie.
"Good, I like it being just the two of us for a while," Lizzie said. "I love my job here, being little selfish."
"We don't have to say anything to anyone yet, but we can start looking into it. Suppose we should call my mom." Cody said.
"Yes, we should call her." Lizzie said.
Cody dials the number.
"Hello," Jackie said.
"Hi mom, it is Cody and Lizzie." Cody said.
"Hi, you too, what is up kiddo?" Jackie asked.
"We have some news we want to share with you." Cody said.
"Is something wrong?" Jackie asked. "Is your dad okay, Matt, Robin, Kelly?"
"No nothing like that. Last night I asked Lizzie to marry me, and she said yes," Cody said.
"Your engaged? My baby boy is engaged. I need to meet your future bride," Jackie said.
"If you are free, next month my family would like to invite you to San Diego. We are going to do some wedding planning and an engagement party on Saturday night," Lizzie said.
"I would not miss it for the world. I will be there for sure. I will have to check with Pete if he will be able to attend. Is your dad coming?" Jackie asked.
"I don't know yet for sure. I imagine if Matt and Robin can come, then I am sure he will come with them," Cody said.
"So do you know when and where you are getting married?" Jackie asked. "We have beautiful places out here in Atlanta and June is always a good time, but you might have to wait two years for an available date."
"Mom thanks, it is always good to know what options we have. It is all new and we are just starting to talk about where and when. And looking into some places. Probably don't want to wait two years. We are thinking of looking a little sooner than that. We will let you know as soon as we decide."
"Lizzie, I am so honored to be part of your wedding. I don't have any daughters of my own and Matt and Robin's wedding was so simple I did not get to help with any of it."
They ended their conversation with Jackie. Lizzie asked, "Have you been to Atlanta a lot?"
"I think twice. We are not getting married there. I like the idea of getting married here. Where we met and where we will be starting our life together." Cody said.
"Me too," Lizzie said as she snuggled into Cody.
"With Robin being pregnant this fall is out." Cody said.
"Timing wise, it may not have worked anyways. So next year it is." Lizzie said.
"I will make a call to Mammoth Chapel and see if I can make an appointment for us. Then we can take it from there," Cody responded.
"When do you get your keys to your new apartment?" Lizzie asked.
"Tomorrow morning, I will get the keys. Mark is going to help me move my stuff in. Then we will get his SUV loaded up. Whatever he can't fit in his SUV we will bring over to my apartment. Then he is going to leave early Tuesday morning," Cody said.
"Then I will come over early on Tuesday to say my goodbyes to him. Give you guys one last day together to hang out," Lizzie said.
"You're so understanding. I am going to miss Mark but looking forward to having my own place. Place where we can spend as much time together as we want, without having to worry about roommates."
"I am glad we decided you should get your own place," Lizzie said.
"Until you decide to move in with me," Cody said.
"My parents would kill me and so would your dad. For now, let's keep things the way it is. Does not mean I couldn't move some stuff over. And maybe we will get there, but I have a feeling we will have some visitors this year." Lizzie said.
"Yeah, your right." Cody said. "At least I won't have to see the dirty looks from Shelly."
"She likes you a lot better than Fred," Lizzie said.
"Oh, I never would have guessed," Cody said.
"I should get going. I have work in the morning," Lizzie said. Cody and Lizzie kissed. "Cody don't make this any harder, I will see you Tuesday morning."
"Let me walk you home," Cody said.
"Okay," Lizzie said.
The two left Cody's apartment and walked over to Lizzie's apartment building. It was cold and snowy out. Cody saw that she made it into her building and then he walked back to his apartment. Cody ran into Mark as they were about to enter the building.
"Where is your better half?" Mark teased.
"I just walked her home," Cody said. "She thought she give us one day and night to hang out."
Next day the two men got Cody moved into his new apartment and got Mark's SUV all packed up. The two men went down to the bar where they went on Cody's first night in town. "Mark, I am going to miss you man. I can't imagine life here without you."
"I am sure the wedding plans will keep you busy." Mark said.
"I am sure, we made a little progress. We decided we want to get married here at Yellowstone. Going to investigate Mammoth Chapel. We are hoping for early next year, either late winter or early spring. On the QT, Matt and Robin are expecting a baby in October. We can't get married without them. When Kelly found out I was getting married and not marrying her, she got upset, two-year-olds. We did ask her to be a flower girl and it seemed to help that she gets to wear a princess dress."
"That little girl loves her uncle Cody," Mark commented.
"She does. I do wish we were closer to her, but I love my life here. Lizzie and I talked about staying at least a couple more years before moving to Tahoe," Cody said.
"Seems like you have a lot figured out. When you figure out the when, let me know so I can come for a visit. I would like to witness your especial day."
"I won't want to do it without you. Besides Matt, I would like it if you could stand up beside me. Will you be a groom's men?" Cody asked.
"I will be honored, man. You're the best friend I have ever had and a first-hand eye witness to your relationship. I am going to miss you too." Mark said.
Next morning Lizzie met Cody and Mark, just as Mark was getting ready to say his goodbyes. Lizzie and Cody are both dressed for work.
"Mark, please let us know when you arrive," Lizzie said.
"I have been so happy to be part of your story. Looking forward to celebrating your big day," Mark said.
"Drive safe my friend," Cody gives Mark a big hug. "I will miss you."
Mark gets into his SUV and gives the pair a wave good bye. They watched as Mark drove off. Then Lizzie hugged Cody. "You're really going to miss him."
"Yes, he is the best friend I have ever had. Good byes are hard." Cody took a deep breath. "Do you want to come over tonight?"
'I can come over to your bachelor pad," Lizzie said.
"I am glad I could spend one last day with Mark, but I have missed you too."
Both Cody and Lizzie had normal days at work. Cody's day was done sooner, so he was home getting dinner ready for him and Lizzie. There was still much unpacking and settling to be done. There is a knock on the door. Cody goes over to open the door. He takes her bags from her and puts them inside the apartment while he stays in the door away, not letting her in.
"Can I come in?" Lizzie asked.
"Not yet," Cody stepped out into the hallway and swept Lizzie off her feet and carried her through the door. Once inside he sat her down.
"I think you are supposed to do that after we move into our first home together after we are married," Lizzie said.
"I know this is technically my place, but I want you to make it our place. I want you to feel free to move as much of your stuff in as you like. Come here." Cody took her by the hand to the bed room and showed her the closet. He left half the closet open for her. He showed her the dresser, he opened up some drawers he kept empty for her. Then he took her to the bath room and showed her where he left room for her stuff. "I know you don't want to move in yet, but I want to make room for you. I have one more thing." Cody went and handed her a small box.
"Oh, you already gave me one of these," Lizzie opened the box. In it was a set of keys.
"I want you to feel like you can come and go as you need. This not just my place, but our place." Cody said with big smile on his face.
"Good, I have a house warming present for you," Lizzie led Cody back to the living room. There was a big bag she picked up and handed to Cody.
"What is this?" Cody asked.
"Well open it silly," Lizzie said. Cody opened the bag and found new bedding. "I thought new place deserved new bedding."
"You did not care for the sheets I got at the second-hand shop?" Cody teased.
"Not really. It was good try, but good sheets make all the world." Lizzie said. "And if it is a place we spend together, I wanted something nice."
"Sounds like a good reason to me," Cody said.
Lizzie and Cody put the new bedding on the bed and then went and finished putting dinner together.
"I talked to the chapel today. You're off next week Wednesday, right? They had an opening at 9 to talk about the wedding venue and possible dates. I made an appointment for us."
"Perfect, this is getting real and exciting. If I remember from my sister's wedding, there is a lot of work up front getting the big things in place. Then a break for a while, then more decisions after that. I got this package from my mom today," Lizzie opened the present. "It is a wedding planning book. That will keep us organized, on everything that needs to be done."