Picking up the Pieces

Chapter Twenty-Four

This story is dedicated to my friend, Pam, who recently lost her husband to cancer. She's a wonderful friend with a beautiful soul who didn't deserve losing her best friend to such a devastating and deadly disease. I love you, girl.

Next chapter will be the wedding and it will be lighter than the previous chapter. I also promise you a few lemons. If I had to guess, we've got maybe three more real chapters in the story. I know where I'm going with it ... I just need to get there. My plan is for this story to be finished by Memorial Day weekend. I've got a couple of things on the back burner ... which will pick up once summer starts.

Chapter Twenty-Four

BPOV

"Isabella Marie, you're nucking futs coming to work the Friday before your wedding," Alice chided. "I already said you could go. You need to head home, if even to kick up your feet since this weekend is going to be all sorts of crazy with the rehearsal tonight, wedding tomorrow and porn star fucking until Tuesday. You're so going to be walking funny when you get back."

I shot her an exasperated look. Really? "Alice, it's Valentine's day weekend. We've got a million and one parties going on in our school. I would suck as an assistant principal if I left you to deal with that all on your own," I argued. "Once afternoon bus duty is done, I'm out of here to get changed and head over to the church."

"You're so stubborn, Hells Bells," Alice snickered, shaking her head.

"Takes one to know one, Ali-cat," I countered. "Come on. Cafeteria duty calls." Alice rolled her as eyes she grabbed her walkie-talkie from its base. We went down to the multipurpose room and watched as the kids ate their lunches. John and Grace, unlike me, were called out of school for the day. My mom was taking them to Rose's for haircuts and spending some time with them since everything had been revolving around the wedding and Esme's unfortunate deterioration. Aside from a few days that they missed for colds or the stomach bug, I called them in, giving them a free day off.

"Are you and Edward spending the night apart tonight?" Alice asked as we went back to our office after lunches were done. "I could whip up a bachelorette party ..."

"No, Alice. We're staying together as a family. After the rehearsal, we're going back to our house and spending time together. Edward wants to give the kids presents, representing his new place in our family. Tomorrow, I'm making us breakfast before Edward leaves to get ready at his parents' house. We're meeting at Rose's salon by eleven, I think," I said, reminding her of the plan. Alice gave me a wry grin. "What? You look like you know something."

"I know nothing, sweetie," Alice sang.

"Bullshit, Alice." She just giggled, her grin spreading. Rolling my eyes, I huffed out a breath. "Do you have your dress?"

"Yes, Bella," Alice laughed. "God, you're turning into me."

"You're rubbing off on me, Ali-cat," I snickered. "Working with you has definitely improved my list-making skills, that's for sure." I checked my watch, seeing that Billy, Rebecca's and Ryan's flight would be landing in just a few minutes. "I need to check on my dad. He's picking up Billy from the airport."

"SeaTac?"

I nodded. "I'm also going to send the weekly update to the parents. I'm nearly done with the draft."

"Take your time, Bells," Alice said. "You've got a lot on your plate. I'm certain that parents can deal with not having the weekly newsletter for one week."

I rolled my eyes, ducking into my office. I quickly called my dad, who already had Billy, Rebecca, Ryan and baby Tia in my SUV. Their flight had arrived early. I spoke briefly to each of them before I hung up and turned to the newsletter. My mind was unfocused and rightfully so. I was thinking of what still needed to be done for the wedding, which was happening tomorrow. I blinked down at my checklist, seeing a number of things that still needed to be crossed off.