"That was a bit painful, wasn't it?" Theresa agreed.

"A bit painful? He had practically no social skills," replied Stephen, looking back over at the moving truck.

"Maybe he's just shy?" offered Theresa.

"Yeah, but he's like forty. Don't you eventually grow out of being shy?"

Theresa shrugged, "Oh well, maybe he'll be a decent neighbor. You never know."

"Or maybe he makes lampshades out of human skin," Stephen shot back, earning a giggle from Grace. Even Theresa failed to contain a smile to that one.

"Just be nice to him now! That's all I ask. And maybe you can avoid the lampshade treatment," teased Theresa, to the soft sounds of laughter.

The five of them hit the highway early, driving an easterly direction over to St. Louis, where cousin Sh.e.l.ly's wedding was taking place. From their home in Kansas, they had about a five hour drive in front of them. Theresa and Stephen switched off driving during that time, while the other members of the caravan either slept or pa.s.sed the time looking out the window.

It was close to lunch time when their little entourage finally rolled into St. Louis, loaded down with a couple of empty McDonald's wrappers and their overnight bags. The wedding venue for the reception was a local Holiday Inn, where an early check in was arranged as being part of the wedding party.

After a short visit to the front desk, the group of five headed to the elevators, while Theresa held two sets of room keys in her hands.

"Okay, let's see here. Room 505 for me and the boys. Room 507 is for you," she paused, before turning to look at the young couple. "You two."

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Stephen's eyes went wide, "For us?"

Theresa shrugged, "I figured you two are old enough to make your own decisions. Is sharing a room alright by you, Grace?"

The size of Grace's smile threatened to take over her whole face.

"I'll take that as a yes," laughed Theresa, while handing over the keys. "Let's take the next half hour to get ready, and then we'll meet up and go to the church for the wedding. Just... behave yourselves, please?"

"We'll be fine, Mom. Promise," Stephen laughed, nervously, while taking their key.

Turning to face room 507, Stephen slipped his key card in, and after hearing the subtle unlocking sound, pushed his way into the room with his overnight bag. Grace followed silently in behind him to find a room with two queen sized beds awaiting them. As soon as the door was closed, Grace dropped her bag and rushed to jump on one of the beds.