[Harvest Moon: A New Beginning] Rio to the Rescue

Go Tell it on the Mountain

The newly engaged couple met with Chelsea and Vaughn for a celebratory dinner, and of course, celebratory champagne. The girls giggled and squealed, discussing wedding dresses and venues while the men quietly chatted about how out of place men felt when women discussed weddings in so much detail. Vaughn nodded to Neil and said, "So who's gonna be yer best man? Rod?"

Neil nodded, knowing Rod was his closest male friend and the only one he'd feel comfortable standing next to him on that day. "Speaking of, will you be one of my groomsmen? I know it would make Rio happy, and that way you can escort your wife down the aisle."

Vaughn tipped his hat forward once, "Of course. I think Chelsea would skin me alive if I were to say no." This made Neil chuckle and began a conversation on how their delicate women could be quite scary at times.

Chelsea nudged Neil and waggled her eyebrows, "Nice ring, animal man. I couldn't have picked out a better one, myself!"

Flushing at the compliment, he nodded his thanks, "I'd do anything for Rio, and someone special to me helped pick it out. It suits her perfectly, I think."

Rio grinned and held it up, admiring how it sparkled in the light, "I think so, too! I'm glad you didn't get anything too gaudy, that is just not something I could deal with, especially in my profession! Right, Chelsea?"

Chelsea giggled and Vaughn avoided any and all eye contact, which made Neil question why they were acting so weird. Rio launched into story telling mode, explaining how when Chelsea and Vaughn got engaged he had purchased a ring with a diamond the size of the nail on her thumb, causing Chelsea to almost have a heart attack. Chelsea then demanded that Vaughn get a more appropriate sized jewel for someone in her field and then she would become his wife.

Neil laughed and leaned back in his chair, he could see his Rio doing that too, which is precisely why he liked the ring he got. It was delicate, beautiful, but wouldn't get in the way of things. He, himself, would only be getting a plain silver band as a wedding ring; he wasn't too fond of gems and, like Rio, worked in a field where gaudy jewelry is asking for trouble.

...

The rest of their vacation passed in a blur of sightseeing, lovemaking, and just spending alone time together. The couple knew that as soon as they got back to town and announced their news, they wouldn't get to spend time together like this until their wedding night. Rio sighed dreamily at the thought, wedding night. She never thought she'd get engaged again, let alone so soon, but she knew it was the right thing to do. Her relationship with Neil was everything she had wanted with Chase, but better.

Neil was kind and considerate in a way that her ex couldn't have possibly accomplished; she felt like by making her happy, Neil was happy too--and she felt the same way. Not only that, but they wanted the same things: a small family, a loving home, and a close, intimate relationship with one another that didn't involve the whole town being involved. They worked in similar fields and would be quite well-off together. They were perfect.

...

"Okay, I think we have the basics all good to go! Your wedding party will be Yours Truly as the maid of honor, and Felicity, Tina, and Iroha as bridesmaids, yes?" Rio nodded and the enthusiastic brunette continued checking things off in her notebook. "Best Man will be Rod, with Vaughn and Allen as groomsmen. I presume Allen will be the one escorting two women then?" Another nod.

Rio looked over her cousin's shoulder and chimed in with plans. "Allen said he'd come over early to do our hair and makeup, Yuri is in charge of the dresses, her mother will be putting together the flower arrangements, and Sanjay and Amir offered to put together the other decor. Clement and Felicity are in charge of cake and dinner, as well as the open bar. Hmm, music is on Allen and Rod...that just leaves the honeymoon to me and Neil!"