Summer's End
Warning: Love Scene
Steven and Lina Nielsen cruised towards Jason and Kelsi's house, the roar of the '68 Pontiac GTO filling the silence between them.
Finally Lina spoke up and asked, "are you alright, dear? You're gripping that shifter a little tight." She reached over and rested a comforting hand on Steven's, the whiteness in his knuckles receding.
He heaved a deep breath and let out a long sigh. "I guess it's finally hitting me, our girl's grown up and getting married."
"Nothing prepares you for this as a parent does it?" she said, her own joy feeling tampered by the reality of letting go of their girl.
"You don't think it's happening too soon do you?" Steven asked. "I didn't really give it a second thought because of how you and I were, but should we be worried they're rushing into this?"
A smile played on Lina's lips as she remembered their own short courtship, the same questions being raised by her parents. "We knew each other for a long time though, Steven, we grew up together. I was just waiting for you to get the guts to ask me out."
"Hey now, you intimidated me, being so smart as you are," Steven teased. "I didn't think I was good enough for you."
"Well I'm glad you got over it and now look at the beautiful life we have together. I just want that for Kelsi. They've known each other a long time, and with how she used to talk about Jason when she was in high school, I knew she loved him. They lost each other in those messed up years of trying to figure out life, but once they got back together, everything fell into place. I have no doubt they're meant to be together."
"As any father does, I only want the best for her. Jason's a good man, but I can't help but feel that worry in the pit of my stomach for her."
"I don't think that'll ever go away, dear, it's part of being a dad with daughters," Lina said with a smile.
"Alright doc, don't go analyzing my brain now," Steven teased back.
"Wrong kind of doctor, sweetheart, but I'm glad I haven't had to be a doctor for Kelsi yet!"
"Very true, I'm glad that's not part of why they're getting married. Although, I suppose that will happen eventually. You and me, getting old and becoming grandparents," Steven mused with a soft smile.
"Maybe, but I want you to promise me that you'll never put pressure on Kelsi or Jason for that. They may not want children, or they may not be able to have any. We can't know what they'll face as a couple, and it's our job to be there for them whatever they decide their family is going to look like. Agreed?"
"Whatever you say, you're the doctor," Steven shrugged, but added "of course, Lina, I can agree with that," when she gave him a stern look.
"Good," Lina said firmly as they pulled up beside the house. She stepped out of the GTO and headed up to ring the bell. "It's been a long time since you've been a designated driver, feeling young again?"
Steven followed her up the steps and wrapped an arm around her waist as they waited for the door to open. "I'll let you know how young I feel when I get you home tonight," Steven whispered in her ear. A sneaky peal of laughter rose between them just as Jason opened the door.
A look of amusement crossed his face and he laughed at the affection on display before him. "Why does everyone feel the need to get frisky on our porch?" he mused. "Come on in, Kelsi's still getting ready of course."
Steven and Lina made their way in, settling down on the couch for a few minutes while they waited for the bride to be.
"I see you've done a little decorating since I was last here," Steven said, looking around at the artwork on the walls and a couple of houseplants that were thriving by the window.
"Yeah, Kelsi's the green thumb and the decorator, I just nod and go along with it," Jason replied.
"Oh, don't be so sure about that, Jason," Lina said with a nudge at Steven's arm, "Kelsi doesn't always have the best decorating ideas."
"Shush, dear, I'm saving that story for my speech," Steven said before turning back to Jason. "So where's that bride-to-be? Still curling her hair?"
"Nope, I'm right here."
Jason turned at the sound of Kelsi's voice and his breath hitched in his throat as she appeared at the foot of the stairs. Her ivory white pencil dress, with its clean, architectural lines, seemed to have been made for her. It was as if she were a sculpture brought to life. She didn't normally do her hair up, but tonight she piled her brown curls atop her head in a messy bun that made her look elegant, but still hinted at her usual quirky style. The laced wedge heels were the cherry on top, adding a touch of sophisticated glamour that made her legs look endless. She was an absolute knockout, elegant and modern, with a subtle, intoxicating sexiness. He couldn't help but feel a surge of pride. There she was. The woman he would spend the rest of his life with. His woman.
As he drank her in, a shiver of anticipation ran through him. She looked stunning in this dress, but he couldn't wait to see her in the next white gown – her wedding dress.
Kelsi's heart pounded a rapid tattoo against her ribs as Jason stepped towards her. His usual dark blue jeans and t-shirt were replaced by a sleek ensemble of black jeans, a crisp black shirt with the top button undone, and a loose-fitting white tie that added an unexpected touch of rebellion to the classic look. A blush crept up her cheeks as his gaze landed on her, yet she felt a surge of confidence at the smile of wonder that spread across his face.
"Well look at you," she whispered in his ear as she kissed his cheek, "you sure clean up nice, Gearhead."
A slight blush crept over Jason's cheeks, but he held fast to her waist and kept her close. "You look incredible, Kelsi," he managed to whisper, his voice soft and husky with desire for her. His eyes, however, didn't leave her face. His compliment washed over her like a warm wave, dispelling any insecurities that tried to sneak their way in. His eyes held hers, and she could feel the intensity of his admiration.
Her parents joined them, their faces beaming with pride. "You both look wonderful," her mother gushed, wrapping Kelsi in a warm embrace before they all headed out for the GTO.
"Thanks for driving tonight, Steven, I've usually gotta be the designated driver around here," Jason said as he settled into the back seat with Kelsi.
"My pleasure, you guys should get to enjoy your engagement party however you want," Steven replied with a glance in the rearview mirror. He couldn't help but notice the sparkle in his daughter's eyes, the joy all over her face as she sat close to Jason. In that moment, he saw exactly what Lina had been talking about, and his heart settled. He knew Kelsi was ready and truly happy.
As they drove to the Cross' house, the weight of the evening settled on Kelsi's shoulders. This wasn't just a party; it was a step towards a new chapter of her life. But with Jason by her side, looking so confident and handsome, she felt a surge of excitement alongside her nerves. This night was all about them, and while she wasn't one for this much attention, she steeled herself to get through it, knowing that everyone was looking forward to celebrating them and would celebrate all over again when their big day finally arrived.
The late afternoon sun cast a golden glow over the Cross' backyard, the desert oasis framed by the Sandia Mountains. The backyard was a tapestry of green, the lush purple grapes of Lucia's home vineyard glowing in the deepening sunset.
"Hey there's the bride and groom!" Andrew exclaimed and jumped up to get the attention of everyone gathered in the backyard. "Hey! Hold it down everyone, let's give a warm welcome to the soon to be Mr. and Mrs.!" Cheers of congratulations erupted around the yard, making the pair blush at the attention.
Jason and Kelsi made their way across the yard to greet their friends and family who had come out for their celebration. Mark was manning the grill with all of Jason's uncles gathered around, beers in hand. Lucia was nowhere to be seen along with his aunts who were probably in the kitchen putting together the ridiculous amount of food that would soon be on its way. Even Kelsi's grandparents had made it and were reminiscing with Nonna Pia on one of the outdoor sofas. All of their East High friends, Troy, Chad, Gabriella, Taylor, Sharpay, Martha and Dan, were all gathered around enjoying drinks and appetizers with Luke, Alisha, Andrew and Jenny, the excited cheers of congratulations still lingering as Jason strolled up with Kelsi on his arm.
Every ounce of nerves vanished as Jason glanced at Kelsi out of the corner of his eye. With this amazing woman beside him, how could he be nervous anymore? "Hey everyone, thanks so much for coming!" He turned and wrapped his brother in a hug first.
"It's been a while, bro, we're glad to be back for such a special occasion, even if it is for a pain in the ass and his knockout fiancé," Andrew said as he gave Kelsi a hug.
"Well aren't you kind," Jason retorted sarcastically. Offering Jenny a hug, he noticed another rounded bump emerging on her abdomen and turned back at his brother.
"Dude, keep it in your pants for once," he whispered with a grin.
"Look who's talking," Andrew bit back in a low voice.
"It's good to to see you again, Kelsi," Jenny said, turning to give her a hug.
Kelsi returned it warmly and also noticed Jenny's second pregnancy underway. "Wow! Look at you, baby number two already!"
"Yeah, we wanted them close together if we could," Jenny replied with a laugh. "Won't exactly make it for Christmas, so we'll have to get everyone something other than a new family member this year I guess. Oh shit... Lillian! Get away from those hot dishes!" With that she took off to chase after their toddler.
"Hey, where's Zeke?" Jason asked as he greeted Chad and Troy.
"Oh just a few words from your mom about what she was cooking and he was a lost cause," Chad answered, nodding towards the house, "he's been in the kitchen learning the art of fine Italian cuisine since we got here."
"Leave him be," Troy said with a sigh and a sip of his beer, "everyone's here for a good time tonight, and we couldn't be happier for you, dude."
Jason looked over his shoulder at Kelsi chatting with the other girls, noticing his cousin Kelly had joined in the giggling over Kelsi's sparkling ring. Kelsi caught his gaze and gave him a soft smile, a silent conversation passing between them even across the yard.
As the evening wore on, Mark went around and lit the garden torches, flooding the lawn with a flickering dance of red and orange flames. Jason and Kelsi moved together, floating around to all of their family and friends to receive congratulations on their upcoming nuptials.
Nonna Pia still sat with Kelsi's grandparents, George and Anna Nielsen, on the plush garden chairs that had been set out. Her eyes were alight with happiness at all of the family gathered together again. When Jason approached with Kelsi, her smile widened and she extended her hands in greeting. "Ah mio nipote Jason! Congratulazioni per il tuo fidanzamento!" she said, wishing them numerous blessings on their upcoming marriage.
"Grazie, Nonna," Jason said, kissing her cheeks. "Do you mind if we sit with you?"
"Certo che no! Sit, sit per favore," she said, gesturing to the seats beside her. "Ah, before you sit Jason, would you find me a drink of water per favore?"
"You sit, babe," Kelsi insisted, rising before she settled in the chair, "I need something too, I'll be right back. Anything else you need, Nonna? Grandma? Grandpa, anything for you?"
"No grazie, Kelsi, thank you, bella," Nonna Pia answered with a kind smile.
"I'll have another glass of that fine family wine if you don't mind Kelsi, dear," Anna said.
Jason watched Kelsi walk back to the drink table and breathed a soft breath of admiration. Then he tore his eyes away from how good that dress made her ass look, back to the mischievous gazes of their grandparents. "What?" he asked, a shy smile breaking across his face as Nonna Pia glared knowingly at him.
"Lei è molto bella, Jason," Nonna said softly, "and Nonno G would have loved her as much as I do. What a wonderful addition to this family she will be."
"Indeed she is, as our only grandchild she's always had a special place in our hearts," George said, turning to Jason with a determined look. "I trust you've been read the riot act by my son already, young man?"
"Oh yes sir, I definitely have, and by all her friends and even my friends too. Everyone cares so much for her, she truly is special. I want you to know I'm going to take good care of your granddaughter. Kelsi means the world to me and I only want to give her a good life."
"Ah mi Jason! Always Il romantico," Nonna Pia said with a smile as Kelsi returned with the drinks and handed them out.
"He is quite the romantic, isn't he?" Kelsi said with a smile, sitting down beside Jason with another glass of wine of her own.
"Thanks, Nonna," Jason said, turning to each of their grandparents as he added, "it means the world to us to have you all here to support us."
"And you can be sure Nonno G is proud of you too, mio nipote," Nonna Pia said with a twinkle in her eye.
They left the conversation with their grandparents and were headed for the desert table, but didn't make it before the girls pulled Kelsi into a detailed conversation about their dresses and Jason took that as his cue to grab a drink with the boys instead. He spied all of his friends sitting together on the patio set and ventured over to join them, stopping at the cooler on his way.
"Hey! There's the man of the hour," Luke announced, observing the freshly opened beers Jason brought their way. "Servin' on your special night, Cross? That ain't right! Let me take those off your hands."
The groom-to-be expertly carried two beers in each hand and passed them around to Luke, Andrew, Chad, and Troy. "Don't worry, Perry, I got this," Jason boasted and produced one more cold beer from his back pocket, popping the top as he picked a seat.
"So you guys set a date yet?" Chad asked as Jason took the seat beside him.
"Yep, August 15. Kelsi will be off from teaching, though it is a little close to the next semester, but the venue didn't have anything earlier. It's the perfect spot, exactly what she was looking for," Jason replied, leaning back on the patio sofa and taking a swig of his drink.
"Has she got everything planned already?" Troy teased, remembering Kelsi's skill for planning and jumping the gun.
"No, not yet, she did ask me to pick my wedding party soon though," he said with a look around at the guys, "I thought you four might fit the bill." The guys exchanged smiles and laughter. "You owe me for being your best man, bro," he said to Andrew, "you down to do the honours for me?"
Andrew shoved his arm and ruffled his hair. "You know I wouldn't miss the chance to get in my embarrassing wedding speech for you."
"I don't see how we could say no," Troy said with a shrug and a glance at Chad, "we spent enough hours on the court together, what's another few hours to be in your wedding too?"
"You know I'd be honoured," Luke agreed, "I ain't got any siblings and you've been like a brother to me, I'd be happy to stand with ya!"
At they all clinked bottles to toast their accomplished task, Kelsi ran up to Jason and bent to whisper in his ear. "Hey, we've gotta go cut a cake," she giggled.
"Alright, gorgeous, I'm on my way," Jason said standing again, "no rest for the weary I guess." He shrugged as the guys chuckled amongst themselves then followed Kelsi to the table where the family was waiting for them to cut a small congratulatory cake.
Before they did, Mark got everyone's attention with his booming military grade voice, Lucia standing beside him with cheerful yet glassy eyes. "Everyone, we want to thank you so much for coming tonight, to celebrate our son and his beautiful bride-to-be. And if you could all give a quick hand to my wonderful wife and her army of cooks who put all this amazing food together!" Mark paused and gestured to Lucia who blew kisses of gratitude to her sisters and Zeke who accepted the applause. "Jase, Kelsi, we're very happy for you, and want to take this evening to celebrate a great moment in your lives. By this time next year, it'll be almost time for you to say 'I do' and we all can't wait to be there to support you and tell you all over again how much we love you both. Raise a glass, folks, to Jason and Kelsi!"
Kelsi smiled at the attention, but couldn't help the shy nerves as everyone watched them cut the first pieces of cake. She turned to give Jason a kiss as everyone demanded, but she was instead greeted by a swipe of icing across her lips. Jason burst into laughter and caught her up in his arms to kiss away the sweet sugary frosting on her lips.
"You asshole," she whispered with a giggle, "you messed up my lipstick."
"I would have messed it up later anyways," Jason whispered in her ear. "I want to get you home so bad, baby."
"If desert is being served, we'll be headed home soon, hun," Kelsi whispered back as they worked together to serve the cake out onto plates.
As she had predicted, the party would down with the distribution of deserts, everyone being partied out from the Italian feast that had been served. Finally, Kelsi's parents approached and offered that they were ready to go when they were.
Trying not to sound too eager, Kelsi glanced around nonchalantly, looking for Jason. "Oh okay, I think we'll be ready soon," she said, her eyes landing on him across the yard, helping his dad pack away some lawn chairs. "I'll just grab that man of mine and we'll meet you at the car." Her parents went on their way to say their goodbyes and she walked as quick as her wedges would allow over to Jason's side. With a quick snatch of his ass, she got his attention. "Psst, hey you, my parents are ready to leave when we are," she whispered in his ear.
"Say no more," he said with a grin. "Alright, Dad, our ride is leaving, I'm going to have to get going." Jason said goodnight to his parents and quickly caught other friends and family members on the way out, also trying not to look to anxious to go. Watching Kelsi's hips sway in that dress as she said good night to the girls was proving to be too much for him and he quickstepped out to meet Steven and Lina at the car.
When Kelsi shut the door behind them, she leaned back against it with a heavy exhale of relief. "Home. Finally." she breathed, exhausted from the party but exhilarated by the sight of Jason already loosening his tie. He started for the stairs but she stopped him. "Hey, get over here, you," she demanded.
Jason grinned and tossed his tie onto the stairs before strolling over to meet her. "Something I can do for you, Miss Nielsen?"
"You can kiss me, Mr. Cross," she said, grabbing his shirt to pull him close, "like I know you've been dying to all night."
Jason didn't say another word, he only pinned her against the door and smashed his lips onto hers. Their kiss was wild, frantic, and entirely unhinged, their desire for each other bubbling over. Kelsi tangled her fingers in his hair, pulling her body closer to his.
"Did you have too much wine again, sweetheart?" he asked.
"Don't know, don't care," Kelsi answered, her words slurring ever so slightly, "all I want right now is for you to take me upstairs and fuck me so hard Jason. We're doing it at least twice tonight."
"Really?" Jason said, picking her up in a bridal carry and heading for the stairs. "Only twice?"
"Damn, I love you, baby," Kelsi sighed as he sat her down on the bed. She shivered as his lips trailed down her legs, his fingers working quickly to rid her of her shoes while she took down her bun. "Besides those straps, I made the rest of this outfit easy for you."
"What do you mean?" Jason asked, crawling up over her to kiss down her neck and arms.
"Well with a dress like this you don't want any lines to show and you know I don't wear thongs."
"Are you saying you're…?"
"The only thing between you and my soaking womanhood is this dress baby, whenever you want to take it off."
"Holy shit, you're a fucking dream, Kels." Jason groaned as he yanked the zipper of her dress drown, revealing that she was indeed going entirely commando, the dress having some kind of built in bra.
Kelsi sat up and grabbed his belt buckle, ripping open her birthday gift to him to allow his jeans to make their way to the floor. His shirt followed quickly and she ran her hands up his now chiseled chest. "Damn, baby, you gotta stop working out so hard or you're going to snap my little body in half."
Jason laughed and shoved her back down to the bed. "Like that wouldn't make you happy, I know you love it when I fuck you rough and wild."
"Before you do that, I want a taste of you first." Kelsi managed to sit up and roll him to his back, pinning him down with her palms on his chest. Kissing her way down his body, she settled between his legs and gently took his solid cock into her mouth. She sucked hard, taking him all the way to the back of her throat.
His hips bucked and trembled, his voice hoarse when he tried to speak. "Damn that's good, honey, but I don't want to come yet. Let me get..." Jason fumbled with the drawer of the nightstand and managed to retrieve a condom.
Kelsi sat back up and straddled him, but pinned his hand down to the pillow before he could open the packet.
"Let's not tonight," she purred, leaning in and nibbling his ear while she slowly ground her damp heat down his shaft. "We can make the after party better than our engagement party."
Jason shook his head, but could hardly deny how good she was making him feel. "Kels, that's not a good idea."
"Come on, babe, don't you want to feel everything for once? Every inch of me, how warm I really am…"
"Kels, don't," Jason said firmly, "not yet, please. I know we're getting married soon, but we have to be safe until then. I don't think I could pull out. You're just too… ugh too fucking good."
"Okay, honey, you're right," Kelsi said softly, a bit embarrassed that she'd suggested that after the scare they had before. But what could she do? He was an incredible lover and she longed to feel him entirely. "That we'll save for our wedding night then. So suit up and get rough with me, I'd rather not be able to walk tomorrow."