|
Post by BorderWolf on Jan 27, 2009 12:41:32 GMT -5
Thanks for the compliment! I'm tring to finish this story off, but when I try to write during the breaks at work, a few co-workers tend to be "Chatty-Cathies", and somehow I get dragged into the conversation. I commented to a co-worker that writting chapters for stories is almost like making something out of molten glass, then if your train-of-thought gets distracted the whole thing ends up shattered.
|
|
|
Post by BorderWolf on May 1, 2009 4:09:07 GMT -5
Sorry for the very long delay..
Chapter 78
The ringing telephone was answered by a blonde haired girl. She smiled when she saw on the caller id, that the call was coming from an Inn in Mineral Town.
“Hello. How are my friends in Mineral Town?”
Claire heard two people laugh.
“We’re fine Claire,” said Jack.
“We just wanted to call and talk about a few things,” added Karen.
Claire chuckled, “Well, if one of those things is to ask, if Pete and I are still coming for New Year’s, the answer is yes. How are you two talking to me? I know that phone at the Inn doesn’t have a speaker.”
Karen and Jack laughed.
Karen said, “We’re holding the phone between us.”
“I see. So, Jack, did you have another dream about who the girl you made the promise to?”
Jack chuckled, “Yes, she is standing next to me.”
“Are you sure about that?”
“Yes.”
Jack explained the dream, which Karen joined in and explained what happened after the dream.
Clapping a hand over her eyes, Claire burst out laughing, “You two should have dated before you had sex. I think that I can guess that you are calling to invite Pete and me to your wedding.”
“Yes, it is next week. I know it is on short notice, but it would be best if Karen and I get married as soon as possible.”
Claire smiled. “Pete and I will try to come. So what are the other things you wanted to talk about?”
Karen said, “It’s about the deal of going up to the hot spring on New Year’s Eve.” Karen then explained about the vote to continue the deal.
“So I’m to be the deciding vote? Whatever side I vote for, the other would be hurt. Let’s do it this way, you two go up to the hot spring, then Ann, Elli, and I can show up if we want too.”
Claire heard a brief whispered conversation.
Jack said, “That’s a good idea. Thank you for suggesting it, Claire.”
“You’re welcome. So is ther anything else you want to talk about?”
“No, that was it.”
“Ok, I don’t want you two to end up paying an arm and a leg for this call from that pay phone, so I’m going to say goodbye for now, and take care you two.”
Jack and Karen chuckled.
Jack said, “Ok, goodbye, take care, and the same for Pete.”
Karen said, “Yes, take care.”
Claire hung up the phone. She shook her head and chuckled.
The door to the apartment opened and Pete stepped in.
Pete raised an eyebrow, “Ok, what’s with that grin? You look like a cat that has swallowed a canary.”
Claire chuckled, “Jack and Karen called just now. They are inviting us to their wedding.”
Pete widened his eyes, “What?!? Did Jack give up on figuring out who he made the promise to?”
“Nope, he made the promise to Karen.”
“Then why are they getting married? Shouldn’t they date for a while?”
“It wouldn’t be a good idea for them to do that.”
Claire explained why, which caused Pete to shake his head and laughed.
“Well, I guess we can go, but won’t your dad be angry if we would be taking an unscheduled vacation?”
Claire shrugged her shoulders, “He might, but I’ll ask mom first. That way she and I can gang up on him.”
Pete shook his head, “Isn’t that a bit unfair?”
Claire chuckled, “Maybe, but deep down, my dad is a nice guy.”
Pete nodded his head, “Yeah, after all he is letting us live in the same apartment when we aren’t even married.”
“Well then, I guess I’ll need to catch the bouquet,” said Claire with a big grin on her face.
Pete chuckled, “Will you stop with that ‘cat that swallowed a canary’ grin? It creeps me out.”
Claire widened her grin and chuckled, “Burp! Meow!”
Pete and Claire burst into laughter.
Jack and Karen walked over from where the Inn’s phone was located.
Ann watched them walk over to her, “So what’s the verdict?”
Karen smiled, “Jack and I are to go up there. Then You, Claire, and Elli if she changes her mind, can join us.”
Ann raised an eyebrow, “So she voted yes?”
Karen shook her heads, “No. Claire didn’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings. So she suggested that anyone of us who wants to go, they can go.”
Ann rubbed her chin, “I guess that’s ok. Now, how about those coffees I’m treating you two?”
“Sure.”
As Ann was placing the coffees down, she asked, “Jack, are you going to invite your cousin?”
“Yes, as well as my aunt and uncle, also my parents. So if you’ll excuse me, I’ll go make those calls right now.”
Karen and Ann chuckled, “Ok.”
Several minutes later, Jack sat down next to Karen.
Karen reached over and held Jack’s hand, “It looks like the calls went well.”
Jack smiled and lightly squeezed Karen’s hand, “They did. My mom found it funny, but is very pleased. She asked if I still find you cute.”
Karen giggled, “So you said….”
Jack leaned over and kissed Karen on the cheek, “I said that you were beyond cute, you are very beautiful.”
Karen blushed, “Thank you. You are beyond cute, you are very handsome.”
Jack smiled, “Thank you.”
Ann chuckled, “So, when will your family arrive?”
“In five days.”
“Alright, my dad and I will try to keep several beds available.”
After finishing their coffees, Jack and Karen headed out of the Inn to continue telling the town about their wedding.
|
|
|
Post by Pickle on May 2, 2009 20:06:12 GMT -5
Is this the ending?
|
|
|
Post by BorderWolf on May 4, 2009 11:13:06 GMT -5
No, it will end on Karen and Jack's wedding.
|
|
|
Post by BorderWolf on Sept 26, 2009 8:14:54 GMT -5
After another very long delay here is the next chapter. I WILL be finishing this story. I'm going to have next week off for vacation. So I will get the last chapters typed up and posted.
Chapter 79
Karen and Jack stepped into the storefront of Aja Winery.
Karen whispered to Jack, “I’m a bit nervous telling my aunt and uncle.”
“Why is that?”
“My aunt likes to gossip about people with my mom and Anna.”
“Let’s hope she doesn’t”
Manna stepped through the doorway leading to the living section, “Hello, Karen, Jack. You two make a cute couple, maybe you two should get……”
Karen looked at Manna, “What’s wrong Aunt Manna?”
Manna raised her hands up to her mouth and widened her eyes. Then with a squeal of glee said, “You are both glowing. You’re here to invite Duke and I to your wedding.”
Karen took a slight step back, “Yes.”
Manna shook her head, “Don’t worry Karen. I never gossip about family, and I never gossiped about Jack.”
“Why?”
“I had hopes that Aja would come home from college and see how cute Jack is, so that she could date him and then get married to him.”
“But Aja is six years older, and she did say that she feels that younger men are immature.”
“That was when she was a teenager. Besides there are some young men who are very mature for their age, Jack is one of them.”
Jack smiled, “Thank you, Manna.”
“You’re welcome, Jack. Karen is a sweet girl, please take care of her, and your child.”
“I will, Manna.”
The door opened and Duke and Cliff entered.
Duke smiled, “Let me guess, we are going to have these two join us for lunch.”
Manna smiled, “Yes they are, they also stopped to tell us some good news.”
Duke chuckled,” Is it to invite us to their wedding?”
Karen said, “Uncle Duke, Jack and I are getting married next week. It isn’t a joke.”
“Come on, your pulling my leg.”
Karen shook her head, “No, I’m not.”
“But you two haven’t dated each other.”
Karen glanced at Cliff, “Well yesterday I went to Jack’s house to give him his Winter Valentine’s Day gift. The snowstorm was getting bad, so Jack told me to stay the night and wait out the storm.”
Duke shook his head and chuckled, “I think I know what happened. You slept in the same bed and ended up becoming ‘closer’ to each other.”
Karen blushed, “Um, Yeah.”
Duke walked over and hugged Karen, “Don’t worry, I’m glad that a nice guy has asked you for your hand in marriage, as well as taking responsibility for getting you pregnant.”
Karen continued to blush, “Thank you, Uncle Duke.”
“Your welcome, I just hope you will not let Jack be silly and ask for ten cases of wine when your child is born.”
Karen glanced at Jack, “I certainly hope he doesn’t.”
Jack shook his head, “I wouldn’t, I think that five cases would be enough.”
Duke raised an eyebrow, “Why do you say that?”
“I think your brother wanted to have everyone here to have a bottle of wine for themselves. I think that one bottle per house is better, though a few friends here will get a bottle for their very own.”
Duke nodded, “That sounds like a good plan.”
Manna giggled, “You’ll get a discount, Jack.”
Duke raised an eyebrow, “Are you trying you make me look bad?”
“No, dear. I just don’t want our Great Niece or Great Nephew to think badly of us.”
Duke chuckled, “I see.”
“Now let’s go have some lunch.”
After having lunch, Karen and Jack headed to the chicken ranch.
Karen sighed, “I don’t know how Rick will react to the invitation to our wedding.”
Jack reached and took Karen’s hand in his and gave a slight squeeze, “ I’m sure he will be understanding. If he truly considers you a friend, he should be happy for you.”
“I hope you are right. Rick and I have been friends for all of our lives.”
Entering the house, Karen and Jack saw Popuri dusting the shelves, while Lillia was working on some paperwork.
Looking up, Lillia smiled, “Why, Hello you two. Jack, I hope that you got some chocolate from the lovely lady standing next to you.”
Jack smiled, “I did.”
Karen chuckled, “I wasn’t going to let Ann and Elli be the only one to get away with thinking that Jack is cute.”
Lillia chuckled, “Oh, so you had some competition? So who won? If you don’t mind my asking.”
Jack and Karen glanced at each other and smiled.
Jack said, “This gorgeous girl did, in fact we will be getting married next week.”
Popuri and Lillia widened their eyes and said, “WHAT?!?”
After hearing the reason for the wedding, Lillia and Popuri were smiling and giggling.
Lillia walked over and hugged Karen, “Congratulations. You two will make a lovely couple.”
Karen smiled, “Thank you. Is Rick here? I’m a bit nervous how he’ll take this news.”
“He’s helping Barley with seeing if any of the cows and sheep got sick because of the storm. Oh, Jack, is your chicken ok?”
“Yes, she is just grumpy because of the storm, so she didn’t lay an egg today.”
Lillia stepped over and hugged Jack, “Don’t worry, it will take a day or two for her to get back to laying eggs. Now, please take care of Karen.”
“I will.”
“Thank you. Now, Karen, as to how Rick will take this news. He will not be too upset, he figured that since you two haven’t been hanging out since summer, that you are angry at him for still seeing you as a childhood friend, instead of a love interest.”
Karen gave a small smile, “I guess that makes me feel better, but…”
Lillia raised a hand up to stop Karen, “Karen, I don’t blame you for being angry with him. I did my best with the subtle nudges, I didn’t want to force him to marry you. He should choose who he wants to marry.”
The door to the outside opened and Rick stepped inside, “I’m back, Mom. Oh, hello Karen, Jack, how are you two?”
Jack smiled, “Hello, Rick. I’m fine, thanks for asking. How are you?’
Karen smiled, “Hello, Rick. I’m fine as well. Is everything ok over at Yodel Ranch?”
“A few cows and sheep were sick, but Barley and I gave them medicine, so they should be feeling better. To answer your question Jack, I’m fine. So what brings you here today? Is it to get medicine for your chicken?”
Jack shook his head, “No, it is to invite you to a wedding.”
“Who’s wedding?”
Karen winced, “It’s Jack’s and my wedding.”
A puzzled look crossed Rick’s face, “Why are you two getting married?”
After hearing the reason, a thoughtful look crossed Rick’s face, “I see. I guess if I have to lose you to another guy, Jack would be the best choice. I wanted to try to get you to like me again, to where we could start dating instead of hanging out. I hope that we can still be friends.”
“Of course, Rick.”
After Karen and Jack left, Lillia walked over and hugged Rick, “Are you ok sweetie?”
“Yes, mom. I’m a little sad that I don’t have a chance to date Karen, but I’m glad that she is marring someone who is nice.”
Lillia smiled, “You’ve grown up these past few weeks.”
“It’s from Elli’s telling me to grow up. She was right to chew me out. It’s time for me to be an adult, I’m nineteen years old after all. I want dad to be proud of me. I hope he comes home soon.”
“I hope so too. But I’m sure he is proud.”
“Thanks, mom.”
“You’re welcome, sweetie.”
|
|
|
Post by Pickle on Sept 28, 2009 10:59:01 GMT -5
*waits for wedding*
|
|
|
Post by BorderWolf on Oct 1, 2009 7:41:16 GMT -5
Chapter 80
A blast of heat hit Karen and Jack as they entered the blacksmith shop. Looking up from their work, Saibara and Gray waved to them.
Saibara said, “Welcome, what can we do for you?”
Grinning Karen replied, “Jack and I would like for you to make our wedding rings.”
Jack added, “As well as come to our wedding next week.”
Gray asked, “Are you to joking?”
Karen shook her head, “No, it’s not a joke.”
“Can I ask why you two are getting married?”
Saibara stroked his beard, “I have a good idea why they are getting married. I have a feeling that Karen and Jack got ‘close’ during yesterday’s snowstorm.”
“Grampa, what do you mean by ‘close’? Are you trying to say that they….”. Then Gray’s eyes widened, “Oh…. I get it. Um, we would be glad to make you those wedding rings.”
Saibara smiled, “Indeed, let me measure your fingers, then Gray and I will get to work on the rings.”
After leaving the shop, Karen and Jack headed to Yodel Ranch.
Karen giggled.
Glancing over Jack asked, “What’s tickling your funny bone?”
“The look Gray had when he realized you and I had sex.”
Jack chuckled, “Yes, it was funny.”
Karen glanced around, “Before we get to Barley’s, can I ask you a favor?”
A curious look crossed Jack’s face, “What kind of favor?”
“Well… a few years ago, I stared to have a few fantasies of what I would like to happen when I finally got a boyfriend.”
Stepping closer and putting an arm around Karen’s waist Jack said, “I think I can guess what one of them is. The boyfriend somehow snuck his way into your bedroom, then the two of you kissed and hugged each other all night long.”
Slightly blushing Karen said, “Yeah, so…..”
With a smile Jack said, “I would be glad to help my fabulous fiancée by staying the night at her place.”
Chuckling Karen said, “I guess you had some fantasies of what you would do when you had a girlfriend.”
“Yup, which you did fulfill most of one. So I should return the favor.”
Leaning over and kissing Jack on the cheek Karen said, “Thanks, Jack.”
“You’re welcome.”
Arriving at Yodel Ranch, Karen and Jack saw May making snowmen in one corner of the yard.
“Hi, Karen, Jack. How do you like the snowmen that I made?”
Karen smiled, “They look great, May. Is your grandfather inside?”
“Uh-huh, he’s making me some hot chocolate.”
“Ok, Jack and I need to talk to him.”
“Ok.”
Stepping inside the house, Karen and Jack saw Barley at the stove.
“Hello, Karen, Jack. How are you two doing?”
Grinning Karen said, “We’re doing great. We heard from Rick that you had a few sick cows and sheep, and that he helped you get them feel better.”
“Yes, I’m glad that he helped me, I would have done the same for him. Jack, if you came to buy some cows today, I think it would be best to wait until tomorrow.”
Jack shook his head, “No, I’m not here to buy any cows, Karen and I are here to invite you and May to our wedding next week.”
“Oh my, well, May and I would be glad to come. I hope your child will be healthy, and if it is a girl, may she be a beautiful as her mother. If it is a boy, may he be as kind as his father.”
Karen giggled, “Jack had better teach our son. Well Jack and I have a few more people to invite, so we need to head out.”
“Ok, take care.”
The kettle on the stove began to whistle. Barely picked it up and poured the boiling water into two mugs. The door opened and May stepped in.
“Grampa, is the hot chocolate ready?”
“Yes, it’s ready.”
“Karen and Jack looked happy, what are they happy about?”
Barley smiled, “They are happy because they are getting married next week, and they invited us to come.”
“Can we go Grampa?”
“I told them yes.”
“Yea! Can I be the flower girl?”
“Maybe, I’ll ask them, but I think they would say yes.”
“Yea! I’ll go practice.”
“How? We don’t have any flower petals.”
“I’ll use something else, watch.”
May walked over to a cupboard and took out a bag of mini marshmallows and opened it. She began loudly humming the wedding march, then walking from the cupboard she tossed handful after handful of marshmallows into the air.
Barley smiled and chuckled.
|
|
|
Post by BorderWolf on Oct 1, 2009 7:42:24 GMT -5
Chapter 81
Five days later in the early afternoon, five people entered the inn.
Ann looked up from the table she was cleaning, “Hello, can I help you?”
A brunette that looked to be the same age as Ann replied with a grin, “Yes, we would like to rent some rooms so that we can attend the wedding of my scoundrel cousin.”
Ann grinned back, “You must be Sara. Jack has spoken highly of you. Oh, I’m Ann.”
Shaking Ann’s hand, Sara grinned, “Jack had better have spoken highly of me, or I’ll need to show an embarrassing photo of him to everyone.”
Everyone laughed.
“Don’t be to hard on your cousin. He is taking responsibility for making a girl pregnant.”
“You’re right mom. So, Ann, has my cousin here?”
“He‘s helping my dad out with an errand.”
The door to the Inn opened and Karen stepped inside, “Hi, Ann. Oh, is this Jack’s family?”
“Hi, Karen. Yes, they just arrived.”
One of the older brown eyed brunettes walked over to Karen, “Hello, Karen. I’m Sally, Jack’s mother. Jack is right, you have become very beautiful.”
Karen smiled, “Hello, and thank you.”
One of the older men spoke up, “Indeed. Hello, I’m Mike, Jack’s father.”
Karen smiled, “Hello, Mr. Harvest.”
“Please, just call me Mike.”
“And you can call me Sally.”
Karen smiled, “Ok,. I guess that you are Sara.”
Sara nodded, “Yup.”
The other man spoke up, “I’m Frank, Jack’s uncle. Just call me Frank.”
The other woman spoke up, “”I’m April, Jack’s aunt, and just call me April.”
Karen giggled, “Ok, I guess that this family I’m becoming a part of likes to go by their first names.”
Sara grinned, “We do. Except Jack and I call our parents ‘Mom’ and ‘Dad’”
Everyone laughed
The door opened and Doug and Jack steeped inside with an armload of groceries.
“Mom! Dad! Cuz! Aunt April! Uncle Frank! You’re here.”
A chorus of, “We have.” was heard.
Ann said, “Jack, I’ll take those groceries into the kitchen. Go and hug your family”
“Ok, Ann.”
Sara grinned, “Ann, it almost sounds like you are related to Karen and Jack.”
Ann grinned, “Well, while Karen isn’t related to me by blood, we consider each other sisters. So, since Jack is marring Karen, I have kind of gained a brother. Since I’m older then Jack, he had better listen to his ‘big sister’.”
After another round of laughter, Jack hugged each member of his family.
Several hours later, Claire and Pete arrived.
Jack said, “I’m glad you could make it Claire.”
“I didn’t want to miis seeing good friends getting married. As well as a chance to catch the bouquet I hope you are not nervous about getting married.”
Jack shook his head, “No, I’m not.”
“Good, you’re a nice guy Jack. Karen is a lucky woman.”
“You’re not to bad yourself, Pete is a lucky guy to have you for a girlfriend.”
Claire blushed, “Thanks, Jack. But try not to flatter other women since you are getting married.”
“Karen doesn’t mind if the woman is a friend of hers.”
“Ok, but no other women. Consider this a fair warning from one of your ‘big sisters’.”
Jack smiled, “Understood.”
|
|
|
Post by Pickle on Oct 1, 2009 13:39:12 GMT -5
Almost there!
|
|
|
Post by BorderWolf on Oct 2, 2009 22:18:25 GMT -5
Well, here it is, the FINAL chapter. Enjoy.
Chapter 82
Two days later Jack arrived at the church.
“Hello, Carter. Is there somewhere I can change into my tuxedo?”
“Hello, Jack. Yes, you can use my bedroom. In fact, Gray and Cliff should be finishing changing into theirs.”
“Thanks, Cater.”
“You’re welcome, Jack, and my I say again, congratulations on getting married.”
Jack chuckled, “Thanks again.”
Jack entered Carter’s bedroom.
“Hello, Gray, Cliff. Thanks for coming, as well as being my best men.”
Gray and Cliff laughed.
Gray walked over and clapped Jack’s shoulder, “You’re welcome, Jack. I’m honored, I hope that you and Cliff will be my best men.”
Cliff smiled, “Of course Jack and I will, just as you two will be by my side when I marry Ann.”
Gray and Jack smiled.
Jack walked over and shook Cliff’s hand, “Yes, we will. Just don’t give her a dress for a present.”
A puzzled look crossed Cliff’s face, “Why?”
Gray laughed, “She doesn’t like dresses. There was one guy who tried to give her one. She thumped the box on his head and yelled at him. I tried to warn the guy, but he didn’t listen. I'm just surprised she didn’t try to make him wear the dress.”
The trio burst into laughter.
Meanwhile over in the clinic.
Ann finished getting dressed, “Karen, thanks for letting wear these slacks instead of a dress.”
“You’re welcome, Ann. I know you don’t like to wear dresses. But if you do get married…..”
Ann laughed, “Don’t worry, I will wear a dress for that and only that.”
“Do you think Cliff will ask to marry you?”
Ann took a deep breath, “I think so. Are you nervous?”
Karen shook her head, “Not fully, since Zack did get a bigger bed for us.”
“What if the bed hadn’t arrived?”
“Then I would be nervous. Since we would either stay at my old bedroom at the store, or try to move my old bed to Jack’s house.”
“Would it have been bad if you to use Jack’s old bed?”
Karen thought for a moment, “You know, you’re right. It wouldn’t have been bad for a few days.”
The door to the room opened and Elli peeked in, “Are you two ready?”
“Yes, and you should have knocked on the door.”
Elli grinned, “Well, since this is my bedroom and we three are girls and friends, it really shouldn't matter if I saw you naked. Now, let’s head over to the church. I know that Jack will want to see you in that ‘hot’ wedding dress.”
The trio of girls giggled.
Karen grinned, “Well, what better way to show him that this ‘hot babe’ is his?”
Elli nodded, “True, but I know that I wouldn’t wear something like that. Though it does look good on you.”
“Thanks, Elli.”
The girls headed out of the room and over to the church.
Jack stood by one side of the alter. Next to him were Gray and Cliff. At the other side was Elli and Ann. Mary sat at the organ waiting for the signal to start playing the music. Carter came up to the alter.
“We are ready to begin.”
Mary played the wedding march. May walked down the aisle tossing flower petals in the air. Jack silently laughed, because of what Barley said on how May had practiced. Then he saw Karen walking down the aisle with her father. When they got to the alter, Jeff shook Jack’s hand then stepped aside to allow Karen to stand next to Jack.
Carter smiled, “Dearly beloved, we are gathered today to see Karen Shannon and Jack Harvest to be wed in the bond of matrimony. Karen Shannon, do you take Jack Harvest to be your husband. Do you promise to love, honor, and cherish. In sickness and in health. For richer or poorer. For as long as you both shall live?”
Karen turned and smiled at Jack, “I do.”
Carter nodded, “Jack Harvest, do you take Karen Shannon to be your wife. Do you promise to love, honor, and cherish. In sickness and in health. For richer and poorer. For as long as you both shall live?”
Jack smiled, “I do.”
Carter nodded, “If there is anyone here that feels that these two should not be wed, speak now or forever hold your peace.”
No one spoke up.
Carter smiled, “May we have the rings, please?”
Gray handed Jack one of the rings.
Jack placed the ring on Karen’s left hand, “Karen, with this ring, I thee wed.”
Elli handed Karen the other ring.
Karen placed the ring on Jack’s left hand, “Jack, with this ring, I thee wed.”
Carter smiled, “With the blessings of the Harvest Goddess, I pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss each other.”
Jack stepped forward and lifted the veil and kissed Karen on the lips.
Everyone else in the church applauded, while the church bells stared ringing.
THE END
|
|
|
Post by Pickle on Oct 5, 2009 19:42:53 GMT -5
And there is a happy end.
|
|
|
Post by BorderWolf on Oct 6, 2009 12:39:09 GMT -5
And there is a happy end. Of course, you didn't want a sad ending. I don't like sad endings, or would write a sad ending.
|
|
|
Post by harvestmoon00 on Aug 27, 2010 11:22:10 GMT -5
such....a....good....story! no seriously that was fantastic!!!! i also like the proposal and was wondering if maybe you could.....make the wedding story of nami and jack?? ;D
|
|
|
Post by BorderWolf on Aug 29, 2010 11:32:09 GMT -5
Thanks! I might do that, I have also been toying with the idea on the wedding reseption of Jack and Karen.
|
|
|
Post by Pickle on Oct 7, 2010 12:54:01 GMT -5
That might be cute.
|
|