And So I Ran - Complete

Chapter 48

Ana and Gail were in their element, and I knew I'd need to give my housekeeper a big thank you present at the end of this. I stood around and listened for a while as Gail thoughtfully mentioned things Ana might need to consider and then annotated Ana's preferences on a pad, never once imposing her thoughts or ideas. Ana had asked me if there was anything I had firm views on, and I mentioned I would like final say about the wine selections, that if she chose to have a religious ceremony, it would please Mom no end if we used the family chaplain, and that I wanted Ana to wear white. Ana quickly agreed to all three requests, and then it seemed my presence was no longer required.

I disappeared into my study, pouring a brandy. I plowed through an hour or so of emails before looking at the time. Late Saturday afternoon. I'd give Elliot a try.

"Wassup lil' bro?!" Elliot answered. I could hear the sound of a game and a bar in the background.

"Lots. Are you alone? Can you talk?"

"Yeah. Katie-girl is interviewing the Portland Mavericks, so I'm here at the bar while she interviews them."

"So, I'm buying a house..."

"No shit! That's huge, man! The triple-fronted on Lake Washington?"

"The one and the same. I asked Anastasia to marry me, too..."

"And?!"

I laughed. That had got his attention!

"And she said yes! We're going to announce it at Bellevue on Labor Day, so keep it to yourself until then."

"Can I at least tell Kate about the house? She's been really funny all week. She knows I've been hiding something from her, and she's worried I'm cheating on her or some stupid shit."

"You can tell her about the house, but ask her not to tell anyone. We want to share our news ourselves."

"Got it. So, you ringing me to ask me to be your best man?" he joked, although there was a serious undertone to it.

"You bet. Ana and I haven't had a chance to talk all that stuff through – but if we're doing the whole wedding attendants thing, then you're my best man for sure!"

"Awesome! You know, I've had my fair share of bridesmaids, but I've never boned a maid of honor."

"Elliot – you're my brother, and I love you, but you disgust me sometimes."

"Dude! It's like one of the last on my list, and since Katie-girl is it, I wanna tick it off! I've had a policewoman, twins in a threesome, a Swedish backpacker, then there was the..."

"I'm going now!" I said, grinning despite myself.

"Give Ana my congrats!" Elliot laughed before I disconnected the call.

Shit. I'd better go and ask Ana her thoughts about the bridal party. I walked back out into the great room, and sure enough, Gail and Ana were still going. Ana looked up at me and smiled.

"Perfect timing! I have some basic ideas to discuss." She gestured for me to sit beside her as she consulted an alarmingly long list. Gail thoughtfully retired to the kitchen to finish preparing dinner and give Ana and me our privacy.

"Since Mom and Bob will probably stay here, I thought I'd get ready at Escala, and you can get ready at your parents' house? I looked at your parents' church, and while it is close to Bellevue, it isn't particularly inspiring."

I grunted in agreement. Renovated in the seventies, fashions and trends had changed considerably since then.

"Gail and I googled, and there's a gorgeous small little church of the right denomination in Capitol Hill that would be perfect if Reverend Walsh could marry us there?" It was phrased as a question, but the hopeful look in Anastasia's eyes made it a given as far as I was concerned. She had her heart set on it, and that was good enough for me! I dutifully looked as Ana pulled up the website, pointing out how convenient it would be for our guests before showing me photos of the side chapel she thought would be a nice size for our small gathering.