Chapter Fifteen
They announced their wedding plans to his parents when they returned home. Both were very excited. Chase bought the house next door. It was a beautiful two storeyed house with four bedrooms and a front and backyard. They already started renovating it and painting the entire house. The wedding was scheduled in a month.
The guest list was drawn up. She called Karen first of all.
"Hey girl, wassup," said Karen. "Did you get rid of that terrorist who was after you?" She asked.
"Yeah, he was a drug lord, one of the most wanted criminals on Interpol's list for drug trafficking. Now he's dead meat, " she said, smiling. "All thanks to my gorgeous fiancé, " she added as Karen gasped.
"Hang on, what fiancé? You went to save your ass, right? How did you find a gorgeous fiancé, in a village?" She asked inquisitively, her voice laced with excitement.
"Yeah that's why I went. I met him here and he helped me save my ass, you dumbo. He's an ex-US Marshal and currently the sheriff of Travis Springs, Chase McGuire. I was staying at his place actually, "she said.
"Does he have a brother? I'm coming to Travis Springs then, " she said jokingly.
"No silly, he's Val's brother, " she informed and Karen just sighed with disappointment.
"So, when's the wedding?" She asked eagerly.
"In a month, Kary. 7th of next month, actually. You have to come, you're my maid of honour. Val is pregnant. Also she has Benny to look after. Give your leave application today itself," she said.
"I resigned from my job Scar. I'm jobless actually. Just sitting at home," she said, unhappily.
"Oh, but why? You were doing so well," she asked, with concern.
"My boss, Roland Farrell made a vulgar pass at me. He's married with kids yet he tried to sexually harass me. He said that if I wanted the job I would have to give him what he wanted on and off, whenever he wanted. It's so disgusting. I resigned last week," she said, sighing heavily.
"That's really cheap and vulgar. You should alert his wife about his ways. Ok, forget him. So what about Edmund? You both are still together?" Asked Scarlett. Edmund Brown was Karen's on and off boyfriend. She didn't like him much but when she needed to attend any event with a date, she asked him. Scarlett never liked him. He always wanted money for his wayward ways and he kept bothering Karen for money. Even Valentina disliked him.
"I broke off with Edmund two weeks back," she said, "He had married his steady girlfriend two months back, yet dated me for money," she said with pure hatred in her voice. "So, basically I'm bored at home. Had applied for a job in two companies but they don't have any vacancies at present," she said, unhappily.
"Why don't you treat it like a vacation and come over to Travis Springs and help me with the wedding preparations?" She suggested.
"Ok, I'll just wait for the response from another company that I applied to, yesterday. If they don't accept my application, then I'm coming to Travis Springs," she said.
They talked for some time about Austen and then disconnected the call.
Three days later, Scarlett went to Austin with Chase and Austen to aunt Maggie's house. They were ecstatic to see her and Austen. She collected her stuff and invited them to her wedding. Afterwards she went to see Larry and Kelly. They had shifted back to their house. They wept with joy upon seeing her and Austen safe and sound. She invited them too for her wedding. She called Karen informing her that she was coming over.
Karen shrieked with joy and wanted to travel to go to Travis Springs with them. The company didn't accept her application and she had packed last night to goto Travis Springs. So they visited her and Scarlett introduced Chase to her. She followed them to Travis Springs in her Honda Civic.
They reached in half an hour and all of them went inside. Chase took her luggage to the guest room downstairs. Scarlett introduced her to her family, "This is Valentina's and my best friend, Karen Richardson, " she said as aunt Chloe hugged Karen.
"Hello aunt Chloe, I've heard so much about you and uncle Phil from Val," Karen said.
"Welcome home dear," said aunt Chloe. They called up Valentina to inform her about Scarlett's wedding and Karen's arrival. She was overjoyed and promised to visit in the evening. She needed their measurements for the wedding dresses too.
In the evening, Valentina came as promised and they caught up like old times. Benny played with Austen.
"I've arranged a party tomorrow evening for Benny's birthday. Our whole Summers family from Brody, my husband's side is coming. His friends Chase and Jayson are also invited. Both of you and Austen come with mom and dad. Ok?" Valentina said.
"Sure, what time should we arrive?" asked Scarlett.
"Come by five in the evening, it'll be a great help," she said, "The party's starting at 6. I would need help with the preparations. Brody's mom and aunt are helping with some of the dishes. The rest of the food I'm catering from Dustin Moore's restaurant "Jenny's Restaurant and Bar."
"We've tried their food too, it's good," said Scarlett, "Don't worry, we'll be there by 5. Uncle Phil and aunt Chloe will go later," she added.
When Valentina left with Benny, Scarlett left a sleeping Austen with aunt Chloe and went with Karen to the marketplace to get gifts for Benny. They came back and made dinner together, giving aunt Chloe a break.
Chase came home to a happy atmosphere. All the women were chatting and making wedding plans while Austen played with his grandfather. His mom called him over and the venue was decided.
They decided upon the Oakland ranch which rented out the whole space for weddings. It was a 10000 sq ft property with beautiful pecan and oak trees scattered all over the place. Located just thirty minutes away from Travis Springs, it was a beautiful destination featuring a creek, fresh springs and a pond clubbed with the Texan hill country charm. They called the venue and rented it for the wedding, next month.
The invitation card designs were kept simple. Tomorrow Chase would have them printed and then dispatched.
So, they eagerly waited for the birthday party tomorrow when they could hand over the wedding invites to those present.
------------
Featured Picture: Emma Roberts as Karen Richardson
