Mari's notes: Sammy, a super fun co-write today! Ilna and Sammy - 'slove' you, love you both. REAL McRollers and readers: We are almost as excited as Angie for this storyline (because let's face it, no one is as excited as Angie). We love you all and hope you enjoy,

Sammy's notes: Mari & Ilna-you're the best. McRollers-thanks for reading.


Starting to Feel Real (1/2)

DJ stuck his head into the kitchen, where his parents were setting out plates and glasses for dinner. "Cody and Jess are here."

He was grinning and his eyes flickered from Steve to Catherine as his sister squealed her greeting from the living room where she'd opened the door for their visitors.

"Okay," Steve said, "Let's go."

As they made their way to the living room, Angie came skidding up to them, announcing the obvious and the not quite so obvious. "They're here! And they brought chocolate chip cookies and ice cream for dessert!"

Angie twirled around with happiness, her tulle skirt billowing as she did.

"Hey," Cody said, "You're looking very princess-like today."

"Cody's right, I love your dress," Jess complimented, after hugging everyone hello.

Angie's eyes lit, and she twirled again, dramatically, the pink and yellow fabric catching the light. "Thank you! I went shopping with Aunt Carrie and got it!"

Cody one-arm hugged DJ. "I just saw you last weekend and now I swear you're gonna be taller than me in like an hour," he said with a smile for Steve over the eleven year old's head.

"I did need new pants again," DJ admitted. "Jacob gave me these jeans. He outgrew 'em." He looked down at his denim clad legs with a proud little smile for the hand me downs from his older cousin. "Mine were too short. Grandma's taking me for pants tomorrow after school."

Cody chuckled, "Well, speaking of needing new clothes..." He exchanged a glance with Jess, who nodded as Catherine clasped her hands together and beamed at them. "Fancy clothes, even."

Angie, curiosity piqued, leaned in closer. "What do you mean? Are you going to a party? If you need to go shopping, I can come and help. I'm very very good at shopping."

Cody cleared his throat, "Actually, we have an important question for you both." He gestured for Jess to move closer, and they stood together, hands intertwined.

Angie tilted her head, sensing something exciting. "What is it?"

Jess smiled warmly, her voice soft yet clear. "Cody and I decided on what kind of wedding we want. And we were hoping you two would be a part of our special day."

Angie's eyes widened, her excitement palpable. "You mean I'm in the wedding? Am I a flower girl?" Her whispered question was so reverent, Steve smiled at Catherine, thinking of Grace's reaction to being in their wedding.

"You could be," Cody said, his own smile broadening. "But…" he nodded at Jess, who took up the question. "You'd be the very best flower girl ever, but I was thinking, by the time we get married, you'll be eight, and that's such a big girl…" she kneeled and took both Angie's hands in her own. "What do you think about being a junior bridesmaid?"

Angie stood stock still. Eyes wide, little mouth forming an "O", completely silent for a full five seconds. And then the floodgates opened and hurricane Angie made landfall. Her squeal of excitement brought Cammie's head up and both cats, who were lounging on the sofa, looked up as well. "EEEEEEEEEE!" Her hands balled into fists as they reached her mouth, then shot out to hug Jess. "A bridesmaid!" Mommy, did you hear that?" She whipped around to face Catherine, who had pulled out her phone to capture the moment. "I can be a bridesmaid! Like a grown up!"

"I think everyone all the way to Maui heard, baby girl," She said with a laugh as she hugged her beyond excited daughter while mouthing, "Thank you so much," to Jess and Cody.

"Yay!" Angie squealed, spinning around again. "I get to wear a beautiful dress! Can I help pick it?"

"Of course you can!" Jess laughed, her heart swelling at Angie's joy. "I'll need as many people to help me as I can get. I can't believe I'm actually getting ready to go wedding dress shopping."

"You'll have fun," Catherine said. "It's a magical experience."

"I hope I'll be able to convince you to come along," Jess said. "Now that we're making plans everything is starting to feel more real. You know what I mean?"

"I do." Catherine nodded. "But you're gonna do great. Just take one thing at a time."

"I've been looking at magazines but I'm just not sure what style of dress I want. I keep thinking modern but then I look at the big, poofy ball gowns and my six year old self takes over." Cody kissed her cheek and chuckled.

"Before we get too far into dress talk, I have something I need to ask too," he said. "DJ, I really, really want you to be part of our wedding." He smiled at Jess. "We both do. What do you think about being one of my groomsmen?" Cody asked, wrapping an arm over the young boy's shoulder.

"A groomsman? Like you were for Dad?" DJ's voice held a mix of surprise and excitement. "I don't know what all I would have to do. I mean I know the walking down the aisle part from watching Mom and Dad's wedding video. But I know there's other stuff too. I can learn that though if someone can just tell me."

"I can answer any questions you have, but I'm not worried at all." Cody smiled confidently. "You're gonna do great."

"Thanks, Cody, that'll be awesome!" DJ's expression shifted to one of pride, a grin spreading across his face. "This is so cool! Do I get to wear a tuxedo like you guys did for Mom and Dad's wedding?"

"You sure do," Cody leaned in and in a conspiratorial whisper said, "I was thinking it might be cool if we all wear Converse sneakers with our tuxes but I have a feeling Jess and my mom might put the whoa-s to that idea."

"You'd be right about that," Jess snorted. "If my feet have to hurt in uncomfortable shoes all day, so do yours."

Cody kissed her cheek again. "As long as I get to be married to you at the end, it'll be worth it."

"You guys sound like Mommy and Daddy," Angie giggled.

Cody beamed. "That's the nicest thing anybody has ever said to me."

"Hey!" Angie stopped in her tracks and her eyes lit up like sparklers. "If I'm gonna be a junior bridesmaid, maybe Felix can be your flower goat!"

TBC on Friday.


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