Finding a New Kind of Love

Planning the Wedding

    "I can't believe that I am going to be a married woman!" she yelled loudly. All of their friends starting cheering down below. Within minutes, the helicopter landed back in the field. You can see the faces of both their parents in the crowd. Darry's mother and Lanie's mother, had tears rolling down their faces. Both of their dads, unfortunately, couldn't be there due to work circumstances.

     Lanie was more than excited. She was so giddy, and couldn't stay still. It was starting to get late, so after cleaning up everything Darry took Lanie back home for the night. He got out of the car, walked around the car, and opened the door for her. He grabbed Lanie by the hand and escorted her to the front door where he ran his hand against her cheek and tucked her hair in behind her ear. He then landed the longest, seductive kiss he ever had on her lips. "I love you beautiful, and I can't wait to be your husband. Get you some rest, I'll see you tomorrow," said Darry. "I love you too, my love. See you tomorrow," whispered Lanie.

     Lanie stood by the door and watched as Darry got into his car, then she went inside and closed the door. She stood up against it, looking down at the ring pop that he had given her as he asked her for her hand in marriage. "I need to find something to put this in so it doesn't get ruined!" said Lanie. Lanie goes to the kitchen and finds a sandwich bag and places the ring pop into the bag and puts it in the freezer. She grabs a glass of water and heads upstairs to go to bed.

    The next morning, Darry comes over and Lanie and Darry talk about wedding details. Lanie and Darry's mother is there with them. Darry's mother Anita tries to take over everything. "Mom, I need you to work with Cindy, please. I don't want anyone to end up fighting," he said. Anita just rolls her eyes and says, "yes dear."

     "So first thing is first, we need to come up with a date and a place. We can't figure out all the details if we don't have those first," said Lanie. They all started searching around for venues. Lanie was a little worried about money because growing up, her family never really had a whole lot of money. Her dad worked in the oil field but barely made money, while her mother was a stay-at-home wife and took care of the house while also taking care of Lanie. It wasn't until Lanie got a little older than her mother started working for a company making decent money. "Don't worry, Darry's father and I can pay for the wedding," said Cindy. Lanie looked over at her mother and saw that she was upset. Anita stood up and said, "if you will excuse me, I need to go to the restroom." Lanie followed in behind her. "Mom, are you okay?" said Lanie.

"No, I'm not okay Lanie. I don't appreciate his mother coming in here and shoving their money in our faces. I am more than capable of helping with the wedding." said Anita as tears ran down her face. "I know that things haven't always been easy for us sweetie, but I am finally at a point where I can do the things for you that I was never able to do before. I want to help," said Anita. Lanie grabbed her mother and hugged her. "Mom, I know that you are capable of helping, but if they want to spend their money, let them. You can always help us with the honeymoon," she laughed. Anita gave Lanie another hug and agreed. They both walked back into the living room.

     "Is everything alright?" asked Darry. They both nod and continue to come up with ideas for the wedding date. "I got it!" yelled Lanie. Everyone jumped, and then laughed. "Seeing as it's almost July, how about we have it on the 4th? We can do it at the park, you know, the one uptown that has the huge waterfall out front? They have a big area that has picnic tables. It'll be less costly than having it at a church anyway. Afterward, if it's no trouble, we can go back to your house Darry and have a pool party. Maybe have hotdogs and hamburgers? I don't want anything fancy." said Lanie. Darry shook his head in agreement, "I just want you to be happy, this is your big day."

     "So July 4th at East Midway Park. So what time would you like to have everything start? If you want to come back here and have the food and pool party, we might want to have the wedding service early." says Anita. "You're right mom! What do you think Darry?" asked Lanie. Darry put his hand on his chin for a few moments before answering. "10 am," he said. Lanie got out a piece of paper and started writing. East Midway park presents the marriage of Darry Bradley Darnell and Lanie Michelle Foster. Service will begin at 10 am on July 4th on the right side of the park. The reception will be at 988 Oldsway Drive. Bring your bathing suit. Hamburgers and hotdogs will be served. "This is so surreal. I can't believe this is happening. I'm so nervous!" says Lanie as her hands start trembling.

     "Do we need a wedding planner?" asked Cindy. "I don't think so, I think we got this," said Anita. Cindy just shook her head with agreement. "However, I do think that Darry and Lanie need to decide on their wedding colors and other details of the wedding. Maybe make a list," said Anita. Cindy gets up out of her chair and heads to the door. "I am going to head home and get ready to make some lunch. You are all welcome to come over, going to be making grilled cheeses and tomato soup," said Cindy.

     "I think I will come to join you," says Anita. "How about you two?" says Cindy. Darry and Lanie look at each other, and both agree that they are going to go over their colors, and some other small details and that they would be over soon. Cindy and Anita leave and Lanie jumps into Darry's lap and lands a big kiss on his lips. "Have I ever told you how much you mean to me?" she says with a big smile on her face. "So, future Mrs. Darnell, what colors are you thinking for the wedding," he said. "Honestly, I was thinking black and red," she said. "Those are some pretty colors, babe," Darry says, as he grabs her hand. "But not as pretty as you. If you want those colors then that's the colors that we will go with."

     Darry grabs ahold of Lanie's face and caresses it. "You are so gorgeous. I'm not sure how I ended up being so lucky, but I wouldn't change this for the world. I love you so much Lanie Darnell and I can't wait to officially marry the woman of my dreams." he said.