Summer of Love & Sorrow (Completed)

Chapter Sixteen

It had been a week since the bridal shop. Mom and I were getting along. Betty and Brin were in from India. Betty picked out her bridesmaid dress. It was a pretty plum color with a touch of India. I loved it.
Dad had informed me all the guys had their tuxes. Even Nathan, who was going to stand behind me at the wedding. That confused Betty and Brin. So, we sat them down and told them while they were gone, some events went down. Lewis and Nathan were gay and together.
Of course, Betty said she knew it. Brin just said. "That's why you came to soccer practices all the time."
Lewis laughed. "Actually, I was watching Nathan."
We all laughed. Thank goodness that went well. I figured it would. But sometimes, people surprise you.
                                 •
The gang was all back together, plus one. We were all over at the Wilson's. Including the parents. Yes, the Bottleman's too. We were all celebrating Jack and I getting engaged. The parents were all excited. Even though we were young. We thought, honestly, they wouldn't be up for it.
They were all for it. Brin's parents said finally. They thought we were blind to how each other liked the other. At first, we were. At least I was. I kept guessing everyone knew and could see it except for Jack and I.
We were all in the backyard. It was going well and fun. Nathan, Brin, and Lewis were playing basketball in the pool. Betty, Mrs. Davis, Mrs. Bottleman, and Mrs. Willick were laying out under the sun. The dads hung around the grill; while mom, Ms. Fitzgerald, Jack, Mrs. Wilson, and I sat up the table.
Ms. Fitzgerald was laying out the plates. "Have you set a date?"
I got silent, as did mom. Jack was the one to speak. "This coming weekend. Opal has to work a couple of days. Gives some time to set up before Saturday."
Ms. Fitzgerald smiled. "That is so wonderful. I can't wait."
I linked my arm through Jack's. "Thank you. I am ready."
Mrs. Wilson snickered. "I think you two have been ready since grade school."
"Mom." Jack sounded annoyed. He looked down at me and smiled. I secretly knew he wasn't.
                                •
While we ate, we all talked about wedding plans. We had almost everything figured out. Except for where it would be. Everyone was putting in their opinion. I just sat there. I knew where I wanted it to be. If they only would close their mouths, I could tell them.
I was getting a bit aggravated. Jack squeezed my hand. Dad saw the expression on my face.
Dad cleared his throat, loud. Making everyone go quiet. "Is everyone done? Maybe you should ask the one who is getting married?"
They all turned to me. I sat up straight. "The hill top."
I looked over at Jack. He instantly smiled. "It will be in a clearing on the hill top. Then after, as the sun is setting, we can take pictures of it behind us. It will be amazing."
Dad put his drink in the air. Everyone done the same. "The hill top it is."
We all clanked our drinks together and tossed it back. I looked at dad and mouthed thank you.
                               •
Everyone had left the Wilson's. Leaving only my parents and me. Jack was nowhere to be found. I excused myself going to his room.
He was standing there going through his music. "What are you up to?"
Jack looked up from the albums in his hands. "Looking for our first dance song and your father and daughter song."
I wrapped my arms around his waist. "Just none of that really weird music you listen to."
"Don't knock it woman. Some of those are my jams." Jack put the albums back on the shelf.
He turned around, putting his arms around me. "Are you okay Op?"
I took in his scent and pulled him closer. "No, Jackie boy. I am not."
He kissed the top of my head. "That is okay. I got you."
I pulled him with me, until we were laying together on his bed. "I know. Thank you."
We laid there music playing. I looked out the window at the sun going down. Listening to Jack's heartbeat. This was my safe place. With Jack Wilson. Always has been and always will be.