𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬 «« Matthew Gray Gubler.

3.8

The Birdcage.

15th of July, 2012.

Las Vegas.

It seemed like the awaiting event was put off for too long by Coraline as she bounced her knee, ignoring the reassuring smiles from her father and Camilla.

It was inevitable her family would meet Matthew's, but with the rush of wedding planning and the excruciating activity of assembling a 3,500 name long guest list, it'd completely slipped her mind. "I don't know what you're so fussed about, sweetheart. It'll be fine." Charles smiled.

His kind words weren't as pungent as he hoped. "They're just different to us, in a lot of ways."

"And that doesn't mean we'll be at each other's throats." 

"Yes, you're right."

She sucked in a deep breath, fixing her posture as the journey came to a halt outside The Gubler house, Matthew standing right outside, a large grin etched on his face as he waved at his fiancee. Returning the infatuated smile, she found her self right in his arms, a brief kiss on her lips. "Hey, baby."

"Hello, darling." They parted as to not exclude the two elders behind.

"Charles, Camilla, welcome to Vegas." He greeted, accepting the affectionate greetings from his future in-laws.

The four scurried in, meeting the large group. "Dad, Camilla, this is Matthew's mother Marilyn, his father John, step mother Mollie, step father Tom, his sister Laura, her husband Tim and his brother Gray."

They all exchanged pleasantries, the royals ensuring that no bowing was required, before sitting down for lunch. "Lovely estate you have here." Charles complimented.

"Thank you, Charles."

"Marilyn has over a 100 animals at the Sandy Valley Ranch." Tom added proudly.

Camilla nearly gasped. "We love the outdoors, Charles and Coraline are on horses every chance they get during family trips and polo matches."

Mollie's interest peaked. "You ride horses, Cora?"

The princess let out a dry laugh. "I do, occasionally. When I'm not playing polo, I ride side saddle."

"Enough chit chat," Marilyn interrupted. "Matthew, Cora, when's the wedding?"

She opened her mouth to speak, only for Matthew to beat her to it. "We were thinking March, but since work needs me for the remainder of the season, so we'd have to push it back to May."

Coraline furrowed her eyebrows at the unheard of news. "And when were you going to tell me this?"

Realizing the trouble he'd gotten himself in, the actor stumbled on his words, holding her hand. "Today, it's just, we've been apart and busy. I didn't want to stress you out."

Aware of everyone's gaze on her, her anger had morphed into a forced smile. "Of course, baby. I understand work is work, I don't mind at all." It seemed that she was the only one who didn't feel the tension alleviate. "I'm going to go get more salad."

"I'll come with." Laura piped up, following her into the kitchen. "That was handled so well."

"Well, everyone was looking at me. What the fuck was I supposed to say?"

Ჲ

The couple got ready for bed in silence, aware of the two other couples (and Gray) on the same floor occupying their own rooms, Matthew realizing his sudden announcement had actually bothered her.