Chapter Thirty-Three.

I got home, paid the babysitter, and got dinner ordered. For the first time, it was just me and the kids. I did not know what to do first with them. I had picked up a few movies that a mother at the rental store said that the kids would like and a few others that she said a teenager would like. I felt as prepared as possible with the movies in hand and all the plans of activities the next couple days, but I also feared I was out of my league on this one. I laid the movies out and said that we would watch two each night. John David had first pick and then Tracy thahe y eart night. The next would be Gracie's and my turn.

The pizza and wings came, and the kids were happy that I remembered that John David liked cheese and Gracie liked peperoni. I had gotten the kids a half and half pizza and, for Tracy and me, a supreme. That night was easy. The kids ate, and before the second movie was a quarter of the way through, the little ones were out. Tracy helped me put them to bed and then went on to finish the movie while I headed on to bed myself. It was strange sleeping in their bed, but that did not stop Mrs. Sandwoman from taking me away to a peaceful slumber.

The next morning, I woke up to hear the TV going, and I smelled breakfast. I walked into the kitchen to see Tracy making French toast. The kids were watching cartoons. It was a nice sight. I prepared a cup of tea for myself and slipped out the front door to catch a smoke and the morning paper. Tracy soon came out with a plate in hand for me.

"Thank you!"

"No problem. I was wondering if it would be okay if I spent the weekend at my friend's house?"

"Sure. When did you want me to take you there?"

"I was hoping after breakfast, if that is okay?""Yes, and thank you for letting me eat first."

"Thank you for taking me."

I was used to Tracy disappearing for the weekends to a friend's house and imagined that Jennifer and Trey would not mind it. I went back to my cup of tea and paper while eating my wonderful breakfast. I knew that the day was packed with outings with the kids. I figured we would drop off Tracy, head over to the CNN and take the tour of the broadcast station, go eat at Hard Rock Cafe, and go to the zoo. I hoped that would excite them and tire them out, making for an easy evening for me.

"Kids, get ready for the day! I have lots planned for us!"

"Like what?"

"Well, John David, how would you like to take a tour of a real TV station?"

"Really? We are going to do that?"

"Yes, and then we are going to the coolest hamburger joint in town--the Hard Rock Cafe. Then I figured we could catch the zoo for a couple hours and head home after that."

"Lexi, you are the best!"

I felt quite proud of myself. The kids cleaned up breakfast and got dressed while I checked in with my parents to see if they wanted to join us for any of it. I was relieved that they agreed to come along as I figured it would be nice to have another set of eyes on these two very active kids. After everyone was ready, we picked up my parents, dropped off Tracy, and headed to the tour.

CNN was not that hard to locate, and I was excited to do something with the kids that I myself had never taken the time out to do. John David and Gracie asked tons of questions throughout the whole tour and couldn't care less about meeting the news team. I just had to laugh when they wanted to talk more to the camera guy and find out how it worked than they wanted to talk to the stars.

My parents made quite the fuss with the newscast, though. My father a. My fatlways wanted to get to meet them and give them a word or two or three. Everyone was doing well until it was time to leave. The kids were not willing to leave, as they were fascinated beyond belief with the place. We ended up having to carry two crying kids back to the car.

"Thank you again for coming. I don't know how I would have handled that without you two."

"Lexi, kids are difficult to take care of when they are having meltdowns. The main thing to remember is, no matter what they say or do, you are the adult. Tell them you love them even though you don't like their actions. You will be okay. Trust your mother on this one."

The car ride settled them down, and we piled into the restaurant. Again, their fascination took hold of them as they looked at all the rock and roll memorabilia that filled the place. There were guitars of famous players, a few costumes from singers, and pictures galore! Even I got caught up in the place.

"John David, Gracie, our table is ready."

"Okay, Lexi!" they hollered while running that way.

"What do you two want to eat?"

"Chicken nuggets," announced Gracie.

"Cheeseburger," announced John David.

"Chicken strips okay?"

"Yes."

"French fries?"

"Yes," both responded firmly.

"Okay. I will get that ordered for you two and a Sprite each for a drink. Are you having fun?"

"Yes. Can we bring Mommy and Daddy there?" Gracie questioned in a cute manner that only made you want to give her what she asked of you.

"Yes. We will try to."

The waiter came and took our orders. My mother and father were being very quiet with the whole conversation, and I began to wonder if they were tired or just watching me with the kids. I knew I was exhausted and could not wait to eat, hoping it would give me the boost I needed to make it through the zoo.

"Where did they go?" John David finally asked. I had been wondering how long Mr. Questions would ask me. He was always so quizative, and I fell in love with this no matter how annoying it could be at times.

"Just a little country bed and breakfast to have some time alone."

"Why couldn't we go?" Gracie started to pout.

"Because they needed a break from things for a couple days and we can give that to them, right?"

"Yes. I just miss them." Their little saddened faces just tore right through me, and I realized I missed them too. Luckily it was not a long trip and, with our plans for the weekend, time would fly by.

"They will be back tomorrow night. Now, you two. Are you excited to be in the ceremony your mother and I are having?"

"Yes, but what will we do in it again?"

"Good question, John David. You, my boy, are going to be standing next to me holding the tokens of love and commitment for your mother and me. And, Gracie, you get to stand next to your mother carrying a basket of rose petals that you can scatter all over."

"Do we have to say anything?"

"No not at all. Mom, Dad, are you ready for it?"

"Yes. I was wondering when you were going to ask."

"And you, Dad? You are okay not giving me away?"

"I knew since you told me you were what you are that I would not be giving you away. I just ask that you let me make a toast at some point."

"Of course, Dad. You can make a toast any time you wish."

Our food came, and we joked and laughed the rest of the time through lunch. The kids and I were getting our second wind, but my parents asked to be dropped off. The zoo was packed full of people, and we only made it halfway before Gracie started throwing a fit. We left and went back to the house.

That night, after dinner, the kids fell asleep during the first movie, and I carried each of them to their beds. For a moment, I allowed myself to gloat over all that had been accomplished and hoped the next day would be just as good. My plans for the next day were simple. We would all clean a bit and then head out to the movies. I hoped that it would not be too late when Jennifer and Trey got in so the kids could see them.

Chapter Thirty-Four.

Trey and Jennifer arrived home to two anxious kids. They heard all the stories of the weekend and were happy to find a clean house. Jennifer was so thankful and could not believe how well it seemed to have gone for Lexi.

Later that week was the rehearsal dinner, and nerves all around were on edge. Jennifer wanted everything to be perfect and as planned out, but the best laid plans do not always happen as they are supposed to. People were running late, the restaurant was not ready for when they arrived, and the kids were misbehaving all over the place.

"Trey, please get the kids under control!"

"Jennifer, I am trying. Please just calm down."

"How can I? There is so much to get done, and tomorrow is the ceremony."

"Isn't Lexi helping with all that?"

"Yes, but there is so much I have to do, and I just need you to take care of the kids!"

"I will try and do better. Just please calm down."

"Thank you, love! Thank you for all that you are doing, and I will try to calm down."

Jennifer was feeling the pressure of the ceremony. She was at the point that she just wanted it to be over and them to be on their way to the airport. She had forgotten how stressful events like this could be and hoped that she was not being the big bad monster to everyone that she was feeling like she was.

Trey, on the other hand, just wanted it all to be over so that things would calm down some. He was tired of the hustle and bustle of the event. He was glad that the weekend before they had gotten away, but the last week proved to take a toll on him with barely seeing Jennifer--except a couple of nights in there. He hoped that the ceremony and reception would not bring too many questions from people to him about how he felt about it all.

Trey had preferred not being there, but he knew that Jennifer would have been upset with him. Even though she kept saying that he did not have to and could pull out at any moment, he knew that just meant that it was one of those times if he didn't, it would upset her. Trey knew the best thing was just to grin and bear it, not showing the pain it was causing him to be there.

That night at the restaurant, people each took turns toasting the couple. With each one given, Jennifer glowed more and more. Tears also seemed to come more with each toast, especially when Trey stood up to give his toast to them.

"I never thought my wife would find a wife. I imagined the search for one would last a lifetime. I am glad that search is now over. Lexi, you are now part of this family, and I welcome you to it. I wish the two of you the best, as I know you two wish the same for Jennifer and me. Jennifer, I love you and always want you to be happy and loved. Even if it means I have to share you. Lexi, break her heart, and you answer to me."

The whole crowd laughed and was awed by the sincerity of his words. Jennifer really lost it with the tears. The saving grace was when Lexi's father stood up for his toast. Lexi just hoped that he would not embarra.s.s her.

"Lexi, I have loved you since the day I knew you would be entering our lives. You are truly your mother's daughter and though you call yourself--what is it?-butch, you are my little princess, even as you sit there in a suit and tomorrow will wear a tuxedo. Your mother and I love you and are so proud of you. Jennifer, just as Trey welcomed Lexi into your family, we welcome you and yours into ours. We have come to love each of you as if you had always been there. You make my daughter happy, and I am thanknd I am ful she found you. May the two of you be blessed by the Higher Powers with ever-growing love and years of happiness together. There will be hard times, believe me, but if you keep in mind the common purpose of love and togetherness, you can make it through anything. We love you and wish you the best!"

This was Lexi's cue to swell up with tears. She was deeply touched by her father's words. A few more friends like Kelly and Amy stood and toasted them. Then Jennifer built up the nerve to take a turn. She stood, gathered everyone's attention, and took a deep, long breath.

"Trey, kids, first I thank you for being here with us. Family and friends, thank you too for being here. Lexi, I cannot express the love I have for you and am so glad that you asked this of me. As Trey said, I was always looking for someone that could stand next to me as my wife and found that someone in you. You are my dapper love, and I am honored to be with you."

With that, Jennifer leaned over and kissed Lexi. The two of them just stared in awe of each other, and Jennifer forgot that there were others there until Gracie called her back to reality. Jennifer took Gracie out to the restroom and took a minute to breathe. This whole evening--whole event--was proving to be overwhelming on many levels for her. She had never felt so much love in one room and felt like she was drunk from it. Shortly they returned, and Lexi stood to make the last toast of the night.

"I want to thank everyone for coming and being a part of this special event. Trey, kids, you especially. I thank you for being here. Mom and Dad, you are the best, and I love you too. Jennifer, my starburst beauty, tomorrow we stand and make vows of love to each other, but no ceremony could really show or express how I feel about you. I love you more today than yesterday and will love you more tomorrow than today. You complete me in so many ways. We are good to each other, and I know that tomorrow will be beautiful. And, if not, I will make it up to you on the cruise. Jennifer, you are my love, and I am the happiest person right now. I am honored to be allowed to be yours and loved by you. Thank you for saying yes and all that you do to make us happen. I love you!"

Again they kissed and held each other. Lexi wiped away the tears, and they whispered sweetly to each other of their love. The crowd soon started to disperse for the night. Kelly s.n.a.t.c.hed Lexi away, and Amy took Jennifer away. Jennifer did not know what was happening, but she was glad that for the surprise.

Soon the two arrived at Amy's house and Jennifer saw all the adult ladies of the wedding party and a few others there. Amy had arranged for them to meet for a night of fun with the more feminine ladies. Jennifer was amazed that this little detail of the weekend had managed to get past her. She wondered if she was here, where did they take Lexi?

"Jennifer, welcome to your night of fun! There will be dancing, drinking, manicures, and pedicures. Do not fret about Lexi. She is in good hands with Kelly. Now, shall we go in?"

"My! How you are all full of surprises tonight!"

"Well you cannot go off and not have the girls give you a proper party!"

"I thank you, but really, I don't want to be up all night."

"Au contraire. The ceremony is at ten, you will be done with the reception by noon and on your plane b your ply two. You want to be exhausted for the plane ride!"

"I am sure I will be ready for the ride! I am already exhausted."

"Well, don't worry. We will not have you up too late--just long enough to be pampered."

Amy handed her a mimosa, and the party got started. The girls had arranged for a striptease dancer to come to the house as the evening's entertainment. Jennifer had to admit that the evening was turning out to be fun, and she was glad that she had not fought them. She was glad that they had also brought in ladies to do the n

ails. Once the nails were done and dry, Jennifer was shown to the bubble bath awaiting her and the bed that would be hers for the night. She found sleep easily as she drifted off, wondering what amazement the next day brought and what the honeymoon trip had in store for them.

Chapter Thirty-Five.

Kelly had stolen me away to the bar. I was not sure what to expect, but I was thankful to get a smoke in. The night had been stressful, and I was also ready for a drink. All of our butch friends were there and, when we walked in, a plastic lightweight ball and chain was attached to my ankle. The round of jokes started, and I was never so happy to be the subject of them.

"Woodsworth, you were the one that we never imagined would say 'I do' to anyone, but we could not let you do it without a bachelorette party."

"Why, thank you! You are all an amazing group of friends and family!"

"Now, just sit right there and enjoy the show!"