Chapter 62.2-Better Late than Never

Nick received word from his father that he would be in town the next day for Trevor's birthday along with the rest of the family.  Starr's family would be at the party too and he saw this as a chance to kill two birds with one stone.  They needed to make the announcement about the baby and with both families gathered in one place this was the perfect opportunity.  The only problem was that Starr was still avoiding her parents, and it was about time that ended.  All he had to do was convince her to attend the party with him, and both could be taken care of at the same time.

When he asked Starr to attend the party with him she flat out refused.  He understood that in the beginning she needed time, but enough time has passed to heal her wounds. The Starr that he fell in love with was a fighter and she still was except when it came to facing her parents. He knew Sandi and Dylan loved her as they always tried to reach out to their daughter, but she was so stubborn she wouldn't take their calls.

Nick:  I want you to come with me to Trevor's birthday party, my father will be there and I really want you to meet him.

Starr:  I don't think it’s a good idea; I'm not ready to face my parents yet.

Nick: You can't keep yourself hidden from your family forever.

Starr:  You don't understand it's not that easy.

Nick: It is that easy because you know they are going to forgive you which is exactly the reason you don't want to see them.  You don't want to be forgiven, as you have not forgiven yourself yet.  Don't you think its time to finally put this to rest?

This is very important to me as my father is flying in and I want him to meet the woman who I love and the mother of my child.  I'll stay by your side the entire time; please will you do this for me?

Starr was stubborn and wouldn't even consider going to the party, but she kept thinking of the look on Nick's face and she knew she let him down.  He was the one person she never disappointed until today.  Nick stood by her during the darkest period of her life and he never let her down not even once.  He asked so little from her and yet here she was stepping right back into her old ways. 

She decided that she was not going to be that person again and she was never going to disappoint Nick, her parents or her child.  It was time for her to face her music and leave all of this behind her.  She got up and left for the party.  Yes she would be late, but its better late than never.

Meanwhile at Caleb and Hope's:

Forever the workaholic, Caleb was discussing the kidnapping case with Sandi and Jules. After hearing about Katherine's dealings with Denny, he had a gut feeling which made him investigate a little further. The fairy that kidnapped his brother had white wings according to witnesses but one witness Cora Borealis, heard the voice of the fairy, and could not identify Johnny's voice. 

Caleb went to visit Cora and played a recording of Denny's voice which she identified immediately.  He now knew who the kidnapper really was but didn't want to get Cora involved.  They already had to put Katherine in hiding, there was no way he would risk the safety of an innocent civilian.  

The three decided to set up 24 hour surveillance on Denny but that would have to wait as family was already arriving.

Davis and Cora flew in from Barnacle Bay but this time they did not come alone.

Hope's Grandfather also came in for the birthday party and Trevor met his Great Grandfather for the first time.    

Later that evening there was a big birthday party and both sides of Trevors family arrived to see him blow out the candles.  

Presents were always expected when his grandparents came to visit and they never disappointed him.  It might have been a little box but he knew it had to be something really good.  The box only had keys in it........

keys to his new car.  Hope and Caleb complained yet again about the spoiling but it all fell on deaf ears.  Davis wanted his Grandson to have the absolute best and Trevor was loving every minute of it.

The biggest surprise of the evening was just about to happen.

Nick decided it was not a very good idea to make this announcement to Starr's family without her being present.  However he did want to take his father aside so he could give him the news in person. 

As he told his father the good news, much to everyone surprise including Nick's, Starr walked through the door.    

Sandi and Dylan immediately ran to the daughter who they had been worried about for months.  They knew she needed time to deal with the traumatic experience on her own, but the longed for this day to come.

Sandi:  Starr are you ok?  Let me look at you sweetie.

Dylan:  You had us very worried.

Starr:   Mom, Dad I'm so sorry

Dylan:  There is nothing to be sorry for.  You mother and I love you and you could never do anything that would change that.

Sandi:  Starr are you?

Dylan:  Its not.......

Starr:   No Daddy its not.  The baby is Nick's.  We have been seeing each other for quite some time now and he has moved in with me.  If it wasn't for Nick's support I don't know how I would have survived these past few months.

Dylan:  Well Angel I guess we are going to be Grandparents.

For the rest of the night the family spent the time celebrating and preparing for some happy days ahead of them.  Tyrone and Lenora's wedding was being planned and there was a new baby on the way.  

Nick: I know how hard this was for you and it really means so much to me that you did show up.  Thank you.

Starr:  I had to.  I don't want to be that selfish person anymore.  I want to be better for you, the baby and most of all for myself.

Nick:  You already are.

For the next few months, Starr and Nick took Lamaze classes and redecorated the nursery. Everything in pink as the ultrasound revealed that the baby was a girl.  Nick was already referring to her as his little princess and nothing was too good for his little girl. Names was something they debated on but as usual Starr got her way as she wanted the baby to be named after her Grandfather Wolfie, whose first name was Christopher and her mother. Chrysanthemum Sandra Slayer would be her name but Nick suggested they call her Chrissie for short.

All the classes they attended seemed not to do any good as Nick freaked out when Starr went into labor.  Somehow he managed to get her to the hospital and.....

 A little vampire was born.

To be continued.......

Author's note-I would like to thank Jazen for Davis and Cora Gruber and Boyd Slayer.  To read more about her story, please use this link:  Just Simming Along

I would like to thank HollyHocksfluff for Cora Borealis.  To read more about her story please use
this link:  Finding Our Place in the Stars

Please forgive the change of clothes in the party on some of the characters as the game kept crashing on me.

Chapter 59-Family Ties

The last time Caleb brought a newborn home from the hospital it was his neice.  He stood by Sandi and helped her raise Starr as if she was his own.  Although he will always share a special bond with his neice, she wasn't his daughter.  This time it was different Hope was his wife and Trevor was his son, he wouldn't have to step aside this time.  Everynight he would come home to his family and the loving home he always wanted.

Trevor stole both of their hearts instantly and he was treated as if he were the crown prince. Caleb didn't waste any time as he already contacted the local little league association to find out how soon he could sign Trevor up.  Hope called her sister and parents with baby updates constantly and sent plenty of pictures.  Play dates with his cousin Sonya were already being scheduled, even though the infants were not old enough yet.

Starr had quite another idea about babies.  Staying at her Uncle's house was supposed to keep her away from the noise that babies make at the ungodly hour of 6AM.  This kid seemed to have a built in alarm that would always make him scream at that same time every morning and it never failed his loudest days were the ones where Starr had a splitting headache.  When her baby cousin while he was asleep he was kind of cute, but when he was awake boy did that kid have a set of lungs on him.

Until her house was finished her only options were stay here or move back in with her parents.   At home she would be sharing a room with Lauren and of course they had their own little loud person living over there. She knew she was better off staying here with Caleb and Hope for the time being. Maybe she would luck out and Nick would find another assignment for her ASAP.  She didn't care where it was and she would even go back to those horrible accommodations in Egypt as long as she had some quiet.

Help soon arrived in the form of Grandparents.  Davis and Cora had planned a visit to meet their first Grandchild and they had arrived with plans of spoiling him rotten.  They adored the little boy and were constantly holding and playing with him which to Starr's relief kept him quiet.  Now all Starr had to do was figure out a way to keep them in Aurora Skies until her house was finished so she could actually sleep in the morning.  Luckily for Starr they decided to stay until his first birthday as they wanted to spend some time with him and they did indeed miss their daughter.

Still feeling the buzz from the night before Starr tried to slip into the house quietly.  She didn't mind her Uncle seeing her as she still had him wrapped around her little finger, it was the baby she didn't want to wake up.  She already knew she would have a monster headache that day and the last thing she needed was the kid screaming at the top of his lungs.

Davis: Rough Night?

Starr: I didn't know you would be awake this early.

Davis: My wife and I decided to let Hope and Caleb catch up on some much needed sleep so we are on baby duty this morning.  You didn't drive home in that condition did you?

Starr: I wasn't the designated driver last night.  You do realize that I am of legal age to frequent clubs.

Davis: I'm not trying to pass judgement, Lord knows I'm the last one who should do that.  I was your age at one time and I was known to frequent a club or two myself.   I know all too well what can happen to a young girl out there and I just want to make sure that you no harm ever comes to you.

Starr: No need to worry about me, if anyone tries anything I can be a beast when I want to.  I'm a wolf remember, I can take care of myself.

Davis: I'm sure you can protect yourself physically as any other wolf can, but that is not the only way you can be taken advantage of.  There are other ways to throw you off your game especially when you already had a little bit too much of the juice to think straight.  Never let anyone make you a drink that you do not know and never ever leave your drink unattended.  Anyone can put anything in there and you will not realize it until its too late.

Starr: My Grandfather told me about this same thing already.

Davis:  I hoped you listened to your Grandfather, he knows what he is talking about. It is still worth hearing this advice again.  If anyone ever makes you feel uncomfortable let someone know. it doesn't matter who anyone, your father, grandfather, or your uncle anyone.  You can even talk with my brother, I know he would help.  Speaking of my brother, I thought you worked for him.  Don't you have a job to go to?

Starr:  Yes Nick is my boss but I'm not an office person.  I have a special contract set up that I work in the field and go out on assignments as needed.  This way my days are free to work on my art and .....

Davis: your nights are free to go club hopping.  Nice working hours if you can get them.

During their visit Nick was over often with the excuse to see his brother.  Although they spent plenty of time together, Davis was not the only person Nick wanted to see at this house.  Truth be told he also was there to see a certain blonde werewolf and Davis caught onto it quickly.

Nick:  Starr might I have a moment of your time.  I've been asked to write a story on the nectar industry in France and I need a photographer.  Would you be interested in the assignment?

Starr:  France!  Sure as hell yeah!  When do we leave?

Nick: In a few days, I'll set up the details and bring you the flight arrangements when they are available.

Starr:  If you will excuse me, I have to get ready for the birthday party.  Will talk to you later and I'll be looking forward to France.

Nick: So will I.

Davis: Why don't you just ask her out already?  You know you want to.

Nick:  Come on Davis you know that is not a good idea.  She is an employee, I shouldn't.

Davis:  Yes that is right you shouldn't ask her on a date as that is not professional, it is a much better idea to take her to the city of love instead.  You could have taken any photographer on staff, why her?

Nick:  She is the one with the most talent.  She was my first choice for purely professional reasons.

Davis: Keep saying that, maybe you will believe it.  I've seen the way you looked at her when she walked into the room and I noticed you couldn't take your eyes off of her at the wedding.  Are you really coming over here to shoot the breeze with me everyday or are you hoping to run into her?

Nick:  Alright, I'll admit it.  She is very attractive and I do like her, but its still not a good idea to get involved with an employee.

Davis:  She already told me that she is not a regular 9-5 employee, there really is no reason you can't date her.  The birthday party is going to start soon, why don't you go home get changed.  Get out of that suit and maybe you won't be so professional and you will at least talk to her later.

The entire family gathered together to watch Trevor blow out the birthday candles, he aged into a toddler.  He got his father's eyes and his grandmother's hair.  Even though he is still a toddler I can see Hope in him too.  Trevor got a nice mix from both sides of the family.

Nick: I just wanted to say goodnight and tell you that I will be here on Friday with the flight arrangements.

Starr: Didn't you hear my house is ready and I'm going to move tomorrow.  I'll send you an email with my new address.

Nick: If you need any help moving, I would be happy to be of assistance.

Starr: I really could use the help, I would really appreciate it.

Nick:  What time should I be there?

To be continued.......

Author's Note:  I would like to thank Jazen for the loan of Davis and Cora.  She has an awesome story and its highly recommended reading.

Bonus shots from the birthday Party:

Look who had the nerve to try and crash the party.  She was removed.

Here are some more pictures from the birthday party:

Chapter 55.2-Caleb and Hope's Wedding pt 1

The last two weddings in this family ended up in disaster simply because these kids did not believe in what they called "silly superstitions" and Abby had enough of that.  If they were so silly why was Dylan kidnapped and Caleb heartbroken by her own daughter.   Caleb found someone new and he was moving on with his life and Abby was going to make sure everything went as planned.  If he wanted to go anywhere near the bride before the wedding, he was going to have get past her and that was not going to happen.

Abby also ordered Dylan to cast good luck charms on both Caleb and Hope as she was leaving nothing to chance this time or any other time after this. Dylan did as he was told as he knew that he should not argue with his mother-in-law when it came to silly superstitions.

Cora and Grace helped Hope get ready for the wedding and Cora couldn't believe what a beautiful bride her daughter was.   How did this happen and where did all the time go by, it seemed like just yesterday both of them were little girls, but somehow they both grew into beautiful women. She had no idea how she would get through this day, as tears were already coming to her eyes.

Grace: I have a wedding gift to give to you.  It's not from me it is from Jonas.

Hope: That was so sweet of him, let me read the card:

Dearest Hope,

Would like to congratulate you
and wish you luck as you start your new
life with your new husband.  I hope Caleb
knows what a lucky man he really is.

This is just a little something for a romantic
evening.  A bottle of champagne and some
candles.

All My Best,

Jonas

Davis:  The limo is waiting for us downstairs, its time to leave.

Hope:  I'm ready to go

Davis: Something I want to tell you first.  Are you sure this is what you want to do, you don't have to go through with this.  Just say the word and we are outta of here.

Hope:  I love Caleb and I have never been more sure of anything in my life.

Davis:  Just remember if anything at all goes wrong at any time, you mother and I will always be here for you.

Hope:  I know that Dad and I love you for it.

Davis: Just one more thing before we go.  You look beautiful.

The guests from the Going Solo community have started to arrive, Vuneca's Wind Solo.

Shafer249's Deliliah Burnbright

ShaliANel's  Morrigan Seaworthy

HollyhocksFluff's Aurora Borealias

Sweetnightingales's Lenora Atherton

The Groom and his Best Man take their places.

Holly and Emmett arrive next with their youngest son Marty.

Wolfie and Abby

Cora, the mother of the bride

Now its time for the bridal party to enter

The Bride's brother and Sister, Erin and Carter.

The Groom's Niece and the Bride's Uncle,  Starr and Nick

The Groom's Sister-in-law and his partner, Sandi and Jules.

The Groom's Niece Lauren as the flower girl and The Groom's Nephew Robin as the Ring Bearer.

The Bride's Sister Grace as the Maid of Honor.

Here comes the Bride.

Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to join this man, Caleb McIntyre and this woman, Hope Gruber, in matrimony.

If anyone can show just cause why they may not be lawfully joined together, let them speak now or forever hold your peace.

The couple has written their own vows.

When I was approached to do a reality show, I thought sure why not?  It should be fun and I had some vacation time coming to me.  It was a crazy impulse that I thought wouldn't amount to much except a free vacation.  Than I met you and I knew this was much more than a free vacation, I fell in love with you in an instant.  It wasn't until you confessed your love after you turned the cameras off that I realized this really was my reality.  I promise to love, cherish and remain faithful to you for the rest of my days. This is the solemn promise that I make to you today.

I, Hope Gruber, take you Caleb McIntyre, to be my husband,
to have and to hold from this day forward,
for better or for worse, for richer, for poorer,
in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish;
from this day forward until death do us part.

With this ring I thee wed.

When I agreed to do this show I was running away from my problems and little did I know at the time I was really running to the solution.  I was a shell of the man I once was but the minute our eyes met I became whole again.  Love at first sight I always considered to be a myth, there wasn't any way I thought it ever could happen to me. The thought of a life without you is inconceivable to me and I plan to spend my days making you as happy as you have made me.  You are my Queen.

I, Caleb McIntyre, take you Hope Gruber, to be my wife, 

to have and to hold from this day forward, 

for better or for worse, for richer, for poorer, 

in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish; 

from this day forward until death do us part. 

With this ring, I thee wed.

Those which the Almighty Forces of PG and Jazen has joined together, let no sim or bad story progression curve balls put asunder.

In so much as Caleb and Hope have consented together in holy wedlock, and have witnessed the same before the Almighty Forces and the Entire Going Solo Community, having given and pledged their troth, each to the other, and having declared the same by the giving and receiving of a ring, I pronounce that they are husband and wife.

You may seal the promise you made today with a kiss.

May I present to you for the very first time, Mr. and Mrs.  McIntyre.

Dylan seems a bit emotional.  I expected Holly to be emotional but not Dylan.

Davis seems pretty emotional too.

Caleb:  Dylan I need your help, it is about the wedding vows I made today.

Dylan: Bro, don't worry you everything is fine, you two belong together.

Caleb: I'm not questioning my feelings or Hope's, it is the death do you part I'm having trouble with. She is human and I'm not, someday that part will happen and I'll never be able to deal with that.  Will you use your hocus pocus powers to make a potion to turn me human.

To be Continued.....

Author's Note: The reception and Honeymoon will continue on the next update.

Bonus Shot:

Why do all my sims think of pools at the same time?  Does this happen in anyone else's game?