Chapter 15: A Wedding Present “OK, what’s this all about?” Nick said as he was sitting in Alex and Lauralee’s living room. “Wait, we gotta wait for Howie,” Bianca said. “Here I am!” Howie walked in the house.  “What’s up all?” “Boy are you chipper,” Brian said.  “Wake up on the good side of the bed D?” “Geez can’t I be in a good mood for once?” “Yeah Bri, leave him alone,” Elizabeth poked him in the ribs. “Sorry babe,” Brian kissed her forehead. “OK, this is why I called this meeting,” Lauralee sat down.  “We got a week to zero hour, and we just wanna make sure that the girls and guys plans work out.  Laura and Kevin are going to be real busy this week, and I got my aunt and cousin coming out.” Brian started.  “OK, my family will be here the weekend before the wedding.” “So are of all of ours,” Nick said. “OK, I don’t want to know details,” Lauralee smiled, “but when’s the bachelor party taking place?” “Right after the rehearsal dinner,” Alex answered. “Same for us,” Elizabeth responded.  “And the bridal shower is gonna be two days before that.” “OK, is there anything we need since our families will be in town?  Towels?  Supplies?” “Nope I think we’re all set,” said Bianca. “Except for one thing,” spoke up Howie.  “A wedding present.” “I still say we get them a toaster,” smiled Nick. “NO TOASTER!” they all screamed. Nick threw up his hands.  “OK, OK!” “Alright, we need something to give them,” Brian said. “Well, I just don’t want to give them anything.  Do you know Tommy Mottola gave them a week in Aruba whenever they want to go?”  Elizabeth shook her head. “Leave it to him to upstage us,” Bianca laughed.  “Alright, everyone’s homework is get ideas and fast,” Alex said. “We only got a week left.” “Meeting adjourned,” Lauralee smiled.  ~*~ Lauralee sat out on the pool that night.  Alex was at his mother’s house, so she had the night to herself. “Lau?” She turned around to see Laura standing there.  “Hey.”  She gave Laura a hug.  “What’s up?” Laura shrugged her shoulders.  “I was just driving around, and somehow I ended up here.”  She took a seat at the patio table.  “I got my wedding dress today.” “Yeah?” “Yeah, it’s perfect.  My family is coming out tomorrow, along with Kevin’s.” Lauralee looked at her.  “Something wrong Laura?” “I don’t know.  I mean, here we are.  Seven days left until my life completely changes.” “You are taking a big step.” “I’ve just been thinking about my life… oh what’s the word?” “Retrospective?” “Thank you human dictionary,” Laura laughed.  “Yeah.  I mean look at all of this.  I was just a kid from New York.  Class clown, always making the jokes, never could keep a boyfriend for longer than two weeks and unsure about what I was going to do for the rest of my life.  Then one day, I go to visit you in Florida and boom; my life took on a whole new direction.  Now I got a career, financial stability for the rest of my life, and a fiancé.  And even that will change in a few days.  Now I’m going to have a husband.  A husband.  I’ve always prided myself on being independent, now my life will be intertwined with someone else’s.  It’s scary.” “You think Kevin isn’t scared?” Lauralee leaned forward.  “I bet he’s just as petrified as you.  If there’s one thing we learned over the past 4 years, is that you never know what life will give you.  You just have to take it as it comes.” “I just never thought that someone like Kevin would come into my life.  He’s made me one of the happiest women on the earth.  I just hope that it works out.” “Let me ask you one question.  Do you love him?” “Yes.” “Do you see your life with anyone else?” “No way.” “Then that should be your answer,” Lauralee smiled. “You’re right,” Laura stood up and gave her a hug.  “Thanks.” “For what? “For being the best friend anyone could have.” “Me aim to please,” Lauralee took a bow.  “Go on and enjoy your single life… while it lasts.” Laura laughed.  “I’ll see you later.” “Bye,” Lauralee watched Laura walk to her car and thought about her words.  “That’s it!”  She ran inside, got a piece of paper and pen, and sat down on the patio table.  ~*~ Lauralee heard Alex’s car door slam, as she was finishing.  He walked to the backyard and sat down next to Lauralee. “Hello.” Lauralee was still writing.  “Hello?” Alex waved his hand on front of her.  “Oh, hi baby,” Lauralee gave him a kiss. “What was that all about?” “This,” Lauralee handed him the piece of paper.  Alex read it.  “Wow.” “Like it?” “I love it!  I think we just found our solution.” “I think so too,” Lauralee crossed her arms.  “Think we could have it ready for the wedding?” “If we get started now,” Alex stood up.  “Let’s go call everyone.” ~*~ The whole group stood around as Lauralee and Alex explained what was happening. “So what do you guys think?” Lauralee asked. “Well, this,” Brian pointed to the paper, “is a masterpiece.” “I think it’ll be perfect for them,” Howie nodded. “They’ll always remember it,” Bianca smiled. Nick and Elizabeth nodded in agreement.  “So what’s the deal?” “We need to finish it,” Alex said.  “That’s why we called y’all here.  We figured we could finish it tonight, and get it ready during the week in time for the wedding.” “Well, I’m game,” Nick stood up.  “Let’s get this baby rollin’!” A few hours later… “Perfect!” Lauralee exclaimed.  “We’ve outdone ourselves this time,” Brian laughed. Alex came out with some sodas and passed them around.  “A toast… to the wedding present!” “The wedding present!”  They all drank their sodas. Chapter 16 Contents Chapter 14