31Greg sat back on the sofa, contemplating the lack of noise in the house. In the ten months since Allison had moved in, though he often complained about it, it was rare not to have at least some noise. Quimby leapt up next to him on the sofa, stretching out with her paws pressed against his leg. He scratched affectionately behind her ear. He hadn't wanted the cat, he hadn't wanted a pet at all but Amy and Allison, using the tag-team tactics that they had developed virtually in the first week Allison had moved in, had managed to railroad him into adopting the tortoiseshell bundle of fur that called itself a cat. And he was glad of it's company now, though if he was asked he would definitely deny any distinct liking for the animal.
The ringing of the doorbell distracted him. Quimby jumped off the sofa and padded her way towards the window, hopping deftly onto the sill. Greg was slower and more relaxed and by the time he opened the door the bell had rung another three times.
"Hi." Wilson said, stepping through the door and shaking snow off of his jacket. He held out a bag of Chinese take-out, which Greg took, and set his overnight bag down at the bottom of the staircase. He followed Greg into the kitchen.
"You nervous?" he asked.
"Why would I be nervous?" Greg answered, opening the bag of food and handing Wilson a container. Looking down at his own food, Duck Lo Mein, he smiled, remembering the first night he and Allison spent together.
"Oh I don't know because tomorrow you're-" Wilson's words were cut off by the ringing of the phone. Greg left Wilson in the kitchen and went through to the hallway to answer it. Caller ID identified 'Amy Cell'.
"Hey." He answered.
"Are you sure about this?" Allison's voice came down the telephone. He could imagine her clutching it desperately to her ear. He sighed,
"For the hundredth time, yes."
"Really? Cos if you aren't, we can just cancel."
"For the hundred-and-first time, Allie. We're doing this. Tomorrow." He said, rolling his eyes but smiling all the same.
"Ok." He heard her sigh with relief, then heard Amy's voice in the background.
"Allie? Is that my cell? Did you call Dad?" Greg heard Allison answer 'no' and laughed. "Allison. Give me the phone. God you are driving me crazy! Give me the phone and go and paint your nails. Because I said so. You aren't supposed to be talking to him, not until tomorrow. Go!" There was static on the phone, which Greg assumed was from Allison relinquishing the cell. Seconds later he heard Amy's voice.
"I tried to stop her calling, again, but she's going crazy over here. Anyone would think you were plotting a kidnap, not getting married."
"I still can't believe we're doing this. Actually doing this." Allison said quietly, staring at her reflection in the floor-length mirror.
"Yes, you are actually doing this. Now hold still before I stick you with this pin." Amy muttered, trying to fix the veil into place.
"Oh Alison you look perfect." Blythe House stood proudly next to Gloria Cameron, both gazing adoringly at the bride. The photographer tried to position Allison infront of the window to get some pre-ceremony shots. Amy quickly grabbed Allison's bouquet from the dresser and wrapped Allison's shaking hands around the stems.
"Allie. Look at me. He loves you, you're getting married. Now for goodness sake look happy!" she said, smoothing the veil around Allison's shoulders. The dress was ivory silk, strapless and it fell effortlessly to the ground, accentuating her tiny waist.
"Ok then. If we could have the bride and bridesmaid together for a few shots, then add the mothers?" the photographer said. He was an experienced photographer and he knew that in cases like these it really was best to try and move things along.
"Amy," Allison whispered out of the corner of her mouth, whilst smiling for the camera.
"Yes?" Amy answered, turning her head to look at Allison and earning a "Good idea, turn and look at each other. Look natural." from the photographer, who despite his experience was more than just a little bit pretentious.
"This dress..."
"Once again, no you cannot see the bump." Amy hissed through her smile
Allison looked back at Amy, and suddenly wrapped her arms tightly around the teenager. Amy felt tiny tears prick her eyelids, and blinked rapidly. She couldn't risk ruining her make-up.
"Congratulations." She whispered.
"And if we can add the mothers into the shot, please?" The photographer said.
"...and so, ladies and gentlemen, would you all please join me in raising your glasses to the happy couple; Allison and Greg!" Wilson raised his glass as the words 'Allison and Greg' were chorused by the two hundred wedding guests. Greg leaned over and whispered into Allison's ear.
"I love you Mrs House."
"I love you too Mr House."
"Okay, so call me when you land, and then don't call me for the rest of the honeymoon." Amy said, hugging Allison and then Greg.
"If you need anything out contact numbers are by the phone," Allison reminded her, while Greg tried to usher her into the limo that was taking them to the airport. They had been married for exactly 17 hours and were about to head off for two weeks in China; Allison's choice.
"Okay. Have fun. Take pictures. And look after the bump!" Amy burbled as Greg shut the door and rounded the back of the car. She clapped a hand over her mouth but it was too late.
"The bump?" Blythe House and Gloria Cameron asked in unison. The sound of Greg's car door shutting diverted their attention and they waved the limo off.
"Now young lady...what exactly did you mean by 'the bump'?" Blythe asked. Amy giggled nervously.
"Well, it's kind of a long story..." she muttered weakly...