Chapter 76

The week flew by as Katie was inundated with sessions, the month quickly coming to a close. Carol had left a message one afternoon while Katie was out at a senior shoot, but a day later she still had yet to return it. Maybe once the week was over she could concentrate on other things, but work loomed heavily on her mind in the evenings. Sports were done for the season and the kids cheered their last day of school on Thursday, just a week before the 4th of July. It had been a long year, Katie thought, as she finished proofing a session Friday evening. The clock on her computer flipped the numbers, 9:30, 9:31...Katie sighed as she finally closed it out. She was tired, she realized as she flipped the lights off, the sun had already slipped down leaving a faint pink streak as the nighttime blackness claimed the sky. The house was dark when she got home. Brandon was spending the weekend camping with a friend's family. Sophia was out at the movies and having a sleepover. Katie was relieved to have the house to herself, welcoming the quiet darkness as she closed the screen door behind her. She poured a glass of wine and made her way to the back porch, sinking into the porch swing cushion. Her foot gently pushed against the floor as the swing creaked under her gentle motion. A few minutes later her cell phone ran on the kitchen counter. Smiling, she got it on the third ring, knowing it was Jon.

"Hey, there." She said, a sleepy smile on her lips.

"Hey, baby. How's my Kat? You sound tired, long day?" he asked. She could hear the smile in his voice.

"Yeah, I'm exhausted. Long, busy week." She laughed softly as she sat back in the swing.

"Aww, wish I could give you back rub. That would relax you." He said, his voice almost a whisper as if he didn't want someone to hear.

"You have no idea how much I would love that, cowboy." She sighed.

They chatted for a few more minutes before Jon finally told her to go to bed and get some rest. She really did sound exhausted. He knew she was very busy in the summer and hoped she would pace herself.

"Get some sleep, baby. We'll talk tomorrow. Oh, mom said she called but left a message." He half inquired.

"Yep, I got it. I have it on my list to call her back tomorrow. It was just too crazy to think about anything but work this week. But the weekend is wide open and I can concentrate on OTHER things then." She assured him.

"Take your time, there is no rush, Kat. Anything can be arranged even at the last minute. I think she was more worried she had not heard from you than worried about the plans. No sweat. Now you get to bed. I love you, baby." He whispered into the phone.

She smiled into the phone, "I will. Love you, too."

She did just that after hanging up. Too tired to finish her wine she turned out the lights, locked up and climbed the stairs, her legs heavy.


She was awakened by the house phone ringing. Shaking the fog from her head she looked at the clock, realizing she had slept well past 10 a.m. The phone ceased its rude disruption to her quiet slumber and she heard the voice mail in the distance, though she couldn't make out who it was.

She swung her legs over the edge of the bed and went downstairs, hearing the tail end of the message. It was the stable owner just checking in, saying it had been a long time since she had seen Katie at the stable. Feeling guilty she made a promise to take a walk down there later in the day. She did miss the horses. Maybe a quick ride if she had time. The coffee maker had already brewed and shut itself off after two hours since she had slept so late. She poured a cup anyway and stuck it in the microwave. After a few sips she cleared her head enough to jot down a to do list for the day. First thing was to call Carol back. She had to pick up Sophia at some point, though she was sure the girls were still sleeping, even later than she. As she searched in her cell for Carol's number, her thoughts went back to what Jon had said, we can arrange anything even at the last minute. She was sure this was true. Money made anything possible in a short amount of time. Letting out a sigh she found the number and hit dial. The plans felt like just another chore at the moment. She knew it was just because of her hectic week and despite the long sleep, she still felt slightly brain dead.

Carol answered sounding very chipper and awake. They chatted about general stuff, then after Carol excused herself to find a notepad, some ideas for the wedding plans. Carol knew just the questions to ask, jotting down as she went. Katie was thankful for her organization as she, herself, had no clue where to start despite the fact it would be a very small, very simple wedding. By the time they hung up, the flowers, number of guests and even the food had been decided thanks to Carol's experience, questions, and input. Feeling a bit of a weight lifted off her shoulders, Katie jotted one more thing on her own list, to get a nice thank you gift for Carol. After all those years of planning fan club events, Carol had this down to a science. She had left Katie with the words, don't worry about a thing, sweetie, it will be taken care of. And Katie had no doubt that it indeed would be.

After a quick shower she changed, took a walk to the stable and took Honey for an easy ride. She spent extra time grooming her after, talking to her the whole time. Feeling more rested when she got home, she called Becca inviting her along for ice cream after she picked Sophia up. Later the three girls watched movies and had a spa night, complete with mud facials. Katie couldn't remember the last time she had so much fun with her "girls." Becca left after the movie and Sophia went on her computer. Katie decided to turn in early and fell asleep even before Jon called.

That night she had a dream that a construction crew was in her house knocking down walls and digging big holes in the back yard. She woke up with a start, the bedroom dark. Obviously she still had a lot on her mind she thought as she laughed at herself. She tried to go back to sleep, but after a few minutes decided to find a book to read. Finally, a yawn escaping her lips, she put the book on the nightstand and snuggled back down into the sheets, drifting off into a dreamless slumber.

Back in New York Jon was just going to bed at about the same time after an evening at the New Jersey Songwriters Hall of Fame dinner. He and Richie had been presented with a nice award and they had performed a couple of songs. Afterward they had joined a few other guests from the evening at a private club. He thought about Katie as he got into bed. He would have loved to have her there tonight, but didn't even tell her about it since he knew how busy she was. He knew she couldn't go to everything with him. That would be a bit different than when he and Dot were married. Dot certainly had kept herself busy, but she didn't have many obligations besides their children and was often seen at most local events with him. But life changed and Katie was a business woman and had children of her own. Life would change even more in the coming months as they tried to combine two houses and two very busy lives, he realized. He ran his fingers through his hair as he looked up at the dark ceiling above his bed. It would be challenging, but it wasn't like him to shrug off hard work. He welcomed it with open arms.

Carol was in touch with Katie early in the week again to arrange a time for them to meet in person and go over samples and arrangements. Carol also wanted to check out the Inn and speak to the head chef. They made plans for Carol to arrive on Saturday morning and they would drive to Rockport for the day, have lunch at the Inn and talk to the staff. Her week was busy once again, but she made sure to turn in earlier each night. So by Friday night she was ready to relax but not as exhausted as the previous week. The kids were at their dad's so she turned in early. Carol was due around 9 a.m. thanks to the Jovi jet. What Katie did not realize was that a guest would be accompanying Carol. She heard a car in the drive as she rummaged to find her hand bag and a notepad. She heard the screen open, thinking it a little odd that Carol would just walk in since she had never been here before.

"I will be right there." She yelled as she grabbed a light sweater and her bag. Not hearing an answer she turned around to go into the front room. She jumped when she saw Carol and Jon standing right in front of her.

"OH! Oh my goodness. Jon!" She exclaimed, her heart racing. "You scared me!"

"Well, that isn't quit the welcome I was hoping for." Jon said, feigning disappointment.

Katie started laughing, "Oh my God, I am sorry. You know I'm thrilled you're here, what a surprise!" She jumped into his waiting arms, giving him a quick hug and kiss on the cheek. Not unaware that Carol was also right next to him, she turned to give her a hug as well.

Carol wagged her finger at her son. "I told him he should tell you he was coming. Causing all this ruckus."

As they walked out the front door, Katie teased, "That's ok, Carol. I'll figure out a way to get him back. Don't you worry." She turned around giving Jon a sly wink, then skipped down the steps to the black Hummer.

They sped down the interstate towards the shore and the Inn. Once they arrived the owner showed them around the grounds. Carol eventually shooed them away for awhile as she and the owner met with the head chef to talk about their dinner choices. Jon took her hand and led her to the edge of the small cliff overlooking the ocean. Being there, all the stress from work just melted away as they looked out over the water. Holding his hand, the romantic in Katie took over as she envisioned them standing there overlooking the ocean, saying their vows with their closest friends and family surrounding them. She met Jon's gaze as she felt a shiver run down her spine at the realization of it.

Jon moved in closer slowly tasting the saltiness from the sea air on her lips. He pulled back and smiled at her.

"Baby, I can't wait to make you my wife right here in this very spot." he said, his eyes a bit moist.

Touched by the pure emotion in his eyes, she rested her head on his chest, letting him pull her into a close embrace. They remained that way until they heard Carol calling from the steps of the Inn. Katie smiled up at Jon and they made their way back up to the porch where Carol and the Inn keeper were waiting for them. They finished up a few more details and then were invited to have lunch. They had the opportunity to sample some of the after dinner choices for the reception.

Over dessert Carol asked, "Katie, have you had a chance to think about what kind of dress you want to wear?"

Katie wiped her mouth with her napkin, placing her napkin daintily back in her lap, "I haven't really thought about it, Carol. I do think something simple, though. Perhaps a straight skirt. Nothing flashy or showy. That isn't me and it is a second wedding, so I think I will keep it low key."

Carol nodded, "That sounds lovely, dear. If you like I can put you in touch with a very good dress designer, or two....." Carol suggested.

Katie knew she meant well, and she knew Jon would agree to anything, but she couldn't imagine herself wearing a custom Vera Wang or something, "Thank you. I will keep that in mind. Becca, Sophia and I have a date to look around next weekend. I can let you know if I come up empty handed." Katie thank her.

Jon agreed, "Whatever you want, Kat. Of course you will look beautiful in a pillow case, but I want you to have whatever you want. Even come to New York if you want to shop."

"I appreciate that, Jon. I really do. Let me see how it goes, ok?" She said, knowing he wanted her to be happy, but knowing she didn't want to go crazy trying to find the perfect dress. It just wasn't her. She wanted something she loved, but something simple and understated.

Jon could hear the hesitation in her voice and knew he had to leave her to her own devices. It was what she wanted and needed. He gave her a kiss on the cheek, "You got it, baby. If mom or I can help, just let us know." And with that the subject was closed.

They finished their lunch and walked around a bit more, mapping out seating, where they would stand, what time the ceremony would be among many other details. They had the Inn for the whole day so could schedule at their leisure. No other guests would be staying at the Inn that weekend. Katie would not realize that until the day of the wedding. It didn't even cross her mind, all the security that would be employed that day. All the extra measures that it would take to make sure Katie had her small, simple wedding without interruption of any kind from the outside world or paparazzi.

Chapter 77