"Are you sure you don't mind babysitting," Allison asked.
"I'm happy to," Teddy answered, "but I don't understand why Ev isn't going to her uncle's wedding."
"Accessibility," Allison said, "and it's a long time to sit for her through the service."
"She could go," Teddy said.
"No not here," Allison said, "they won't adapt at all for her. Theres stairs and it's outside in a field."
"Do they know she's not going," Teddy asked.
"Sienna suggested that it wouldn't be safe," Allison said, "they don't want her disability on display."
"Could you take her," Teddy asked, "was it no kids or your choice."
"They don't know she's not coming," Allison said, "and if we bring her we can't stay as late."
"How about a compromise," Teddy said, "I'll come pick her up after dinner. She should go. Does she have a dress?"
"She does," Allison said.
"I'll do her hair and you go finish getting ready," Teddy said, "Where is Asher?"
"He's a groom's man," Allison said, "I'm picking up Ellie and she's driving with me. She's sorta friends with Sienna."
"How do I say this," Teddy paused.
"She dodged a bullet with Mitch," Allison said, "Mitch drank the kool aid."
"I worry about you and Asher," Teddy admitted, "the religious aspect."
"Why we don't go," Allison said, "we don't need that."
"But if dad and I hadn't stood our ground four years ago we would be looking at a very different story," Teddy said, "you and Asher would have caved to Mark and Michelle and you'd be married already, not in school. We had to advocate for you two a lot behind the scenes. Dad and I had to fight for you and your right to an education. And we're in a position financially that we can help you. Mark and Michelle want the kids married young so they have to support themselves. If we hadn't fought them without you and Asher around, fought for our daughter I don't know what would have happened. "
"What do you mean," Allison asked.
"Dad and I had a few meetings that spring with Mark and Michelle without you and Asher,' Teddy replied, "the push for a wedding then we needed to fight them on but you did not need to hear what they were saying about you and I. You did not need to know then or do you need to know now."
"I'm sure Renee has said it all to my face," Allison said.
"But you did not need to be part of that," Teddy said, "I was protecting my daughter, we protected you because that's what parents do."
"Why we don't want to bring Ev today," Allison said, "we can't protect her. I can't protect her from his sisters so I don't bring her. She knows now, she understands, mom she's too smart not to know. And I don't want to expose her to that."
"The ceremony," Teddy said, "any of it?"
"No," Allison said, "his parents are getting better since we got engaged last summer but I will not subject Everly to the comments from Renee."
"His siblings haven't been supportive," Teddy agreed.
"I talked to Annie about it and she suggested that Renee wants out of their cult like Asher got out but doesn't know how," Allison said.
"Maybe," Teddy agreed.
"It doesn't excuse the behaviour," Allison said, "mom if I take Ev and can't protect her."
"Then you call me and I come get her," Teddy said, "you guys set boundaries with his family about it didn't you?"
"We have and we usually have to leave early," Allison said, "we don't want to cause a scene today though."
"I understand that," Teddy said, "what is going to make you calm?"
"We had talked about Ev coming for the ceremony and pictures then running her home before the reception," Allison said, "but then you and dad are waiting on us."
"Dad and I will come get her," Teddy said, "he's home in an hour and we wanted to do some errands but Ev likes errands and would have come with us anyway."
"No more toys," Allison said.
"But," Teddy tried.
"No," Allison said, "mom she doesn't need more and you didn't with Annie's kids."
"I did lots of treats," Teddy said, "and I didn't get to be grandma the same way with them. I get to see Ev every day and be part of her life. I don't know why I'm only doing one of my days off for her school run."
"Because I don't like taking advantage of you," Allison said, "and its going to give us more time together because it's my night class day. Ash likes to have a night or two with her as their time."
"I would do more," Teddy said, "Ev is home, if I want to go do something we both go. I love my grandma day Allison."
"It's not fair to you," Allison said, "you took that time to slow down and not work. Babysitting my daughter."
"Is not work," Teddy interrupted, "I like doing it. Her and I have fun."
"Well see for second semester and med school what my schedule looks like," Allison said, "but next year she'll do full day prek 5 days a week so it'll be 8:30-2:30 and will just need to be picked up and dropped off. I feel better about that than asking you to take her all day."
"Allison I'm offering," Teddy said, "I can take her tonight. Dad and I are happy to. We'll play outside, swim, have pizza. She's happy with us."
"I know she is," Allison said, "I want her to go and be part of what she can but an all out farm field she's just not safe. Our yard is safe because we keep it safe for her, so does Annie but this she's not ready."
"Her walker," Teddy said.
"No," Allison said, "too many stairs at the church I'll carry her."
"The ceremony is at 2 and the dinner is at 5:30," Teddy asked.
"The reception starts at 6," Allison said, "can you pick her up from us at 5?"
"We can," Teddy assured, "pizza, a swim her bath and a story she's good with us."
"Let me check with Ash that it'll work," Allison said.
Allison texted Asher and he agreed to the plan.
"It's noon," Teddy said, "you go get ready you leave in just over an hour. I'll get Ev dressed and do her hair."
"I'll get her dressed," Allison said, "can you do the side braids like you did when I was little and connect them so it's like half up braids."
"Take the front third on each side and braid them then use a hair tie to connect both sides,' Teddy asked, 'do you have a ribbon or flower?"
"She has a whole collection," Allison said, 'but there's a new one with her dress."
"I'll do it," Teddy smiled.
"Thank you mom," Allison said, "Ev you're going to go with grandma and get dressed and she'll do your hair and we'll go to uncle Mitch's wedding."
"Tights," Teddy asked.
"New white ones in her top drawer," Allison said, "still in the package, pull up for this please."
"You haven't all summer," Teddy said.
"At home," Allison replied, "in the car for long drives when we can't pull over quickly. Today I want her to wear one in case we can't get out of the church fast enough."
"Okay," Teddy agreed, "she's doing okay with it at home."
"In familiar places," Allison said, "when we can take her all the time. I'm worried about preschool."
"The teachers there will understand," Teddy said, "and she's getting an IEP isn't she."
"And a 504,' Allison said, "we have toileting in there. We go for her meeting next Thursday and she starts the next Tuesday."
"So you have it planned," Teddy said, "now go get ready. I have Ev."
Allison curled her hair and did full make up while Teddy did Everly's hair and got her dressed.
"Pretty," Everly smiled when she saw her hair.
"You look very pretty princess," Teddy smiled.
'Grandma coming," Everly asked.
"No," Teddy said, "you and mommy are going and I'll pick you up later."
"We'll go meet Daddy," Allison said, "we have to pick up Ellie first. Mom do I look okay?"
"Gorgeous," Teddy smiled, "that dress is perfect on you where did you get it?"
"Online," Allison said.
"I like it," Teddy said, "are you ready?"
"We are," Allison said grabbing her clutch with her phone, keys and wallet and Everly's diaper bag. Ev if grandma carries you up in your dress can you walk to the car?"
"I walk," Everly declared.
"Let's go," Allison said, "mom, thanks for helping and for stopping the Blouins from marrying us off."
"They had the parental consent forms for dad and I to sign so we could force it and we refused," Teddy said.
"Thank you," Allison smiled.
They walked to the car and Allison texted Ellie that they were on their way.
Ellie stood on the porch with Annie, "mom this is weird but is it really weird?"
"I know a few people from church growing up that did," Annie said, "and I'm glad it's not you. I would be upset if they got you in that trap."
"I like Sienna," Ellie said, "she's always been nice and she stayed out of the gossip about Allison a few years ago. But I don't think Allison likes her very much."
"Allie is cautious with the Blouins," Annie said, "you'll have fun today though."
"I hope so," Ellie said, "what if people drink?"
"I doubt it at this so many of you are under age," Annie assured, "you don't either way."
"Allison does," Ellie pointed out.
"She's 21," Annie replied, "you can at 21."
"She did in highschool,' Ellie said, "she did at my age."
"I know," Annie said, "I picked her up a few times. If something happens today and you're not comfortable, find Allie. Bean will always help you."
"Why isn't Allie going early," Ellie asked.
"She's not in the bridal party and neither is Everly," Annie said, "they weren't sure if Everly wasn't going to stay with Mama."
"Why it's her uncle's wedding,' Ellie said, "we went to Uncle Chris's and we were kids."
"Accessibility," Annie said, giving one of the two reasons, the one she knew she could share.
"Why does Allie feel older than me and Cat," Ellie asked.
"She's in her last year of undergrad, she's 4 years older, she's a mom," Annie said, "she's just in a different life phase. And there will be a separation between you and Cat this year."
"Why aren't they getting married now," Ellie asked, "they've been engaged a year."
"She wants to finish college first," Annie said, "and theres another reason Mitch and Sierra are getting married now and so young."
"Sex," Ellie said, "i'm not stupid."
"No you're not," Annie agreed, "and we've talked about it."
"I know," Ellie said, "a boy I love and two types of protection."
"Exactly," Annie smiled, "but go tonight, dance and have fun."
"I will," Ellie said as Allison pulled into the driveway.
Ellie ran and got in Allison's car.
"Hi Ellie," Everly greeted.
"Hi Ev," Allison smiled, "you look pretty for the wedding."
"My mom got her ready so I could get ready," Allison said, "last minute decision."
"Are you okay with this," Ellie asked.
"We know they're only getting married for one reason," Allison said, "so brainwashed."
"I know," Ellie said, "I dated him in 10th."
"I know," Allison said, "we had a couple fun saturday lunches arguing with them. They know we're related."
"They thought we were cousins," Ellie said.
"Easy mistake," Allison said, "but Ev is your cousin. I have always been and always will be your aunt."
"I know," Ellie rolled her eyes, "but I don't get it. Is Mitch trying to be the golden boy?"
"Part of it," Allison said, "but today we go and smile and be nice."
"Are you jealous it's not you," Ellie asked.
"We could have gotten married this summer," Allison said, "it's my idea to wait till next summer. We chose not to with Ev's surgery in the spring we wanted to know she would be okay first."
"Is she," Ellie asked.
"Didn't you see the video from physio this week," Allison asked.
"I saw it but didn't watch," Ellie admitted.
"She crossed the room on her crutches," Allison smiled, "we have them today but are going to go with the walker she's more confident."
"Are you ready," Ellie asked.
"I want her to walk on her own," Allison said, "she needs to. She already swims independently."
"I saw that at the cabin," Ellie said, "she's getting strong."
"Swimming," Everly asked.
"You can go with Grandma tonight," Allison promised, "El don't say the S word. She gets excited then fixated on it."
"I forgot," Ellie said, "I haven't seen you much this summer."
"We've both been working and you're getting ready to go," Allison said.
"Next weekend," Ellie said, "Cat is mad at me."
"Jealous," Allison said, "she wants to go."
"She doesn't need to take it out on me," Ellie complained.
"She gets upset with me two," Allison said.
"She has Drake and I'm always single,' Ellie said, "she got to bring Drake camping."
"I don't like Drake,' Allison said.
"You don't like anyone Cat or I date," Ellie said.
"Not yet," Allison said.
"Charlotte," Ellie asked.
"I like her," Allison agreed.
They reached the church and Allison got Everly out of her carseat and set her in her walker.
"Hi princess," Asher greeted Everly.
"I like the tux," Allison smiled.
"You look amazing," Asher said hugging Allison.
"I'd kiss you but you don't want my lipstick," Allison laughed.
"Not for this," Asher agreed, "you look hot."
"Really Hot is the best you can do," Allison laughed.
"I have other words for when we get home," Asher chuckled.
"Late," Allison said, "my parents are picking up Ev before the reception."
"Good plan," Asher said, "she'll be part of the family photos. She's not in any with my family."
"It's time," Allison said, "can I be?"
"You're my fiance," Asher said.
Asher's grandma joined them giving Allison a quick hug and Everly a high 5 not sure how to hug the little one in her walker or lift her out easily. They made small talk with Asher's grandma until it was time to find seats and their spots.
"Come with me sweetheart," Nancy said offering her hand to Allison, "you'll sit with the family."
"My niece is friends with Sierra she was going to save seats for Ev and I near the back if Ev needs to get out quickly," Allison said.
"You should come sit with us as part of our family," Nancy insisted, "do you want to bring your niece?"
Allison nodded.
"Allison just because my son and his wife can be stuck in their ways and judgemental doesn't mean the rest of the family is," Nancy said, "we love you and Everly."
"Okay,' Allison agreed.
"Is Everly staying all night," Nancy asked.
"No," Allison said, "the reception space isn't accessible for her on the uneven grass. We can make the church work but not a farm field. Grass is hard for her when it's uneven.
"But we see pictures of her playing in your yard," Nancy said.
"My dad and Asher do a good job keeping it smooth for her," Allison said, 'and Charlie, our Labradoodle is pretty protective of Ev out there. He's caught her more than once when she gets adventurous and tries to go without her walker or crutches. She can hold onto the dog."
Allison let Nancy lead her to the family pews.
"Hi princess," Doug, Asher's grandpa smiled at Everly when she was settled in the pew."
"Hi," Everly smiled and waved.
"Do you need a treat," Nancy asked.
"What is it," Allison asked.
"I have a couple gummy bears for her," Nancy said.
"She can have one," Allison agreed.
They made it through the long ceremony with Allison making mental notes about what she liked and didn't, she knew she would not promise to obey Asher after they were married. They survived the family photos with some wiggling to hide Ev's legs and make sure her walker wasn't seen. Trying to hide Everly's braces and walker bothered Allison and Asher but today wasn't the day to fight it.
After the photos Teddy and Owen picked up the now exhausted Everly and took her home for dinner and a swim. They enjoyed their nights with her and watching her grow and change.
After dinner Asher found Allison who had actually been laughing with a few of his cousins.
"You okay," Asher asked, sliding into an empty chair beside Allison.
"Ya," Allison smiled, "your cousins are nice."
"We should see them more," Asher said.
"You should," one of the guys said, "you two hide with your daughter."
"Things like this are too much for her," Allison said.
"Don't give us that," the guy said, " your siblings act all high and mighty about it but you did the right thing, both of you. She looked good and happy today."
"She's a happy girl," Allison smiled.
"We should dance," one of the girls said, "Allison do you dance?"
"I love to," Allison smiled.
"Then let's go," the girl said grabbing Allison's hand, "come on."
"Ash," Allison asked.
"I'm coming," Asher agreed following them to the dance floor.
They spent the rest of the night dancing and enjoying themselves with Asher's cousins.
"Ellie we're going to head home," Allison said around two in the morning, 'it's really late."
"I'm having fun," Ellie said.
"So are we," Allison said, "but Mitch and Sierra are leaving soon. We should let them have their wedding night. You still coming home with us?"
"I am," Ellie said.
"I don't want to wake your mom," Allison said, "sleep on our couch?"
"Waffles," Ellie asked.
"Ask my mom," Allison answered.
"In the morning grandma never says no," Ellie said.
"To you which is why you get to ask," Allison said.
"I will," Ellie said.
They made their way to Allison's car and the three of them drove home. Asher's truck was still at the church but they would get it the next day, it was safe in the church parking lot overnight.