Undying Love

REHEARSAL

The rehearsal dinner was later than evening. It was being held at the country club his parents belonged to. Matt gave Kathy and Matthew kisses. He left her and the baby and headed to his parents' house to get ready. “I'll be back to pick you guys up at six.”

Kathy unpacked her suitcase so she could steam her dress for the evening. She took the bag from the pharmacy out for the medicine. She looked at the test. “Well, here we are again, old friend,” she mumbled. “Let's just get this over with.” She went into her bathroom and took the test. She just knew it was going to come back positive, why wouldn't it? That was their luck. After a few minutes, and once again, that little screen said 'positive.' “Oh man, what the hell am I going to say to him?” She thought about it and figured she would wait until after the wedding. She started getting dressed. As she zipped up the dress, she had a hard time with the top. She looked in the mirror. Her breasts were already larger. The dress fit elsewhere, but she filled the top to capacity.

Matt arrived for them right at six. He looked at her in the dress and said, “Damn, you look hot in that dress. You're lucky we aren't spending the night together.”

“Oh really?”

He groaned, “Mm, let's get going before I change my mind.”

They took both Matt's and Josephine's cars. Carol and John were in the lobby waiting for them. Charlene and Jeff got there first. The guys showed up as well. Scott and the guys hadn't seen him since they left for LA.

Matt and Kathy arrived with Matthew. They brought him inside in his stroller so he could fall asleep if he got tired. It was a grandmother fight over who got him first. Josephine let Carol have him since he was staying at her house.

The Maître d' lead the group into their private room. Hors 'd'oeuvres were being brought around on silver trays. Servers were there to take beverage orders.

Matt ordered, “Jack on the rocks.”

“Just a ginger ale for me,” Kathy said.

“Still have an upset stomach?” Matt asked. She nodded. He put his arm around her. “If you want, there is a lounge I can take you to if you want to rest.”

“Maybe later.”

Matt spent some time talking with the guys. He got caught up with the goings-on. Scott was getting more serious with his girlfriend, blamed Matt for making it look so easy. Dave and Rob were both just casually dating women, but they were enjoying the selection Kathy brought with her from LA. Dave was most likely going to be the confirmed bachelor. Billy was seeing someone, but she wanted more than him right now.

The time came for dinner to be served. Everyone took their assigned seats. They enjoyed beef wellington with roasted root vegetables and Lyonnaise potatoes. The food was spectacular. Between dinner and dessert, Scott and Charlene gave toasts to them.

Charlene went first. “I am so happy that my brother has found the love of his life again, and I hope they enjoy a lifetime of each other. To Matt and Kathy.” People applauded.

Scott got up next. “Matt's been my best friend since we were in elementary school. He was always the tough guy. When he found Kathy, his world changed and for the better. I hope they have the happiest of marriages. They deserve it. To Matt and Kathy.” Again, people applauded.

Josephine stood to say a few words. "These two have been through so much in their relationship, more than most couples in a lifetime. I have always felt Matt was part of our family, and couldn't be more delighted for him to officially be my son-in-law tomorrow. I love you both."

They were getting ready to serve desserts. Kathy asked Matt to take her to that lounge. He excused them and said they'd be back in a little bit because Kathy was feeling the effects of jet lag.

In the lounge, Matt asked, “Are you going to be alright? You hardly ate.”

“Just hold me for a few minutes.”

“My pleasure darling," he said. "You know you have me worried.”

“It will pass, it did earlier.”

It didn't pass. Fortunately, there were restrooms in the lounge, so she excused herself. She barely made it to the toilet before throwing up. She returned to the lounge. Matt was getting really concerned. He hated seeing her sick. She finally started feeling better so they returned to the private room.

After the dinner ended, everyone said their goodbyes. Matt took Kathy home. She fell asleep on the way, so he carried her into the house and into her room. He carefully set her on the bed. Josephine got Matthew and put him to bed.

She woke up and looked around. “What happened?” she asked.

“You fell asleep on the way home.”

“Oh.”

He asked, “Are you feeling any better?”

“Yes, I am just tired.”

“Well get some sleep because tomorrow I am making you my wife.”

“I love you.”

“I love you too.” Matt kissed her and left.