Chapter 49
November 17, 2007
Feminine laughter erupted from the living room again, and Jerry and Tim looked at each other. "Time to go," Jerry said with a grin.
Tim shook his head with a smile. "Thank G-d they didn't insist on a couples shower! Where are the kids?"
"Out back," Jerry said. "Where we need to be." They escaped out the back door to collect Aaron and Jemma and their kids, as another peal of laughter rang through the house.
* * *
"Open that one next, Rachel!" Ellen grinned.
Rachel picked up the package at her feet and removed the wrapping. "There's no card here," she said, her eyes twinkling. "So I'm just going to assume that all of you are responsible for whatever this is." She opened the box and started to laugh. She held up the smallest thong bikini she had ever seen. Pinned to it was a note that said "Think gray and black".
Jackie called out from across the room. "What is with all the 'gray and black'? The poor girl isn't going to have anything with any color in it anywhere."
Tracy giggled and said, "Well, Leighanne and Maria told us that those were Kevin's favorite colors now." Jackie looked at her daughter-in-law.
Leighanne laughed. "All I know, is that Kevin told Brian that Rachel looked really good in gray and black." She looked at Maria, who nodded in agreement.
"Nick just wandered around for about three days after Rachel and the kids left the tour, muttering - 'Gray and black...gray and black'." She chuckled. "At first I thought he was talking about a new album title." She arched an eyebrow at Rachel and grinned. "Care to elaborate, Rachel?"
"Ummm...no...I don't think so." Rachel grinned back. "Not with my mother right here. Just what exactly did Kevin say to Brian and Nick?"
Both women shrugged their shoulders and smiled. "I guess you'll have to ask them when they get here tomorrow," Maria said.
"Or you could ask Kevin," Leighanne said.
* * *
There was a knock on the bedroom door. "Come on in," Rachel called. She smiled as Ellen walked in.
"Kevin is going to pass out when he sees you in that," Ellen said softly. "You look beautiful." Rachel's smile softened and she blushed slightly. "Did you make your mother cry?" she teased.
Mrs. Daniels grinned. "Just the first time I saw her in it at the bridal shop. I'm fine now."
"Oh, sure Mom." Rachel grinned. "Wait till day after tomorrow." She looked at Ellen. "She's going to embarrass me thoroughly-I just know it."
"I'm entitled-I'm your mother," she said tartly, hugging Rachel.
"Rachel? Does my dress look okay?" Jemma asked shyly.
"You look beautiful, sweetheart." Rachel smiled. "You're going to make me and your Daddy very proud. You're going to be the prettiest flower girl ever," she said softly as she knelt down to hug her.
"Do I have to walk with Ri?" Jemma sighed. The women chuckled. Now that they were no longer dependent solely on each other for affection and support, Jemma and Aaron were beginning to display all of the normal brother/sister irritation that went with their ages.
"Just this once," Rachel said with a wink to Ellen. "But you don't have to dance with him at the reception."
"Thank you, Rachel!" Jemma breathed a sigh of relief.
* * *
It was nearly midnight when the phone rang. Rachel was curled up with a cup of tea and a book, trying to unwind from the hectic pace of the day. She smiled as she picked up the receiver. "Hi honey," she said quietly.
"How'd you know it was me?" Kevin chuckled.
"Oh-Kevin! It's you! I thought..." she teased.
"Very funny!" He laughed. "How are you, Rachel?"
"A little tired," she sighed. "But better now that I can talk to you."
"I'll be there soon, baby. Just a few more hours, and I'll be there." He paused. "I miss you," he whispered.
"I miss you too." Rachel smiled. "What time are you getting back?"
"Early afternoon-it'll depend on how jammed up the airport is." He sighed. "Ever since the fans found out about the wedding, it's been a mob scene every time we arrive or leave. I'm glad you and the kids were back at home before that started."
"Just be careful," Rachel said softly. "I want you back here in one piece."
"I promise to deliver the goods undamaged," he said tenderly. "What do I have to do once I'm home tomorrow?"
"I don't know of anything specific," she said thoughtfully. "Jerry picked up the tuxes today. The florist and the caterer are all set and Jemma's, Ellen's and my dresses are here."
There was a pause. "Well...?" he said. She could hear the smile in his voice. "Come on..."
"I like it." There was another pause. "And Mom and Ellen both said that it's beautiful."
"And that's it? That's all you're gonna tell me?" he groused.
"Jemma thinks I look 'very pretty' in it," she teased.
"Okay, okay." He sighed. "I'll wait-but I will find a way to make you pay."
"Oh, I don't think so..." Rachel giggled. "Not if you want me to let you off the hook for telling Brian and Nick that gray and black are your favorite colors!"
"Whaat!!!" he gasped. "How did you find that out?"
"You tour with some men with very big mouths." She laughed softly. "And they have wives. How do you think I found out?"
"All I said was..."
"Shhh. It's okay, honey. I don't want to know what you said." Rachel paused. "I love you, Kev. I'm glad you like gray and black."
"I love you too, honey. I guess I should let you get some sleep-G-d it's after midnight there!" he said softly. "I'm sorry babe. Sleep well-I'll see you tomorrow."
"Good night, Kev," she whispered.
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