Part 17 (1/2)

After doing my happy dance, I say, ”The wedding part is at five so any time before that, and if you can stay until midnight, that'd be awesome.”

He pauses and says, ”Got it. I'll be there at four to set up. Did you want to know my fee?”

, ”Just bring the invoice and we'll pay you tomorrow.”

”Good deal, see you tomorrow.”

Before he hangs up, I say, ”Stoney, you are gonna remember this right?”

He laughs and says, ”Probably not, but the note I made will remind me. See you tomorrow.”

”You're a lifesaver, thank you so much.”

”You're welcome, doll.”

I can't believe in a matter of a few minutes we got a photographer and a DJ. Guess it pays to be nice to people.

I call Mom and she says, ”h.e.l.lo, my beautiful daughter. We're pulling into your driveway as we speak.” I run outside and this crazy rush of happiness engulfs me. Now it's real! Mom, Dads, and Sophia all get out of the car and I feel like a giddy little girl. Mom grabs me in for a hug and says, ”I can't believe this is actually happening.”

Sophia asks, ”Did the dress come yet?”

”Should be here in about an hour.”

”Well my dear, are you ready to party tonight?” I give Sophia crazy eyes, Mom raises her hand and says, ”I am! The Four Seasons is all ours tonight, ladies.” Both Dads look completely clueless, which makes us laugh.

I say, ”Don't worry, y'all have a fun night planned too.”

My dad says, ”I'm good with watching some football and having a couple beers.”

”Not tonight Daddy. Y'all are hitting the town.”

He sarcastically says, ”Oh goody.”

We grab the bags and head inside. Both Anthony and Lorenzo come out and greet the family with a hug as if they are part of the family too. I notice Mom extends the hug to each of them a little longer than normal, and I know exactly why.

I show each of them to their rooms and Bo says, ”Tell me kiddo, is the hot tub still hot?”

”It sure is. Wanna get in?”

”I'm already ahead of you, kiddo.” He comes out of his room after about one minute, swimming trunks on and towel around his arm. ”Oh yeah, this is the life!” Within a minute, all of them, including Anthony and Lorenzo follow Bo to the hot tub. I feel like yelling out, what is this, a scene from Coc.o.o.n? I'm smart enough to keep it to myself though, I know this crazy bunch and they'd tackle me, including sweet Sophia.

I hear the gate open, so I hop outside and greet Tanner and Chip.

Chip says, ”There's the blus.h.i.+ng bride to be. Come here, you beautiful lady.” I run up and give him a giant hug. He holds my face and kisses my cheek. He says, ”I couldn't be more proud of you. Like I told you in Germany, you're an Angel.”

I smile and say, ”It's so good to have you here. We've discussed adopting your cousin and Lorenzo.

Chip laughs and says, ”I doubt they're in any rush to leave.”

Tanner asks, ”Where the parents at?”

”They're all in the hot tub.”

He raises his eyebrow and says, ”Must look like Coc.o.o.n out there.”

I bust up and say, ”That's exactly what I said in my head!”

We show Chip to his room and he is in awe of this house that used to belong to Don Henley. When we get to the recording studio, Tan looks at me and says, ”This is where we'll be doing all kinds of recording, right babe?”

I say, ”Absolutely, can't wait.” He leans over and steals a kiss. Before we even make it to his room, the front gate starts buzzing. I run downstairs and press the b.u.t.ton.

Brent says, ”We're here to see the President.”

”Come on in.” I run outside and the kids wrap me up in hugs.

Brooke says, ”Auntie Dylan, my name is the same as your last name. Did you know that?”

I smile and say, ”I sure did, sweetie.”

Tucker chimes in with, ”Mommy told us tomorrow you'll be a Staff like us.”

A huge smile takes over my face and I say, ”I sure will.” Wow, I'm going to be a Staff. I'm not gonna be a Brooks anymore, which makes me a little sad. Brent must have noticed my concern.

He comes up to me and says, ”Don't worry kid, you'll always be a Brooks too. Sure am happy it's you that's going to be my sister-in-law though. Some of the stories I've heard had me a little worried on his taste.”

I agree with him and say, ”Thanks, Brent, I'm beyond happy to officially be part of your family.”

”You've always been part of the family.”

Ca.s.sie asks, ”So where's Mom and them?”

I snicker and say, ”They're all in the hot tub. Y'all should join them.”

Ca.s.sie looks at me and says, ”That's a hard no.”

I snicker and say, ”Yeah, that's what I thought as well. Let's go in, I'll show you around.”

Brent says, ”This place is amazing, I love the musical foliage.”

”It's completely amazing and wait until you see the backyard! Oh, the barbecues we'll have.” I tell the kids to get their suits on and jump in the hot tub with the grandparents and they run into the house.

I ask Brent, ”So where ya taking them tonight?”

He looks at me and says, ”Just out for some good ol' boy stuff.”

”Fair enough. Don't leave him to drink alone, please.”