"From This Day Forward (Part 3 to One Night Stand)"

"June Bride"

The next day, Summer was cleaning the house & catching up on laundry after her trip. She put in one load into the washer & then decided it was time to call her Grandma to let her know what was going on with Jay. She was grateful that she opened up to her friends & that they seemed super supportive, but she needed to hear from her Grandma. The phone rang & then Grandma picked up.

Grandma: Summer! How's my girl doing?
Summer: Hi Grandma.
Grandma: By the way, how was your trip to Hawaii? Your pictures looked lovely! Did you get me anything?
Summer: Hawaii was gorgeous we all had a good time. And yes, I do have something for you & for Jack & everyone. I'm actually also engaged...
Grandma: You'll never believe it, but I am too!
Summer: Grandma! That's awesome news! I'm so happy for you...
Grandma: You too, my dear! I'm glad Jay finally popped the question.
Summer: About Jay... Something happened between us &...
Grandma: Now, Summer Nora Harper, I'm going to have to stop you right there.
Summer: Why?
Grandma: Well, you & Jay are preparing to unite as one. What happened between the two of you needs to stay between the two of you. Learn to work it out between yourselves. That's how you learn & grow together. It'll be tough, trust me, but it's worth it.

Summer let out a sigh & buried her face in her hand.

Grandma: Summer? Are you still there honey?
Summer: I'm here, Grandma.
Grandma: You know I love you, right.
Summer: I love you too, Grandma.
Grandma: So listen, Jack & I aren't waiting. We're getting married at the end of the month. I'm gonna be a June bride!
Summer: Wow, that's so soon.
Grandma: I know! So that's why I need for you to come to Seattle as soon as possible.
Summer: Ok. I can come tomorrow. I'll look for flights right now.
Grandma: Ohhhh! Summer, I'm just so excited!
Summer: I'm excited too, Grandma.

Summer finished her laundry & cleaning the house &  was packing back into the suitcase she was just unpacking. She informed her friends about her travel plans & as usual, Nat offered to bring Summer to the airport. Summer loved hearing the excitement in Grandma's voice about her upcoming wedding, but she was disappointed at the fact that she couldn't even explain her situation with Jay to her Grandma. At this point, she didn't want her Grandma to worry since she had so much on her plate for her big day. She didn't know what to do. Just then, she received a call from Jay. He was done with work & headed back to the on-base housing where he shared a room with Devon.

Jay: Hey baby! How's my fiancé doing?
Summer: I'm not feeling myself...
Jay: What's the matter? Are you sick?
Summer: No, not really. I'm probably just jet lagged.
Jay: Well, baby I wish I could be there to take care of you.
Summer: Do you?
Jay: Of course.

Summer continued talking to Jay & filled him in about her Grandma's wedding at the end of the month. He seemed pretty normal & it bugged Summer so much. She kept thinking about it & decided maybe this was all a misunderstanding & that maybe he had received those texts by mistake. As per usual, they ended their conversation exchanging their "I love you"s. Summer felt bad for being stand-offisb at the beginning of their conversation & hoped that Jay didn't notice the anger in her voice.

Although she was giving him the benefit of a doubt, she couldn't help but put him on trial in her mind. He was guilty until he was proven innocent. A battle remained in Summer's mind as she finished packing for Seattle. She patted her two suitcases as she zipped them up. She lugged then close to the front door & then sat on the counter to purchase airplane tickets. She was able to get a flight out at 10:00am. She didn't want to book anything earlier because she knew Nat hated early mornings & would probably have a cow about it.

The next morning, Nat drove by Summer's house to pick her up. He wore big sunglasses & a tie dye hoodie & shorts set. His hair was disheveled underneath his hood. He walked up to Summer's door as she opened it to greet him. He kissed her cheek & handed her a cup of coffee.

Summer: Babe, you're the sweetest!
Nat: No, you're the sweetest... You all set.
Summer: I think so.

Summer locked up & then she & Nat headed to the airport. Nat peered over his sunglasses as he spoke to Summer.

Nat: Ok, so I've given it a lot of thought.
Summer: Given what a lot of thought?
Nat: The Jay thing...
Summer: Oh
Nat: Why don't you text the girl back? Here, you can use my phone.
Summer: Nat, I appreciate your concern, but I've decided to look passed this.
Nat: Excuse me?
Summer: I'm going to be careful, trust me, I will. But I'm totally giving Jay the benefit of a doubt.
Nat: Are you sure you're not 52 & not 22? You're being totally mature about this. It's must've been something your Grandma said.
Summer: I actually didn't get the chance to explain it to her.
Nat: Really? This is all you?
Summer: It's all me.
Nat: What made you decide all this?
Summer: Well, I know that as much as I'm hurting, that I love Jay. And I know he loves me. If anything crazy happens while I'm in Seattle, I'll let you know for sure.
Nat: Bitch, you better. Oh! And don't you worry, George is keeping an eye on Jay.
Summer: You told George?
Nat: Oh! I hope that's ok...
Summer: There's nothing we can do about that now. It's ok, I guess.
Nat: Ok. Georgie is the best at keeping secrets. Don't worry.

The two chatted away & before they knew it, they were approaching the Seattle Tacoma airport. Nat pulled up to the curb & quickly hugged & kissed Summer.

Nat: You're strong & beautiful. Don't you ever forget that. Love you!
Summer: Love you, Nat! Thanks for the ride.

While Summer was on her way back to Seattle she closed her eyes & hoped to find some clarity of mind during her visit.