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Gene picked up the phone next morning in his office. There were new demos piled up by his stereo, and he was about to listen to the next round when he heard Trynia's voice on the end of the phone, "Hey Gene... do you have a moment?"

"For you, wife to be of my best bud, sure," Gene answered. "Beautiful women like you I always make time for."

"Aww thanks. Look, there's been a change of plans... with the wedding..."

"Oh, since when?" Gene asked. "Don't tell me Paulie's got cold feet."

"No, it's just well, there's been a development in the baby department..."

"What sort of development?" Gene asked. Terri strode in that moment, holding Jacob on her hip. She stopped to listen carefully just who he was talking to.

"Well, there's more then one baby in here," Trynia announced. "I just told Paul last night..."

"Wait a minute... you mean more then one star baby?" Gene clarified, noticing Teri standing there. Her eyes widened and he waved her over toward him. Taking Jacob on his lap, he motioned her to sit on the desk and lean close to listen as he pressed the speaker button.

"That's just it Gene. Two babies. Twins."

"Holy shit, talk about TWO For the price of one! Damn, he doesn't mesa round, does he?" Gene got out. "You don't say... well what does this have to do with the wedding?"

"Paul suggested we have it two weeks from now, and the sooner the better, in LA, not in Pa."

"She wants the wedding in LA?" Terri mouthed. Gene nodded.

"I figured the sooner my parents see me hitched, the sooner I can tell them I'm pregnant," Trynia added. "And I was wondering if Paul and I can count on your help... wrangling things together..."

"We'll see what we can do, won't we, Terri..." Gene nodded. "That's right. She's here. Should I share the news?"

"By all means. Is she listening?"

"She's on speaker phone," Gene laughed.

"Oh you STINKER!" Trynia groaned.

"You have TWINS?" Terri asked. "Congrats!"

"Yes, two starbabies. I just found out yesterday," said Trynia eagerly. "And because of that, Paul wants to move the wedding up... so we were wondering if..."

"Sure thing. Just count on us," Terri nodded. "You wanted it in LA? I'm sure your parents are going to have something to say about that..."

"Don't remind me, " came Trynia's voice.

"Sorry... it's just I'm wondering if that's the reason you're so hot to get married so soon," Terri answered. "Because if it is... why let them pressure you?"

"Do you have to ask that, honey?" Gene asked. "Considering what we went through with your folks?"

"Gene, this isn't the time to bring THAT up," Terri rolled her eyes. "But I hate to admit you're right."

"I just want to do this right. I want to marry Paul, and not feel like I have to do it their way all the time. Besides, it will be better if it's on my home turf, you know?"

"Well, if that's how you want it, we're behind you, right Gene?" Terri asked.

"What she said," Gene nodded. "Look, just tell me what you need... what sort of place did you and Paul want? You guys wanna come over and talk about it?"

"Sure."

"Why don't you put him on here?" Gene asked.

"He's sleeping in," Trynia said. "And anyway... he's got so much on his mind right now..."

"I hear you. Say, what do you guys want?"

"We were thinking of a hotel, one of those five star ones. Paul's gonna take care of the rabbi, and I need to make lots of phone calls to my wedding guests..."

"I can do that for you," Terri offered. "They know I'm the matron of honor, so why not let me have that pleasure. You just worry about your parents. I'll handle the rest..."

"Thanks..."

"Don't worry about the hotel location. Paul and I will take care of that. And the catering. Leave that to me. I'll be happy to arrange it."

"Gene, Paul said you might know about finding musicians, Gene... I suggested a DJ... but..."

"Paul hated it, right?" Gene asked.

"I had a brain storm, and while you're looking at hotels, I was wondering if you could look up some old friends who could play for Paul?"

"Uh, what old friends?" Gene asked.

"Well... someone he hasn't seen in a long time..."

"Tell me more," Gene said, his interest piqued.

****

Paul surfaced from sleep, and shook away the groggy remains of a headache. "Too much red wine could be an occupational hazard," he chuckled to himself. In the background he heard the gentle chatter of the television downstairs, and swung his feet around to stand shakily up.

"I'm getting too old for this," he muttered, rubbing his eyes. Annoyed at himself for a bit too much medicine, he rubbed his hands over his face and listened for any sign of Trynia. The bed was empty of her, and he figured she must be downstairs fixing breakfast. Surely, she wouldn't mind if he ventured down to surprise her. It was then that he heard a rumbling and felt the strange sideways heaving of the floor beneath him. Quickly he rushed downstairs, stumbling as he went, calling her name, "Trynia!"

"Paul! What's going on?" came her frightened shout. She stumbled out of the kitchen, clutching the cordless phone. They reached each other as the floor quivered and heaved. Paul pushed her under the doorway of the kitchen, hugging her as she shivered. The chandeliers rocked back and forth slowly, as a few plates dropped from the china closet, and the breakfast plates rattled.

"What... the hell!" she shivered. As suddenly as it had started, the quivering stopped.

"Easy honey, that's just an earthquake," Paul said. "Just the San Andreas Fault saying hello..."

"Hello? I'd hate to hear it saying Happy New Year!" she stammered. "This was a pretty big one... I mean I remember the tremors before, but this..."

"It's okay, it's gone honey. It's okay," Paul said, taking her in his arms and holding her close. "It's a fact of life..."

"Great. You come to Pennsylvania during the flooding of the Delaware," she muttered. "Or during a blizzard in NYC!"

"Hey, it's okay, let's just stay under the doorway for a little bit..." Paul suggested. Over they could hear the announcer talking about the quake in a news flash. In her hand the phone started to protest, "Tryn... you there?"

"Oh man, what is that... who were you on the phone with?" Paul chuckled.

"I forgot, I was talking to Gene..." she flushed, and laughed with a bit of relief. "Hello, Gene... we just had a quake... and it scared the hell out of me... no... He's here..."

"Gene?" Paul laughed. "Boy you're off to a head start aren't you? And speaking of head start... it was a little bit cold in that bed without you sweetheart..."

"He wants to talk to you about some possible places for the wedding. He's got a few hotels on the phone and wonders what you want. I'm pretty much amenable to anything as long as you guys agree on it too..."

"Sure, give him here," Paul urged, taking the phone. "Hey Gene... yeah I finally got up... you had the tremor too, huh?"

"Finally Stanley! She wear you out?"

"Hah, hah wouldn't you like to know," Paul chuckled. "But you've already got a list of places? And I thought I got up early!"

"I was thinking of the Hyatt Regency," Gene said. "It's the five star one. And as far as catering, how about the ol reliable we used for the last tour..."

"Good business sense," Paul mouthed to Trynia. "And did she mention about making arrangements for plane tickets for everyone?"

"That's also underway. I've got my secretary working on travel arrangements. So you all don't' have to worry. Just leave it to me Paulie boy, we'll make sure this is one wedding people wont forget..."

"For something you don't believe in, you're sure going all out," Paul joked.

"I want to make sure NOTHING goes wrong this time," Gene said meaningfully.

"Terri's arranging a little surprise for Trynia... no you can't tell her about it... it's a bridal shower/bachelorette party..."

"Oh man," Paul groaned.

"It's tradition, and you KNOW we can't go against tradition, can we?" Gene teased.

"Yeah, God Forbid," Paul groaned. "Well I guess since you're the best man, you're going to make darn sure I follow said traditions, right?"

"You bet. Now, just leave the reception to Terri, me and your woman."

"Just as long as I get married, and nobody goes away saying they had a lousy time," Paul joked. "And No press!"

"I'll make SURE of that," Gene nodded. "But you just know someone's going to let the paparazzi know... but just in case I'll make sure there's plenty of security to keep people out who shouldn't be there..."

"Good Gene. I don't want any uninvited guests," Paul nodded.

"No worries, leave it to me. I'll make sure NOTHING goes wrong," Gene laughed.

"I don't know if I'll buy that, but if you can keep problems to a min..."

Trynia grinned to herself, partly relieved the earthquake was over, and partially because she knew Paul would be totally surprised when he found out just who the entertainment at the reception would be. She silently hoped that old wounds could be healed, and not reopened when they arrived at the reception, and past would meet present and future, not in disaster, but in celebration.

A whole week of planning and preparation later found Trynia much relieved. While her mother and father were not thrilled at the change in plans, they had little choice but to accept, especially since Paul offered to pay for the plane tickets. Her sisters and brothers were thrilled, although perplexed at the sudden change. Although the official reason given was to 'avert a major press leak' or for 'possible tour conflicts', Trynia sensed her parents were less then pleased that the wedding had been so altered.

"We don't have to explain," Paul said to her, after she had gotten the last of the RSVP's. Despite her father and mother's probing questions, she only gave the following reason that she had not been feeling well, and had been under a doctor's care for an illness, pending a possible operation. Just what she would not say other then it involved a gynecological reason.

"Endometriosis," she had said to her mother and father. It wasn't a bold faced lie, because she had been diagnosed with the condition before.

Now she puzzled these developments, wondering what she would find on her message machine today. Her father's protestations that she come home immediately for treatment by him were met with her stern refusal that the procedure would be taken care of after the wedding. She ensured him she was undergoing treatment in LA, and her doctor had recommended against traveling before the treatment was completed.

"Just why you can't wait till AFTER your surgery is beyond me," her father muttered, over her cell phone as she drove over to Terri's house.

"Dad I have my reasons. And besides, why wait?" she asked him.

"Why didn't you TELL us you were having a flare-up?" he demanded.

"Because I didn't want to worry you. My gynecologist says I'm responding well to my treatment, and there's been a turn around in my condition. And Paul really wanted to move up the wedding date, because his schedule is getting so hectic, he figures the sooner the better... and once my treatment is done, I can join him on the road..."

"Of all the idiotic suggestions," Dr. Merin muttered. "But I hope for his sake and yours you take it EASY..."

"If I don't respond well to the treatment and need surgery, it's better to wait till after the stress of the wedding..." she said. "It puts a cramp in things..."

"Well he should have considered how it puts a cramp in things for our schedules. I have two surgeries booked. So don't expect your mother and me to suddenly drop everything when we planned already six months in advance when we got the invitations."

"Are you saying you won't come?"

"How can I NOT come to my daughter's wedding?" he said huffily. "Look, what I'm saying is that don't expect us at the shower. Your and I can't make it..."

"What shower?" Trynia demanded, opening the door.

"Don't pretend you don't know. I thought you..."

"Daddy..."

"Hmm, my mistake," he trailed off. "Look honey it's not that I don't care about your wedding. But if we can't make it to the shower or the bachelor party, don't forget that it's because some of us have to PLAN ahead..."

"Are you coming or not?"

"We'll be there. At least for the rehearsal. We'll be there. Now be good, and no funny business, young lady. Make me proud."

"I know you're not happy it's not back home, but if you spoke to Cindy, my gyn, you'd know why..." Trynia hesitated, almost telling him then and there as she walked in the front door.

Suddenly a dozen voices chorused, "SURPRISE!", compelling Trynia to drop her cell phone. She gasped to see the lights snap on, and balloons in white and blue festooning her entire living room. Familiar faces smiled and threw confetti upon her, and she stood for a full thirty seconds with her mouth open.

"Holy..." she got out.

"Surprise," Terri Mason grinned, popping a party hat on her head that said, "Congrats" on it. "Welcome to your wedding shower!"

"Wedding shower?" she stammered. Carolyn rushed up and pecked Trynia on the cheek, hugging her tightly as she grabbed the cell phone.

"Hi daddy!" she chirped into it. "WE got here fine! Yes... she's surprised no thanks to you almost spilling it! How could you almost blow it dad!"

"Not my fault," he laughed. "Look, is my daughter surprised?"

"She sure is," Carolyn reported. Terri and Erica grabbed Trynia's arms and guided her into the living room amidst the others. Rochelle closed the door, and turned to the stunned Trynia with a smile.

"How did you... sis..." Trynia stammered.

"It's your maid of honor's fault," Carolyn grinned. "She orchestrated the whole thing."

"Congratulations!" Sharmane laughed, rushing over and hugging Trynia tightly. "Girlfriend, you should have SEEN the look on your face!"

"It was priceless!" Erica laughed, kissing Trynia on the cheek. "Suprise aunt Tryn!"

"Sit down, take the load off, and have FUN!" Terri commanded, guiding her into a chair. She noticed Jacob in his stroller to one side, fawned over by her sisters in law, and other friends.

"Let's get this party started," Erica clapped her hands. "Get the bubbly, and the gifts!"

"Erica, do calm down, young lady," Mrs. Eisen reproved her. "The poor girl looks half stunned. I will not have my future daughter in law overexcite herself..."

"Uh... hello," Trynia said numbly, looking up at Mrs. Eisen who leaned over to give her a small peck on the cheek hello.

"Hello Trynia. Quite a shindig your friends put together. I have to say I wasn't exactly in favor of a surprise shower, but these young women when you put a notion into their heads, there's NO listening to reason..." Mrs. Eisen shook her head.

"Uh, is my Mom..." Trynia asked Carolyn, who settled down next to Trynia. Erica sat on Trynia's other side, on the sofa, smiling and squeezing her hand.

"She couldn't make it. Daddy said they had a last minute surgery, and she was needed to watch our kids," Carolyn said. "But don't worry, they'll be there for the rehearsal dinner..."

"Good," Trynia sighed, feeling the weight return. However, for the sake of her friends she put on a smile, and tried to relax.

Soon, they sat around looking at the photo albums, eating cake and sipping lemonade and tea. Others had coffee, along with tollhouse cookies, and other various delights whipped up by Henri and the girls.

"Isn't he the most DELICIOUS groom you could imagine?" Rochelle whispered to another guest, glancing at a picture of the couple, taken at Paul's birthday party.

"Considering he's fifty, I'll say so," Sharmane agreed.

"He doesn't LOOK fifty," Rochelle said. "You have to admit that, right?"

"No he doesn't."

"I can't say that her mom was crazy about this at first, but they DO make a VERY compatible couple..." Rochelle continued.

"In a may-September way," Sharmane agreed. "Kind of like another rock and roll couple we know, huh?"

Terri's ears perked up to their conversation. She muttered and turned her attention back to the cheesecake in her lap and the cup of coffee to her left. It had been a huge surprise to host the bridal shower at her own home, to allow all guests to be able to make it. Trynia's sister was present with a few sisters in law, not to mention a few friends from graduate school.

Now several graduate students and family members who could make it were rubbing elbows with a few close personal female friends of Paul's from the East Coast, including Rochelle and Trynia's ob/gyn, Cynthia. Also, Gina and Christine were close on hand, having assisted with the preparations. Trynia's sister, one or two sisters in law, her friends Sharmane and Melanie were present. Now the bride to be sat in the center of the flurry of gifts and chattering female friends and relatives. She oohed and aahed at the various gifts showered upon her, admiring how well both old and new mingled together in the small space.

"Tryn dear, you really are putting on weight," Mrs. Eisen whispered to her.

"I've not been well, I've been seeing my doctor," she answered. "Don't fuss Ma'am..."

Cynthia caught the look of fear in Trynia's eyes, and stepped in to say, "Mrs. Eisen your daughter in law to be is simply having a temporary condition that is under my treatment. I assure you everything is all right. It's NOTHING to worry about..."

"Are you sure?" Mrs. Eisen asked, glancing suspiciously at Cynthia over a cup of tea.

"Eve, I'll let you know more at the rehearsal dinner ok?" Trynia whispered back. "Now DON'T fuss, and please enjoy yourself..."

A cry from a baby cut through and everyone's attention turned toward Terri. Trynia silently thanked her friend's unintended interruption, as Terri put down her empty plate and reached down to grab her fussy baby.

"Sorry, he ALWAYS wants to be the center of attention..." she apologized.

"That's just like his father, then," Trynia joked back, rising and crossing over to her friend.

"He hasn't let me sleep a wink since yesterday," she sighed. Mrs. Eisen wandered over with other guests, each ready with a suggestion.

"You want me to take him?" she asked.

"That would be GREAT," Terri answered, with relief. She handed Jacob over to Trynia's mother in law to be, who instantly cradled the baby with the precision care honed by her own children.

Jacob fussed a bit; peering at the new face that looked calmly down into his own. He wasn't too sure, but the steady hand of Paul's mother seemed to catch his attention till Terri handed over the bottle as well.

"Are you certain you should be on your feet so much?" she asked, glancing back at Trynia.

"Mrs. Eisen I'm FINE," Trynia groaned, rolling her eyes in the manner of Terri.

"You do look awfully pale lately, hasn't my son been making sure you get enough rest?" she asked. "Why don't' you sit down over here... I don't believe I've said two words to you all today..."

"Just when you thought one mom was bad enough," she mouthed to Terri, who began to laugh. Obligingly, Trynia went with her future mother in law, to sit on the love seat for a few quiet moments. Rochelle came over to look at the interesting scene, where Mrs. Eisen was successfully quelling a fussy baby's cries. Slowly she crooned to Jacob, rocking him as she sat in the rocker by the brick fireplace.

"Thank you so much," Terri sighed, leaning over Mrs. Eisen's shoulder. "I can't BELIEVE..."

"He's just overstimulated, all these new faces, I'd bet," Mrs. Eisen said knowingly. "And NO he's not a bother at all..."

"Considering Trynia and I are practically like sisters," Terri laughed. "I guess it's pretty appropriate he'd go so well to you..."

"I'm glad to see my son's wife to be adjusting to her new life so well..."

"Well, Paul loves her," Terri smiled. "And you couldn't ask for a daughter in law..."

"Do I hear a little plugging?" Mrs. Eisen asked.

"Hey, it doesn't hurt, right?" Terri confessed with a laugh. She reached for Jacob again, and sat down on the easy chair, her son in her arms again.

"Hi," Trynia's sister said, moving over to where Trynia and Mrs. Eisen sat. "Are you the soon to be mother in law?"

"You must by the sister," Mrs. Eisen looked up calmly, a bit miffed at being interrupted in a sermon regarding Trynia's need to see a doctor.

"Sorry to interrupt," she said. "But can I borrow my sister for a moment?"

"Go on it is her day," Mrs. Eisen waved a dismissive hand.

"That it is. And I have to say I'm VERY pleased with how well Trynia seems to be getting on with your son..." Carolyn Merin said smoothly.

"Stanley is a good boy. I only wish he had found your sister twenty years sooner..."

"Of course that would have been tricky," Carolyn joked.

***

"Are you really a model?" Sharmane asked Rochelle, as they sat down across in the kitchen for more tea.

"For the last twenty years," Rochelle answered with a smile.

"Trynia mentioned you were married to an athlete..." Sharmane continued. "I think I remember seeing you in sports illustrated..."

"We've been married for the last fifteen years," she supplied. "And it's been a challenge with our separate careers, but well worth it..."

"I had considered modeling, but I never quite had the body for it..." Sharmane confessed.

"Why not?" Rochelle asked. "It's not just about being thin you know... there are many positions for women of all shapes and sizes..."

"Well I guess I was more into using my brains, not to sound rude..."

"Not at all." Rochelle smiled smoothly, pouring some tea for Sharmane. "The main thing is not to let anyone make you feel insecure about your body. And I take it you've had those issues before, right?"

"BELIEVE me, you know it!" Sharmane confessed.

Trynia overheard their conversation and grinned. Her sister whispered," Trynia, I couldn't help but notice, you ARE gaining weight. Care to tell me what's going on?"

"I've just been... well stressed lately," Trynia answered.

"Tryn, you KNOW you can tell me..."

"I don't want mom and dad to know..."

"Are you in... trouble?" Carolyn asked.

"I can't say. I don't want..."

"Ssh, it's okay " Carolyn answered. "Hey, it's not like I'm the paragon of family expectations. And you know you can trust me...."

"I just don't' know about mom and dad. When they found out about YOU and your then boyfriend..."

"I know the whole living in sin routine. But you can't let DAD dictate your life. You're an adult for crying out loud! At least you're getting MARRIED before it's born..." Carolyn began before cutting her voice to a whisper as Amy walked by.

"I know... that's why I'm waiting for the reception to tell everyone," Trynia answered.

"Whatever you think's best," Carolyn said, patting her shoulder. "But I'm behind you 100 percent. The fact you're including me in the wedding..."

"Hi, you must by Trynia's sis... I'm Erica..."

"Hi, nice to meet you," Carolyn said, a bit startled.

"Erica, Carolyn... Carolyn, this is Paul's niece..."

Both women shook hands, and both were fearful she had overheard. However, she gave no indication in her next set of questions, "Isn't it so EXCITING? I mean everyone's getting along so well... how many relatives do you have, Aunt Tryn?"

"Enough to hire a whole catering company," Trynia joked.

"So how many of us bridesmaids are here?" Erica asked.

"Why don't we call an impromptu meeting?" Carolyn joked. "BRIDESMADES, assemble front and center!"

Sharmane, Rochelle, Melanie, Amy, Mary Catharine, and others rushed over. They joined Erica and Carolyn, all totaling about eight. Terri wandered over, Jacob still in her arms.

"What's this, mousketeer role call?" Rochelle joked.

"Just getting a feel for who's here, since we're all going to be in coordinated dresses," Carolyn joked. "Why don't we all say our names and introduce ourselves since some of us don't know each other?"

"Good idea," Mary Catharine, Trynia's closest friend and cousin from catholic school nodded eagerly. "I'm Trynia's oldest school friend... Mary Catharine..."

"Carolyn, Trynia's older sister," Carolyn smiled.

"Rochelle," Trynia's friend held up her hand. "An old friend of Paul's..."

"Erica, Paul's niece," Erica grinned, waving.

"Amy, Tryn's sister in law, second from the top," Amy smiled, a bit fakely some of them observed.

"Sharmane, Tryn's partner in crime from the lab," Sharmane pointed to herself.

"Melanie, Tryn's buddy from college," Melanie smiled.

"And the matron of honor, and ringleader in all this, Terri," Terri Mason confessed, holding up her hand. "So now that we're all present and accounted for, let's play a game..."

"Truth or dare?" Amy asked eagerly.

"Don't even go there," Mary Catharine rolled her eyes. "This isn't a slumber party."

"Gene, I'm gonna KILL you," Paul groaned when he opened his eyes and saw the pool hall, and all the men present therien. "I said NO wild bachelor parties!"

"Hey, can you put it past me to try?" Gene joked. "And anyway it's not entirely MY idea. Terri suggested the location!"

"No man can enter the Merin clan without being officially being initiated!" Trynia's brother Michael laughed.

"Welcome to the funeral of your bachelorhood!" chimed in Gene, clapping Paul on the back.

"I'm doomed," Paul groaned, noticing a good amount of Trynia's male relatives, including her three brothers, a few cousins, and other close friends.

"Hey, we aren't TOTALLY outnumbered," Gene laughed to Paul, when he indicated where a few friends of the band sat, including road crew and others on the other side. Most he guessed were undercover security, serving the duel purpose of party guest and road security. Chris put a glass of champagne into Paul's hand and grinned as he walked by, while Art knowingly winked and lifted a beer glass in salute along with Erica's fiancée to his left. How had he gotten such a square to lighten up? East Coast charm, Paul guessed.

"I propose a toast, to the luckiest son of a bitch on the face of the earth right now, my buddy and bro, Stanley," Gene said, grabbing a glass of Fresca from one of the waiters who walked past with a drink tray.

"Now charge your glasses..."

"Gene..." Paul sighed.

"Relax. This won't hurt much..." Gene laughed. "To Stanley! One of the most eligible bachelors, may he rest in peace!"

"Here here!" the Merin contingent chorused, along with the Eisen representatives. Paul wasn't at all surprised at the next series of events, including a few shapely strippers who just happened to leap out of a cake that had been wheeled in, and the usual set of cheerful toasts. He only could wonder what was going on at the bridal shower, considering Terri was planning it. A horrified thought crossed his mind at that moment when he remembered his mother was there.

***

However, any signs of bawdy bachelorette antics were the furthest from Terri's mind now. Especially in lieu of the present topics in conversation. All bridesmaids were comparing notes on engagement announcements and marriage stories. Considering most were married or soon to be married, she felt strangely out of it.

"You should have seen the look on my uncle's face when I told him that I had become engaged," Erica recounted.

"Oh man, did Paul flip?" Sharmane asked.

"Well it wasn't a pretty sight. But lucky for me, Trynia smoothed it over," Erica said, leaning over and hugging Trynia tightly. "And he came around..."

"Three cheers for Tryn," Carolyn smiled. "She always DOES smooth out the rough spots..."

"So, how did YOU get married, Rochelle?" Erica turned to the attractive model.

"Well, my husband was playing a championship game, and I was there, waiting for halftime. When all of a sudden, I hear the wedding march performing over the loudspeaker and I see the scoreboard light up with the words... 'Rochelle, will you marry me...' larger then life," Rochelle recounted.

"OMG, you must have been MORTIFIED!" Amy gasped.

"Hey, that's so SWEET!" Mary Catharine cut in. "Are you nuts?"

"That isn't the half of it!" Rochelle laughed. "Then, I see a small object being hiked to my fiancée, and he grabs it and rushes to the fifty yard line, grabs the bull horn from the reff, and shouts, 'WILL YOU BABY?'"

"Oh my word that's crazy!" Sharmane laughed.

"So I'm standing there in front of ten thousand people, waiting for my answer, and the cameras are trained RIGHT on me... and then I have no choice but to go down there, under escort of several refs who suddenly rush out and put me on their shoulders, and march me DOWN to the field..." Rochelle continued, her face flushing red by now.

"And..." Erica asked eagerly.

"He shows me the ring RIGHT there in front of EVERYONE... and asks me again... and he's down on one knee in his football gear... and I say yes... and then I hear EVERYONE cheering... and QUEEN rocking in the background... as the announcer shouts TOUCHDOWN!" Rochelle finished, excited to recount her special engagement day.

"ALL right!" Erica laughed.

"Man, talk about DRAMATIC," Mel grinned.

"That's sports for you," Rochelle giggled. "I was so happy..."

"Very MAN oriented... isn't it?" Amy shook her head.

"I think it's sweet. Considering her husband IS a big football star and all," Erica countered.

"Hey, all's fair in love and football, right?" Trynia quipped. A chorus of laughs erupted, and they all basked in the light that sprang from Rochelle's face.

"So Terri, when are you getting married? Have you set a date yet?" Sharmane asked Terri. She stiffened discernibly.

"Uh well..." she answered slowly. "Not really..."

"How can you have a rock like that and not have a date?" Amy asked.

"AMY!" Carolyn snapped at her. "That is rude!"

"I'm just stating fact," Amy said.

"Amy, why don't you go see if Mom Eisen wants some more punch?" Trynia asked her pointedly. "I think she's just running out."

"C'mon, I'll go with you," said Mary Catharine, taking Amy by the arm and leading her out. Carolyn too noticed the hurt look on Terri's face, and marched out with her other relatives.

"I think I'll just go out for some air," Terri said, getting up.

"I'll go with you," Trynia offered, rushing after her. This left all the other guests stumped.

"Ouch," Rochelle commented knowingly to Erica, who sighed.

"I just KNEW that was going to come out one way or another," Erica answered sadly. Sharmane and Mel exchanged worried glances for they knew who Terri's significant other was, and what his philosophy regarding marriage held.

Angrily Terri stormed upstairs, holding Jacob tightly on her hip. She forced away the angry tears that seeped from her eyelashes. In the safety of the upstairs bedroom she sat, biting her lip till Trynia joined her, shutting the door behind them.

"I'm sorry about my jerk of a sister in law Amy... she never knows WHEN to keep her big mouth shut," Trynia apologized. Terri held up a warning hand.

"It's NOT that... even though I wouldn't mind punching her lights out," Terri gritted.

"She's always been like that. Who needs truth or dare with Amy Millano?" Trynia commented. "Don't let her bother you... I'm sure Mary Catharine and Carolyn are giving her an earful now for not minding her own damn beeswax."

"But that's just it!" Terri snapped, holding Jacob close. "It is Nobody's business, except Gene's and mine...and yet I find myself wondering what this ring means?"

"I can't answer that," Trynia said slowly as Terri sat there, trying bravely not to cry as her baby began to fuss.

"I know, DAMN it," Terri cursed. "It's stupid really! I mean isn't the fact he loves me enough?"

"Isn't it?" Trynia asked. "Because I am sensing you don't believe it is..."

"Damn it Trynia, he has given me EVERYTHING he is capable of," Terri sniffed. Trynia held out her arms to take Jacob, who was suddenly beginning to cry from his mother's angry vibes. She held the fussy baby, rocking him as she grabbed the pacifier clipped to his bib.

"I know," Trynia said, sitting don on the bed next to her friend, slipping her free arm around Terri's shoulders. "He's been WONDERFUL to you..."

"But I find myself questioning if he really DOES love me... and I know he does... but when I think of all those other women who can have that last step... who can look at their rings and know EXACTLY what they signify... I wonder..."

"Terri, he's made it clear he is committed to you... in all the ways that you both agreed upon, right?" Trynia asked, rubbing Terri's shoulder.

"Well... yes... he has," Terri nodded, resting her head on the other woman's shoulder. "But then WHY is this such an issue. Me, who normally doesn't GIVE a crap what some gossipy fool says?"

"Because, it does matter," Trynia answered. "For some reason, this is all hitting home with you isn't it?"

"I guess it is, damn it all," Terri sniffed, hugging her friend back. "This is something, me crying on your shoulder about my relationship... instead of you..."

"It is a funny role reversal," Trynia laughed. "But all the times you've been here for me Terri, it's only fair I return the favor. I mean we're friends, right?"

"Yes, friends," Terri nodded, choking back a sob. She hated losing control of her emotions like this. Especially before a friend who was relying so much on her to be strong, to be a rock in turbulent stressful times like impending marriage and a pregnancy.

"Man I'm sorry my bitchy in law sister got to you," Trynia shook her head. "But this is much deeper then that, because you don't normally get so offended by one person's comment..."

"It's the proverbial straw," Terri answered gloomily. "It reminded me of what others will say, or have said over the last few months Gene gave me this ring. I wish he had never given me the blasted thing."

"He shouldn't have," Trynia agreed. "I mean with all the overwhelming pressures of society and perception of marriage, he should know better. Especially making some stupid bet with Paul over engagement rings like some competition."

"Men," Terri snorted. "Just like them to be insensitive..."

"Even when they're trying to be sensitive," Trynia observed. "I'm sure he had the best of intentions, but he didn't think of the implications. Did he actually PROPOSE to you when he gave you the ring?"

"Well, he did slip it into this little guy's blanket within SECONDS after he arrived..." Terri admitted. "With the words whatever it means..."

"Pretty darn vague to me," said Trynia, stroking Terri's back. "If you ask me. But as cheesy as this sounds, you do have Jacob as a promise together. And whether he marries you or not, this child binds you together forever in some form or another."

"Like yours," Terri said, rubbing Trynia's belly. "And you can't forget that."

"Yeah, like mine," Trynia muttered to herself. "I know that endometriosis is a weak excuse for moving up the wedding..."

"Well you did say you are prone to it, and didn't you have a few issues with it recently?"

"Yes... before I even knew I was pregnant. And to think the GYN recommended I GET pregnant to prevent another flare up!" she laughed ironically.

"So you're technically not lying to your father. You are undergoing treatment. Just not the treatment he'd prescribe," Terri joked weakly. Trynia gripped her hand again and gave it a squeeze. Both women sat in silence for a time.

Trynia was unsure of how to comfort Terri, sitting there on Gene's expansive bed. Somehow, the opulence of the lavish bedroom suite exemplified what her life had become. The phrase "my love is larger then life" drifted into Trynia's brain, and she shook her head with a rueful smile.

"I wish I knew what to say other then what I just did," Trynia said, breaking the quiet.

"Me too. I wish I didn't worry about this," Terri answered.

"Will you be all right, I mean do you want to stay up here a while?"

"I think so," Terri answered softly. "I will be all right... I just want to be alone for a while..."

"I don't know if that's the best, but if it's what you want..." Trynia answered.

"This won't interfere with your wedding, I promise," Terri answered. "It's probably just a temporary thing."

Why did Trynia doubt her words, she asked herself. Yet, Trynia sensed Terri struggled with the deep personal problem, and was trying her utmost to muster her strength for the week ahead. For her sake.

"If you and Gene need time to..."

"Don't even think of calling this off because of a few tears," Terri broke in. "My personal issues are nothing to do with you. You're my friend, and I promised I'd stand by you on your special day. It will be all right..."

"Thank you," Trynia answered, squeezing her friend's hand yet again. "But just know if you need anything..."

"Listen to you," Terri laughed. "You've grown so much in such a short period of time, Tryn. Months ago you were crying on my shoulder... and I was warning you NOT to be involved with Paul. I'm glad to say I was wrong."

"So am I. Look Terri, why don't you come down and have fun. I mean you are the hostess, after all. And didn't you say you'd had some entertainment planned?"

"Oh yes, I almost forgot. Thanks," Terri suddenly perked up. "Why wait around here when I've got a bachelorette party to throw..."

"But what about Mrs. Eisen?" Trynia asked.

"Don't worry about her. I've got everything covered," Terri chuckled meaningfully. "After all, she and Mr. Eisen wanted to make an early night of it... and volunteered to baby sit."

"Them alone with Jacob?" she joked. "In addition to having Aaron on their hands?"

"Well Shannon has Nicholas and Sophia in the main house. The little surprise is in the guesthouse," said Terri with a knowing wink. "Now we just have to get everyone out there..."

Momentarily glad to distract Terri from her mood, she followed her friend downstairs. Suspicions regarding the nature of the surprise narrowed the guess to a few likely scenarios. She guessed Gene was throwing a similar party for Paul.