1.74 Andrew and Kirsten

“Did you get your suit for the wedding?” Hazel asked. Matt smiled and replied, “Yes, now stop worrying.” 

Matt lifted her chin and asked sweetly, “Have you got your bridesmaid dress or are you still picking it?”

“Kirsten has her dress but hasn’t made her mind up on our colours yet? Matt smiled and kissed Hazel, “Whatever you wear, it will look great on you.”

Suddenly Matt and Hazel heard slamming of draws, Matt told Hazel to stay there and he went to see what was wrong with Jake.

When he walked in Jake was in a bad mood, “Jake, what is wrong?” He turned to face Matt and replied, “Your sister is busy at university and every time we make plans, she breaks them. All I hear is I have to study and I’m sick of the excuse…”

“Hay, she is working hard to complete her exams and she will be home soon for the summer holidays.” 

Jake softened his expression, “I’m sorry Matt, I just hate us being apart for long periods. We agreed to see each other every weekend but this last month with her exams has just got to me, I guess.”

“I’m lucky my year has finished but I know she misses you. When is it your year anniversary?”

“A week after Kirsten’s wedding.”

Andrew took his son out for a drink and said, “The last few weeks have been great getting to know you but I need to move out.”

“Dad, we have talked about this its fine for you to stay.” Andrew tilted his head slightly and asked, “I understand that but in two weeks Kirsten will become your wife and how would it seem for newlyweds to have the parent/in-law living with them. I mean if I were you, I know I’d be christening every room.” Andrew was in shock and paused before he answered, “Everything you said is right but we still want you to stay besides two weeks of catching up won’t be enough to make up for the time lost.”

“If you need me to move out just promise me you will let me know and remember I won’t be offended when you do.”

“Deal.”

Wedding Day

Kirsten had decided that because her parents lived down the road that she would stay overnight with them and travel the short distance to the house. 

Dan was relaxing in the garden when he saw Laura, “Dan it’s your daughter’s wedding, shouldn’t you be getting ready?”

“I tried but I couldn’t get in the bathroom.” Laura smiled and replied, “Well it’s free now.” 

When Dan walked past his wife he grabbed her and looked her up and down in her robe and said, “Will we have time to…” Laura interrupted him sweetly and said, “No we won’t but maybe when we get back.” 

Dan kissed her and walked back in the house as Kirsten ran past him, “Mum, where is the head dress?”

“Kirsten, stop stressing. I have it, now getting your makeup done and I will be in shortly to help with the dress.”

“My bridesmaids are ready except me.”

“Kirsten everything will be fine.”

Andrew was pacing the floor when Jake said, “You need a drink to steady your nerves.” They walked outside to the bar area and Jake got Andrew a drink, “I love Kirsten but why am I scared?”

“Marriage is big step not that I’d know but it’s what I hear.”

“You bought the ring so why haven’t you given it to her?” Jake looked deep in thought then replied, “When Kay is ready I’ll ask her. Just when I think about asking her something happens like she cancels our plans but now she is home maybe I will get my chance to ask her.”

“Have you planned the big night as it’s your year anniversary?” Jake just smiled and Andrew knew what it meant. 

Andrew’s Dad joined them at the bar and poured himself a drink then asked, “Jake, I need a minute with my son.” Jake took the hint and left. “Andrew as we have got to know each other over the last few weeks, I feel this might be the right time to give this gift to you. It is more for Kirsten but I want you to give it to her. I gave your Mum a necklace when we were dating and when we were separated she was made to give it back to me. I kept it all these years and now you are getting married…well I’d like you to have it so Kirsten may wear it but if not at least give it to your daughter if you have one.”

Andrew was speechless as he hugged his Dad and quietly said, “Thank you. I’ll give it to her when we are on honeymoon.”

Matt came over to Andrew and said, “The bartender is here to get things ready.”

“Are you parents still coming?”

“Mum and Dad miss your wedding, never.” Andrew Snr. asked, “I hear you are having another brother or sister?”

“I was shocked at first but I’m ok with it. Dad was worried about Mum as she only has 12 weeks left and she isn’t showing but the doctor told Dad not to panic that Mother and baby are fine.”

Andrew and Kirsten decided to keep the wedding simple and so only close family and friends were invited. Kirsten argued with her Dad about business at the wedding and in the end Kirsten won the argument.

Jake saw the car pull up and told Matt to tell Andrew to get ready. When Kirsten got out the car he smiled at his sister, “You look beautiful sis.” 

The photographer was waiting and asked if they wanted a family picture before going in. Kirsten insisted that brother and sister should have a picture first then after that picture was taken, they had a family picture and Kay and Hazel watched.

Dan looked at his wife and kissed her, “You’d better tell them we are ready.” 

Jake escorted his Mum to the garden and Dan took Kirsten to the gate. He turned to her and said, “You’ve never looked more beautiful Kirsten.”

“Thanks Daddy.”

“I hope you realize I’m very proud of you.” Kirsten blushed as she kissed her Dad on the cheek and replied, “I love you Dad and thank you for everything.”

“Are you ready?” Kirsten looked at her Dad and just nodded with a smile. Dan smiled at Kay and Hazel as Kirsten took his arm.

They started to walk down the aisle and Andrew smiled at Kirsten as she got closer. When Kirsten arrived at the front her Dad was asked he was happy to give her away and with a smile he nodded as he voiced, “Yes I am.” 

Dan then re-joined Laura as Andrew and Kirsten took their vows. The minister looked at Kirsten and said repeat after me,

‘I Kirsten Decker, take you Andrew Morgan

To be my husband,

To have and to hold

From this day forward;

For better, for worse,

For richer, for poorer

In sickness and in health,

To love and to cherish,

Till death us do part.’

Then the he looked at Andrew and said repeat after me,

‘I Andrew Morgan, take you Kirsten Decker

To be my wife,

To have and to hold

From this day forward;

For better, for worse,

For richer, for poorer

In sickness and in health,

To love and to cherish,

Till death us do part.’

The minister then said I now pronounce you husband and wife, you may kiss the bride. Andrew pulled his bride close and kissed her.

They had pictures taken as the chairs were cleared away. 

Jake found Kay smiling at the happy couple. He wrapped his arms around her and in a whisper said softly, “You look stunning in that dress.” Kay brushed his cheek slightly as they heard a click, a photograph had been taken of that moment. 

When Kay turned to Jake she said, “I hope to have a day as nice as this.”

“When it’s right for us we will, I promise.”

Spencer kissed Tracy and asked, “Have you made a decision yet?”

“The first day I met you, of course I will marry you but I want it done as soon as possible and before this baby arrives.”

“We will go in the morning and get married.” Tracy face lit up, “What about the kids?”

“I think they will be up to other things to worry about us getting married.” 

Matt walked over and hugged his Mum and asked, “Can we have a family picture?” They looked at each other then said in unison, “Yes.” Matt called Kay over and they posed for a picture. 

After cutting of the cake, Andrew led Kirsten over for their first dance as husband and wife.

“Where are we going on honeymoon?” Andrew kissed Kirsten and softly said, “It’s a surprise.”