Hey There,

Welcome! It's Thursday and time for another trip down those summery perspectives of Quogan. Namely Logan's perspective this time. I'm still floating from listening to the live performances of Jon McLaughlin last night. I met him afterward and even confessed I listen to his music all the time while I write stories. Very charming, kind, and TALENTED… My goodness! Still touching back down from that, and I can't wait for you to read what happens next. So without further ado, here we go!

Standard Disclaimers Apply - I don't own Zoey 101, Zoey 102, Nickelodeon, MTV, or any of the other trademarked things mentioned. I am merely borrowing all of these things for my own twisted plots. Most will be returned unharmed.

Thanks to ANY one reading this right now! Thanks for giving this story a chance.

Special thanks to the few of you who have placed this story on your favorite stories or story alert lists. Also special thanks to the few of you who have favorited me as an authoress or placed me on your author's alert. That is high praise I hope I'm still earning!

Special thanks to my reviewer: [my friend] AwkwardGurl05 (YES, girl! It really doesn't make sense that they would wait so long to tie the knot. Even when you take into consideration just how busy they've probably both been. I've literally been chipping away at that particular iceberg this week. But my headcannons from before Zoey 102, had them married sooner and I will probably post those stories one day too. I've been looking at those older drafts as well. But to help the movie make more sense {This is how I fix things that don't line up in my head, like SO much of the film} I have been drafting fillers for some of those holes… Like proposal possibilities for the hints Quinn gave us as she filled in Zoey. What that would look like for grown and committed Quogan. As well as an off-the-rails one that would just be my ideal… You know, besides this week's latest greatest. Like I had spare time? But you know how it goes with writing. You have to write these things when you hear them and see them at their strongest before they either kill you or evaporate. So… That was a challenge this week too. I believe Prom night was a big possibility too for Logan's first realizing he could spend forever with this girl or he needed to spend forever with her. I mean the guy was screaming it, more than once, across that Prom and there was SO much conviction in that confession… That's the whole reason 'The Collective Trials...' still names that their first time saying it to each other. Even if they've kinda said in every other way but the actual words by then. They had both looked like it was the first time to me. Thank you for saying you're excited about when I will share those anniversary plans to make up for not giving Logan the HUGE fancy wedding he always dreamed of too. God bless you, it's the only way I can handle seeing that first wedding. I have to keep talking to both of them on my screen. "I'm gonna fix this, guys!" We fanfiction writers fix all the holes and PROVOKE those thoughts and alternatives. I'm so taking you up on your offer sometime soon. It may be the bits I mentioned above… may be something completely outta left field too though… cause there are SOOOOOO many different directions in my drafts… like I can't even tell you how many are going in different directions with different plots. A fresh pair of eyes would be a big help. And I can't wait for you to post your works too! I'm glad I was able to help in ANY way at all. I can't wait for the stories you'll tell. Yes, chapter 2 is coming soon too for "The Halloween Before." I'm so glad you liked and look forward to it expanding as well. Logan would have bought her a different ring every time too. Yes, I think that's bank, like maybe that ring choice had been the reason she said no {even if it wasn't} and I also think he would have done his homework too and been listening like a HAWK. To hear about what ring would be the HARDEST for her to say no to too. Ya know? Like when she admired other girl's rings, or if she was ever in a jewelry shop with him for ANY reason. Ideas there too! Good Gravy, when will it end! LoL! Yes, Hawaii was a possibility, and YES! Logan would have waited for whenever Quinn was ready and vise versa. And I love how you so get that completely. And share my belief they wouldn't just jump to this so thoughtlessly too! And for saying the fireworks were there! You don't know how I stressed about that the whole week I was writing and posting it. You're getting more letters this week too, I hope that's good news. Your letters have helped me more than you can know. Your light, energy, your unfailing support and care have all been so uplifting. You make the words 'thank you' seem so small to express my appreciation. But seriously! You're the best and I can't thank you enough for this friendship we've built. Ch 11, Yep, Birdie is short for a name and origin that pops up in this chapter. Logan explains better than me, don't let him hear me say that! Winkwink! I hope you do like what we [sis and me] came up with for her and Howard too. Who is wary after Bore-a-saurus rock hugging Mark… [and yes, feel free to use that one anytime winkwink! It's too good.] Yes, Howard's reluctance is understandable and heartbreaking... And he's already jaded cause his own hearts been broken by his wife lately too. But just like Irvine, even when it's so hard to admit, you know I'm gonna fix things. Thank you so much for liking Quinn's start and thoughtful gesture, even if Logan saw his chance and didn't let it pass him by… SERIOUSLY! This is how he is ALL the time and sometimes I gotta just tell him 'no.' but he tells me the same thing he tells you. And still sneaks these moments in there where he can when he can. Quinn did like this one and made me so happy too when she admitted to being ruined for anyone else. I had to stop, fangirl, and comeback to that line too. Logan is the master planner and problem solver. I'm so glad you liked his contributions to Irvine's gifts for Marion too. But you know him as well as I do… You know some project like this will turn up again when Quinn is so impressed with this work… Just putting that little tidbit out there! Winkwink! Hmm? Will his jaw hit the floor? Will everyone need to step around his tongue? And struggle to get his bugged eyes back inside his head? … Maybe! Thank you for looking forward to the wedding! And the chaos that follows it at every pass and this is just the FIRST of their summer. I was so worried about all of these moments when I posted. Thank you so much for not only saying you enjoyed them, but they're believable… that is the holy grail! You didn't miss a thing, I hope I kept with your success in that. If I didn't, I apologize and promise to cover it here on in a letter later. Hope you're having an AWESOME week! Take Care and Much Love!)

Enjoy!

"How We Spent Our Summer Vacay!"

Chapter 12 - My Girl Can Move

(Logan's Perspective)

As expected, I barely slept a wink last night. So I'd spent a good cut of the night hanging out with Quinn's Dad Howard. In his garage, working on things he'd been tinkering with on his workbench. I can see why Quinn's so close to him, he loves to take things apart and put them back together. Just like her, and he knows a lot about them too.

Somethings he'd taken apart just to see how they work and why they work. I feel like I learned a whole bunch about clocks and toasters. Because those were the things we worked on the most. A cuckoo clock that had stopped cuckooing, I watched him clean it up, crank it as far as it would go, and fiddle with till it was working again. Literally, I think I saw him thack it hard, after all of that delicate care, and it started working.

Another clock he'd found broken in a thrift shop in Sweden. That he had been trying to get working again. He'd cleaned it and cared for it in that same way. When it started to tick again, Howard made it that much cooler by saying. "No batteries, no power plug, our grandfathers grandfathers knew how to accomplish this without all that. Or impacting the environment so much, don't tell me they weren't brilliant."

And that is seriously cool. We had to wait for 3am to hear if it would chime. It made a noise that sounded like it was taking a breath first, then it CHIMED epically even though it wasn't much bigger than a bookbag… SO cool! And it really did do it three times.

HE was cool, and he hadn't treated me like I was dumb; when I asked him questions either. He told me whatever answers he could and sometimes even said. "Let's find out!" If he didn't have an answer. He reminded me of his brother Irvine, and my grandpa a little too. They would really get along if they ever met.

Also when I had been out there with him, and we'd both been working on things. He'd said to me. That he hadn't known all of the details about the fire till Irvine told him face to face today. About Vince and me sneaking in and getting Quinn out.

And I'd told him in all honesty. "She would have done the same for us… if the roles were switched."

"She would have," he'd agreed. "But I can't thank you enough for helping her the way you did. Irvine said you've been struggling with some PTS too."

I had to tell him, "Not as much since I got here and see how much better she is everyday. Thank you for letting me stay here and see that."

He'd said, "You're welcome anytime. If your heroics weren't reason enough, Irvine and Marion both had nothing but glowing things to say about you too. I also want to thank you for all of the time and effort you've lent them. They said you've been an absolute godsend, even before you got here."

"I like them, I was glad to help. Hopefully I can help more now too. Now that everyone's here," I'd said and meant, but I also had to be honest with him and let him know. "And I love Quinn… sir. And the last thing I ever want to do is hurt her. I know Mark never treated her right and I was there as much I could be when he hurt her. I just want to tell you that, and be honest with you. From the start."

He'd taken a breath and said, "It's never easy for any daughter-dad to hear. Especially when they only have the one daughter, and seventeen years flew by like they have. But I appreciate your honesty and hope you can make her happy… She seems a lot happier just the little bit of time I've gotten to be with her."

It looked like it had hurt him to say that. But I was glad he wasn't showing me his hammer collection. Like Irvine and Danny had both warned me he could. Even after getting all of that off of my chest and spending time getting to know Howard a little better. I still couldn't sleep at all, and I guess my tossing and turning had bothered Otis. Because he came in and insisted on climbing into my bed beside me. I tried to coax him out, but if I'd gotten up I was half afraid he would have completely stolen my bed. So we both lie there, till we both eventually fell asleep.

I heard Quinn and Howard whispering a conversation and waited for the older Pensky to leave. As soon as he did, both Otis and I tag-teamed his mama. Quinn had been a giggling mess between us too. But before I started my day with her, I needed a shower to get the alpaca smell off of me. So after stealing a few good morning kisses. I'd snuck off to do that first…

Howard and Quinn had things to do that Stacey was tagging along with them to get done. While I knew I was needed at the farm to help Irvine sneak the finishing touches on all of Marion's hidden wedding presents. A few emergencies have come up for some of the animals as well. And Irvine's had to stop everything and be there for those animals. I had been texting back and forth with him even before I left Quinn's house. Telling him, "Don't worry, I'll be right there. And I know what needs to happen."

We had TWO mega-bride surprises to pull off! I was utilizing every person I could that was here and few of my dad's crew members who weren't on his clock today as well. Getting them to meet us at the Zoo to help us assemble surprise number one and fine-tune number two afterward. They were even gonna help take it apart again after the wedding and after all of the wedding pictures were done being taken tomorrow. They were gonna re-assemble it in Irvine's yard, in the exact place he wanted it, with ALL of the stained glass enclosed too. I had seen to ALL of that!

It was all getting presented TODAY! And it was go time.

I know besides a whole bunch of other little things, needing Irvine's attention. Two older animals got very sick and ended up dying, and an expecting horse had given birth to a dead baby that couldn't be saved during all of this too. Before I got completely wrapped up into all of the things I had to do. I did see that new mama Mare meeting an abandoned colt the rescue had just saved days ago. And I did get to see Irvine introducing these two horses to each other and make sure they accepted each other as family. He was definitely doing IMPORTANT work here. I'd even gotten misty-eyed when those two horses met and it was love at first sight. Even when they looked nothing alike, love was love. And it was just another example I've seen from these animals that family really isn't all about blood or breed.

Then I was back to stressing, EVERYTHING had to be absolutely perfect for Marion, and it was up to me. So after walking Otis back to Maybelline and their girls. And checking on our alpaca fam and Stacey's duck, who seemed to have perked up a lot since he got here and around other ducks… I was off to help however and wherever I could. And when my quick thinking and alternatives had helped defuse one disaster after the next before any meltdowns could even begin. For countless problems popping up for today, tonight and the Wedding tomorrow.

I was quickly appointed head coordinator for the rehearsals.

I handed out headsets and walkie-talkies to any of the guys helping me. Once all of our prep at the farm was done. And the surprise happening there were absolutely perfect for presenting tonight… It was on to the Zoo!

Helping the guys I'd borrowed from my Dad as well as the few family members volunteering. All figure out assembling the gazebo on site. That had been only a stumbling block for about thirty minutes. Then we found that rhythm, and it was all up in no time, Irvine had it custom-made. With plates of stained glass, a friend of mine had perfected to fit into that fancy fixture just right. But even though it was designed to be completely enclosed in stained glass. All eight sides of it's octagon base had a windowpane. It couldn't be that way for the wedding though, no way the ceremony could be seen if we did that. So Irvine had to pick which panes he liked best and the others were propped on these display stands beside the thing. Four sides were attached on the back of the thing, and the remaining four were still getting shown off. Where all of the groomsmen and bridesmaids would be standing… It really gave the whole place where they would be standing a whole new look. And after covering the Gazebo in Marion's favorite flowers… it looked like a wedding was happening here.

We had to create an aisle, or I did, since none of these men had vision. Setting up all the folding chairs up in rows. Since it was trying to rain, I went ahead and had my crew of guys pitch the tented ceiling over the audience too. So all the people coming tonight to practice wouldn't get rained on. Even if they didn't need it for the actual ceremony. Since I had been to more weddings than ANYONE else here. I helped figure out the blocking and marks where everyone would be standing too. I had two heart shaped marks added to the floor of the gazebo, so they would always know where they stood. I even had an 'M' on Marion's and an 'I' on Irvine's. We even had umbrella stands stationed on each side of the gazebo behind the plates of glass for the bridesmaids and groomsmen, in case it started to rain during the ceremony. Because the tent roof and gazebo didn't cover them and they would still be sitting ducks if it rained. Hopefully we wouldn't need them, but they were there, in case we did.

Irvine had pat me on the back and said, "Damn kid, you sure know you're stuff." And he'd loved the heart-shaped mark thing.

I had to share, "I couldn't tell you how many weddings I've been in, helped plan like this, or had to show up to for my Mom or Dad. I have to go to five more that I know about, this summer. I couldn't tell you how many of them were just my parents marrying different people all the time. A bunch more are other people too."

"They must have divorced when you were small." Irvine had reasoned.

"I was still an infant, so… yeah." I'd shrugged.

Irvine said, "I could see you're close with your grandfolks. They seemed like good people, but are you close to your parents at all?"

"I'm close to my dad." I left out that my mom's a psycho and we want nothing to do with each other most of the time. They didn't need that sob story, this was a happy event.

Maverick guessed, "I bet you never want to get married."

"Actually, I wouldn't mind it all that much." I found myself shrugging. "Weddings can be fun, if like this one, there's a good match at the base of everything else… I've been to too many where that just wasn't the case."

Irvine guessed better, "So if you ever do have a wedding, you're gonna be serious as hell about your match, like me. The 'one and done' kinda guy."

And I had to admit, "Yeah, probably."

Danny had slapped me on the back, "After the coolness I've seen today, I think I'd like to see when it was your turn. What that would even look like."

I just shook my head as they all teased, that it wasn't completely out of the question. Especially if I keep being as 'gushy' with Quinn. It could happen… And the thought has only crossed my mind once every HOUR or so since I realized I really love her. But I couldn't let any of that show, I had to keep things light… fun! Kidding around and cracking jokes. Not let any of that secret out… not even to Quinn who's got way too much pressure on her right now too. She's been so stressed I hate to even remind her of all the other weddings we're going to later on. Without giving her an aniexty attack.

I feel like it wasn't terribly long at all after that, Irvine stationed me as the look out. To make sure of two things. Marion didn't walk in there before Irvine was here to escort her. And to make sure Quinn and Howard saw our handy work in the space where the wedding was happening. Before the bride was brought in. He was letting me show them what we've been up to.

Irvine had even reminded me, "And don't be so damn modest with Howard or Quinn. Let them know how much you helped with this and don't act like it was all me, like a dummy. Take a healthy dose of credit, City! Howard needs to know you ain't no Fig Newton."

I still don't know what cookies have to do with anything. But I wasn't standing there long before I spotted Stacey first and Quinn was right behind her. With freshly painted green fingernails on her hands and matching green toenails on her feet. And everyone looked perfect, even her extra toe. GOD! It's only been hours and I felt a pull to her like she was metal and I was a magnet. I was the look out but you should have seen me abandon that post, just to get that hand reaching out for me.

I didn't go far, and ALL Quinn's cousins had my back. Because they all knew, all bets were gonna be off the second Quinn was in sight. I still hoped Marion would like what we'd done. But I have to admit it had been a huge relief when Quinn liked it first. And even Howard had seemed impressed with the look of it all.

Howard even asked all of these technical questions about how we put it together, and how we'd take it apart. I'd answered everything I could and got him to the guys who were helping with all of this too. Howard said to me, "When I heard Marion was having the wedding here. I couldn't see it without the animals peeking in and talking info-boards with the headphones attached. But this looks like a classy wedding out of a catalog. Even with the rhinos and elephants peeking in, Marion's gonna flip!"

When Marion was walking in, Irvine was covering her eyes. And I was still holding on to Quinn's hands hoping Marion would like it. I know I told Quinn we could get rid of it all if Marion didn't like it. But I still really hoped that wouldn't be the case. Thank goodness she loved it, and she seemed touched that they would get to keep the gazebo for years to come after the wedding was over too.

After Marion kissed Irvine epically in front of everyone, thanking him. And she hugged the rest of us, who'd helped him pull this off. We jumped right into the practices for the wedding after that. And they didn't take too long to hammer out. But Quinn ended up walking back and forth up the stair-y aisle several time before she had to walk it in front of everyone. So she'd gotten sore, tired and slower. I was the one reimagining the whole scheme differently after that. So she was escorted instead of walking all alone with no help.

I would have killed to do it myself. But at least Danny was careful with her and let her judge the speed they walked with. Never pushing her like some of the other guys might have.

But she was starting to limp by the time we were beginning the last run. And when I pointed this out to Irvine he announced, "This was the last run."

And I'd thanked him for that.

But everybody who went back to that back lobby, for this last run was missing all of their cues. I ran back there to see what was going on. But even I could have never guessed what was happening. But this was finally starting to feel more like the wedding drama I'm more accustomed to… As Quinn's mother had JUST arrived and showed up in that little lobby. Quinn looked as shocked as everyone else. But Howard looked livid, like he was locking down everything he felt tighter than the crushing force it took to make diamonds.

I tried to view this like any of the other mini-fires I'd put out today. And defuse the situation quickly, I shook Quinn's mom's hand before I put it on my arm and led her to a seat. I was gonna be an usher tomorrow, might as well get some practice in too. I told everyone "to reset, and wait for the music to start again." And to "Please not miss any more cues, this was our last run before we rap for the night."

Then I was leading Quinn's mom to the rest of the gathered family. She was met with both levels of joy and coldness from the gathered crowd. Irvine had even ran up to hug her before reassuming his place in the groom's spot.

Quinn's mom or 'Birdie,' she asked me to call her that. I'd like Birdie better too if my real name was 'Nightingale.' And I didn't like the nickname 'Galey" like Quinn's poor mom. Who explained, "Her parents had been hippies."

Bubbe (Quinn's grandma and the former-hippy according to Birdie) cracked me up, because she had struck like a ninja. She'd smacked 'Birdie' playfully on her arm the moment she was in range. Before Birdie was hugging her and calling her, "Mom."

Bubbe winked at me and let me know "That was for calling me a hippy, Birdie-girl! When you were no picnic as a teenager either, young lady."

But it was all outta fun, at least.

The rest of that run went smoothly. So as promised we rapped for the night and everyone started heading to the place in the zoo where the rehearsal dinner was being catered. By more friends of Marion's near the primate enclosures who specialized in African food. Which isn't always easy to find done right. Even in California, how she came by it in Washington State, I'll never know. But they were handling the food tonight and for the wedding tomorrow too and it was really good. Way better than what I've had at some other weddings.

I'd had to keep ahold of my girlfriend's hand and keep her walking with me. Not wedging herself between both of her parents, as they tried to clear the air in the room turned chapel we'd just left. I know how she felt all too well, I was even worried about Howard after hanging with him for just one sleepless night. I could tell he's really hurt by whatever happened before he came home. But I knew, like Quinn knew, they needed to figure this out for themselves. I hope I'd done right keeping her with me (even if I was being a little selfish too and I always want her with me). I hope I said all the right things she'd needed to hear. But I also found myself praying for Quinn's sake, as well as Howard's, Birdie's and this whole wedding experience. That her parents can work it out, and not be at each other's throats all through it, or making each other feel miserable.

While keeping to myself that that's for sure where things would have ended up. If this were my family. No way things ended with people sticking it out or working things out. That only happened in the movies and series my Dad produced. It was just not the way things turned out for him or my birth mother for that matter. Things always just ended and begin again with fresh faces.

I wish I could say that I'd kept an eye on Quinn's parents the rest of the night. And made sure they were both alright… but I just can't say that. My focus was on Quinn, and how she was at all times. And she kept looking back, to see if they were joining the party yet. To her credit, don't tell her this. But Stacey was GREAT at keeping Quinn distracted. Some of her topics of conversation had been just the distraction Quinn needed.

Paulina and Gleb had sat with us too, while they ate, and Stacey again was sitting next to Maverick at our table. They really seemed to hit it off and like talking to each other. I was still taking pictures and posting them online. HOPING Mark would see them, and feel that BURN.

The pro dancing duo, went to the floor cleared to be a dancefloor after that. And started coaxing more and more people out on the floor with them. But after a few songs, Marion was coming over and asking just before Irvine could. How Quinn was feeling?

Quinn had said, "I'm fine after sitting for a little while now, but I'm worried about Mom and Dad… Especially since they're still in there. Hopefully talking it out, and there are so many things sitting around that could become projectiles."

Marion laughed, she couldn't help it before she assured, "I don't think it'll come to that… I hope it won't."

"Me too," Quinn pushed her glasses up to a more comfortable resting place on her nose and gripped my hand a little tighter under the table. Before Marion, wanting to distract Quinn's worries, and probably mine too. Asked us if we could reprise the performance we'd performed with Gleb and Paulina in PCA's gym before Prom. Because that had been Marion's favorite of all of our performances she'd watched, where I'd started out dancing with Paulina and Quinn had danced with Gleb… till we both get dumped by the pros and start dancing together.

I really didn't know if Quinn was gonna feel up to all of that. Even though she has been dancing better and more like normal lately. But when Paulina and Gleb had circled back and Gleb had gotten down on his knees beside Quinn begging her to be his partner again in his doofy glasses props again… you know, before I steal her away from him and keep her. And Quinn totally caved.

I asked her like twenty times before we were doing it, "Was she sure she was up to it?"

"Was she certain? She felt like doing all of that?"

Even though I know she can probably still do it in her sleep. I had to know this wouldn't destroy all of her healing and progress. And she'd done that 'Quinn-thing' where she made me crazy! By telling me, "Really I just wanted to dance with you, like that, again."

I let her know, "We still can, you don't have to make it a whole thing if you don't want to."

But not only did she want to, she had to put it to me like this. "I bet it'll feel a little different now."

Holy Sh*t! We're so doing this! And I've gotta bring my a-game… Like, leave it all on the floor. And God knows I had plenty to dance out.

After a few adjustments to the lighting, so it set that same stage. And stealing a bench from the outer walkways. And placing it, in front of the circle of light where we would be performing. We had the perfect mock staging in a few seconds. And it could be me, I could be crazy. But Paulina and Gleb had come prepared with our dance shoes, costumes, and the easel with posterboards naming each dance as we presented it…already written out and placed in the right order too…

…

I sense foul play, Like maybe Marion and Irvine had set this up with them ahead of time. With our pro friends… Even all the lighting changes and music was all way too easily programmed… Like they were trying to seem like it wasn't already all set up. And just humoring me…

I got Stacey to sit with the easel and explained to her how this worked. She remembered when Coach Paine had been performing this important job during our gym performances. So she was psyched to be any part of it. She'd clapped, jumped up and down, before promising, "I won't let you guys down."

When Quinn reappeared in that same dress as that day. I was right on her heels telling her how much hotter she was now. Even though that wasn't even that long ago. And she'd laughed before giving me her real glasses and reminding me. She'd always performed with Gleb better when she couldn't see him as well. Even in all of our practice sessions.

But I had her real ones, so when it was our turn. She would see me.

I'd asked her before I had to surrender her to Gleb. "Did this feel like a set up, as much to her, as it did to me?"

And she'd said, "Ohhhhhhh Yeah. But it's for Marion who I saw before you took my real glasses. And she's flipping out over there with all of her girlfriends. I just hope I can still keep up with Gleb like I did before." She'd said putting on the fake glasses prop, that matched Gleb's.

"You can still do this routine blindfolded, for sure. I mean, you kinda are blindfolded, and what you don't remember muscle memory will kick in, and it'll still be a breeze." I'd said it confidently, even if I was worried inside too.

I'm SO GLAD! I didn't look out at the crowd while Stacey was explaining to everyone like Coach Paine had. That we dancers were never gonna be speaking any audible dialogue. Everything would be spoken and expressed through dance and a light bit of miming. And that she would be showing us on the easel what dances the dancers were performing each time it changed. If I had looked out there. I would have seen Howard and Birdie rejoin the party, and I would have gotten nervous. But because I didn't know they were there I was able to visualize we were back in the gym at Pacific Coast Academy. And this was just our doofy classmates and even goofier friends in the stands. So I didn't have the least bit of nerves about my performance.

Even if that got my worries up about Chase or Michael saying something stupid. Or Lola messing with us… PCA had it's own set of worries, didn't it?

Stacey standing by the easel now, took away the first blank card to reveal the number "5!" On the cardstock behind it.

Behind that was a "4"

Followed by "3," "2." and "1"

And the sign beyond that read "Let's Dance!"

The crowd cheered and whistled before the music cranked.

Paulina and me started hyping the crowd even more as "Let's Get Loud" by Jennifer Lopez blared. Stacey revealed the posterboard that said "Mambo" too. Paulina and me expertly mamboed to our old routine. Every step, every twist of the hip, every lift was CLEAN! Like we'd performed this whole thing yesterday and not nearly a month ago.

Irvine had cheered loudly "Get down, City! He's keeping up with that pro, LIKE a PRO, ya know?"

Marion had cheered after that, "Go Logan! Go Paulina!" and rolled her tongue!

We'd danced across the lit circle of floor until we'd disappeared into the shadows at the back.

Then the music changed, to "Long Tall Sally" by Little Richard and Gleb came out swing dancing with Quinn. Like a day hadn't passed and Stacey was keeping right with these cues perfectly.

I did notice that before my eyes were GLUED to my girl. She was still right in time with Gleb, and he was laughing because she was that good. STILL! Even after all she's been through. Her family absolutely lost it, they had no idea she could do any of that. They were throttled… and they weren't alone.

Paulina had to tap me and remind me, we needed to start our next set with a lift we began here in the dark. And I had to walk out while holding her up. We waited for the cue and for the music to change. When it was back to those unquestionably latin beats. The crowd went wild when they saw me walking out of the dark with Paulina over my head in a perfect lift. That she seamlessly came down from and kept dancing without a hitch.

The crowd was now, JUST as invested in us, as it had been into Quinn's performance. And Stacey was "Whoooing" along with them, but still hadn't missed a cue… well, as far as I could tell.

When we were back in the shadows again. Not to be out done, Quinn stepped into the light and Gleb sailed back out of their side of the stage by jumping over Quinn's head. Landing into perfect swing dancing, never missing a step and never leaving sync with each other. The crowd was even more nuts than it had been yet. Even workers who had been walking out and still wearing uniforms for the Zoo were running in and joining the party. It was turning into a roof-raiser over where the party was happening.

I did wonder how it would be when Quinn and I got to dance together. Paulina and me had to quickly stage on the fly how she was gonna get rid of me when Gleb stole her from me. And once we'd figured that out it was time to hit the stage again and LOSE these dressjacket SLEEVES!

True Logan time, and sleeves only hold me back.

As soon as I got rid of the sleeves, Paulina was fighting me back into them and we weren't in sync anymore. We were physically showing that we weren't on the same page anymore. And Paulina and Gleb had caught sight of each other in the light. While these last switch-ups were happening and it was time for Quinn and Gleb to come back out. When Paulina made fun of his glasses before disappearing. He pulled them off of his face and stomped on them before he pulled the glasses off of Quinn's face and snapped them in front of her face to her horror.

When this happened in the PCA gymnasium. Not all of the male audience had to be held back. But it had in this Zoo, and someone had yelled, "That had better not been her REAL glasses."

Stacey yelled over her shoulder, "It's a prop! No worries!" So Gleb got to keep his knee caps. And wasn't getting tossed in with the gorillas or lions… don't ask me how I know that would have been their plan.

I was laughing so hard I almost missed my next cue. And Quinn was a half step behind Gleb from then on (just as planned). When Gleb didn't leave the light with Quinn and was hanging back to steal Paulina from me. By helping her trap me in black curtain hanging back there to the laughter of the whole audience. I have no idea how it was staged, because they'd tucked me away too good and I really couldn't see.

I didn't get to see the scene again till the cues had changed songs and the soft start of the song "Lover, Please Stay" by Nuttin But Thieves floated through the air. As Paulina and Gleb were doing their heart-rendering Argentine Tango. And all of the jaws of the crowd were on the floor… You could have heard a pin drop in that place it was so quiet. But that's why they're the PROS! They have that gift to move any audience…

As wonderfully as I know they dance together. My eyes were on my perfect partner, seated on the bench waiting for me. And turned away from the audience to look like she was crying and heartbroken. But I could see she had twisted herself so she could watch Paulina and Gleb better. And she was watching them with those eye sparkles that always level me. Even though she probably can't see them very well.

GOD! I can't wait for them to get outta my way! So I can just steal her already.

Was this performance or song ALWAYS this F*CKING LONG?! Jeeze! Get a room, guys. I think Paulina might even be pregnant again now! With baby number four! I untangled myself from the curtain and stepped back just outta the light, so the crowd could sort of see me watching them as the last notes of the singer's voice finally died out. And the crowd was on it's feet to raving appulds and screams for an encore.

But no dice, they'll dance again but this is our time.

When I step into the light. Paulina blew kisses at me and waved 'bye' in my face as she wrapped me in her hot pink feathered boa and walked off stage left, on Gleb's arm. They almost walked through me as they'd left and I started to pitch my usual fit. I threw the boa down and stomped on it to the laughter of everyone. And then I ran up to Stacey's little easel, ripped down the posterboard that said 'Argentine Tango' and tore it into six pieces and jumped on it too.

Everyone laughed but I'd zeroed in on one laugh in particular… Quinn was laughing even though she probably couldn't see me very well. I still had her glasses in my pants pocket.

I locked eyes with Quinn, and like a charm, she'd turned back on that character she was playing… Even when she'd looked away, I don't remember it feeling this ON before… Not even when we performed this in front of everyone. Or when we'd lost it in rehearsals and ended up making out had it ever been this HOT. But I kicked the pile of stuff into the corner and Gleb pulled it outta sight where he and Paulina were still hiding. In the dark.

And an instrumental (by Jon Mclaughlin) called "At Night" played. As I took the seat beside her and we both acted out a silent conversation where I asked her if she was okay and she'd cried that she was heartbroken, she never wanted to dance again, and he'd broken her glasses. So she couldn't even see…I acted like I'd found glasses and put them on her face. I told her silently I'd almost been through the same thing I thought love sucked … but told her she was beautiful and she should keep dancing. But she waved that idea off like no! She was done with love and dancing. But at the same time, we couldn't stay apart, or fight the pull we both felt. That kept dragging us closer on that seat. We kept getting closer and closer to each other till we bumped backs. We jumped apart, but Quinn had stepped back into my bubble and she'd helped me outta my sleeves… [That was new!] And told me I was better off without them.

When the music stopped, I ran over to where Stacey was and she helped me find a sign that said the right dance on it and handed me a sharpie.

I held up the sign and drew a question mark behind the word "Mambo?"

She'd said "No, no more dancing, her heart was broken. But the crowd started to clap and chant-like it had in the gym. "Dance… Dance… Dance… DANCE!"

I offered her my hand and she'd taken it so carefully. But the place still went nuts cheering… until the song "Let's Get Loud" started blaring and I started waving both my hands at the ceiling and giving Quinn the 'just a minute.' sign holding up one finger and disappearing stage right where the DJ was sitting incidentally. He already had the cue, I wasn't really fixing anything I was waiting for the right song to start which was "Rump Shaker" by Wreck-n-Effect.

When I got my hands on her waist, when I pulled her against me and we started dancing. Nobody else was there, it was just us, doing our thing.

And after that first, we'd shared the other night… all those same moves had felt entirely different.

When I could see the crowd, I couldn't see faces, but I could tell that place wasn't sitting anymore. They were all up out of their seats, moving, and dancing along with us. And we were going through those motions like it was still reflex. Every step, dip, and lift had been just MAGIC with her! Her hips moved with mine, every move lead to another seamlessly and got a little hotter. And I was so glad my brain didn't have to think about much of it. Because I would have messed up for sure, she was just incredible and I had to keep in mind how many protective older men were watching us. So I wouldn't slip up, like I normally would.

The end of that song, the cheers were deafening. But I acted impressed like she hadn't been bad. Even though she'd been incredible, like better than ever AMAZING! My Girl Can Move!

She'd thanked me, before Quinn ran over to Stacey. Who was already handing her a sign and sharpie. She wrote a question mark beside the words "Swing Dance?"

I shrugged and put my hand out to her. Like "let's see?" but she didn't take it. She did that 'one minute' gesture at me and she disappeared into the darkness. And I'd heard her check the cue with the DJ back there too. Before the music started, and when the music began…

It was "You Can't Sit Down." by the Dovells. Old fast paced silly song. Perfect for Swing dancing. But we'd soloed side by side. I disappeared again and the song changed it to, "Love Again [feat Ali Tampoli] - Cedric Gervais. And we swing danced as a pair and KILLED it! Better than all the other times before.

But before we could finish both of our old partners showed back up and tried to take us back from each other. Even though we reached desperately for each other (Quinn and me). Paulina pulled me one way as far as we could go in the circle of light and Gleb pulled Quinn to the other corner. While I noticed Stacey flashing me a sign she already had made for the next scene. So we wouldn't have to write anymore.

But then I was back to the role I was playing that was too easy. I reached around Paulina for Quinn as she reached around Gleb for me. We kept reaching and straining till our fingers curled and I'd pulled her into a hug when I got to her. As our partners gave up went to separate corners, while again the crowd was cheering us on. Quinn held up the sign Stacey had written for her. That read. "New Parnters? Friends?" And she'd stuck her hand out to me to shake.

But instead of accepting it, I'd pulled her into a kiss that had the whole crowd going "WHOOOOOOOOOO!" Then laughing as Quinn flustered, actually blushed, and demanded to know "What was that?" Like she'd spoken the words, even though she didn't.

I took the sign spun it and it had a heart drawn on the back with a question mark. And I pointed between us and held the sign there too. The crowd all "Awwwwwww'ed on cue and Quinn acted like no. Her heart couldn't take it and faced the other way, arms crossed. But I kept uncrossing them and trying to get her to look at me.

When that didn't grab her attention. I threw my little heart sign in the dark and Gleb said, "oww!" And we both broke character cause we'd laughed and so had everyone else. As Gleb assured from the dark "I'm good!" and Paulina was hissing at him, "SHUT UP!"

I wiped my hand over my face and went back to my serious face and offered Quinn my hand… Like I have a million times since all of this began.

As Quinn timidly took my hand. Those first few notes of "Impossible" by Nuttin But Thieves began and Stacey loudly changed the easel to a sign that must have said "Tango." Before she was looking at us leaning on both of her fists in a daze.

That was the last thing I saw before Quinn's spell over me was cast and we performed our own more typical tango. Which shouldn't mean a thing next to the sheer art of the amped-up tango that Gleb and Paulina performed before us. But even though I couldn't see us from the outside. I knew our plain Tango was all ours, so it couldn't not be special.

I did everything in that dance begging her to let me love her. Let me replace her broken heart with mine, and fix her shattered heart so it can be mine. I even snuck kisses where ever I could, whenever I could. To tempt her, and she did everything she could to say she didn't want to hurt like that again. Every move we made was that push and pull, a part of that story, where we fought with our minds and our hearts, but we couldn't resist each other either. I couldn't let her go and she couldn't stay away either and in the ending poses we looked at each other and instead of waiting for the crowd to tell us. Like they had at PCA. Quinn didn't take long to pull me down into a kiss. Accepting to try again with me and I'd hugged her tightly and picked her up.

Stacey told me later that the place went crazy when she'd finally kissed me. But I honestly didn't hear it. I was so nuts by the time she did that. I didn't notice anything else BUT that relief in that kiss. It almost took me down, thank goodness it didn't.

Paulina and Gleb had come back out. I heard the crowd then as we took our bows, and not only did we get a standing ovation. But all Quinn's fam was passing around boxes of kleenex! EVEN the MEN! That's how good we were, and I wished anyone had recorded it. (And a few people said they had, I asked them to send me the files and exchanged e-mails).

Marion had to blow her nose after she'd hugged us both and tried to say. "That was the most beautiful thing I've ever SEEN! And I'm not just saying that because I love you both, either."

We were both getting slaps on the back and praised. Which I had been really worried about… you know since I'd publically kissed Quinn on the mouth a few times during that performance. And anywhere else I could sneak it during the tango. Knowing we weren't even playing characters that whole time, and we didn't have to hide nearly as much as we had during our school performance.

That was when I realized Quinn was sandwiched between both of her parents. Who were both red-faced and glassy-eyed from crying. So clearly, they'd made it back for some of the show. I later found out they'd been there from the very beginning.

They all three looked so happy… Quinn more than anyone… I wasn't gonna mess that up. But Birdie had put her arm out to me first, like she was gonna hug me, saying "Get over here, Logan." And Howard had been the next. Before I was sandwich between them too and I was facing my baby in the middle. She'd even snuck a kiss from me while we were facing each other. I never would have expected that kind of reaction from both of them. But we were cool the rest of the night, and her parents looked happier and like they'd actually talked things out. And things really were better since… I'd rarely seen that in my Dad's relationships.

We were all the talk of the party, and as everyone else started dancing and enjoying the dancefloor more after that. Quinn and me kept getting stopped as often as Gleb and Paulina about our dancing. Everyone was really nice and asking how we'd learned to move like that.

But Quinn was giving me that new look again. The same look she'd given me before we'd FINALLY been together that first time. And I can't remember a single thing I'd said to anyone else after that.

DAMN! Why are all of these people around? Making it so I can't even sleep next to her, when we go home tonight? What I wouldn't give for even just that downtime with her… What I wouldn't GIVE!

I never expected it to be this bad after we finally got to make love. I thought there would be some relief, some steam let outta the pot. But NO! It's so much worse now that I know what it's like and I've wanted her every second of the day and night since we had to get up that day and go help out at the farm. I have had plenty to distract my head… but my heart hasn't let that go for even a blink of time.

The rest of the night had been a blur, because I didn't have as much occupying my mind anymore. I kept watching her, and keeping as close to her as I could. When the dinner was over everyone was heading back to the farm to watch Marion get her second surprise waiting for her there.

Everyone was pairing up for the rides to the farm from the Zoo. Maverick had volunteered to give Stacey a lift there from the Zoo. He really is spending a lot of time with her. Quinn's parents were holding hands as they walked to their car. So I took a chance and asked Quinn. "How bout we let them have a little more alone time and you ride with me?"

But Quinn read between the lines. "So we can have alone time too?"

"It's win win," I shrugged.

"I don't know, you keep giving me that look." She'd said wisely.

"What look?"

"You know what look, that look!" She'd said out loud. Before whispering, "The same one you shot me in that rainy field when my pajamas were seethrough."

"I already have a look?" I'd asked, with grin.

"YES!" She'd accused, before saying. "And we both know where we ended up after that. So maybe, I don't know, maybe-"

"Come ON!" I ended up whispering to her. "I'm not even gonna get to sleep beside you… again, tonight. You gotta give me something here."

She'd laughed, and said. "Good, so it's not just me missing you like crazy?"

"God, no." I'd said snuggling her close. "I couldn't sleep last night missing you. I missed your head on my shoulder, after redoing those dances… I probably won't sleep the rest of the summer." I was guessing but it really felt like that.

She'd said, "Me either, and I'm supposed to be attending a bridesmaids sleep over tonight."

"You're not even gonna be in the house?" I realized and she was already apologizing.

Before Howard was calling back to us. "Do you kids need a lift?"

I called back with confidence, "No. I brought my car, meet you at the barn."

He said, "Okay, see you two there."

Quinn was doing her best to distract me when my focus was back on her. "How have I not seen this swanky sports car all this time?"

"Because it was hidden at the farm till today." I explained opening the door for her.

"Did you have to bargain with your Dad to borrow this one too?" And I knew what she meant. I'd had to do that to score the ride we'd borrowed for Prom.

But I let her know with no shortage of pride. "Nope, because this one's mine."

"Seriously?" She'd asked as I'd helped her tuck her skirt outta the way so I wouldn't shut the door on it. DAMN, her legs looked good in those heels too.

WHY are we heading to a place with more people again? WHY am I not stealing her and just not giving her back!

Seriously! WHAT - AM - I - DOING?! She'd asked me something and I'd missed it.

She repeated, "I thought you wanted a silver car, and your dad made you return it. What made you pick a blue one this time?"

And I said, "Gee, I don't know." Looking at her pointedly. "I did tell you blue could be considered a superpower for someone, didn't I?"

She was shocked, but she managed to hold her skirt outta the way. So I'd shut the door, and laughed to myself as I walked around. But Howard had stopped with his window rolled down and reminded me. Irvine wasn't gonna reveal a thing till everybody showed up at the barn… Not knowing he'd given me the 'WHY' I'd needed to not steal Quinn. We HAD to be there.

I covered well and said, "Yeah, I know, we're going right to the farm. No detours."

But as I walked back to the driver's side door I was promising myself. I'm so stealing her when I can though. AFTER this wedding is over, all bets are off! I don't care who I'm stealing her from!

I won't really, It just helped my 'always planning' side of brain to have quicker deadlines instead of unknown ones. That always made the plans more desperate and start to spiral. I had to think up scenarios where that was the mission. All the different ways I could steal her and make a break for it…

But nothing beat, climbing back into that small space where it was just us. And there was a hand holding mine between shifting gears. If not shifting for me, AHHHG! She's too HOT! She can even drive stick and learned on a motorcycle, I'm not even that bada$$!

When we got back to the farm and I'd pullled into a parking spot. We didn't jump right out. We'd had this minute or two. Where we were just sitting there and holding each other tight as we could. Before we had to both go back into hosting mode. Doing all the things that still needed doing before the wedding happened tomorrow. And I didn't want to let her go for nothing. Especially since she wasn't even gonna be sleeping in the same house as me tonight.

But Quinn explained, she and all of the girls were staying at Irvine's house tonight. And since both sides of her family are superstitious as most of my Hollywood fam. Marion and Irvine couldn't see one another till the wedding once midnight struck. So Irvine would be following Howard and me up the driveway tonight. With all of the rest of the groomsmen, brothers, and cousins.

She hoped, "They'll probably be so much fun, you won't even get to miss me."

But she was wrong, I missed her ALREADY… It felt like the distance just kept making it worse and worse. But I tried to put on a big smile anyway and hide it all. The best I could, even when letting her go had felt like cutting off an arm and leg.

Marion was blindfolded this time and getting led through the barn's many different sections by Irvine. He walked her all the way back to the new editions. Added for all of the African animals they'd just taken in, and stood Marion in front of the new door at the back that had only been installed today. But lead to a space that was all Marion's to do with whatever she wanted. Since Irvine's office space barely fit him inside and they'd been sharing that space for longer than they'd even been dating each other. The part I had contributed was the matching stained glass windows at the back of the room. That matched the gazebo perfectly, with even more scenes from Marion's personal pictures from Africa.

When he'd let her see the door and what was beyond it. She'd been absolutely floored, she couldn't believe we've done all of this and she never saw a thing about it before now. She was just as touched and grateful as she had been at the Zoo today. And I was glad I got to see her reaction. But then midnight was too close and everyone was scattering so fast. Not wanting to start this marriage off with ANY bad luck. I almost didn't get to even say goodnight to my girlfriend.

But just before I started following all of the other men up the driveway. I heard Quinn's voice yelling, "LOGAN! WAIT!"

I turned around just in time to catch her and she'd laid a kiss on me that almost leveled me AGAIN. Like the ones on the dancefloor and in my car hadn't been enough. I'd almost ended up laying on the ground, she'd been running so fast to catch me. And I'd laughed through that whole goodnight kiss. Holding her tight.

When it ended I asked her, "Am I gonna see you before the wedding?"

"My dress is in my room at my house…"

"So? Yeah?"

"So, for sure, but you can't laugh at me when you see me in it." She even said, "Promise you won't laugh."

"Why do you even think I'll laugh?" I'd asked as all the men were teasing and catcalling at us.

"Oh! You'll see what I mean tomorrow! Go on, get some sleep if you can."

"Not likely after those dances." I let her know as she was pushing me on.

"Go on! And TRY!"

I stole one more quick kiss from her and ran to catch up with the other guys. Maverick and Irvine slung arms around me and made sure I felt included. But I kept looking back at Irvine's place and watching Quinn head back inside. I noticed Stacey had come out with her and helped her back up the stairs slowly. I could just make out Stacey telling Quinn. "I can't believe you vaulted over the stairs like that and got to him so fast. And now look at you?"

And Quinn had said, "I couldn't let him leave before I said goodnight."

I had to make myself keep going with the guys. I had to make myself keep going the opposite direction from her. When all I really wanted to do was run at her the same way she'd just run at me.

"One more day…"

"One more day…"

I kept chanting that to myself. I knew only the wedding would be one more day and there were still a zillion other reasons I couldn't be with her. Like I want to be, even when all wanted to do was be beside her as we both sleep.

But it just made me feel better to think. "One more day and she's all mine."

Even if I was lying to myself the whole time.

All of the grown men were drinking together out in the garage. All of us underaged guys were crowded around the tv in the Pensky living room. Maverick had brought his game console, along with all of his games, and we were all playing video games all night long. So we actually did have fun, even if none of us could drink yet or be with the girls. Major win for any night before a wedding with this many minors in it. I've been to too many where if you couldn't drink, drive, or smoke… why are you even here? There was nothing else to do but sit around and look at all the other people who can't do any of that stuff either. Even if you didn't want to drink, you wanted to after fifteen minutes of that!

Since my fake downstairs guestroom were all my stuff was… turned out to be where Irvine and Danny had landed in a heap, when they passed out. And I just LOVE to torture myself. I'd gone up to Quinn's room and stolen her bed. And believe it or not, somehow… I slept like a rock. Probably because it was so much easier to make myself believe she was coming or here. Just being there.

I could even hear her voice talking to me. Wait a minute, her voice-

Then she was kissing me and telling me, "Rise and shine, sleepy head, it's morning!"

"It is?" I'd asked as my eyes adjusted to all the sunlight and she slowly came into focus.

"How did you end up here?" She'd laughed as I'd pulled her under the covers with me.

"Irvine and Danny stole the front- I mean, my room downstairs. So I stole yours and pretended I wasn't already comfortable here." I explained and she said.

"Well, this is the worst acting I've seen you do." She'd teased me with words as well as her body. Pressing me deep in the mattress laying on top of me full length. But it was heaven… for just those few moments. Then she accused, "You're posed like a starfish in the center. Can't get much more comfortable than that."

I explained, "Maverick and I were gaming all night long. With the other underaged prisoners- I mean, ushers. It was fun but I think it still would have been better if I didn't have to be away from you."

She'd let me hold her as she said, "I know! Finding you here after missing you all night long... Goodness!"

"Is it working for you?" I asked with smile and she'd smiled back even better.

"Well, yeah, especially when you know what it was like the last time we were here together." She'd whispered and I just couldn't handle it anymore. I was kissing her and rolling to trap her, and she was only encouraging every minute we stole together this way. I pinned her down and let all of the feelings and missing her out in that kiss. Thank God no one came in and we'd gotten just that little bit out of our systems. She was giving me back better than she was getting. And we knocked the wind out of each other.

We lay there together, a tangle of limbs and I'd rubbed my nose to hers. While we both caught our breaths and she'd said, "I- I- C-came to get my dress, I d-didn't know we were all getting dressed together. A-all the bridesmaids, but when I saw you here, and knew we were alone. I couldn't help myself."

"I wouldn't have been able to either." I'd said kissing her forehead, then her hair. Before trailing down her neck and shoulder making her laugh.

"You're not making it easy, to rush back to them, are you? Even though I promised them, I would."

"Nope, I'm not sorry either." I'd laughed cause she was kissing her way down my neck now too.

I would have given anything… ANY thing at ALL… To lock that door and be with her again. But she really did need to rush back, the wedding was happening early today. And she had a room full of women counting on her to be quick. Not to mention all of the overprotective males were surrounding us here. No way we wouldn't get caught, but letting her go in the car last night, and walking away from her in the driveway… all felt EASY compared to letting her go here. Where the magic had happened that first time. And I wanted it to happen again.

She looked just as tempted as me, but embarrassed that even I know that. I had to help her feel better. I'd gotten up with her and said, "Thanks for waking me up, I needed this."

"I needed it too." She'd said into my shoulder.

Then I ran over to her closet and said, as I opened the doors. "Okay, give me a preview here. Why are you so convinced when I see you in your maid-of-honor dress? That I'm gonna laugh?"

She explained, "Because ALL of us girls hated the color and style Marion picked. But we're all stuck with it and putting up with it to make her happy."

There was a massive white garment bag sitting dead center of her rack. With all of her other things surrounding it. I went for the zipper and tempted fate asking, "How bad can it be?"

But then I unzipped and the color was pretty hideous. It didn't know if it was loudly pink or a louder purple. It was somehow both colors at the same time and fluorescent it was so loud. I laughed before I could catch myself and Quinn was already hitting me with a pillow.

"I told you! You CAN'T laugh!" She'd sassed me so adorably. It was like getting barked at by a teacup chihuahua.

I pointed out, "Yeah, I promised I wouldn't laugh when I see you in it. But it's still on a hanger now."

She was swatting me with her hands after that, and I was backpedaling so fast. "I know, I know, I'm sorry. But this dress doesn't even know what color it is. It's somehow pink and purple and it's very loud, like no one's gonna miss you girls."

She swatted my arm and told me, "You cannot- Will NOT laugh at the other girls when they show up matching me."

"I won't, I promise, this time for real." And I'd kissed her to seal the promise. Like I always do, when she's serious like this. And when she stepped back from me.

She warned, "It get's worse."

"How?" I'd asked.

Then she held up the metallic dark green heels, and I laughed again. I couldn't help it, even though she was ready to kill me for it. I know that Marion had been trying to tie in with the dark green that Irvine had picked out for his groomsmen. But I really thought that green heels under that loud dress were gonna stick out like a soar thumb.

I'd even teased Quinn, "I'll just tell the other bridesmaids we're hosting a bon-fire for these things once Irvine and Marion broad their plane for Africa."

She'd flipped out till she realized I was kidding and then she'd stolen one more kiss and asked me, "Why you gotta make me so crazy."

"Like you don't do the same to me." I'd accused.

She'd warned me to "Behave." Then she'd disappeared like I'd dreamed it all.

A ton of things happened after that of course. Between all of hungover adults sobering up in a hurry and getting ready for this wedding. Everyone rushing to the Zoo, and the millions of things that kept trying to be disasters in between. That I had to fix during that time. But honestly I blacked out until the other bridesmaids had to come get me and let me know that the Bride was getting cold feet. And about to make a break for it.

As Quinn had promised, they were all wearing the same hideous color she'd shown me. But this news was just… SO bad!

I've heard both Irvone and Marion talk about how long they've waited for this day. She can't bolt on him, they'll never get a chance like this again. So I'd stationed Maverick with a head piece to take over the lookout duties and to let me know the second guests start showing up. Make sure they all sign in the guestbook and remember to ask 'Here for the Bride or Groom' EVERYTIME. And to seat them accordingly.

He'd saulted me and I was off to put out the biggest FIRE of all! But when I got back there, Quinn popped outta the Bridal suite announcing. "Crisis averted! Our bride is ready to do this!"

But I couldn't move… I couldn't talk or breathe… HOW was she that foxy? That sexy? In that horrible color, with metallic dark green high heels, and that off-shoulder neckline. HOW?! I ask you? And this was the first problem to spring up where I didn't have to play superman, and save the day. Quinn already had… just… Dear GOD! I'm never gonna stop wanting her! I'm never gonna look at her and think, "Ehh, that's just not her style." She looks too damn good in anything… and I do mean EVERYTHING.

Quinn had to come up to me and put a hand on me to snap me out of it. She'd asked me, "Are you okay?"

"Yeah, I'm good, and you look good." I'd said so stupidly.

She'd waved a hand at me and said, "Oh! Don't lie."

"I'm not lying." But as she turned her back on me I noticed none of her burns or scuffs were showing. She must have felt my hand on her back as I lifted her hair to realize her hair had been styled that way to keep them hidden by her hair and when I'd checked out her neck. She'd said, something I missed. So I'd asked, "Huh?"

"I said, 'makeup,'" She repeated. "That's how I hid most of them and my hair's hiding the rest. It is hiding them, right?"

"Yeah! You wouldn't even known you still had any marks at all."

Quinn said, "I wasn't that worried about till I walked in front of my mom. In this dress and the same updo as the other bridesmaids and my mom started crying when she saw my back. So I covered up what I could and took my hair back down."

But I let her know, "Your so freaking Hot, Babe."

"You're so lying, right now." She shook her head and didn't believe me. But really! She was!

Then Maverick had to go and ruin it, telling me guest were starting to show up. HUGE amounts of them, so I had to get back to ushering duties and fast. But I had gotten to hug Quinn and wish her luck. Before I ran back to the front entrance and did the best I could to get people seated right. So this thing could happen on time!

By 1 pm on the nose there wasn't a free seat in the place besides the ones left for us. So all of us ushers took our seats. And some later people took up standing room at the back of the room. All wearing Zoo uniforms, so I'm guessing they were supposed to be working and Marion's friends.

When Irvine walked in, to the applauds, cheers, and whistles of the this crowd. On both sides of the aisle and people were saying, "FINALLY!" On all sides, I've seen celebrities walk into weddings and not get such a warm welcome. This place really was the perfect setting for a wedding between these two. These were the people who loved them and knew them best too.

Even though they'd been so against it and dramatic getting here. Quinn's family all did a great job of not letting any of that spoil today.

When Irvine got to his spot, and I caught his eye. He'd winked at me, before he was watching those back doors for his bride. It wasn't rainy, it was just very cloudy, and the tent roof was over all of the guests still just in case. But I reallly hoped it wouldn't rain while the wedding was happening at least. Even if we had a rainy reception, just let the ceremony be dropless.

Call me werid, but I like to watch when the wedding party reaches the groom. Because there's usually all kinds of reactions with those very special people. And Irvine's reactions were all so cute with everyone. I meant to watch him when he saw Marion too. I really did…

But when Quinn had come into sight, just before that. She'd fixed Irvine's tie for him quickly and he'd kissed her on her forehead. Before giving him a thumbs up, wishing him luck and taking her place as the MOH. Once she was up there looking that gorgeous holding that big bunch of african flowers. I don't remember anything else. I just stared at her the whole time. I didn't even notice Marion coming in till she was handing Quinn her boutique and taking Irvine's hands.

With all of those flowers in her hands, hers as well as Marion's bridal boutique…

My brain kept turning her dress white in my head.

Oh God! I'm in so much trouble.

I know Irvine and Marion wrote their own vows, so I guess that's what had made Quinn cry. I hadn't heard a word said. I hadn't been looking anywhere else but her, so I'm not sure. But I still had to bolt myself down to my seat and not go running up there in the middle of the ceremony and check on her. When she was crying so much.

Stacey later filled me in on what both the bride and groom had said. So hopefully both Marion and Irvine didn't notice it. Even as Quinn had walked out behind the new Mr. and Dr. Pensky. And Quinn had shot me a smile as she was led out by her uncle… my eyes didn't leave her till she was outta sight.

I ended up walking blindly to the reception with Stacey on my arm. Talking a million miles per hour about every detail of the ceremony with Maverick. See, so I did get to hear what they said after all, and save face with the bride and groom I was suppose to have seen get married today.

Poor Maverick probably would have much preferred to have Stacey on his arm. And to not include me in the conversation. But what do I know?

I checked outta the conversation completely, once I'd heard enough. And I don't think I ever had an answer to any question. Not even when we were at our table for the reception and the wedding party was being introduced over a loud speaker with background music accompaniment of "I'm So Excited" by the Pointer sisters. Quinn had to sit up there with her fam for a while.

I feel like I just sat there till Quinn finally left the wedding party table and came to sit with us. Since there were no chairs I pulled her across my lap. The second I locked my arms around her, and I felt her do the same. I finally let myself think, "We'd made it." The wedding was good, from what I heard. And Marion and Irvine had never looked happier. They hadn't stopped dancing since their first dance either. Quinn and I could both breathe a little easier now.

When Quinn left for the Daddy-Daughter-Dance with Howard. I did get to congratulate the bride and groom finally and they had smiled at each other and both hammed up. Marion had asked me, "Oh? Are you sure you really saw it, Logan?"

Irvine backed her up, "Yeaaaaaaah? Cause City, it looked to me like none of the rest of us were even alive during any of that. And you only had eyes for my niece. And I'd caught her giving you eyes a few times too."

Marion said, "Not that there's anything wrong with that. We both thought it was cute."

Irvine had even spotted, "Q's dress wasn't so purplely or pink in you're mind's eye, was it, City?"

If Howard had asked, I would have done my best to cover it up. But to these two people, who I've spent so much time this summer and last summer getting to know. I had to say, "Don't tell anyone, okay? Not even Quinn."

Irvine pat me on the back and said, "Of course, I won't. That would mean I would also have to say I didn't mind the idea so much. Which goes against all of my best uncle instincts since she was handed to me as a little baby. And I'd promised to always look out her."

Marion hugged me and said, "Since I'm the new aunt though, I'll tell you, I hope it happens for you two. Your good for each other, and we already count you as family, Logan."

I can't even tell you how much that meant to me. I have blood related people who wouldn't claim me if their lives depended on it. One of them is even my birth mother. But these two people saying that. Had meant so much to me, and I hoped we would always be family from now on.

But then she'd whispered in my ear, "Did you hear about my parents?"

"What about them? Are they still getting along okay?" I'd asked.

"They are," She'd smiled for some reason. Then she revealed, "The same time that bride and groom will be heading to Africa tonight. My parents will be leaving for the Bahamas together afterall. They seem to be speaking to both of them now."

"Good for them." I'd said, genuinely. I really was glad that they'd worked things out. They both had been a lot nicer to me than I'd ever expected them to be. Being 'the boyfriend' and all.

While her face was close to my ear still, she said, "And Stacey's planning on staying at Irvine's house tonight with Maverick and some of the others. Azalea and Danny are chaperoning, and not leaving till morning… Sooo, if we play our cards right, we might get the house to ourselves again, tonight."

Say what? I told her, "You better not be teasing me right now."

She'd laughed, "Believe me I'm not. I'm just letting you know, it could happen… maybe, and even if we just sleep. We can be together again."

If she wasn't the MOH (maid of honor), if we wouldn't be so obviously missed. I would have thrown her over my shoulder and carried her back to her house right NOW. Where sleep would have been inevitable… eventually.

But no, I had to tell her to "Distract me on that dancefloor before I did something that stupid."

And she'd made it all so much better and worse telling me. "You better distract me too, because believe me I'm right with you on that."

"Which part?" I'd asked.

And she'd teased me shamelessly saying, "All of it."

So we relocated to the dancefloor, to drive each other that much more nuts. Playing all of the best games we created to drive the other crazy. Hoping in the end we will both win the way we want to.

That's all folks!

But don't worry, more will be coming next Thursday! And form Quinn's perspective, I also plan on letting some of the others share more of their summer journeys. But it will probably have to be during Quinn chapters… Just cause she doesn't mind sharing and Logan always fights me on it so venomously. Gotta have all that spotlight time! LoL! But hope you enjoyed this update, please review if you can, I would love to hear from you. Hope you're having an AWESOME week! Take Care and Much Love!

~DarcyBeDippy85