A/N: I'm actually close to tears writing this Author's Note. This is the last chapter of I Need To Find You. I started this story last year in April and I never imagined it would get this big and that so many people loved this story. I especially want to thank Jordyyyyy, Simon wanna be, and all of my other reviewers. Your reviews kept me going and it made me feel more confident as a writer. I will thank you all at the end of this chapter and give you some fun facts about this story. Before we go on to the last chapter, your reviews.
Dragon321- Thanks! I'll miss it too.
Jordyyyyy- You'll have to read to find out!
Dramamamapwnsall- You'll have to read. The AJ/Dylan thing actually wasn't resolved but if I ever write a sequel, I'll make sure to resolve it.
The Chipette Protector- Yeah it's the last one. You'll have to read!
drkseeker233- I bet he does too.
Izaackjl- That would've been cool but I had something else in mind for the last chapter. Thank you so much. You have no idea how much that means to me.
Jesusloveskids59- Thanks!
Genicise1275- I don't know what she's thinking. Thanks!
Legion262- Thanks!
Lee M. Jay- Thank you so much. That means a lot to me.
Missuss- Can I just say I was putting off writing this chapter for the longest time because I didn't want it to end but then I read your reviews and I figured out I had to man up and finish this story. He really didn't ditch her. i think that's just Jen's friends trying to make her feel better. It's definitely a hard choice. I bet they'll find something too. She's not that bad. Thank you again for taking the time to review. It really made my day.
Onto the story...
Marnie Miller sat at the kitchen table with three of her best friends and her boyfriend as her dad made them breakfast, humming as he cooked. Most of her family was staying at the Garden City Hotel. Unfortunately since the motel had a limited number of rooms available, her birth father had to sleep on the Millers' couch.
"Will you stop staring at him?" Marnie asked Cody as she noticed he was staring at the sleeping Simon, again.
Cody quickly turned his gaze back to Marnie, Jasmine, and his brothers. "I'm sorry it's just he's so creepy. Even when he's sleeping he's creepy!"
"You do know I'm comprised of half his gene pool right?" She asked.
Sammy chuckled from the kitchen earning a glare from his daughter. "What did I say?" She questioned.
"Nothing kiddo. You're just like your mother that's all."
Marnie smiled as Sammy placed their breakfasts in front of them. "Here you go kiddos."
"Thanks Sam." Jasmine said as he dug her fork into her pancakes.
"Gracias Sammy," Cody thanked him as he began to wolf down the food in front of him.
"Thanks Dad." Marnie said before she started eating her own food.
Dylan and Matthew just gave Sammy thumbs up since they had already stuffed their mouths with food.
"Morning everyone," Simon grumbled as he entered the kitchen.
"Morning Sunshine," Sammy greeted cheerfully. "What do you want for breakfast?"
"Coffee's good." Simon replied still half asleep.
Sammy poured him a cup. "Do you want anything in it?"
Simon shook his head and took the cup of coffee.
"Morning everybody." AJ greeted cheerfully as she led Lizzy into the kitchen.
"Hey, what are you guys doing here?" Marnie asked.
"We came for grub." AJ said simply.
Sammy gestured to the extra pancakes. "Help yourselves girls."
"Whose pancake is that?" Marnie asked as she watched her adoptive father sprinkle powder sugar onto a pancake.
"Shelly's." Sammy said like it was obvious before he placed it on the floor for the Golden Retriever lying at his feet.
"Why does the dog get a pancake?" Lizzy asked.
"Because today is a very special occasion." Sammy explained with a smile.
"What is it?" Simon asked.
"It's the anniversary of when Marnie officially became my daughter." Sammy explained.
Simon froze while Marnie looked up at her adopted father confused. "But my birthday is in a couple of months. You always said you adopted me on my first birthday."
"Well I first asked your mother if I could adopt you on your first birthday but the paperwork took forever. So technically it wasn't until this day before your second birthday that you officially became mine."
"Good morning everybody." Jen greeted as she entered the kitchen.
Sammy gave her a peck on the lips. "Morning babe, what do you want for breakfast?"
"Egg in a hole please." She requested.
"Coming right up."
Jen sat down at the bar beside Simon. "So what were you guys talking about?"
"How Sammy adopted Marnie." Simon grumbled.
"I love that story." She exclaimed.
Marnie looked at her adoptive father. "There's a story?"
Sammy nodded. "Yes there's a small one."
"Well can we hear it?" Marnie asked.
"Please don't," Simon grumbled while Sammy handed Jen her breakfast.
"I don't see why not." He threw his dish towel over his shoulder out of habit as he began. "Well it started like you said earlier on Marnie's first birthday."
***Flashback***
Sammy slowly crept into Jen's bedroom. "Good morning girls."
"Five more minutes, Miss Miller." Jen grumbled.
He chuckled as he looked over to see that Marnie had hoisted herself up and was standing behind the bars of her crib quietly while her mother slept. "Good morning birthday girl."
Marnie smiled and reached out to Sammy, eager to be freed from her crib.
He picked her up and balanced her on his hip as he glanced back to Jen who was sleeping in the bed. She was lying on her stomach, one leg under the covers while the other was sticking out, her arms were sprawled at her sides, and some drool on her pillow next to her mouth.
"Your mother is so beautiful when she sleeps." He whispered to the toddler before he gave her a peck on the cheek. "Just like you."
He carried Marnie out of the room and into the apartment's small kitchen where he put her in her high chair. He walked over to the fridge and began searching for some breakfast for Marnie. "Looks like Bartley ate all of your food again, girlie."
He looked back over his shoulder to see the toddler watching him intently. "How about a hot dog?"
The little girl clapped her hands together with a huge grin on her face. "I'll take that as a yes."
He popped one of the hotdogs in the microwave before he walked over to Bartley's bedroom door and started banging on it. "Get up man; you have to take a shower before Jen gets up."
He heard a groan from the bedroom signaling his friend was up followed by a beep signaling Marnie's breakfast was ready. He quickly cut up the hot dog in small enough bites for the toddler before giving it to her.
"I hate having girl roommates," Bartley complained as he finally came out of his room.
"Why?" Sammy asked as he began brewing a pot of coffee and Bartley sat on the barstool at the bar.
"I have to get up early to take a shower, I have to share my pizza, I can't cook naked anymore,"
"When did you ever do that?" Sammy cut him off.
"Oh like you've never done it." Bartley shot back.
Sammy shook his head still looking mortified. "No I haven't."
"You really should, its pretty fun. Except you can't cook anything hot because if you spill it on your,"
"Don't want to know!" Sammy quickly exclaimed.
Bartley shrugged. "Okay, but you see I can't do that now since Jen is here and can come home at any moment."
"I lived here when you did it though."
"That was different. We're both dudes."
Sammy held up his hands. "Dude, I'm begging you to please shut up right now."
Bartley shrugged again. "Okay then." He slid off the stool and walked over to Marnie he bent down so he was looking into her eyes. "You know my life was a whole lot easier before you showed up with your mom." She giggled causing him to smile. "Who am I kidding? You're too cute to be mad at."
Before he could stand up Marnie reached over and grabbed his nose. He tried getting free but the one year old's grip was too strong. "Hey Sam, this so called little angel of yours won't let my nose go."
Sammy smiled as he poured himself a cup of coffee and grabbed the newspaper. "That's my girl."
Jen suddenly rushed out of her room. "Where's Marnie?"
"I got her this morning; you looked like you needed your sleep." Sammy told her.
She sighed in relief. "Thank God."
"Jen, a little help. Your daughter has my nose locked in a death grip."
Jen laughed. "That's my girl."
"Would you like some breakfast?" Sammy asked her.
She shook her head. "No, Kate said she was bringing me something."
"Kate's coming?" Bartley asked trying not to sound excited.
"Calm down lover boy." Sammy joked as Jen started prying her daughter's hand off of her roommate's nose.
"Sorry about that Bartley." Jen apologized. Her apologetic smile quickly turned into a scowl when she saw her daughter's breakfast. "Sammy, did you really give her a hot dog for breakfast?"
"It's her birthday. She needed a treat." Sammy protested.
Jen rolled her eyes at him clearly still annoyed with his choice for her breakfast but her face turned into a smile when she looked at her daughter. "Happy birthday, sweetheart." She kissed her daughter's forehead.
"Jen, you might want to start getting ready. Kate will be here in fifteen minutes." Sammy told her.
"Shoot!" She exclaimed before she gave her daughter one last kiss on the cheek before she raced to her room. "Sammy can you get Marnie ready?" She yelled from her room.
"Sure thing," He replied.
"What about the shower?" Bartley called after her.
"It's yours."
"Yes!" Bartley cheered before he raced to the bathroom.
Sammy shook his head and chuckled at his friend's behavior as he picked up the empty dishes and put them in the sink before he picked up Marnie from her chair and carried her to his bedroom where the clean laundry was waiting for him to clean. He sat Marnie down on his bed as he looked through the stack of clothes that belonged to Marnie. "How about your purple dress?"
The little chipette clapped her hands together happily which Sammy took as a yes. He changed the toddler as quickly as he could.
"Sammy, is she ready? Kate's here." Jen called to them.
Sammy scooped the little girl in his arms and carried her out to the living room where Jen and Kate were waiting. "Here she is all ready to go."
Jen smiled. "Hey girlie, you ready to go to daycare?" She took Marnie from Sammy.
"Hey Kate," Sammy greeted.
"Hey Sam." Kate returned the greeting.
"Ok birthday girl, say goodbye to Sammy." Jen told Marnie.
Marnie reached out to Sammy. "Dada,"
Everyone looked at the little girl in shock. "Did she just call me dad?"
"I think she said dada." Kate corrected.
Sammy felt his heart burst. Ever since she was born Sammy had thought of Marnie as his daughter and to hear her call him dad was the best feeling he had ever had.
Sammy took the girl from her mother. "Hey sweetie. What did you call me?"
"Dada," Marnie repeated as she grabbed his t-shirt.
"Guys, I'd hate to break up this beautiful moment but I can't be late for class and we still need to drop Marnie off at daycare while you open up the shop." Kate spoke up.
Sammy nodded in agreement as he kissed the little girl's head one last time. "I love you sweetie and I'll pick you up this afternoon."
Marnie tightened her grip on Sammy's shirt. "Dada,"
"I'll see you later kiddo, I promise. Happy Birthday." He pried her hand off his shirt and handed her to Jen.
A cry of protest escaped from Marnie as she was handed over. "It's okay." Jen said in a soothing voice before she looked back at Sammy. "Remember to pick her up from daycare at three."
"Geez, you forget to pick her up once and you're marked for life."
Jen rolled her eyes. "I just don't want to tell my daughter she was forgotten on her first birthday."
"I'll remember Jenny. Five right?"
"Sammy!" Jen exclaimed.
Sammy chuckled. "'I'm kidding Jen. Now you better get going or you'll be late."
"Bye Sammy,"
"See ya Sam." Kate said before she followed Jen out of the apartment.
"Bye girls."
Bartley came out of the bathroom clothed in just a towel around his waist. "You missed Kate."
"Crap!" Bartley exclaimed. "When did she leave?" When his friend didn't reply he turned to look at him. "Dude, are you crying?"
"Marnie just called me dad." He replied.
His roommate gave him a funny look. "You're tearing up over that?"
"When you have kids you'll understand." Sammy told him.
Bartley snorted. "If I have kids they'll be screwed."
***Later that evening***
"Sammy, I'm home." Jen called as she entered the apartment.
"Hey Jen, how was your day?" Sammy greeted from the kitchen.
She threw her bag to the side and sighed. "It was fine. Where's Marnie?"
Sammy's eyes widened. "Crap! I knew I forgot something."
"Samuel P. Cobalt!" Jen exclaimed.
"I'm kidding Jen. She's with Bartley." He gave her a smile.
Jen breathed a sigh of relief. "That wasn't funny."
"Sorry," he apologized.
"What's this?" She asked as she noticed a sand dollar in a picture frame.
"Gary's daughter Amarelle gave it to Marnie for her birthday." Sammy stated.
"Why didn't she give it to her at the party with the Anderson boys?" Jen asked referring to the birthday party that had happen eight days ago. Since the boys were only sixteen days older than Marnie they just threw all three children a birthday party in between their birthdays.
"It wasn't ready then." He replied simply before he gave her a serious look. "Jen, can I talk to you about something?"
She set the gift to the side. "Sure, what's up?"
"I'm just going to come out and say it." He said and she nodded. "I want to adopt Marnie."
"What?" Jen asked surprised.
"Ever since Marnie called me dad I've been thinking. If anything happened to her I would want to be there for her." Sammy said.
"Where is all of this coming from?" Jen asked.
"Well Gus asked me to watch Amarelle and Darcy for him and they wanted to watch The Nanny so I left them upstairs while I ran the diner. When I came up to check on them they were watching some episode where Brighton got hurt and Fran couldn't see him in the hospital because she wasn't his mother. So it got me thinking,"
"I want you to adopt Marnie too." Jen cut him off.
A smile split across his face. "Really?" He asked in surprised disbelief.
She nodded. "You've been there for her as long as she's been alive. I've always thought of contacting Simon but she has you and I really don't want to go on that emotional roller coaster right now."
He took her paw in his. "When you're ready you can count on me being there on that ride with ya."
"Hey guys, what's up?"
They looked to see Bartley dressed in swim trunks, a scuba mask, and flippers. He was holding Marnie dressed in her swimsuit and a pair of goggles.
"I'm adopting Marnie." Sammy said ignoring his friend's weird outfit.
Bartley looked confused. "But you're already her dad."
Sammy shrugged. "Yeah but this will be more official."
"Bartley, I know I'll probably regret this but what were you doing with my daughter?" Jen asked.
"We were swimming." Bartley replied like it was obvious.
"Where?" Sammy asked.
"The bathtub."
***End of Flashback***
"And that's the story." Sammy finished.
"That's one long story." Jasmine commented.
"Oh before I forget, my mom wanted me to give this to you Mr. Seville." Dylan said as he handed Simon a piece of paper.
Simon looked at the piece of paper confused as Bartley entered the kitchen carrying a newspaper. "You're out of toilet paper." He told Sammy before he left for the living room.
"Did any of you see him come in?" He asked his daughter and the Anderson boys.
They all shook their heads. "How long have you been up?" Jen asked.
"At least forty-five minutes." Sammy replied.
Jen grimaced. "Lovely."
"Caroline, I'm here!" Simon called.
The note had told him to come to Caroline's work since she had something to say to him. He guessed she would have some advice for him since the last time they spoke alone was when she gave him the tip about the father daughter dance.
Caroline appeared from behind one of the many bookshelves in the room. She pointed to the couch in front of the desk. "Sit,"
Simon did what he was ordered to do and suddenly felt nervous as the blonde chipette sat behind her desk. "Do you know why you're here Simon?"
"Actually I don't." Simon replied still uneasy.
Caroline looked up at him. "Jen is like my little sister. She asked me to be her matron of honor and I accepted. The matron of honor's job is to make sure this wedding goes on without a hitch. Do you see where I'm going with this?"
"You're worried I'll mess up the wedding." Simon said.
She shook her head. "No, I'm worried about you in general." He gave her a skeptical look and she shrugged. "Fine the wedding is a small part of it."
"So what exactly about my emotions are you worried about?" Simon asked.
"Your feelings for Jen. Feelings she obviously doesn't reciprocate."
"How do you know she doesn't feel the way I do?" Simon asked.
Caroline pursed her lips a moment before she replied. "Normally I am not allowed to discuss my other clients but I feel it is necessary this time. Jen has sat in the same chair that you are now and has spilled her feelings to me. Ever since she first came she's always told me everything that was in that metaphoric heart of hers. I will admit I pushed her to get over you and I apologize for misjudging you but she has moved on. Not too long ago she was sitting in that very chair questioning her feelings for Sammy. Before she left she discovered her true feelings. She figured out that she truly loves Sammy."
"But I love her." Simon protested. "And I know she still loves me too. I mean she's always been my Jeanette,"
Caroline's eyebrows shot up. "Your Jeanette,"
He sighed in frustration. "I mean Jen."
"No I was asking about the 'my' part. Last time I checked Jen was her own person. She belongs to no one. Therefore can follow her theoretical heart and make her own decision about who she likes." Caroline said.
"Did you bring me here just so you could ruin my hopes of winning her back?" Simon asked.
Caroline shook her head. "No, I wanted to tell you to follow your heart."
"My heart is with Jeanette and Marnie." Simon insisted.
"I know it is. I'm not going to try and change that. However, I will tell you that if you love Jen as much as you say you do then you'll put her happiness before your own. Listen to your heart. It'll tell you what's right for Jen and what'll make her happy." Caroline told him. "Also, I think it's time you move on. It's been twelve years and let's face it Si, you're not getting any younger."
Simon looked up into Caroline's eyes and finally understood. She cared about Jen and always made him sound like the biggest jerk on the planet to make Jen feel better. He also realized she also cared about him as well, even if she didn't always show it.
"Caroline, your next appointment is here." Kristen's voice came through the speaker.
"Thank you Kristen," Caroline replied as she held down the button. She released it and gestured to the door. "You may leave. I believe everyone is at the diner right now."
"Thanks Caroline." Simon said before he left her office.
In the lobby there was a young, sobbing chipette who was being comforted by an older chipette.
"Is she okay?" Simon asked concerned.
The older chipette shook her head. "She's going through some relationship problems. The guy she's in love with doesn't love her anymore."
"I know what she's going through." Simon said.
"Hi, I'm Kelly and this is my sister Macy." She said as she extended a paw.
Kelly had brownish red while her sister had brown hair. Both girls had blue eyes except Kelly was wearing glasses over hers.
"Simon, Simon Seville." Simon returned the greeting as he shook her hand.
"You're Marnie's birth father, aren't you?" Kelly asked.
He nodded. "You know her?"
She laughed. "You obviously haven't been here long. Everyone knows everyone. But actually I'm the librarian here and you're daughter checks out books faster than I can check them in."
Simon smiled. "She's a reader?"
"Biggest reader I know. You should be proud of her. She's a great girl." Kelly told him.
"Dr. Anderson will see you now." Kristen told the sisters.
Kelly helped her sister to her feet. "It was nice meeting you Mr. Seville. Hopefully I'll see you again."
Simon nodded. "I'd like that."
"Marnie would you mind getting that table over there?" Sammy asked his adoptive daughter.
"Sure thing," She said before she headed over to the table. "Welcome to Sam's Corner, what can I get for you?"
"I'm fine at the moment little lady." A familiar voice replied.
Marnie paused. The accent and the phrase sounded so familiar but she couldn't remember. She also couldn't see his face because he was keeping it hidden under a hat. Then it hit her. "Pops, is that you?"
"You bet little lady." Her grandfather replied with his normal grin.
"What are you doing here?" Marnie asked surprised.
"I came to see my boy get married. That's still happening right?"
She nodded. "Yeah tomorrow. I just didn't think you were coming."
"Have a little faith Marn." Sam said.
She nodded. "I'm sorry; can I get you a special on the house?"
"That'd be lovely dear."
"Coming right up." She said as she headed back to the kitchen writing down the order.
"Who's that?" Earl asked her when she reached the kitchen.
"No idea." She lied as she slid the order to Sammy.
She returned to her cousins and friends while Earl kept on staring at the mysterious customer. "Sam?" He finally asked aloud.
Everyone in the diner froze at hearing the name.
"Sam, is that you?" Earl asked again.
Marnie's grandfather stood up to face his old friend. "Hey Earl."
Earl dropped the pitcher of water he had been holding as he rushed to hug his friend.
Marnie looked back at her family. Caroline was standing in front of her sons, Marnie's cousins, and Jasmine protectively while Derrick stood in front of her. Bartley was standing in front of Marnie's mom, while her birth father looked like a deer in headlights, and Sammy was standing in the door to the kitchen staring at his father.
Sam released his old friend and looked at his son. "Hey Sammy."
"What the hell are you doing here Dad?" Sammy growled.
"Marnie gave me an invitation to your wedding. Thought I'd come and give you my support."
"Well you're support isn't necessary." Sammy snapped back before he retreated back into the kitchen.
"Sammy, I know you're still mad at me but here me out. I know I made a huge mistake but- what in the world are you doing?"
"I'm cooking, what does it look like I'm doing?" Sammy asked.
"Aren't you going to crush that garlic?" Sam asked.
Sammy slammed down the knife causing Marnie and many others to flinch. "You know what, you got arrested I'm chopping the garlic. It's a wacky world!"
He reached for the knife again but Sam stopped him. He began speaking to his son quietly so no one else could hear and Marnie could see her adopted father's anger slowly melt away.
"Now promise me you'll crush the garlic from now on cause that's driving me insane." Sam asked.
"I promise Dad. Now c'mon, there are some people I want you to meet." Sammy led his dad out of the kitchen and over to Jen. "Dad this is,"
"You must be Jen. Marnie told me all about you." Sam said.
"It's nice to meet you Sam." Jen returned the greeting.
"Wait you met Marnie already?" Sammy asked.
Sam nodded. "Yeah she found me in the city."
Bartley leaned closer to Simon. "Weren't you supposed to be watching Marnie in the city?"
Simon gave him a glare. "Shut up Bartley."
"So you're Bartley?" Sam asked and Bartley nodded. "Your parents came looking for you a couple years ago. No idea why they thought I'd know where you'd be."
"You must be mistaken. My parents died when I was fifteen in a house fire."
Sam shook his head. "No not your adopted parents, your birthparents."
Bartley's eyes grew wide. "I was adopted." He whispered.
"You didn't know." Sam asked stunned.
Bartley shook his head as he sat back down shocked. "I can't believe I'm adopted."
"It's ok Bart." Caroline comforted him.
"Um, guys. I know you guys are going through some big family moments and revelations but we have customers." Earl spoke up.
Sam nodded. "You're right. I'll tell you what I know about your parents later but for now we got to serve some grub."
"Marnie, you mind helping me in the kitchen?" Sammy asked.
"No problem." Marnie said before she headed to the kitchen with Sammy while Sam and Earl went to go talk to the customers. All of whom, were actually glad to see Sam again.
"That was," Jen began.
"Weird," Simon suggested.
"Unexpected," Caroline added.
"I'm adopted." Bartley said still in shock.
AJ shrugged. "I don't see why you guys expected anything less. It's our family. You should know by now to expect the unexpected."
Marnie stared at the stars in the sky above as she laid on her rooftop. The day had seemed to fly by after her grandfather came back. Her great-grandfather came and began arguing with Sam about her grandmother's death.
"Hey, I knew I'd find you up here."
She sat up and smiled at her visitor. "Hey Cody, what are you doing up here."
"I came to see you." He replied as he sat down next to his girlfriend.
"Why?" She asked.
"I was worried about you. You looked really upset earlier. You okay?"
"I'm fine." She insisted.
They sat in silence for several minutes before Cody broke it, "You can't fool me you know."
Marnie looked at her boyfriend. His blue eyes were filled with hurt behind his glasses as they stared at the ocean.
"I know I can't. It's just hard to tell anyone."
"Try," He asked quietly as he took her paw in his.
She let out a breath and closed her eyes before she began. "Everything is just so screwed up. I've always wanted to know who my birth father was. I love Sammy to death but I guess I wanted to know where I came from. So I found him but he's still in love with my mom. She loves Sammy though. A part of me wants them to be together so badly, but I feel bad for Simon. Though that's like the only thing I feel though since we have like zero connections. And…and…and it's just so screwed up!"
Tears were streaming down her face as she finished her rant. Cody pulled her into a hug allowing her to bury her face into his chest as her tears soaked his shirt. "It's going to be okay."
"How do you know?" Came a muffled reply.
Cody thought for a moment before he replied, "I know because no matter what happens the stars will still shine, the birds will still sing, and you'll still have three parents who love you more than anything else in the world."
Marnie wiped her tears. "You always know just what to say, you know that?"
"I'm your boyfriend. That's what I'm here for." She smiled gratefully at him.
"I'm so glad you are."
The couple remained on the roof for several more minutes before Cody had to go back to his house leaving Marnie to sneak back into hers.
"Are you ready?" Simon asked Jen.
When Jen asked him to walk her down the aisle he didn't think he'd actually do it but here it was. He had spent the whole day with Bartley while everyone else prepared for the wedding. Now, dressed in his tux he was about to give away the love of his life to another munk.
"I'm ready." Jen told him.
In Simon's opinion, Jen looked stunning. She was wearing a simple lace wedding dress.
"You look stunning Jen." He told her truthfully.
"Thank you." She said gratefully before she covered her face with her veil and took her bouquet from Simon. "Let's do this thing."
She linked her arm with his as the Bridal March began to play over the speakers.
They walked out of the tent and down the makeshift aisle down the beach. It seemed that the whole town had showed up to witness the wedding.
As soon as he saw Sammy standing with the pastor and most of their family and close friends his stomach knotted. His daughter smiled at him and he felt a bit better.
They finally reached the altar and the pastor asked, "Who gives this woman to this man?"
"I do." Simon spoke. He turned to Jen and removed her veil.
Then unexpectedly she gave him a peck on the cheek and whispered in his ear, "Thank you for everything."
"You all may be seated." Everyone sat down as Jen took Sammy's hand and stood in front of him while Simon took his seat.
"Good people, friends and family of Samuel and Jen, welcome to this celebration in which these two people declare before God and before all of us that they choose each other as husband and wife. You have been invited to share in this happy and solemn occasion in which a sacred covenant of marriage will be established between this man and this woman in the presence of God. The marriage covenant is a commitment that is total, involving us as whole persons, in every aspect of our lives. True marriage calls for a special kind of love. This kind of love creates a permanence whereby two people can relate with complete openness and experience each other at the deepest possible level. This love is not just a feeling by which we are overwhelmed, but is a committed, thoughtful decision, unselfishly, to contribute to the growth and fulfillment of the spiritual potential within the other. Therefore, out of affection for Samuel and Jen, we have gathered here to witness and to ask for God's blessing as they exchange the vows through which they will be united in marriage." The Pastor said.
Simon never took his eyes off of Jen. She had the biggest smile on her face and joyous tears were forming in her eyes. She looked…happy. Genuinely happy. The very sight made his stomach churn as he knew once and for all he had lost his love to another.
"Before we continue I must ask, does anyone have any reason why these two shall not be married? If so, speak now or forever hold your peace."
Simon looked over at Caroline. She gave him a smile and tapped her heart. He then looked back at Jen and made his decision. He kept quiet.
"Shall we begin then?" He asked.
Jen nodded. "Please do."
"Jen, will you have this man to be your wedded husband, to live together in the holy estate of matrimony? Will you love him, comfort him, honor him, and keep him, in sickness and in health as long as you both shall live?"
"I will."
"Samuel, will you have this woman to be your wedded wife, to live together in the holy estate of matrimony? Will you love her, comfort her, honor her, and keep her, in sickness and in health as long as you both shall live?" The pastor asked once more.
"I will." Sammy replied.
"May we have the rings?"
Jen turned to Caroline who gave her the ring and a quick hug before she turned back to face Sammy.
"Where is it?" Bartley asked himself as he looked in all of his pockets.
Everyone couldn't help but laugh at the sight of Bartley frantically searching for the ring while Sammy glared at him.
"Bartley!" Simon hissed. The chipmunk looked at him and Simon pointed to the inside of his jacket. "Inside pocket!"
Bartley checked in the pocket and a look of relief came across his face as he produced the ring. "We have the ring! We're good, people!"
Everyone laughed again and Bartley presented the ring to his friend. Sammy shook his head and gave Bartley a quick hug before he turned back to Jen.
"Samuel, will you repeat after me as you place the ring on her finger."
"I Samuel P. Cobalt, promise to love and cherish you. To give you strength, to help you in good times and in bad. To respect our individuality, to make our home one of love and understanding. I will be open and honest with you. I join you in seeking the fulfillment of our lives. I promise to be faithful to you, giving you all of myself, all of my tomorrows, all of my life."
Sammy repeated after the pastor slipping the ring onto Jen's finger as he did so.
"Jen, will you repeat after me as you place the ring on his finger?"
She nodded. "Of course."
"I, Jen Annabeth Miller, promise to love and cherish you. To give you strength, to help you in good times and in bad. To respect our individuality, to make our home one of love and understanding. I will be open and honest with you. I join you in seeking the fulfillment of our lives. I promise to be faithful to you, giving you all of myself, all of my tomorrows, all of my life."
She slipped the ring on Sammy's finger trying not to break down into tears as she repeated the words.
"Marnie, will you please step forward beside your parents?"
She handed her bouquet of flowers to AJ before she took her place in between her parents.
"Samuel, will you repeat after me once more?"
He nodded. "I don't have anything else to do at the moment."
"I, Samuel P. Cobalt, take Marnie Annabeth Miller, to love, cherish, and protect as my own until the end of my days."
"Marnie, will you repeat after me?"
She nodded.
"I, Marnie Samantha Miller, promise to treat my parents as equals. To love them both and respect them both as separate parents and a whole. I will respect their new marriage and promise to support them in our new life together as a family."
Simon could see Sammy squeezing Marnie's hand as she repeated the words and felt another pang of sadness hit him like a semi.
"I now pronounce you husband and wife. Sammy, you may kiss your bride."
Simon closed his eyes. He didn't want to see their marriage become official. He heard cheers from around him signaling the kiss happened. It took all his might not to run away.
"Ladies and gentleman, I am proud to present Mr. and Mrs. Samuel P. Cobalt and their daughter Marnie Cobalt-Miller."
It was a devastating blow to him, one he didn't know if he could ever recover from. It was even worse than when he has lost her the first time, because then there was a chance he could still be with her. But now there was nothing to look forward to. Jen had dealt him a crippling blow to his heart.
But it was over. Simon had lost the love of his life. It was official. Sammy had won.
He had considered leaving right after the ceremony without telling anyone. He had gotten good at that. Leaving without anyone knowing. He had Marnie though. He could tell their relationship was on thin ice and he didn't want to push it.
"Ladies and gentleman, for the first time ever Mr. and Mrs. Samuel P. Cobalt!"
Sammy and Jen entered the reception smiling and waving to everyone. Simon watched enviously as they took to the dance floor and began having their first dance. His heart throb and his eyes flickered with hate for just a second.
"Hey man, thanks for the tip earlier." Bartley said as he sat beside him.
"No problem." Simon replied sadly, as they danced.
Bartley saw how Simon was watching the couple and sighed. "You'll find someone else dude."
Simon shook his head. "There's no one like Jen."
"You don't want someone like your ex you want someone better than your ex." Bartley told him.
"There's no one better than Jen." He said.
Bartley chuckled. "Give it awhile. You'll get over her. I'm over mine."
"Kate?" Simon asked seeing the chipette coming towards them.
Bartley nodded. "Yep! Completely over her."
"No Bart," Simon said as he made Bartley look behind him. "Isn't that Kate?"
Bartley jumped to his feet. "Kate?"
The chipette stopped and gave him a small smile. "Hey Bart."
"What are you doing here? Aren't you getting married in a couple of days?"
Simon noticed that everyone had stopped to look at the divorced couple, even Sammy and Jen.
Kate shook her head. "No I called the wedding off."
"Why?" Bartley asked.
She looked at him and her smile grew bigger. "I realized I'm still in love with this idiot I used to be really close with."
Bartley bawled his fists. "Who is this guy? I want to meet him and,"
"It's you, you idiot!" Caroline exclaimed.
"What?" Bartley asked her confused but before he could question it further, Kate flung her arms around his neck and pressed her lips to his.
It barely took a moment for Bartley to wrap his arms around her waist and kiss her back.
"Congrats Bart, you got your girl back." Simon said to himself before he stood up and went to get another beer.
"Hey Simon."
Simon turned to see Kelly. She was wearing a violet dress with her reddish brown hair pinned to the side.
"Hey Kelly. How are you?"
"I'm good. You?"
He forced a smile. "I'm fine."
It was a couple more minutes in awkward silence before she asked, "So what exactly do you do for a living? When I asked Marnie yesterday she simply said your work is something boring and corporate."
Simon chuckled. "That's basically it."
"Well there has to be more to it than that." She said.
He shrugged. "I guess. It's kind of boring."
"You're talking to a girl who spends her whole day with books. I'm the queen of boring."
"Books aren't boring." Simon protested. "They're full of knowledge, and interesting, and all of this other stuff that makes them the exact opposite of boring."
Kelly smiled. "You're one of the few people I've met who actually think that. Like father like daughter I guess."
Simon smiled back. "Thanks, I think."
"Uh dad."
Simon turned surprised to see Marnie beside him. "I'd hate to interrupt your conversation, but you kind of owe me a dance."
"I do, don't I." He asked and his daughter nodded.
"It's fine, just save me a dance." Kelly requested.
He nodded. "I will."
He held out his paw to his daughter and they made their way to the dance floor.
They moved in silence on the dance floor for most of the song. "Dad," Marnie finally spoke up.
"Yes,"
"Can we start over? I feel like we kind of got off on the wrong note and well I'd really like to try and make this work."
Simon felt his face split into a smile. "Of course sweetheart."
He looked over at Sammy and Jen. Yes, he had stolen away the love of his life but he could never take his daughter from him.
A/N: There it is! The end! I wanted to say thank you to the 167 people (though some of you reviewed more than once) who reviewed, the 24 people who subscribed to this story, the 25 people who favorited this story, and the two communities who added this story.
Now here are some random fun facts!
Garden City- Garden City is a real place in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. I was there when I had the idea for this story so I knew I had to make it the setting. It isn't as small as the Garden City I wrote about but if you ever go there you can find a diner called Sam's Corner and an ice cream parlor called The Yum Yum Shop.
Samuel P. Cobalt- In the beginning there was no Sammy. The only obstacle Simon would have was winning Jeanette's heart once more. But I wanted to include as much as Garden City as possible so I wanted Sam's Corner to be in the story. My first idea was to have an older guy named Sam run the place. He would help Jeanette out and be there for Marnie but he eventually turned into Jeanette's new boyfriend and Simon's main obstacle.
Bartley- Just like Sammy and many other things in this story, there originally no Bartley. I decided to add him in when I was watching my favorite show Friends. He was inspired by Joey Tribbiani.
Marnie- Marnie didn't really change much. Except she was originally a triplet with two brothers.
Okay I think that's all for now. But one more thing. I have an idea for a sequel. Should I do it or leave the story with this ending? Oh and look out for something I've done before on FF soon! (If you're confused it'll make sense soon!)
One last thing before I officially close this story. I don't think I can ever thank this person enough for what he does for my stories. Simon wanna be gives me advice on my stories and proofreads them for me (I stink at proofreading!), and his ideas always get me inspired to write. So thank you for everything!
And thank you to all of y'all for sticking with me and this story this far! I love you all!
~AbigailSeville24