It was the day before Ashley and Jay's wedding, and the apartment was buzzing with last-minute preparations. The unit was busy with various tasks, ensuring everything was perfect for the big day.
Jay, however, was found outside on the porch, staring off into the distance. The unit noticed his absence and began to comment.
"What's Jay doing out there?" Atwater asked, peeking through the window.
Voight shrugged. "Maybe he's just taking a moment to himself. It's a big day tomorrow."
Lindsay added, "He does look a bit lost in thought."
Ashley, noticing the conversation, decided to go check on him. "I'll go see what's up," she said, starting towards the door.
But Kim, being Jay's sister, gently stopped her. "Ashley, let me talk to him first. Sometimes he just needs a little nudge from family."
Ashley hesitated but nodded. "Okay, Kim. Just make sure he's alright."
Kim smiled reassuringly and stepped outside onto the porch. She approached Jay, who was still deep in thought.
"Hey, little brother," Kim said softly, sitting down beside him. "What's going on in that head of yours?"
Jay sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Just thinking about tomorrow. It's a lot to take in."
Kim nodded, understanding. "I get it. But you know, you've got a great support system here. We're all rooting for you."
Jay looked at her, a small smile forming. "Thanks, Kim. I just needed a moment to process everything."
Kim patted his back. "Take all the time you need. But remember, Ashley's waiting for you inside. She needs to know you're okay."
Jay nodded, standing up. "You're right. Let's go back in."
As Jay and Kim walked back inside, Ashley immediately walked over to Jay. He wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her close, planting a gentle kiss on her lips. The unit couldn't help but comment.
"Get a room, you two!" Atwater teased, grinning.
Voight chuckled. "Save some of that for the honeymoon."
Lindsay added, "You guys are too cute."
Just then, Erin barged in, struggling to carry four large boxes of Adam's deliveries. "A little help here?" she called out, her voice strained.
Adam quickly walked over, smiling at the sight. "Thanks, Erin. You didn't have to carry all of those."
Erin smiled back, playfully chucking the boxes downstairs. "No problem, Adam. Just doing my part."
Adam laughed, catching one of the boxes before it hit the ground. "You're a lifesaver."
Erin brushed off her hands and smiled at Adam. "Anything for you."
The unit watched the interaction with amusement, enjoying the light-hearted moment amidst the wedding preparations.
The day before the wedding, the boys and Will were out shopping for their groom's attire. The store was filled with stylish suits, ties, and accessories, and the group was having a good time trying on different outfits.
As they browsed through the selections, Will noticed that Jay seemed unusually quiet and not as excited as the rest of them. He nudged Atwater and nodded towards Jay.
"Hey, what's up with Jay? He doesn't look too thrilled," Will whispered.
Atwater glanced over at Jay, who was absentmindedly flipping through a rack of ties. "Yeah, he does seem a bit off. Maybe he's just nervous about tomorrow."
Voight, overhearing the conversation, chimed in. "Jay, you okay, man? You seem a little out of it."
Jay looked up, forcing a smile. "I'm fine, guys. Just a lot on my mind, I guess."
Lindsay raised an eyebrow. "You sure? It's your big day tomorrow. You should be excited!"
Jay nodded, trying to appear more enthusiastic. "I am excited. Just… processing everything."
Adam clapped him on the back. "Don't worry, Jay. It's normal to feel a bit overwhelmed. But we're here for you."
Jay appreciated the support, but he couldn't shake the feeling of unease. He forced a more genuine smile, trying to reassure his friends. "Thanks, guys. I really appreciate it."
The group continued their shopping, picking out the perfect suits for the wedding.
The girls were out dress shopping, excitedly trying on different gowns for the wedding. The boutique was filled with beautiful dresses, and the atmosphere was lively and cheerful.
Ashley was in the fitting room, with the dresser helping her into a stunning gown. As the dresser adjusted the dress, Ashley's eyes welled up with tears. The girls, noticing her distress, exchanged concerned glances.
Kim, Erin, and Lindsay walked over to the fitting room. Kim gently knocked on the door. "Ashley, are you okay in there?"
Ashley sniffled, trying to compose herself. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just… a bit overwhelmed."
Erin opened the door slightly, peeking in. "Do you want us to come in?"
Ashley nodded, and the girls stepped inside. They saw the dresser trying to comfort Ashley, but it was clear that her presence was making things worse.
Kim, taking charge, addressed the dresser. "Thank you for your help, but we can take it from here."
The dresser, understanding the situation, nodded and left the room. Once she was gone, the girls surrounded Ashley, offering their support.
"What's going on, Ash?" Lindsay asked softly.
Ashley wiped her tears, taking a deep breath. "I don't know. I guess I'm just nervous about everything. The wedding, the future… it's all hitting me at once."
Kim hugged her tightly. "It's okay to feel that way. We're here for you, and everything will be perfect. Just take it one step at a time."
Erin nodded, smiling reassuringly. "Yeah, and remember, you're not alone. We're all in this together."
Ashley smiled through her tears, feeling comforted by her friends. "Thanks, guys. I needed that."
As the girls continued their dress shopping, Ashley turned to Kim with a thoughtful expression. "Kim, can I ask you something?"
Kim smiled, adjusting a dress on the rack. "Of course, Ashley. What's on your mind?"
Ashley hesitated for a moment before speaking. "What was Jay like with his girlfriends when he was a teenager? I mean, was he always this… distant?"
Kim chuckled softly, reminiscing. "Jay was actually quite the opposite. He was very attentive and caring. He had this girlfriend in high school, and he was always doing sweet things for her. He'd leave little notes in her locker, surprise her with flowers, and always made sure she felt special."
Ashley listened intently, a small smile forming on her lips. "Really? That sounds so different from how he's been acting lately."
Kim nodded, understanding her concern. "I know it might seem that way, but Jay's been through a lot since then. He's had to grow up fast and deal with some tough situations. But deep down, he's still that same caring guy. He just needs a little time to process everything."
Ashley sighed, feeling a bit more reassured. "I guess I just worry that he's having second thoughts."
Kim placed a comforting hand on Ashley's shoulder. "I don't think that's it at all. Jay loves you, Ashley. He's just dealing with a lot right now. Give him some time, and I'm sure he'll come around."
Ashley smiled, feeling a bit more at ease. "Thanks, Kim. I really needed to hear that."
Kim hugged her tightly. "Anytime. We're all in this together, and we'll make sure everything goes perfectly."