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The weekend of Josalyn wedding was finally upon everyone. It was going to be a busy weekend and not just for the Frost family. The Howlett, Delaney, and Kearney families were all heading across the ocean as it was the same weekend that Ashley and Xavier were getting married. Logan and Aurelia had offered to let Merrick and Faelan travel with them across the ocean to go as Rose’s date. But Merrick had to decline. Faelan was in Josalyn’s wedding and he couldn’t bring himself to miss it, even though Lily was going to miss it. However was hard to argue that Lily should go to Josalyn’s wedding when she was a the maid of honor for Ashley. So as much as he wanted to leave with everyone and get to be with Rose he stayed put. His parents and Sebastian had left already for the wedding. Merrick had driven over to pick up Zoe. While he waited for her to finish changing he sat in the living room talking on the phone to Rose. “Wish I could have gotten back to go with you today.”, Rose sighed wincing as the hairstylist tugged at her hair trying to get it up the way the other bridesmaids were wearing theirs. “I’m sure you do. Just like I wish I was there today. But you are a bridesmaid for Ashley, our son is the ringer barrier for Josalyn, you can’t miss your nephew’s wedding and well I can’t miss my sister’s wedding. You will have fun with your friends and family tonight. And I’ll…”, his voice trailed off as Zoe was walked out and he turned to look at her.
Zoe had chosen to wear a pale green satin shelf dress that she’d gotten from Hazel, the cut was perfect making her look a bit curvier and like she had a bit more of a chest than she knew she really did. She was putting on the second of her dangling pearl and white gold leaf earrings that matched the necklace from the set hazel had left her in the will and matched on point with the ring she wore on her right hand from Merrick and Hazel. “Merrick? You still there?”, Rose asked. “Um yeah I’m here. Sorry. You will have fun with your friends and family and I’ll try to not kill any of my family or Josalyn and Robert’s friends.”, he said blinked and regaining focus to finish his sentence. “Yes no killing, maiming or even slightly injuring people. It’s a wedding Merrick.”, Rose smiled thought wondered what had distracted him. “I know I know.”, he answered looking at Zoe still. Zoe furrowed her brother was him wondering if there was something wrong. “Alright well stay out of trouble. I need to go finish getting ready. I love you.”, rose said. “I’ll try. I love you too.”, he smiled softly he still loved hearing Rose say those words to him. “Bye babe.”, Rose said ending the call. “Bye little wolf.”, he said putting his phone away. “Are...are you going to wear like I don’t know a shawl or something?”, he asked.
Zoe looked down and then back and him and smirked. “Hadn’t planned on it. Why? Too distracting?”, she asked with a laugh. Merrick rolled his eyes getting up. "Really? You're going to do this to me?", Merrick response. "Doing what? You're the one taken remember?", she asked grabbing her purse. "I know. I keep reminding myself of that fact. And that the dress was Nana's and nothing my Nana wore should drive me this nuts.", he sighed as they headed down to the car. "Aww poor Merrick, being attracted to his best friend.", she teased getting into the car. "I am curious why I got an invite. I mean, I do like Josalyn.", she pondered. Merrick rolled his eyes pulling out of the parking lot. "Attracted was established a long time ago.", shaking his head. Once again reminding himself of his relationship status and that he loves Rose. "Josalyn likes you. And in a small way I think wants to goat Emma knowing Emma can't say or do anything because it's her wedding.", he explained. Zoe laughed a bit. "Well, maybe I should make a bigger effort to actually get to know Josalyn. She was nice enough to invite me to her wedding and can't use to excuse I'm 'with' you since I'm no longer such.", she commented. "I suppose. Josalyn isn't all bad, just partially.", he chuckled. "She at least has been willing to set feelings aside about Rose.", he commented. "You have worn the bird brooch. Josalyn already knows you got it. Why not let the others find out in a forum that you can't be touched.", he commented glancing over at her. She blinked then chuckled. "I do always keep it in my purse, since I don't want it far away...", she said digging into her purse and taking it out. She carefully pinned the valued brooch to the bust of her dress.
"Exactly. Occasions like this are when Nana would wear it." ,he smiled looking over at her again. "I'm going to get into so many fights at this reception.", he sighed shaking his head noticing that the brooch just brought more attention to her chest. "Why is that?",she asked, crossing her legs and smoothing out the dress. "One, if any of my family starts to make a scene about you in one of Nana's old dresses and more importantly wearing the brooch. And two if Robert's university buddies oggling your chest.", he explained. "Oh let them oggle." she said. "You realize some scenes on broadway are nude scenes.", she shook her head. "Yeah well... First of the idiots to try something it'll be between me and Alexander which knocks them out first. God we'd actually be of the same mind of something... So scary.", he chuckled. Defending Zoe was probably the only thing hima nd Alexander could agree on anymore. "And yes, I know there are nude scenes. I just don't think about that. I've already seen you naked in private scenes intended just for me.", he smirked. She chuckled. "You'd never survive dating me if I made it big and got those parts.", she said. "It'll be nice to see Alexander. He doesn't visit too often..",he commented on the subject of her brother. "I'd survived just fine... Just some theatergoers wouldn't." ,he smirked. "Well I'm sure college and then his future father-in-law keep him busy.",he shrugged. She shrugged a little. "I'm sure." She chuckled and fixed her hair. "Thanks for the ride.", she added. "Hopefully he eventually gets the time to get to know you more. Gina adores you to no end. He should take the time to see he got a rather fantastic sister, even if she's foolish enough to hang around me.",he smiled. "No problem. Didn't figure you'd borrow Alec's car or that it made any sense for Alexander to drive down to get you just to drive back up.", he replied. "Yep. How much longer though? Cars aren't really my thing since I've spent a couple days of my life on planes.", she asked.
"Should be there in about another hour. See I would have, and kind of did, live in this car for a few years.", he shrugged. He’d take traveling by car over plane any day of the week. "I don't want to shine a blacklight on this thing.", she teased glancing to the back seat which had the empty car seat base and a wrapped present. It was obvious he’d gotten his mother to wrap the gift because it looked pristine and neat. "Hey... I detail my car at least once a month. Back in those days at least once a week or sometimes more depending. And I didn't have as much sex in the back as you'd assume. Not enough room back there. Your old bed offered more space.",he teased. She smirked. "And yet I never got sex.", she teased. "Maybe I'm looking for a one-night stand.", she shrugged thinking about the reception where obviously there would be guys she’s never met. "Because of a rule. That I struggled to follow.", he defended. Merrick shook his head.. "No. ", he said simply. She smirked. "Aww come on, time to be protective isn’t over?" She asked. "It's not even about being protective about you. Sure that's part of it. A one night stand shouldn't be your first time. You deserve better than that.", he explained. And there was a small part of him that was jealous of the idea she might hook up with someone else and they’d get to have her in a way he hadn’t. She looked over and smiled, putting a hand on her chest. "Awww. but technically, you know, your first time was similar right? And really. Rose was originally that.", she countered.
"Technically my first time wasn't a one night stand. One night stand means one time deal. I slept with Katherine a number of times. And no Rose wasn’t originally that. Sure it wasn't love and we weren't dating. But it wasn't a one night stand. It'd taken four months of making out for her to decide she wanted to sleep with me. I didn't pressure the point of having sex. Figured if she decided to fantastic, if she didn't well making out was enjoyable and whatever girl I called later to finish what Rose started had a hell of a time.", he shrugged. Zoe shook her head and chuckled. "Alright, alright. No one night stands, dad.", she teased taking her hand back. Merrick rolled his eyes. "I'm just saying you deserve better than some jerk who's only looking for a piece of ass.", he sighed. "Hey, it is a nice piece of ass thank you very much.",she poked his side. "I didn't say it's not. It's a fantastic ass. In that dress or even in sweatpants it's a fantastic ass. Outstanding in a thong, even better completely bare especially liked it in the shower.", he commented. As he spoke about it the images were easily recalled. The seven months he’d spent with her. Getting to be close to her, to see her naked, to sleep next to her, to shower with her, to touch her. "Well thank you.”,she smirked. She remembered those months just as vividly as he did. "Technically I'm the one that should thank you for that.",he winked. "Okay should probably stop talking about your ass and any other part of you body. It's not helping me.", he sighed trying to shake away the memories. "Probably should, your girlfriend might get jealous.", she chuckled. "Yeah. She already kind of is. In a way I wonder what her jealous would actually be. I mean when she was in high school I sort of saw her jealous of Jenna when she dragged me to the Draven. But since we were on the down low about our relationship she couldn't say or do anything. She just went into the alley to not see me with Jenna. I ended up following her leaving Jenna with her friends. Pinned her against the wall of the club making out seriously considering fucking her there in the alley of my half brother's club while my 'date' was inside unaware.", he said a smiled on his face.
As he told the story the memory came to his mind and replaced the thoughts about getting Zoe naked in the backseat. "Ooh scandalous!", she said, smirking and looking at him. Merrick smirked and shrugged. "Broke a lot of rules when it came to Rose. Had a rule about whoever I was with in that moment was the only person occupying my mind. Total lie after I started hooking up with Rose. Even before we started having sex, especially before we started having sex. Leave with basically blue balls from an intense make out session and call someone like Jada or her twin Jennifer, Jenna, sometimes even Karli. And I hate to admit it but I was thinking about Rose while having sex with one of them.", he explained. Zoe smiled a bit and shook her head. "How romantic.", she teased. "But really. You guys look good together and look really happy.",she commented. It still hurt, but she wouldn't bring it up with him. And she knew she was a good catch, she wouldn't have a hard time finding another guy. "Oh yeah. You know me hopeless romantic.",he chuckled. "Only two people ever got me to forget about Rose.",he sighed. Leslie was of course one of them. For the six months he dated Leslie before her accident he hadn’t thought once about Rose. And the other being Zoe who for seven months he hadn’t thought about or worried about Rose. "Thanks. And we are, minus that ocean...",he frowned. "Hey you'll figure it out. Either she'll move here or... You'll move there", she said, pausing a bit. She didn't like that idea. "Yeah. Option one would be great for me. Not leave my parents, my sanctuary, my business, and importantly not leave my best friends. But it won't happen. I know Rose, she'll never leave Excalibur.", he shrugged.
Hazel had known what needed to happen, it’s why she’d left him the property in England and the money in Pounds rather than dollars. "Your business isn't a big deal", she said. "You can pick that up there, maybe even sell things for more.", she said. "I know. I just like working in the old Haven. The familiar scents that linger in the house under the scent of the various wood species. I can still pick up the scent of every person who stayed there. Including Rose who practically lived there growing up being friends with Landon and Cora Lee.",he explained. "But for me to leave... I'm giving up everything. Everything familiar and important to me.", he frowned. He knew the reward of being with Rose could certainly be worth the risk of moving, but there was just part of him that couldn’t let go of bayville and everything and everyone he had there. Zoe sighed softly and looked over. This was why part of her had hoped Rose would have ran. "You wouldn't be giving up her or Faelan.", she said softly. "And you wouldn't be giving me up, or Malcolm. you'd still talk to us, maybe even see us.", she said trying to be the good friend. "I know. I'd have Faelan and I'd have her. Well have her more than I do now. She'd still be busy would school and Excalibur.",he sighed. "Talking and Skype aren't exactly the same. And I'm not sure how often I'd come back both financially speaking and my stomach speaking. I'd also be taking Faelan away from his grandparents. Losing my entire support system in regards to him.", he said shoulders sinking a little. Zoe nodded and patted his arm. "I... I can't say anything, Merrick. I can't. I'll be biased and selfish.", she sighed softly. She didn’t want him to move away. To lose him. Other than Alec he was the one constant in her life since moving to Bayville. Sure she saw her parents and little sister often, but not daily. And Merrick, well he was special to her. He occupied a piece of her heart from the very beginning with how he was so sweet that night Geri came to try and kill her.
"I know. You would want me to stay. My mom wants me to stay too. Guess she always figured I'm the one kid she'd never lose. That would stay close because well I'm a pack person. Leaving my pack isn't something I take lightly. I'd even miss Solangel and David if I left. Hell I'd miss Demitri. But... if I want to be with Rose. It's looking to be my only option. To go to her.",he concluded. "Why do you have to lose everything?", Zoe asked. "It is just a team. She can join the X-men can't she?",she asked. "All she has are things she made there.", she countered. "She started something there. Excalibur was her idea. She has a duty, honor bound I guess to see it through. To be the hero she was raised and trained to be. The X-Men have plenty of people Excalibur is small.",he sighed. "It just comes down to how far am I willing to go for love.", he explained. Zoe shook her head. "You shouldn't have to go anywhere.", she said softly. She looked out the window and leaned on the door. Merrick sighed moving his hand from the shifter since he didn't need to change gears at the moment and grabbed her hand. "Your mom left Florence for her chance to have your dad back. You left everything to find your dad. Neither of you had to leave your home, business and friends. But you both did for a chance at something.", he tried to put it in a way she could relate to. "But I don't want to...",she sighed. "I don't want to lose you.", she admitted. She squeezed his hand. "I find someone to trust and love and they have to leave. It isn't fair.", she frowned. "Hey..",he sighed squeezing back. "You know I love you. You’re my best friend. If I go I don't want and will not let that change. If I go you can expect a lot of phone calls from me. And I’d find a way to get back to visit you.", he tried to reassure.
"I know. It just sucks you have to give up everything and she gets everything.",she sighed. "Well one of us has to bend for this relationship to really work. Because if we both stay stubborn and unyielding it'll end and then we both lose.", he sighed. "I know, I know.", she said softly. "Just.. Do what makes you happiest.", she gave up. "That's being with her. It's when Faelan and I are happiest.”, he admitted. "Then... I guess that's what has to be done.", she sighed softly. Rose would get everything and she’d lose everything. He sighed having to take his hand back to downshift and get off at their exit. Leaving everyone behind, especially Zoe wouldn't be easy. He knew he was happy when he was with Zoe. That if Rose had walked and decided they couldn't be together he might have broken his rule to have Zoe. Not as a consolation or second place to having Rose. But because she's the other woman he could, did and in a way still does love as much as Rose. "Hey no sighing. Faelan gets an awesome mom, you get to go to the UK. I really think your business would explode over there.", she said trying to turn this idea into a good one. "I'll sigh and be as emo about it as I want till we get to my sister's wedding. Then I'll put on my smile.",he retorted. "Anything I can do to cheer you up?",she asked. He could think of a couple things but all would get him in trouble and mean cheating on Rose. "I'll lure a guy oggling me to a dark corner so you can beat him up.", she offered. Merrick chuckled. "No it's alright. Just the idea of not getting to see you every day. Lunch will never be the same.", he smiled. "Well maybe you can learn to cook your own dang food.", she teased. "Besides, I'll see you again. Who knows, maybe I'll go to her Majesty's Theater.",she smiled. "I know how to cook. You just cook better. Didn't hear you complain any night I made dinner or mornings I made breakfast at your place.",he teased back.
"Yeah maybe you will. God that would piss Emma off. She's going to London soon. I'm assuming it's not just for acting but something academy related. It's a little bit why I want to go. I'm not letting that little cunt do anything to Rose.", he said growling a little when he said Emma’s name. "You don't think she'd still mess with her mind?",she asked. "Emma did it to the others but Rose is a high target. You're sure?", she said not sure if Emma was that dumb. "Rose has a mental block from Jean since high school. So she can't get in her head at least. But that doesn't mean she wouldn't do anything and everything else her devious mind could come up with.", he frowned. He knew his sister, sadly, and she’d do anything to hurt someone when she set her mind to it. "I don't get her obsession...",she shook her head. Merrick sighed as he parked. “I don't either. I just don't like it.”, he stated. "Okay. This is it. You ready?",he asked looking to the large canvas tents decorated with fall colors to fit Josalyn and Robert's theme. Most of his family and the academy was already there. "Oh hell yes.", she said. She leaned over and kissed his cheek gently, smiling. "You're my best friend and I'll support you in whatever you decide.", she reminded him before getting out of the car. Merrick sighed and got out of the car grabbing his gift from the back before locking the doors. He offered his free arm to Zoe as they walked over to the tent set up for the ceremony.
“Bride or groom?”, an usher asked looking briefly at Merrick and mostly looking at Zoe’s chest. Merrick growled a little. “They are bride...thank god you got here Merrick. Come on.”, Kim said taking the gift from Merrick’s hand and shoving it to the usher. “Put this where it belongs William.”, she instructed before grabbing Merrick’s arm. “Um guess I’ll grab a seat…”, Zoe said figuring this was some family emergency if Kim was quickly snatching Merrick up. “No you too.”, Kim said dragging them both in the direction of the small building on the property where the wedding party was getting ready. “What’s wrong? Faelan okay mom?”, Merrick asked figuring this was about his son. “No Faelan is fine. He’s been perfect. He’s over in the groomsmen room with your father. It’s your sister.”, Kim explained as they walked up to the door that was marked ‘Bride’. “Um okay then what do you need us for?”, Merrick asked confused. “Zoe I want to come with me to the kitchen this caterer is pissing me off and we can’t understand each other. He apparently only speaks Italian, I call bullshit, so I need someone to yell at him in his own language.”, Kim explained. “And you need to talk to your sister and get her to calm down.”, she said pointing to the door. It was easy to hear muffled crying and yelling. “Um...can I trade with Zoe?”, he asked. “No. Now talk to your sister. Come on Zoe I need your help with this chef.”, she said taking Zoe’s hand. “Um alright happy to help Kim. Good luck Merrick.”,she waved disappearing with his mother.
Merrick took a deep breath and looked at the door wincing hearing the yelling. Merrick knocked on the door. “God damn it what now.”, Emma grumbled pulling open the door. She frozen finding herself face to face with her brother’s chest and then looked up to see his face before quickly looking down. He hadn’t talked to her since Christmas. From what she had been told to him he no longer had a sister named Emma. Merrick held back a growl as Emma opened the door. She was the maid of honor for Josalyn’s wedding, along with Talia and Artemis as bridesmaids. Merrick just simply stepped around Emma walking into the room . “Get out, what if people were naked in here.”, Artemis demanded her hands on her hips glaring at Merrick. Her, Talia and Emma were all wearing the same knee length lapis colored sleeveless dress with round illusion mesh neckline with side cascade and back ruching finishes. “One I doubt the door would have been opened if people weren't clothed. Two god I’m thankful for that. How my cousin could stand to see you naked I’ll never understand. And don’t get me started on how Alexander deals with the demon over there. But to the point my mother sent me. So how about we cut the bullshit and avoid a confrontation on my sister’s day and someone tell me where my sister is and what’s happening?”, Merrick said folding his arms across his chest.
Emma didn’t say a word just slowly closed the door after he walked in. When he needed to be her brother was intimidating. Even in his best suit and tie set, he just looked taller and bigger in the chest than she knew he really was. Talia narrowed her eyes at the comment about her, but bit her tongue. She wasn’t in the mood to mess up Josalyn’s wedding. She was pretty sure that Kim would forsake Haven law and kill her. “Josalyn won’t talk to us, or say why she’s upset. She’s in the bathroom and won’t open the door. She just yells for us to leave her alone when we try.”, Talia answered pointing to the closed door. Merrick sighed and walked over to the door trying to knob. “It’s locked.”, Artemis said. “GO AWAY!”, Josalyn yelled inside. Merrick took another deep breath and looked over the door and it’s hinges before growing out a claw and popping the hinges and just lifting the door out of his way. “I could have done that..”, Artemis stated. “I said to leav…”, Josalyn started to yell but stopped as it was Merrick that stepped through the doorway. She had been crying, he could see it as her make up had started to wash away. Her eyes were red from crying. Merrick glanced to the open door where Emma, Talia and Artemis were peeking in. He glared at them and all three went back to trying to finish getting ready. Merrick sighed his expression softening as he knelt down on the bathroom floor in front of his sister who was sitting on the toilet seat wringing her hands on her lap. “What’s going on Jos?”, he asked reaching over and lightly taking her hands in his.
“Talk to me. This is your day and you’ve been planning it even before you met Robert. So tell me what’s wrong and I’ll fix it.”, he offered. “I just...today...it’s not how I’d always wanted it.”, Josalyn aid starting to cry. “Please..come on don’t cry. You know I don’t like seeing you cry.”, he said reaching and grabbing some tissues lightly dabbing away the tears. “Now tell me what’s wrong and I’ll fix it.”, he said. “What’s not how you wanted it?”, he asked. “I miss Nana.”, she admitted. “And...I want Lily here. And then that damn caterer is messing everything up. He doesn’t want to make the chicken the way I asked and is trying to get rid of the vegetarian options I picked just for you.”, she said. “And beyond that...I’m scared okay?”, she added. Merrick sighed smiling a little. “We all miss Nana. she wanted so badly to be here today and watch you get married. You were her Jo-Jo.”, he said wiping away her tears. “With the political mind of Winston and the sharp tongue of a true Frost, but with our mom’s beautiful face.”, he smiled. “She...she said that about me?”, she asked. “Yes. You don’t know how much Nana loved you. She was always so proud of you. She saw so much of her fighting spirit in you. She never worried about you making your own path and leaving an imprint on this world. And you see out that window...how bright the sun is shining today? That’s her. That’s her looking down shining on your special day. She’d want this day to be perfect and would cut the throat of anyone that dared make it not.”, he explained smiling softly. Josalyn smiled a little, Merrick may not always be the best with words but she knew when he wanted them the words were always just right.
They weren’t having a soft whispering type of conversation so Talia, Artemis and Emma could all hear what Merrick and Josalyn were saying. Emma sighed tearing a little listening to Merrick’s deep yet gentle voice talking so lovingly to Josalyn. Giving Josalyn assurance that he’d make it all better. Emma missed the days that he’d talk to her, that he’d give her that kind of assurance he would make it all better. Artemis teared a little at how Merrick spoke about their late great grandmother. As she was dating Shaw she knew how much the departed matriarch of the Frost family had meant to them all. Even Talia felt a small twinge in her heart. That someone would or could that kind of emotion into something. Sure she pushed any mushy feelings aside, she was a pure Neyaphem such emotions were for humans not her kind. “I hope they wrap this up, the wedding is supposed to start soon.”, Talia whispered. “Shh. Just let them talk. Josalyn needs this.”, Artemis whispered back. Merrick could hear them but chose to ignore them. Today wasn’t about anyone else. Today and this moment was about his sister. About making her day better and getting her back on track to having her happily ever after. He just wanted her to be happy. And he would do whatever it took to make her happy especially today of all days.
“Now for the food part of your issue, mom has Zoe on it. And if I know my hellraiser, that’s exactly what she’s doing. Giving that chef hell. It’ll be fixed I promise. If he doesn’t do what he’s supposed to you have a new statue to add to the decorations and she’ll cook.”, he assured. “Now for your issue of missing our triplet…”, he said digging out his cell phone and pulling up Skype and selecting Rose, since Lily didn’t have Skype. Rose was sitting in the little waiting area in her black silk kimono with white and pink floral pattern when her phone started to go off. She quickly grabbed it and smiled answering the skype. She smiled seeing Merrick’s face. “Hey handsome. Didn’t think I’d hear from you till after the weddings.”, she greeted. “Aww is that Merrick? HI MERRICK!”, Atif, Landon, and Cora Lee teased. They were all sitting in the waiting area too. Rose’s hair had been pulled up into a side bun and decorated with pink flowers to match the kimono. Cora Lee was wearing the exact same kimono with the same hair style. Landon and Atif were wearing formal kilts. Ashley and Xavier’s way of merging their cultures was to have all the females of the bridal party in traditional Japanese clothes and the men in traditional Scottish. Merrick smiled seeing Rose’s face. “God you're gorgeous…”, he commented but shook his head to get back on track. “Must focus. Tell the others to pipe down. My sister right there? I need her pronto.”, he explained. “Um she’s here somewhere.”, Rose said. “LILY! Merrick needs you!”, she called.
“Oh you just missing the long conversation of how Atif and I could make beautiful red-haired babies in another life. You know where I’m not in love with you and he liked breasts.”, she chuckled. “Beautiful babies for days!”, Atif chuckled. “Uh huh. Well in his life if anyone’s making babies red haired other otherwise with you, it’s me. And it’s okay that he doesn’t like breasts. I like yours enough for all mankind.”, he smirked. Rose chuckled a little. Josalyn smiled a little listening to the back and forth between Merrick and Rose, they were in love that much she couldn’t deny. “Lily should be on the way. She has crazy share ears today.”, Rose commented. “She’s in make her best friend’s day perfect mode. Like I’m in make Josalyn’s day perfect mode.”, Merrick nodded looking to his sister with a smile. Lily walked out from the dressing room having finished getting her makeup on. “Cora Lee sit up. Do not wrinkle that kimono. Landon fix your socks I can see the top of your Blaze Halo tattoo. Ashley is finishing up with makeup. So we’ll be starting soon. Where’s Jimmy?”, she asked immediately going mother hen. Cora lee sat up and straightening out her kimono while Landon fixed his socks. “Donovan is helping him with his kollt. Too much fabric apparently for my future brother.”, Landon answered. “Ahem. Speaking of brothers. One here with a crisis an ocean away.”, Merrick interrupted.
Rose chuckled and offered the phone to lily. “Lily your help is needed. I think Josalyn is having a panic attack.”, she said.. Lily raised an eyebrow confused taking the phone. “Umm hey Merrick. What’s going on? Rose said it was urgent and you need”, she asked before having to hold still for the woman to paint her lips. “Well it’s less that I need you and more that our sister does.”, Merrick explained. “Our sister?”, she asked a little confused why Josalyn would need her. Merrick didn’t say anything instead he turned the phone to face Josalyn. Lily blinked seeing the red eyed and tear stained face of her identical sister. “Josalyn? What...what’s going on?”, Lily asked. She’d never really been the one that comforted siblings. That was Merrick’s department. And over the years her and Josalyn, despite being identical in appearance became opposite people and grew further apart with each year. “H...hi Lily… I know… I know we don’t generally get along..”, Josalyn sniffled. Merrick sighed and moved so he was sort of in frame. “Okay so I’ll explain since I’m pretty sure Josalyn is going to start to cry again. Today is her wedding, a day she’s planned since were kids. And back when she planned today you were part of today. And now her big day is here and she feels something is missing and you are that something.”, Merrick explained. “Really?”, Lily asked. “That really how you feel Josalyn?”, she asked looking at her mirror image. Josalyn sniffled and nodded. “Yes. I know we’ll never really be on the same page. We have very different ideals and values. But...but today is my wedding. And it’s a day that my family being here is what means the most. And while I was getting ready looking at the mirror I couldn’t shake that I miss you. That you should be next to me, helping me get ready.”, Josalyn explained starting to cry again. Merrick was quick to dab the tears.
“I...I’m sorry I’m not there Josalyn. I just...today is..”, Lily sighed. “I know. Ashley’s wedding date was set before mine. You have that obligation to her. She’s your...your best friend and you’re her maid of honor. And I get that you couldn’t make it today. But I still miss you.”, Josalyn sniffled. “Josalyn….”, Lily sighed softly. “Please don’t cry okay? I’m glad you miss me. I didn’t really figure you would. But just well please don’t cry. It’s your wedding. You should be happy and glowing. You should be getting ready and having people telling you how beautiful you look. Which you do. This is your special day. Your maid of honor should be making sure it’s perfect. As I’m doing over here for Ashley.”, Lily smiled. Josalyn smiled a little nodding. “I know. And I’m sure if I let Emma try she’d have done what she could. But...I just today I needed my triplets.”, Josalyn said. “Well what else is wrong other than missing me?”, Josalyn asked. “Missing Nana, ishing she was here. But I’m okay now about that. Merrick...he said the sweetest thing. About how the sunshining so brightly today is Nana watching over today.”, Josalyn sniffled. Lily smiled. “Aww Merrick..you and your ability to occasionally pull sweet words from your ass. That how you got my Rose?”, she teased. Josalyn smiled laughing a little. “Doubtful. Pretty sure it was the mind blowing sex.”, Merrick smirked. The room erupted in laughter from Cora Lee, Atif and Landon. “Him coming to stop me before getting on the plane helped too.”, Rose commented . Lily and Josalyn where both shaking their head. “that’s a sentence I never want to hear you say again Merrick.”, they both said. Merrick chuckled and shrugged. “Eh that was just what closed the deal. I had her hooked long before that.”, he smiled.
“Alright enough talk about sex lives. Josalyn I hope you have a beautiful wedding.”, rose said. “Thank you Rose.”, Josalyn said. “Have a great day sis. JMerrick you handle anything that upsets her.”, Lily instructed. “Got it covered. Well technically zoe does. Caterer speaks Italian and is trying to pull the not English card with mom. She he’s getting hell in the form of my five foot four, one hundred twenty pound hellraiser. She’ll get him on track or turn him into a statue and take over his kitchen.”, Merrick explained. Rose laughed a bit. “Need her as a bouncer someday.”, she teased. Lily chuckled trying to imagine tiny Zoe in a fight. “She is the daughter of Damon. She might not look it but she can take a person down.”, Merrick commented. he wasn’t going to go into that he knew first hand. Since there was more than once she’d gotten him on his back by force during the time they were seeing each other. Josalyn laughed softly. “Well you should get back to your friend’s day. Bye.”, Josalyn nodded. “Bye guys. Good luck to Ashley and Xavier. Love you Rose.”, Merrick added. “Love you too Merrick.”, rose smiled taking her phone back. “AWWW aren’t they adorable.”, the others teased before they ended to call. “Thank you Merrick. I ..I needed that.”, Josalyn smiled. “Anything for you. So now what is this being scared talk?”, he asked sitting back on the floor in front of her.
“I’m just..so it seems silly. But I’m scared of the whole getting married. Right now we get into a fight or whatever I can tell him to go home. We don’t have to live with each other and deal with each other on a daily basis. And we are going to be moving into his apartment together. So it’s his space not mine. And it’ll just be us. There won’t be anyone to defuse the situation. No roommates, just the two of us.”, Josalyn explained. “You love him? You want to be with him forever? He makes you happy?”, Merrick asked. “Of course. I’m marrying him aren’t I.”, Josalyn defended. “Then the little things don’t matter. You’ll fight. It’s in your nature to argue. So you fight when you fight. And then you make up. And you get stronger together because of it. Yes the happy moments are the ones you’ll always looks back at as times goes on. But it’ll be the harder more painful moments that will help make those happy ones even better and the two of you even stronger as you overcome the obstacles.”, he explained. Josalyn smiled shaking her head and leaned forward hugging him tightly around the neck. “God you are the best brother.”, she smiled.
While Merrick was having his heart to heart moment with the bride Kim had taken Zoe to the kitchen to face off against the chef. The chef was sitting on a stool arms crossed refusing to work. “Rimuovere l'opzione vegetariana! e ti fai chiamare italiano !? Se volevamo carne in tutto quello che saremmo tedesco o scozzese! (Remove the vegetarian option! and you call yourself Italian!? If we wanted meat in everything we'd be German or Scottish!)”, she started yelling letting directly into the chef. Oh she was furious that this man was messing with the meal for the wedding. She liked Josalyn, but it wasn’t even just about Josalyn. he was trying to remove the only part of the meal that Merrick could eat. And no one messed with her Merrick’s meals. “Io porterò su questo cucina se mi fai! Ora si farà esattamente come ordinato. Un singolo grano di sale di più e farò in modo di capire ciò che il cibo reale. Ora tornare indietro e rifare tutto il cibo dannati che hai una cazzata. No, invece! (I will take over this kitchen if you make me! Now you will make it exactly as ordered. A single grain of salt more and I will ensure you understand what real food is. Now go back and remake all the damned food you have fucked up. No, instead!)”, she said jabbing the man in his chest before stopped back. Instead she grabbed a chef's jacket that was hung nearby and put it on glaring at the man. He seemed actually rather scared of the tiny woman. “Vi mostrerò esattamente come dovrebbe essere fatto ogni piatto. (I will show you exactly how each dish should be made.)”, she said with a curt nod of her head as she went to the station to start making what was ordered.
Kim smiled watching as the man cowered from Zoe. The girl could figuratively breath fire, a trait that Kim was sure was one of many that Merrick and Hazel loved about her. She sighed in relief, she hadn’t been sure what Zoe was saying to the man but from the looks of it Zoe was taking control of the situation. Zoe seemed to age when she got in the kitchen like this. Probably because her only role models for it, especially when yelling, were Klaus, Alec and her mother. She buttoned the chef jacket to protect her satin dress. “Kim, you can go make sure Josalyn is okay. And tell her the food will be exactly as she wants it. If it isn’t. I’ll shove it in that schef’s ass for every incorrectly prepared dish.”, she smiled speaking English looking to kim as she started to cook. Kim laughed and gave her a hug. “And this is why my son is so fortunate to have a best friend like you. I suppose I should see if Merrick got Josalyn to open the bathroom door.”, she nodded. She hugged Kim back and smiled. “If not he probably turned into a mouse or something to fit under the door. I promise the food will at least be perfect.”, she said. She liked Kim a lot. She turned her facial expression entirely as she glared at the chef. “Questo è come fare il pollo! (This is how you make the chicken!)”, she yelled starting to cook all the dished intending to make him eat every one of the correctly done dishes.
When Kim went to check on Josalyn she saw the door removed and could hear Merrick talking so sweetly to Josalyn. She smiled and just took a seat quietly listening. She was so proud of the man Merrick had grown to be. He could of course be an intimidating and some may scary individual and a tad rough around the edges. But to anyone who got to know him, they saw the pearl he was. When it came to his family and people he loved he was the sweetest man. That’s why she’d sent him to Josalyn. Sure she could have talked her daughter down, but Merrick doing it would mean more than her. It was moments like this that made it easy to see how he made such a great dad. And Kim hoped that maybe down the road he’d have more children with someone he truly loves and that won’t get scared and be influenced into leaving like Jenna had. And she figured that Rose wasn’t the running or influenceable type. She hadn’t let Faelan scare her off. Kim just hoped that eventually the pair would figure out how they were going to make their relationship work. Because the distance wasn’t a good strain to have. And certainly not when someone like Zoe was right here at Merrick’s side supporting him the best she can as a friend. No they needed to be in the same place again for it to work. And it scared Kim that she’d lose her oldest son. But if he loved Rose he’d do whatever it took to be with her.
Zoe fixed small sample versions of each dish and made Enzo, the chef, taste each of them before taking a tray of the samples. “Ora si cucina che esattamente come ho fatto o almeno così mi aiuti! (Now you cook that exactly as I did or so help me!)”, she warned before leaving the kitchen with the tray, having removed the chef jacket. She wanted Josalyn to taste everything. She didn't hear yelling anymore as she got to the door so that was a good sign. She knocked on the door and Emma opened it. Emma’s cold eyes narrowed looking at Zoe and then they went wide as she saw her nana’s bird brooch pinned to Zoe’s dress. “You….”, Emma started. “Zoe? come in.”, Kim said interrupting Emma. Emma fell silent as her mother beckoned Zoe in. Zoe smiled and walked past her raising the tray out of the way. “I have straightened that supposed chef out. The meal will be prepared as it was originally intended. If it’s not I will turn anything cooked improperly into stone and give him a rectal taste of granite.”, Zoe commented to Kim before walking to the open doorway where she could see Merrick’s legs. Talia laughed a little at the imagery, maybe there was some Petridis in Zoe beyond her hair after all.
“Hey Josalyn...I brought you some samples of the meal. Wanted you to try them.”, she greeted sweetly. Zoe smiled softly as she got to the door and saw Josalyn leaning forward in her wedding gown hugging Merrick tightly and him hugging back. Josalyn sniffled and sat back up wiping her tears that were still there. “Oh..thank you Zoe..”, she greeted. “Told you hellraiser would set the guy straight.”, Merrick smiled standing back up and dusting off his slacks. “Indeed I did. Everything will be made the way you wanted or he’ll hear it from and I’ll cook instead.”, she smiled. “I hope you won’t have to do that. But thank you. Paid to invite you.”, she laughed a little taking one of samples. “It’s delicious.”, she smiled. Zoe smiled and set the tray down for Josalyn to nibble off as she wanted. “I’ll leave you to finishing getting ready. You are going to make such a beautiful bride. Robert is a truly lucky man.”, she smiled. “Thank you Zoe.”, Josalyn said giving her a hug before hugging Merrick. “Thank you too Merrick. I don’t know how any of us would survive without you there for us.”, she said. Merrick smiled giving her a hug. “I’m your brother. I’ll always be here for you Josalyn. Zoe and I are going to go find seats. I’ll see you out there when dad walks you down that aisle.”, Merrick smiled giving her a kiss on the forehead. “You are going to fix the bathroom door first.”, Kim stated. Merrick nodded. “Sure mom.”, he said grabbing the door and the hinges and putting it back in place. “Alright let’s get to our seats.”, he said offering his arm to Zoe. Zoe nodded and went to get seats with Merrick.
Out under the canvas tent that was all set for the ceremony Robert, his best man Devon, Alexander and another of his friends Justin stood waiting. Merrick and Zoe hurried to their seats Sebastian having saved two seats by him and Gina. Devon, and a few others watched as Zoe and Merrick got to their seats since everyone had been waiting for the bridal party. Alexander raised an eyebrow and glanced to Devon seeing the line of sight of Devon’s eyes. Devon’s eyes locked directly on Zoe’s chest. Alexander swiftly slapped Devon in the back of the head. "Don't fucking think about it.", he whispered. "What?", Devon whispered back. "Since you're too blind to see the family resemblance... that's my sister. Look at her with lust again you'll be checking into the emergency room.", whispered through a smile as the photographer was looking at them with her camera. Devon blinked at the threat not sure if it was idle or not. But finally it looked like the wedding was going to start. Faelan walked down the aisle carrying a pillow with two gold rings walking next to Robert’s younger cousin who was the flower girl. Then out came Artemis, Talia and Emma. As the music started everyone stood and out walked Josalyn, her makeup and hair and been fixed and she was smiling brightly as she walked with her arm holding Christian’s in her strapless mermaid with a drop waist bodice featuring a floral lace appliques intricately beaded with pearls and then a side-draped skirt. Merrick smiled looking at his sister before looking at Robert. Robert was locked on Josalyn a bright smile on his face, Merrick nodded a little Robert loved his sister and would take care of her.
As the ceremony turned to the reception in another tent the party really started. Zoe was at least glad that Chef Enzo hadn’t screwed up. Because she’d not been in the mood for having to go back into the kitchen to cook everything all over again. As the night went on she did get to dance a couple times with her brother and some with little Faelan in her arms. She also even got a couple dances in with some of the single men at the wedding. A couple were dismissed by her for trying to let their hands wander. But a couple, the best man Devon and the usher William had given her their numbers. They both asked if she needed a ride home which she was at least smart enough to know you don’t accept a ride home from a stranger and told them politely she had a ride. Merrick danced with Josalyn and his mother for at least one dance each but otherwise he mostly stuck to watching his son. He’d declined a few women who’d ask easily explaining that he was taken. Faelan had fallen asleep on him and Merrick sighed as Zoe walked over from dancing with Devon. “Hey Merrick….aww sweet cucciolo.”, she said seeing Faelan asleep on Merrick’s chest. “You two are just soo adorable…”, she said sitting down next to Merrick. “Mmm...Thanks. Want to take him? I need to go use the restroom.”, he requested. “Sure pass him over.”, she chuckled extending her arms. Merrick carefully detached Faelan not wanting to wake him and gave him to Zoe. Faelan whimpered and whined a little as he was moved and then leaned against Zoe resting his head on her chest opposite the brooch and went back to sleep. “Yeah he’s your kid.”, she teased. Merrick smirked standing up and giving her a kiss on the forehead. “Yup we both know that if it’s a choice between a pillow and yours or Rose’s chest always go for the breasts.”, he winked before walking away to use the bathroom.
As he was walking back he passed the bar that wasn’t too far from his table where two men doing shots. And he overheard their conversation. "Wouldn't mind using those as more than a pillow.", one commented pointing over to Zoe holding Faelan who was fast asleep against her chest. "I'll drink to that.", he other one said doing a shot. Without even thinking about it Merrick decked one with a right hook. Merrick wasn’t even aware that on the other side of the men Alexander had heard the same conversation. Alexander decking the second with a left. As the two slumped down Merrick and Alexander looked to see who got the other and paused seeing it was each other. "You hit him for the same reason I hit that one?", Alexander asked "Inappropriate comment about Zoe?", Merrick replied. Alexander nodded. "Then yes.", Merrick stated. The two guys start to get up and to argue about get hit. "Shut up.." Merrick and Alexander said punching them again again. “we should clean this up.”, Merrick commented. Alexander nodded. Neither wanted to get in trouble with josalyn or with Zoe. So they each grabbed one of the unconscious offenders and dragged them away from the reception. "You realize this doesn’t change anything.", Alexander said dropping his guy on the ground near some parked cars. "Of course not. You still hate me for kicking your ass when we were kids. And leaving the Academy.", Merrick nodded dropping his on the other creating a rather comical situation where the two men looked to be dry humping. "And for breaking my sister's heart.", Alexander said before he walked away.
After the bonding moment with Alexander Merrick got back to the and carefully pried his son off Zoe giving him to Kim instead. "Dance with me?", he said offering his hand. He hadn’t danced with her all night and he had some questions he wanted answered. So it seemed the best way to get them. She blinked as he pulled Faelan off of her then smiled. "Sure, why not?",she asked taking his hand and walking to the dance area. "Soooo... Got a question.",he stated as they started to dance. It being a slower song. He wasn't like Demitri or Landon in regards to dancing skills but he at least knew how, as his mom taught him. "Alright, shoot.", she said. She danced with him, smiling a bit and her arms around him. Zoe always enjoyed being close to Merrick. "Just had a moment with your brother. And he says the strangest thing. About me breaking his sister's heart. What's he know that I don't?",he asked. Unlike when he'd been made to dance by girls like Jenna he wasn't fighting the movements. He just moved with the time of the music keeping his hands slightly above the small of her back. She blinked and then looked for her brother to shoot him a glare. "Damn it, Alexander.", she whispered under her breath. She looked at Merrick and sighed. "It's nothing, Merrick. Really.", she said. "Right. Nothing. He's added it to his short list of why he hates me. And you just cursed him under your breath.",he sighed shaking his head.
"When you've said you love me... you're not saying it as a friend are you?", he asked. She shook her head a bit and looked up at him. "It doesn't really matter how I'm saying it, does it?",she asked. "Never really has. It wouldn't have changed your decision. We both know that. It would have just made it more painful and harder. I'm not saying you don't think my opinion matters or care... Just that in the long run, who I love doesn't matter to you. You love Rose.", she explained. "Of course it matters. I don't know if it'd change things. Depends on when you started meaning it like that, maybe. It wasn't fully my decision. How things played out was in Rose's court. She had the power to decide if she'd have me and Faelan. It'd have broken my heart if she had chosen differently. But I'd already been preparing myself for that. Who you love does matter to me. Weather that's me or not. Because yes I love Rose. But I love you too. And it was never a first and second choice between you.",he sighed trying to explain. She shook her head but was smiling slightly. "Merrick, I know. I know you care. And it was in Rose's court but I wasn't going to muddle things up. If Rose had decided she couldn't love you both then I'd have been there however you needed or wanted me to be.",she rubbed the back of his neck gently as they danced. But then blinked slightly when he said he loved her. "I'm... A bit surprised at that.", she said softly.
"But I know if you had gotten with me, it wouldn't be you settling for someone. Yes I got my heart broken, but I had my heart broken by someone getting the woman they've loved for years. By a guy that made sure nothing was promised at the beginning of everything. But don't think I hate you or will be ruined by this. If you can love Rose so much, that means I'll find someone out there I can love as much as I love you, maybe more.", she smiled softly up at him. "Not sure how that's a surprise. I was with you for seven months. Just spending time with you even when nothing physical went on. I spent more time with you than I had with Leslie and she was my girlfriend. Like I said only two women could make me forget Rose when with them. You're one of them.",he explained. "I'm sure you will. And whoever he is better be worthy of that love or I'll feed him to the carnivores at the sanctuary.",he smiled. She smiled and nodded. "I know, Merrick. Yes, Alexander was right. My heart is broken. But it'll get better..",she smiled more. "Life is a movie, all about you. And in this part of my life, it's when everything broke my heart, when I lost things so amazingly important to me and life is beating me down. But it'll get better, and when I finally get to the end of that movie it'll have been all worth it. Because no matter what, I'll keep fighting and living my life and be happy. And the guy I finally find to love that loves me too and no one else, will have a hard bar against them.", she continued. "Good because I want you to be happy.", Merrick nodded. "Glad to set the standard.",he chuckled. "Poor bastard. But lucky too.", he added.
"Doesn't mean I'm not insanely jealous of Rose.",she commented. "Yes well if it makes you feel better she's jealous of you sometimes.", he replied. It was true. He knew that in a small way it killed Rose that zoe was here. That in moments when he needed someone to hug Zoe was there to be that person. Zoe was who he’d gone to when he found out about Faelan. When he’d found out what Emma had done, it was Zoe that hugging him tight till he calmed down. When Hazel died it was Zoe that drove to the Haven to hug him and be there. It was Zoe who’d been there for him bringing him lunch, helping with Faelan, just supporting him every step of the way. "It does.",she laughed. "Am I terrible for that?",she asked. "Nah. Am I terrible that I knocked a guy out for talking about your breasts while my son was using them as pillows?", he asked with a smile. She blinked then rolled her eyes. "Merrick this is your sisters wedding!", she scolded. "I know. That's why your brother and I dragged the two idiots out to the parking lot to wake up in a precarious position.",he smirked. "Oh god you two.",she sighed and shook her head. "Can't behave..", she partially scolded. "Told you we had a moment. Come on the only thing that can put me and a male Petridis on the same side is you.", he smiled. "Well does that mean I need to put Faelan in your hands for the rest of the wedding?", she teased.
"No. Just keep my hands were they are and neither of us get in trouble ", he smiled rubbing at her back. "Which thinking of male Petridis please tell me your dad at least doesn't know about us.", he questioned. "Oh he has suspicions.", she answered "Fantastic... I kind of figured Alec wouldn't be spilling those beans. Kind of surprised you told Alexander.", he said. "He came to my place after you told me about you starting to date Rose and I was a bit of a wreck.", she explained. "Ah. So you told him we had been together? Or he just that good a guesser.", he asked completely unaware that Emma knew having peaked in Zoe's head at the Christmas party before he confessed his love to Rose. And that Emma had happily told Alexander. She sighed and shook her head. "Emma rifled through my head at the Christmas party and told him. He came to see me, and confront me about it. I don't lie to my family so I told him the truth... About how I felt, everything.", she admitted. "Emma did what? If this wasn't Josalyn's wedding I'd ring her neck...",he growled low. "She didn't hurt me when she found out at least.", Zoe said trying to calm him. "Well yeah. We were at Nana's. Nana would have bitch slapped her.", he smiled a little knowing Hazel would have. "And she hasn't done it sense. Apparently a girl loving you isn't the criteria to go crazy.", Zoe assured. "I'm not sure what the criteria is. Katherine was the first girl I slept with, big deal long fucking list preceded her. Leslie I loved and we were going to move into, ironically, your apartment. And Jenna I couldn't stand but was having Faelan with.", he shrugged.
"Looks like it's the girls you want the most. So I'm safe.", she teased smirking. "But I didn't want Jenna. I spent her pregnancy with you.",he shook his head. "Emma is just nuts. I don't know what her deal is. Or why it's only me she does this crap too. There are other siblings.",he frowned. "You're her big brother though.",she shrugged. "I don't know. Has anyone ever asked directly?", she asked. "Not sure. I'm generally to ready to kill her to ask. Maybe Josalyn did. Not sure.", he shrugged. "If we really wanted to know, I could ask. She might be angry enough at my existence to spill the beans.",she smiled. "Yeah... Not taking that risk. She's been glaring at you this whole time. Let's not set her off.",he suggested noticing Emma glaring over at them. She smirked. "Aww I could really set her off but it'd be bad.", she smiled letting her fingers tist a little in the hair near his neck. "Yes. But you've got class. You don't wouldn’t get into a fight at a wedding.",he shook his head. "Oh I was saying really make her angry by kissing you, but that isn't fair to miss Rose.",she smirked. "Yeah.. Let's not put me in a situation that I might misbehave.",he laughed. Even though it was true. "You've done that enough with this dress and that mini fashion show when you got the clothes.",he smirked. She laughed a bit. "Merrick if I was naked and on a bed you wouldn't do anything.",she sighed. "Because I'm not allowed. Doesn't mean I wouldn't want to. Look temptation up your picture is next to it.",he teased.
She smiled at him and leaned up, kissing his nose. "Songs almost over.",she said softly. His nose twitched at the kiss. "Why do you two do that to me?",he asked. it was one of rose’s favorite things to do to him. "Because your nose makes the most adorable twitches. God I hope the next guy I fall in love with is as adorable as you.",she answered. Merrick chuckled. "Good luck with that. Unless you're waiting like eighteen years for Faelan.",he teased. She smirked. "Oh that's just wrong," she teased "Train him early.",he laughed. "I'm joking. You're auntie Zoe to him.",he added. "But hey maybe when you meet the lucky bastard you end up marrying, you'll have a daughter to go with Faelan.",he chuckled. "Already planning his future, sly dog.", she said. "Nah. He'll figure that out on his own. Just ask a simple set of rules. Always use condoms, and they better be ones you bring and in general don't repeat my mistakes.",he smiled looking over to his mother holding Faelan as the song ended. “Come on. Let’s head back to Bayville. Faelan should get into pajamas and into his crib where he can sleep in his wolf form comfortably.”, he suggested. Zoe nodded in agreement and they walked over to the table. She carefully took Faelan from Kim while Merrick grabbed his diaper bag and then the car seat from his parents car before they drove back to Bayville.

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The weekend of Josalyn wedding was finally upon everyone. It was going to be a busy weekend and not just for the Frost family. The Howlett, Delaney, and Kearney families were all heading across the ocean as it was the same weekend that Ashley and Xavier were getting married. Logan and Aurelia had offered to let Merrick and Faelan travel with them across the ocean to go as Rose’s date. But Merrick had to decline. Faelan was in Josalyn’s wedding and he couldn’t bring himself to miss it, even though Lily was going to miss it. However was hard to argue that Lily should go to Josalyn’s wedding when she was a the maid of honor for Ashley. So as much as he wanted to leave with everyone and get to be with Rose he stayed put. His parents and Sebastian had left already for the wedding. Merrick had driven over to pick up Zoe. While he waited for her to finish changing he sat in the living room talking on the phone to Rose. “Wish I could have gotten back to go with you today.”, Rose sighed wincing as the hairstylist tugged at her hair trying to get it up the way the other bridesmaids were wearing theirs. “I’m sure you do. Just like I wish I was there today. But you are a bridesmaid for Ashley, our son is the ringer barrier for Josalyn, you can’t miss your nephew’s wedding and well I can’t miss my sister’s wedding. You will have fun with your friends and family tonight. And I’ll…”, his voice trailed off as Zoe was walked out and he turned to look at her.
Zoe had chosen to wear a pale green satin shelf dress that she’d gotten from Hazel, the cut was perfect making her look a bit curvier and like she had a bit more of a chest than she knew she really did. She was putting on the second of her dangling pearl and white gold leaf earrings that matched the necklace from the set hazel had left her in the will and matched on point with the ring she wore on her right hand from Merrick and Hazel. “Merrick? You still there?”, Rose asked. “Um yeah I’m here. Sorry. You will have fun with your friends and family and I’ll try to not kill any of my family or Josalyn and Robert’s friends.”, he said blinked and regaining focus to finish his sentence. “Yes no killing, maiming or even slightly injuring people. It’s a wedding Merrick.”, Rose smiled thought wondered what had distracted him. “I know I know.”, he answered looking at Zoe still. Zoe furrowed her brother was him wondering if there was something wrong. “Alright well stay out of trouble. I need to go finish getting ready. I love you.”, rose said. “I’ll try. I love you too.”, he smiled softly he still loved hearing Rose say those words to him. “Bye babe.”, Rose said ending the call. “Bye little wolf.”, he said putting his phone away. “Are...are you going to wear like I don’t know a shawl or something?”, he asked.
Zoe looked down and then back and him and smirked. “Hadn’t planned on it. Why? Too distracting?”, she asked with a laugh. Merrick rolled his eyes getting up. "Really? You're going to do this to me?", Merrick response. "Doing what? You're the one taken remember?", she asked grabbing her purse. "I know. I keep reminding myself of that fact. And that the dress was Nana's and nothing my Nana wore should drive me this nuts.", he sighed as they headed down to the car. "Aww poor Merrick, being attracted to his best friend.", she teased getting into the car. "I am curious why I got an invite. I mean, I do like Josalyn.", she pondered. Merrick rolled his eyes pulling out of the parking lot. "Attracted was established a long time ago.", shaking his head. Once again reminding himself of his relationship status and that he loves Rose. "Josalyn likes you. And in a small way I think wants to goat Emma knowing Emma can't say or do anything because it's her wedding.", he explained. Zoe laughed a bit. "Well, maybe I should make a bigger effort to actually get to know Josalyn. She was nice enough to invite me to her wedding and can't use to excuse I'm 'with' you since I'm no longer such.", she commented. "I suppose. Josalyn isn't all bad, just partially.", he chuckled. "She at least has been willing to set feelings aside about Rose.", he commented. "You have worn the bird brooch. Josalyn already knows you got it. Why not let the others find out in a forum that you can't be touched.", he commented glancing over at her. She blinked then chuckled. "I do always keep it in my purse, since I don't want it far away...", she said digging into her purse and taking it out. She carefully pinned the valued brooch to the bust of her dress.
"Exactly. Occasions like this are when Nana would wear it." ,he smiled looking over at her again. "I'm going to get into so many fights at this reception.", he sighed shaking his head noticing that the brooch just brought more attention to her chest. "Why is that?",she asked, crossing her legs and smoothing out the dress. "One, if any of my family starts to make a scene about you in one of Nana's old dresses and more importantly wearing the brooch. And two if Robert's university buddies oggling your chest.", he explained. "Oh let them oggle." she said. "You realize some scenes on broadway are nude scenes.", she shook her head. "Yeah well... First of the idiots to try something it'll be between me and Alexander which knocks them out first. God we'd actually be of the same mind of something... So scary.", he chuckled. Defending Zoe was probably the only thing hima nd Alexander could agree on anymore. "And yes, I know there are nude scenes. I just don't think about that. I've already seen you naked in private scenes intended just for me.", he smirked. She chuckled. "You'd never survive dating me if I made it big and got those parts.", she said. "It'll be nice to see Alexander. He doesn't visit too often..",he commented on the subject of her brother. "I'd survived just fine... Just some theatergoers wouldn't." ,he smirked. "Well I'm sure college and then his future father-in-law keep him busy.",he shrugged. She shrugged a little. "I'm sure." She chuckled and fixed her hair. "Thanks for the ride.", she added. "Hopefully he eventually gets the time to get to know you more. Gina adores you to no end. He should take the time to see he got a rather fantastic sister, even if she's foolish enough to hang around me.",he smiled. "No problem. Didn't figure you'd borrow Alec's car or that it made any sense for Alexander to drive down to get you just to drive back up.", he replied. "Yep. How much longer though? Cars aren't really my thing since I've spent a couple days of my life on planes.", she asked.
"Should be there in about another hour. See I would have, and kind of did, live in this car for a few years.", he shrugged. He’d take traveling by car over plane any day of the week. "I don't want to shine a blacklight on this thing.", she teased glancing to the back seat which had the empty car seat base and a wrapped present. It was obvious he’d gotten his mother to wrap the gift because it looked pristine and neat. "Hey... I detail my car at least once a month. Back in those days at least once a week or sometimes more depending. And I didn't have as much sex in the back as you'd assume. Not enough room back there. Your old bed offered more space.",he teased. She smirked. "And yet I never got sex.", she teased. "Maybe I'm looking for a one-night stand.", she shrugged thinking about the reception where obviously there would be guys she’s never met. "Because of a rule. That I struggled to follow.", he defended. Merrick shook his head.. "No. ", he said simply. She smirked. "Aww come on, time to be protective isn’t over?" She asked. "It's not even about being protective about you. Sure that's part of it. A one night stand shouldn't be your first time. You deserve better than that.", he explained. And there was a small part of him that was jealous of the idea she might hook up with someone else and they’d get to have her in a way he hadn’t. She looked over and smiled, putting a hand on her chest. "Awww. but technically, you know, your first time was similar right? And really. Rose was originally that.", she countered.
"Technically my first time wasn't a one night stand. One night stand means one time deal. I slept with Katherine a number of times. And no Rose wasn’t originally that. Sure it wasn't love and we weren't dating. But it wasn't a one night stand. It'd taken four months of making out for her to decide she wanted to sleep with me. I didn't pressure the point of having sex. Figured if she decided to fantastic, if she didn't well making out was enjoyable and whatever girl I called later to finish what Rose started had a hell of a time.", he shrugged. Zoe shook her head and chuckled. "Alright, alright. No one night stands, dad.", she teased taking her hand back. Merrick rolled his eyes. "I'm just saying you deserve better than some jerk who's only looking for a piece of ass.", he sighed. "Hey, it is a nice piece of ass thank you very much.",she poked his side. "I didn't say it's not. It's a fantastic ass. In that dress or even in sweatpants it's a fantastic ass. Outstanding in a thong, even better completely bare especially liked it in the shower.", he commented. As he spoke about it the images were easily recalled. The seven months he’d spent with her. Getting to be close to her, to see her naked, to sleep next to her, to shower with her, to touch her. "Well thank you.”,she smirked. She remembered those months just as vividly as he did. "Technically I'm the one that should thank you for that.",he winked. "Okay should probably stop talking about your ass and any other part of you body. It's not helping me.", he sighed trying to shake away the memories. "Probably should, your girlfriend might get jealous.", she chuckled. "Yeah. She already kind of is. In a way I wonder what her jealous would actually be. I mean when she was in high school I sort of saw her jealous of Jenna when she dragged me to the Draven. But since we were on the down low about our relationship she couldn't say or do anything. She just went into the alley to not see me with Jenna. I ended up following her leaving Jenna with her friends. Pinned her against the wall of the club making out seriously considering fucking her there in the alley of my half brother's club while my 'date' was inside unaware.", he said a smiled on his face.
As he told the story the memory came to his mind and replaced the thoughts about getting Zoe naked in the backseat. "Ooh scandalous!", she said, smirking and looking at him. Merrick smirked and shrugged. "Broke a lot of rules when it came to Rose. Had a rule about whoever I was with in that moment was the only person occupying my mind. Total lie after I started hooking up with Rose. Even before we started having sex, especially before we started having sex. Leave with basically blue balls from an intense make out session and call someone like Jada or her twin Jennifer, Jenna, sometimes even Karli. And I hate to admit it but I was thinking about Rose while having sex with one of them.", he explained. Zoe smiled a bit and shook her head. "How romantic.", she teased. "But really. You guys look good together and look really happy.",she commented. It still hurt, but she wouldn't bring it up with him. And she knew she was a good catch, she wouldn't have a hard time finding another guy. "Oh yeah. You know me hopeless romantic.",he chuckled. "Only two people ever got me to forget about Rose.",he sighed. Leslie was of course one of them. For the six months he dated Leslie before her accident he hadn’t thought once about Rose. And the other being Zoe who for seven months he hadn’t thought about or worried about Rose. "Thanks. And we are, minus that ocean...",he frowned. "Hey you'll figure it out. Either she'll move here or... You'll move there", she said, pausing a bit. She didn't like that idea. "Yeah. Option one would be great for me. Not leave my parents, my sanctuary, my business, and importantly not leave my best friends. But it won't happen. I know Rose, she'll never leave Excalibur.", he shrugged.
Hazel had known what needed to happen, it’s why she’d left him the property in England and the money in Pounds rather than dollars. "Your business isn't a big deal", she said. "You can pick that up there, maybe even sell things for more.", she said. "I know. I just like working in the old Haven. The familiar scents that linger in the house under the scent of the various wood species. I can still pick up the scent of every person who stayed there. Including Rose who practically lived there growing up being friends with Landon and Cora Lee.",he explained. "But for me to leave... I'm giving up everything. Everything familiar and important to me.", he frowned. He knew the reward of being with Rose could certainly be worth the risk of moving, but there was just part of him that couldn’t let go of bayville and everything and everyone he had there. Zoe sighed softly and looked over. This was why part of her had hoped Rose would have ran. "You wouldn't be giving up her or Faelan.", she said softly. "And you wouldn't be giving me up, or Malcolm. you'd still talk to us, maybe even see us.", she said trying to be the good friend. "I know. I'd have Faelan and I'd have her. Well have her more than I do now. She'd still be busy would school and Excalibur.",he sighed. "Talking and Skype aren't exactly the same. And I'm not sure how often I'd come back both financially speaking and my stomach speaking. I'd also be taking Faelan away from his grandparents. Losing my entire support system in regards to him.", he said shoulders sinking a little. Zoe nodded and patted his arm. "I... I can't say anything, Merrick. I can't. I'll be biased and selfish.", she sighed softly. She didn’t want him to move away. To lose him. Other than Alec he was the one constant in her life since moving to Bayville. Sure she saw her parents and little sister often, but not daily. And Merrick, well he was special to her. He occupied a piece of her heart from the very beginning with how he was so sweet that night Geri came to try and kill her.
"I know. You would want me to stay. My mom wants me to stay too. Guess she always figured I'm the one kid she'd never lose. That would stay close because well I'm a pack person. Leaving my pack isn't something I take lightly. I'd even miss Solangel and David if I left. Hell I'd miss Demitri. But... if I want to be with Rose. It's looking to be my only option. To go to her.",he concluded. "Why do you have to lose everything?", Zoe asked. "It is just a team. She can join the X-men can't she?",she asked. "All she has are things she made there.", she countered. "She started something there. Excalibur was her idea. She has a duty, honor bound I guess to see it through. To be the hero she was raised and trained to be. The X-Men have plenty of people Excalibur is small.",he sighed. "It just comes down to how far am I willing to go for love.", he explained. Zoe shook her head. "You shouldn't have to go anywhere.", she said softly. She looked out the window and leaned on the door. Merrick sighed moving his hand from the shifter since he didn't need to change gears at the moment and grabbed her hand. "Your mom left Florence for her chance to have your dad back. You left everything to find your dad. Neither of you had to leave your home, business and friends. But you both did for a chance at something.", he tried to put it in a way she could relate to. "But I don't want to...",she sighed. "I don't want to lose you.", she admitted. She squeezed his hand. "I find someone to trust and love and they have to leave. It isn't fair.", she frowned. "Hey..",he sighed squeezing back. "You know I love you. You’re my best friend. If I go I don't want and will not let that change. If I go you can expect a lot of phone calls from me. And I’d find a way to get back to visit you.", he tried to reassure.
"I know. It just sucks you have to give up everything and she gets everything.",she sighed. "Well one of us has to bend for this relationship to really work. Because if we both stay stubborn and unyielding it'll end and then we both lose.", he sighed. "I know, I know.", she said softly. "Just.. Do what makes you happiest.", she gave up. "That's being with her. It's when Faelan and I are happiest.”, he admitted. "Then... I guess that's what has to be done.", she sighed softly. Rose would get everything and she’d lose everything. He sighed having to take his hand back to downshift and get off at their exit. Leaving everyone behind, especially Zoe wouldn't be easy. He knew he was happy when he was with Zoe. That if Rose had walked and decided they couldn't be together he might have broken his rule to have Zoe. Not as a consolation or second place to having Rose. But because she's the other woman he could, did and in a way still does love as much as Rose. "Hey no sighing. Faelan gets an awesome mom, you get to go to the UK. I really think your business would explode over there.", she said trying to turn this idea into a good one. "I'll sigh and be as emo about it as I want till we get to my sister's wedding. Then I'll put on my smile.",he retorted. "Anything I can do to cheer you up?",she asked. He could think of a couple things but all would get him in trouble and mean cheating on Rose. "I'll lure a guy oggling me to a dark corner so you can beat him up.", she offered. Merrick chuckled. "No it's alright. Just the idea of not getting to see you every day. Lunch will never be the same.", he smiled. "Well maybe you can learn to cook your own dang food.", she teased. "Besides, I'll see you again. Who knows, maybe I'll go to her Majesty's Theater.",she smiled. "I know how to cook. You just cook better. Didn't hear you complain any night I made dinner or mornings I made breakfast at your place.",he teased back.
"Yeah maybe you will. God that would piss Emma off. She's going to London soon. I'm assuming it's not just for acting but something academy related. It's a little bit why I want to go. I'm not letting that little cunt do anything to Rose.", he said growling a little when he said Emma’s name. "You don't think she'd still mess with her mind?",she asked. "Emma did it to the others but Rose is a high target. You're sure?", she said not sure if Emma was that dumb. "Rose has a mental block from Jean since high school. So she can't get in her head at least. But that doesn't mean she wouldn't do anything and everything else her devious mind could come up with.", he frowned. He knew his sister, sadly, and she’d do anything to hurt someone when she set her mind to it. "I don't get her obsession...",she shook her head. Merrick sighed as he parked. “I don't either. I just don't like it.”, he stated. "Okay. This is it. You ready?",he asked looking to the large canvas tents decorated with fall colors to fit Josalyn and Robert's theme. Most of his family and the academy was already there. "Oh hell yes.", she said. She leaned over and kissed his cheek gently, smiling. "You're my best friend and I'll support you in whatever you decide.", she reminded him before getting out of the car. Merrick sighed and got out of the car grabbing his gift from the back before locking the doors. He offered his free arm to Zoe as they walked over to the tent set up for the ceremony.
“Bride or groom?”, an usher asked looking briefly at Merrick and mostly looking at Zoe’s chest. Merrick growled a little. “They are bride...thank god you got here Merrick. Come on.”, Kim said taking the gift from Merrick’s hand and shoving it to the usher. “Put this where it belongs William.”, she instructed before grabbing Merrick’s arm. “Um guess I’ll grab a seat…”, Zoe said figuring this was some family emergency if Kim was quickly snatching Merrick up. “No you too.”, Kim said dragging them both in the direction of the small building on the property where the wedding party was getting ready. “What’s wrong? Faelan okay mom?”, Merrick asked figuring this was about his son. “No Faelan is fine. He’s been perfect. He’s over in the groomsmen room with your father. It’s your sister.”, Kim explained as they walked up to the door that was marked ‘Bride’. “Um okay then what do you need us for?”, Merrick asked confused. “Zoe I want to come with me to the kitchen this caterer is pissing me off and we can’t understand each other. He apparently only speaks Italian, I call bullshit, so I need someone to yell at him in his own language.”, Kim explained. “And you need to talk to your sister and get her to calm down.”, she said pointing to the door. It was easy to hear muffled crying and yelling. “Um...can I trade with Zoe?”, he asked. “No. Now talk to your sister. Come on Zoe I need your help with this chef.”, she said taking Zoe’s hand. “Um alright happy to help Kim. Good luck Merrick.”,she waved disappearing with his mother.
Merrick took a deep breath and looked at the door wincing hearing the yelling. Merrick knocked on the door. “God damn it what now.”, Emma grumbled pulling open the door. She frozen finding herself face to face with her brother’s chest and then looked up to see his face before quickly looking down. He hadn’t talked to her since Christmas. From what she had been told to him he no longer had a sister named Emma. Merrick held back a growl as Emma opened the door. She was the maid of honor for Josalyn’s wedding, along with Talia and Artemis as bridesmaids. Merrick just simply stepped around Emma walking into the room . “Get out, what if people were naked in here.”, Artemis demanded her hands on her hips glaring at Merrick. Her, Talia and Emma were all wearing the same knee length lapis colored sleeveless dress with round illusion mesh neckline with side cascade and back ruching finishes. “One I doubt the door would have been opened if people weren't clothed. Two god I’m thankful for that. How my cousin could stand to see you naked I’ll never understand. And don’t get me started on how Alexander deals with the demon over there. But to the point my mother sent me. So how about we cut the bullshit and avoid a confrontation on my sister’s day and someone tell me where my sister is and what’s happening?”, Merrick said folding his arms across his chest.
Emma didn’t say a word just slowly closed the door after he walked in. When he needed to be her brother was intimidating. Even in his best suit and tie set, he just looked taller and bigger in the chest than she knew he really was. Talia narrowed her eyes at the comment about her, but bit her tongue. She wasn’t in the mood to mess up Josalyn’s wedding. She was pretty sure that Kim would forsake Haven law and kill her. “Josalyn won’t talk to us, or say why she’s upset. She’s in the bathroom and won’t open the door. She just yells for us to leave her alone when we try.”, Talia answered pointing to the closed door. Merrick sighed and walked over to the door trying to knob. “It’s locked.”, Artemis said. “GO AWAY!”, Josalyn yelled inside. Merrick took another deep breath and looked over the door and it’s hinges before growing out a claw and popping the hinges and just lifting the door out of his way. “I could have done that..”, Artemis stated. “I said to leav…”, Josalyn started to yell but stopped as it was Merrick that stepped through the doorway. She had been crying, he could see it as her make up had started to wash away. Her eyes were red from crying. Merrick glanced to the open door where Emma, Talia and Artemis were peeking in. He glared at them and all three went back to trying to finish getting ready. Merrick sighed his expression softening as he knelt down on the bathroom floor in front of his sister who was sitting on the toilet seat wringing her hands on her lap. “What’s going on Jos?”, he asked reaching over and lightly taking her hands in his.
“Talk to me. This is your day and you’ve been planning it even before you met Robert. So tell me what’s wrong and I’ll fix it.”, he offered. “I just...today...it’s not how I’d always wanted it.”, Josalyn aid starting to cry. “Please..come on don’t cry. You know I don’t like seeing you cry.”, he said reaching and grabbing some tissues lightly dabbing away the tears. “Now tell me what’s wrong and I’ll fix it.”, he said. “What’s not how you wanted it?”, he asked. “I miss Nana.”, she admitted. “And...I want Lily here. And then that damn caterer is messing everything up. He doesn’t want to make the chicken the way I asked and is trying to get rid of the vegetarian options I picked just for you.”, she said. “And beyond that...I’m scared okay?”, she added. Merrick sighed smiling a little. “We all miss Nana. she wanted so badly to be here today and watch you get married. You were her Jo-Jo.”, he said wiping away her tears. “With the political mind of Winston and the sharp tongue of a true Frost, but with our mom’s beautiful face.”, he smiled. “She...she said that about me?”, she asked. “Yes. You don’t know how much Nana loved you. She was always so proud of you. She saw so much of her fighting spirit in you. She never worried about you making your own path and leaving an imprint on this world. And you see out that window...how bright the sun is shining today? That’s her. That’s her looking down shining on your special day. She’d want this day to be perfect and would cut the throat of anyone that dared make it not.”, he explained smiling softly. Josalyn smiled a little, Merrick may not always be the best with words but she knew when he wanted them the words were always just right.
They weren’t having a soft whispering type of conversation so Talia, Artemis and Emma could all hear what Merrick and Josalyn were saying. Emma sighed tearing a little listening to Merrick’s deep yet gentle voice talking so lovingly to Josalyn. Giving Josalyn assurance that he’d make it all better. Emma missed the days that he’d talk to her, that he’d give her that kind of assurance he would make it all better. Artemis teared a little at how Merrick spoke about their late great grandmother. As she was dating Shaw she knew how much the departed matriarch of the Frost family had meant to them all. Even Talia felt a small twinge in her heart. That someone would or could that kind of emotion into something. Sure she pushed any mushy feelings aside, she was a pure Neyaphem such emotions were for humans not her kind. “I hope they wrap this up, the wedding is supposed to start soon.”, Talia whispered. “Shh. Just let them talk. Josalyn needs this.”, Artemis whispered back. Merrick could hear them but chose to ignore them. Today wasn’t about anyone else. Today and this moment was about his sister. About making her day better and getting her back on track to having her happily ever after. He just wanted her to be happy. And he would do whatever it took to make her happy especially today of all days.
“Now for the food part of your issue, mom has Zoe on it. And if I know my hellraiser, that’s exactly what she’s doing. Giving that chef hell. It’ll be fixed I promise. If he doesn’t do what he’s supposed to you have a new statue to add to the decorations and she’ll cook.”, he assured. “Now for your issue of missing our triplet…”, he said digging out his cell phone and pulling up Skype and selecting Rose, since Lily didn’t have Skype. Rose was sitting in the little waiting area in her black silk kimono with white and pink floral pattern when her phone started to go off. She quickly grabbed it and smiled answering the skype. She smiled seeing Merrick’s face. “Hey handsome. Didn’t think I’d hear from you till after the weddings.”, she greeted. “Aww is that Merrick? HI MERRICK!”, Atif, Landon, and Cora Lee teased. They were all sitting in the waiting area too. Rose’s hair had been pulled up into a side bun and decorated with pink flowers to match the kimono. Cora Lee was wearing the exact same kimono with the same hair style. Landon and Atif were wearing formal kilts. Ashley and Xavier’s way of merging their cultures was to have all the females of the bridal party in traditional Japanese clothes and the men in traditional Scottish. Merrick smiled seeing Rose’s face. “God you're gorgeous…”, he commented but shook his head to get back on track. “Must focus. Tell the others to pipe down. My sister right there? I need her pronto.”, he explained. “Um she’s here somewhere.”, Rose said. “LILY! Merrick needs you!”, she called.
“Oh you just missing the long conversation of how Atif and I could make beautiful red-haired babies in another life. You know where I’m not in love with you and he liked breasts.”, she chuckled. “Beautiful babies for days!”, Atif chuckled. “Uh huh. Well in his life if anyone’s making babies red haired other otherwise with you, it’s me. And it’s okay that he doesn’t like breasts. I like yours enough for all mankind.”, he smirked. Rose chuckled a little. Josalyn smiled a little listening to the back and forth between Merrick and Rose, they were in love that much she couldn’t deny. “Lily should be on the way. She has crazy share ears today.”, Rose commented. “She’s in make her best friend’s day perfect mode. Like I’m in make Josalyn’s day perfect mode.”, Merrick nodded looking to his sister with a smile. Lily walked out from the dressing room having finished getting her makeup on. “Cora Lee sit up. Do not wrinkle that kimono. Landon fix your socks I can see the top of your Blaze Halo tattoo. Ashley is finishing up with makeup. So we’ll be starting soon. Where’s Jimmy?”, she asked immediately going mother hen. Cora lee sat up and straightening out her kimono while Landon fixed his socks. “Donovan is helping him with his kollt. Too much fabric apparently for my future brother.”, Landon answered. “Ahem. Speaking of brothers. One here with a crisis an ocean away.”, Merrick interrupted.
Rose chuckled and offered the phone to lily. “Lily your help is needed. I think Josalyn is having a panic attack.”, she said.. Lily raised an eyebrow confused taking the phone. “Umm hey Merrick. What’s going on? Rose said it was urgent and you need”, she asked before having to hold still for the woman to paint her lips. “Well it’s less that I need you and more that our sister does.”, Merrick explained. “Our sister?”, she asked a little confused why Josalyn would need her. Merrick didn’t say anything instead he turned the phone to face Josalyn. Lily blinked seeing the red eyed and tear stained face of her identical sister. “Josalyn? What...what’s going on?”, Lily asked. She’d never really been the one that comforted siblings. That was Merrick’s department. And over the years her and Josalyn, despite being identical in appearance became opposite people and grew further apart with each year. “H...hi Lily… I know… I know we don’t generally get along..”, Josalyn sniffled. Merrick sighed and moved so he was sort of in frame. “Okay so I’ll explain since I’m pretty sure Josalyn is going to start to cry again. Today is her wedding, a day she’s planned since were kids. And back when she planned today you were part of today. And now her big day is here and she feels something is missing and you are that something.”, Merrick explained. “Really?”, Lily asked. “That really how you feel Josalyn?”, she asked looking at her mirror image. Josalyn sniffled and nodded. “Yes. I know we’ll never really be on the same page. We have very different ideals and values. But...but today is my wedding. And it’s a day that my family being here is what means the most. And while I was getting ready looking at the mirror I couldn’t shake that I miss you. That you should be next to me, helping me get ready.”, Josalyn explained starting to cry again. Merrick was quick to dab the tears.
“I...I’m sorry I’m not there Josalyn. I just...today is..”, Lily sighed. “I know. Ashley’s wedding date was set before mine. You have that obligation to her. She’s your...your best friend and you’re her maid of honor. And I get that you couldn’t make it today. But I still miss you.”, Josalyn sniffled. “Josalyn….”, Lily sighed softly. “Please don’t cry okay? I’m glad you miss me. I didn’t really figure you would. But just well please don’t cry. It’s your wedding. You should be happy and glowing. You should be getting ready and having people telling you how beautiful you look. Which you do. This is your special day. Your maid of honor should be making sure it’s perfect. As I’m doing over here for Ashley.”, Lily smiled. Josalyn smiled a little nodding. “I know. And I’m sure if I let Emma try she’d have done what she could. But...I just today I needed my triplets.”, Josalyn said. “Well what else is wrong other than missing me?”, Josalyn asked. “Missing Nana, ishing she was here. But I’m okay now about that. Merrick...he said the sweetest thing. About how the sunshining so brightly today is Nana watching over today.”, Josalyn sniffled. Lily smiled. “Aww Merrick..you and your ability to occasionally pull sweet words from your ass. That how you got my Rose?”, she teased. Josalyn smiled laughing a little. “Doubtful. Pretty sure it was the mind blowing sex.”, Merrick smirked. The room erupted in laughter from Cora Lee, Atif and Landon. “Him coming to stop me before getting on the plane helped too.”, Rose commented . Lily and Josalyn where both shaking their head. “that’s a sentence I never want to hear you say again Merrick.”, they both said. Merrick chuckled and shrugged. “Eh that was just what closed the deal. I had her hooked long before that.”, he smiled.
“Alright enough talk about sex lives. Josalyn I hope you have a beautiful wedding.”, rose said. “Thank you Rose.”, Josalyn said. “Have a great day sis. JMerrick you handle anything that upsets her.”, Lily instructed. “Got it covered. Well technically zoe does. Caterer speaks Italian and is trying to pull the not English card with mom. She he’s getting hell in the form of my five foot four, one hundred twenty pound hellraiser. She’ll get him on track or turn him into a statue and take over his kitchen.”, Merrick explained. Rose laughed a bit. “Need her as a bouncer someday.”, she teased. Lily chuckled trying to imagine tiny Zoe in a fight. “She is the daughter of Damon. She might not look it but she can take a person down.”, Merrick commented. he wasn’t going to go into that he knew first hand. Since there was more than once she’d gotten him on his back by force during the time they were seeing each other. Josalyn laughed softly. “Well you should get back to your friend’s day. Bye.”, Josalyn nodded. “Bye guys. Good luck to Ashley and Xavier. Love you Rose.”, Merrick added. “Love you too Merrick.”, rose smiled taking her phone back. “AWWW aren’t they adorable.”, the others teased before they ended to call. “Thank you Merrick. I ..I needed that.”, Josalyn smiled. “Anything for you. So now what is this being scared talk?”, he asked sitting back on the floor in front of her.
“I’m just..so it seems silly. But I’m scared of the whole getting married. Right now we get into a fight or whatever I can tell him to go home. We don’t have to live with each other and deal with each other on a daily basis. And we are going to be moving into his apartment together. So it’s his space not mine. And it’ll just be us. There won’t be anyone to defuse the situation. No roommates, just the two of us.”, Josalyn explained. “You love him? You want to be with him forever? He makes you happy?”, Merrick asked. “Of course. I’m marrying him aren’t I.”, Josalyn defended. “Then the little things don’t matter. You’ll fight. It’s in your nature to argue. So you fight when you fight. And then you make up. And you get stronger together because of it. Yes the happy moments are the ones you’ll always looks back at as times goes on. But it’ll be the harder more painful moments that will help make those happy ones even better and the two of you even stronger as you overcome the obstacles.”, he explained. Josalyn smiled shaking her head and leaned forward hugging him tightly around the neck. “God you are the best brother.”, she smiled.
While Merrick was having his heart to heart moment with the bride Kim had taken Zoe to the kitchen to face off against the chef. The chef was sitting on a stool arms crossed refusing to work. “Rimuovere l'opzione vegetariana! e ti fai chiamare italiano !? Se volevamo carne in tutto quello che saremmo tedesco o scozzese! (Remove the vegetarian option! and you call yourself Italian!? If we wanted meat in everything we'd be German or Scottish!)”, she started yelling letting directly into the chef. Oh she was furious that this man was messing with the meal for the wedding. She liked Josalyn, but it wasn’t even just about Josalyn. he was trying to remove the only part of the meal that Merrick could eat. And no one messed with her Merrick’s meals. “Io porterò su questo cucina se mi fai! Ora si farà esattamente come ordinato. Un singolo grano di sale di più e farò in modo di capire ciò che il cibo reale. Ora tornare indietro e rifare tutto il cibo dannati che hai una cazzata. No, invece! (I will take over this kitchen if you make me! Now you will make it exactly as ordered. A single grain of salt more and I will ensure you understand what real food is. Now go back and remake all the damned food you have fucked up. No, instead!)”, she said jabbing the man in his chest before stopped back. Instead she grabbed a chef's jacket that was hung nearby and put it on glaring at the man. He seemed actually rather scared of the tiny woman. “Vi mostrerò esattamente come dovrebbe essere fatto ogni piatto. (I will show you exactly how each dish should be made.)”, she said with a curt nod of her head as she went to the station to start making what was ordered.
Kim smiled watching as the man cowered from Zoe. The girl could figuratively breath fire, a trait that Kim was sure was one of many that Merrick and Hazel loved about her. She sighed in relief, she hadn’t been sure what Zoe was saying to the man but from the looks of it Zoe was taking control of the situation. Zoe seemed to age when she got in the kitchen like this. Probably because her only role models for it, especially when yelling, were Klaus, Alec and her mother. She buttoned the chef jacket to protect her satin dress. “Kim, you can go make sure Josalyn is okay. And tell her the food will be exactly as she wants it. If it isn’t. I’ll shove it in that schef’s ass for every incorrectly prepared dish.”, she smiled speaking English looking to kim as she started to cook. Kim laughed and gave her a hug. “And this is why my son is so fortunate to have a best friend like you. I suppose I should see if Merrick got Josalyn to open the bathroom door.”, she nodded. She hugged Kim back and smiled. “If not he probably turned into a mouse or something to fit under the door. I promise the food will at least be perfect.”, she said. She liked Kim a lot. She turned her facial expression entirely as she glared at the chef. “Questo è come fare il pollo! (This is how you make the chicken!)”, she yelled starting to cook all the dished intending to make him eat every one of the correctly done dishes.
When Kim went to check on Josalyn she saw the door removed and could hear Merrick talking so sweetly to Josalyn. She smiled and just took a seat quietly listening. She was so proud of the man Merrick had grown to be. He could of course be an intimidating and some may scary individual and a tad rough around the edges. But to anyone who got to know him, they saw the pearl he was. When it came to his family and people he loved he was the sweetest man. That’s why she’d sent him to Josalyn. Sure she could have talked her daughter down, but Merrick doing it would mean more than her. It was moments like this that made it easy to see how he made such a great dad. And Kim hoped that maybe down the road he’d have more children with someone he truly loves and that won’t get scared and be influenced into leaving like Jenna had. And she figured that Rose wasn’t the running or influenceable type. She hadn’t let Faelan scare her off. Kim just hoped that eventually the pair would figure out how they were going to make their relationship work. Because the distance wasn’t a good strain to have. And certainly not when someone like Zoe was right here at Merrick’s side supporting him the best she can as a friend. No they needed to be in the same place again for it to work. And it scared Kim that she’d lose her oldest son. But if he loved Rose he’d do whatever it took to be with her.
Zoe fixed small sample versions of each dish and made Enzo, the chef, taste each of them before taking a tray of the samples. “Ora si cucina che esattamente come ho fatto o almeno così mi aiuti! (Now you cook that exactly as I did or so help me!)”, she warned before leaving the kitchen with the tray, having removed the chef jacket. She wanted Josalyn to taste everything. She didn't hear yelling anymore as she got to the door so that was a good sign. She knocked on the door and Emma opened it. Emma’s cold eyes narrowed looking at Zoe and then they went wide as she saw her nana’s bird brooch pinned to Zoe’s dress. “You….”, Emma started. “Zoe? come in.”, Kim said interrupting Emma. Emma fell silent as her mother beckoned Zoe in. Zoe smiled and walked past her raising the tray out of the way. “I have straightened that supposed chef out. The meal will be prepared as it was originally intended. If it’s not I will turn anything cooked improperly into stone and give him a rectal taste of granite.”, Zoe commented to Kim before walking to the open doorway where she could see Merrick’s legs. Talia laughed a little at the imagery, maybe there was some Petridis in Zoe beyond her hair after all.
“Hey Josalyn...I brought you some samples of the meal. Wanted you to try them.”, she greeted sweetly. Zoe smiled softly as she got to the door and saw Josalyn leaning forward in her wedding gown hugging Merrick tightly and him hugging back. Josalyn sniffled and sat back up wiping her tears that were still there. “Oh..thank you Zoe..”, she greeted. “Told you hellraiser would set the guy straight.”, Merrick smiled standing back up and dusting off his slacks. “Indeed I did. Everything will be made the way you wanted or he’ll hear it from and I’ll cook instead.”, she smiled. “I hope you won’t have to do that. But thank you. Paid to invite you.”, she laughed a little taking one of samples. “It’s delicious.”, she smiled. Zoe smiled and set the tray down for Josalyn to nibble off as she wanted. “I’ll leave you to finishing getting ready. You are going to make such a beautiful bride. Robert is a truly lucky man.”, she smiled. “Thank you Zoe.”, Josalyn said giving her a hug before hugging Merrick. “Thank you too Merrick. I don’t know how any of us would survive without you there for us.”, she said. Merrick smiled giving her a hug. “I’m your brother. I’ll always be here for you Josalyn. Zoe and I are going to go find seats. I’ll see you out there when dad walks you down that aisle.”, Merrick smiled giving her a kiss on the forehead. “You are going to fix the bathroom door first.”, Kim stated. Merrick nodded. “Sure mom.”, he said grabbing the door and the hinges and putting it back in place. “Alright let’s get to our seats.”, he said offering his arm to Zoe. Zoe nodded and went to get seats with Merrick.
Out under the canvas tent that was all set for the ceremony Robert, his best man Devon, Alexander and another of his friends Justin stood waiting. Merrick and Zoe hurried to their seats Sebastian having saved two seats by him and Gina. Devon, and a few others watched as Zoe and Merrick got to their seats since everyone had been waiting for the bridal party. Alexander raised an eyebrow and glanced to Devon seeing the line of sight of Devon’s eyes. Devon’s eyes locked directly on Zoe’s chest. Alexander swiftly slapped Devon in the back of the head. "Don't fucking think about it.", he whispered. "What?", Devon whispered back. "Since you're too blind to see the family resemblance... that's my sister. Look at her with lust again you'll be checking into the emergency room.", whispered through a smile as the photographer was looking at them with her camera. Devon blinked at the threat not sure if it was idle or not. But finally it looked like the wedding was going to start. Faelan walked down the aisle carrying a pillow with two gold rings walking next to Robert’s younger cousin who was the flower girl. Then out came Artemis, Talia and Emma. As the music started everyone stood and out walked Josalyn, her makeup and hair and been fixed and she was smiling brightly as she walked with her arm holding Christian’s in her strapless mermaid with a drop waist bodice featuring a floral lace appliques intricately beaded with pearls and then a side-draped skirt. Merrick smiled looking at his sister before looking at Robert. Robert was locked on Josalyn a bright smile on his face, Merrick nodded a little Robert loved his sister and would take care of her.
As the ceremony turned to the reception in another tent the party really started. Zoe was at least glad that Chef Enzo hadn’t screwed up. Because she’d not been in the mood for having to go back into the kitchen to cook everything all over again. As the night went on she did get to dance a couple times with her brother and some with little Faelan in her arms. She also even got a couple dances in with some of the single men at the wedding. A couple were dismissed by her for trying to let their hands wander. But a couple, the best man Devon and the usher William had given her their numbers. They both asked if she needed a ride home which she was at least smart enough to know you don’t accept a ride home from a stranger and told them politely she had a ride. Merrick danced with Josalyn and his mother for at least one dance each but otherwise he mostly stuck to watching his son. He’d declined a few women who’d ask easily explaining that he was taken. Faelan had fallen asleep on him and Merrick sighed as Zoe walked over from dancing with Devon. “Hey Merrick….aww sweet cucciolo.”, she said seeing Faelan asleep on Merrick’s chest. “You two are just soo adorable…”, she said sitting down next to Merrick. “Mmm...Thanks. Want to take him? I need to go use the restroom.”, he requested. “Sure pass him over.”, she chuckled extending her arms. Merrick carefully detached Faelan not wanting to wake him and gave him to Zoe. Faelan whimpered and whined a little as he was moved and then leaned against Zoe resting his head on her chest opposite the brooch and went back to sleep. “Yeah he’s your kid.”, she teased. Merrick smirked standing up and giving her a kiss on the forehead. “Yup we both know that if it’s a choice between a pillow and yours or Rose’s chest always go for the breasts.”, he winked before walking away to use the bathroom.
As he was walking back he passed the bar that wasn’t too far from his table where two men doing shots. And he overheard their conversation. "Wouldn't mind using those as more than a pillow.", one commented pointing over to Zoe holding Faelan who was fast asleep against her chest. "I'll drink to that.", he other one said doing a shot. Without even thinking about it Merrick decked one with a right hook. Merrick wasn’t even aware that on the other side of the men Alexander had heard the same conversation. Alexander decking the second with a left. As the two slumped down Merrick and Alexander looked to see who got the other and paused seeing it was each other. "You hit him for the same reason I hit that one?", Alexander asked "Inappropriate comment about Zoe?", Merrick replied. Alexander nodded. "Then yes.", Merrick stated. The two guys start to get up and to argue about get hit. "Shut up.." Merrick and Alexander said punching them again again. “we should clean this up.”, Merrick commented. Alexander nodded. Neither wanted to get in trouble with josalyn or with Zoe. So they each grabbed one of the unconscious offenders and dragged them away from the reception. "You realize this doesn’t change anything.", Alexander said dropping his guy on the ground near some parked cars. "Of course not. You still hate me for kicking your ass when we were kids. And leaving the Academy.", Merrick nodded dropping his on the other creating a rather comical situation where the two men looked to be dry humping. "And for breaking my sister's heart.", Alexander said before he walked away.
After the bonding moment with Alexander Merrick got back to the and carefully pried his son off Zoe giving him to Kim instead. "Dance with me?", he said offering his hand. He hadn’t danced with her all night and he had some questions he wanted answered. So it seemed the best way to get them. She blinked as he pulled Faelan off of her then smiled. "Sure, why not?",she asked taking his hand and walking to the dance area. "Soooo... Got a question.",he stated as they started to dance. It being a slower song. He wasn't like Demitri or Landon in regards to dancing skills but he at least knew how, as his mom taught him. "Alright, shoot.", she said. She danced with him, smiling a bit and her arms around him. Zoe always enjoyed being close to Merrick. "Just had a moment with your brother. And he says the strangest thing. About me breaking his sister's heart. What's he know that I don't?",he asked. Unlike when he'd been made to dance by girls like Jenna he wasn't fighting the movements. He just moved with the time of the music keeping his hands slightly above the small of her back. She blinked and then looked for her brother to shoot him a glare. "Damn it, Alexander.", she whispered under her breath. She looked at Merrick and sighed. "It's nothing, Merrick. Really.", she said. "Right. Nothing. He's added it to his short list of why he hates me. And you just cursed him under your breath.",he sighed shaking his head.
"When you've said you love me... you're not saying it as a friend are you?", he asked. She shook her head a bit and looked up at him. "It doesn't really matter how I'm saying it, does it?",she asked. "Never really has. It wouldn't have changed your decision. We both know that. It would have just made it more painful and harder. I'm not saying you don't think my opinion matters or care... Just that in the long run, who I love doesn't matter to you. You love Rose.", she explained. "Of course it matters. I don't know if it'd change things. Depends on when you started meaning it like that, maybe. It wasn't fully my decision. How things played out was in Rose's court. She had the power to decide if she'd have me and Faelan. It'd have broken my heart if she had chosen differently. But I'd already been preparing myself for that. Who you love does matter to me. Weather that's me or not. Because yes I love Rose. But I love you too. And it was never a first and second choice between you.",he sighed trying to explain. She shook her head but was smiling slightly. "Merrick, I know. I know you care. And it was in Rose's court but I wasn't going to muddle things up. If Rose had decided she couldn't love you both then I'd have been there however you needed or wanted me to be.",she rubbed the back of his neck gently as they danced. But then blinked slightly when he said he loved her. "I'm... A bit surprised at that.", she said softly.
"But I know if you had gotten with me, it wouldn't be you settling for someone. Yes I got my heart broken, but I had my heart broken by someone getting the woman they've loved for years. By a guy that made sure nothing was promised at the beginning of everything. But don't think I hate you or will be ruined by this. If you can love Rose so much, that means I'll find someone out there I can love as much as I love you, maybe more.", she smiled softly up at him. "Not sure how that's a surprise. I was with you for seven months. Just spending time with you even when nothing physical went on. I spent more time with you than I had with Leslie and she was my girlfriend. Like I said only two women could make me forget Rose when with them. You're one of them.",he explained. "I'm sure you will. And whoever he is better be worthy of that love or I'll feed him to the carnivores at the sanctuary.",he smiled. She smiled and nodded. "I know, Merrick. Yes, Alexander was right. My heart is broken. But it'll get better..",she smiled more. "Life is a movie, all about you. And in this part of my life, it's when everything broke my heart, when I lost things so amazingly important to me and life is beating me down. But it'll get better, and when I finally get to the end of that movie it'll have been all worth it. Because no matter what, I'll keep fighting and living my life and be happy. And the guy I finally find to love that loves me too and no one else, will have a hard bar against them.", she continued. "Good because I want you to be happy.", Merrick nodded. "Glad to set the standard.",he chuckled. "Poor bastard. But lucky too.", he added.
"Doesn't mean I'm not insanely jealous of Rose.",she commented. "Yes well if it makes you feel better she's jealous of you sometimes.", he replied. It was true. He knew that in a small way it killed Rose that zoe was here. That in moments when he needed someone to hug Zoe was there to be that person. Zoe was who he’d gone to when he found out about Faelan. When he’d found out what Emma had done, it was Zoe that hugging him tight till he calmed down. When Hazel died it was Zoe that drove to the Haven to hug him and be there. It was Zoe who’d been there for him bringing him lunch, helping with Faelan, just supporting him every step of the way. "It does.",she laughed. "Am I terrible for that?",she asked. "Nah. Am I terrible that I knocked a guy out for talking about your breasts while my son was using them as pillows?", he asked with a smile. She blinked then rolled her eyes. "Merrick this is your sisters wedding!", she scolded. "I know. That's why your brother and I dragged the two idiots out to the parking lot to wake up in a precarious position.",he smirked. "Oh god you two.",she sighed and shook her head. "Can't behave..", she partially scolded. "Told you we had a moment. Come on the only thing that can put me and a male Petridis on the same side is you.", he smiled. "Well does that mean I need to put Faelan in your hands for the rest of the wedding?", she teased.
"No. Just keep my hands were they are and neither of us get in trouble ", he smiled rubbing at her back. "Which thinking of male Petridis please tell me your dad at least doesn't know about us.", he questioned. "Oh he has suspicions.", she answered "Fantastic... I kind of figured Alec wouldn't be spilling those beans. Kind of surprised you told Alexander.", he said. "He came to my place after you told me about you starting to date Rose and I was a bit of a wreck.", she explained. "Ah. So you told him we had been together? Or he just that good a guesser.", he asked completely unaware that Emma knew having peaked in Zoe's head at the Christmas party before he confessed his love to Rose. And that Emma had happily told Alexander. She sighed and shook her head. "Emma rifled through my head at the Christmas party and told him. He came to see me, and confront me about it. I don't lie to my family so I told him the truth... About how I felt, everything.", she admitted. "Emma did what? If this wasn't Josalyn's wedding I'd ring her neck...",he growled low. "She didn't hurt me when she found out at least.", Zoe said trying to calm him. "Well yeah. We were at Nana's. Nana would have bitch slapped her.", he smiled a little knowing Hazel would have. "And she hasn't done it sense. Apparently a girl loving you isn't the criteria to go crazy.", Zoe assured. "I'm not sure what the criteria is. Katherine was the first girl I slept with, big deal long fucking list preceded her. Leslie I loved and we were going to move into, ironically, your apartment. And Jenna I couldn't stand but was having Faelan with.", he shrugged.
"Looks like it's the girls you want the most. So I'm safe.", she teased smirking. "But I didn't want Jenna. I spent her pregnancy with you.",he shook his head. "Emma is just nuts. I don't know what her deal is. Or why it's only me she does this crap too. There are other siblings.",he frowned. "You're her big brother though.",she shrugged. "I don't know. Has anyone ever asked directly?", she asked. "Not sure. I'm generally to ready to kill her to ask. Maybe Josalyn did. Not sure.", he shrugged. "If we really wanted to know, I could ask. She might be angry enough at my existence to spill the beans.",she smiled. "Yeah... Not taking that risk. She's been glaring at you this whole time. Let's not set her off.",he suggested noticing Emma glaring over at them. She smirked. "Aww I could really set her off but it'd be bad.", she smiled letting her fingers tist a little in the hair near his neck. "Yes. But you've got class. You don't wouldn’t get into a fight at a wedding.",he shook his head. "Oh I was saying really make her angry by kissing you, but that isn't fair to miss Rose.",she smirked. "Yeah.. Let's not put me in a situation that I might misbehave.",he laughed. Even though it was true. "You've done that enough with this dress and that mini fashion show when you got the clothes.",he smirked. She laughed a bit. "Merrick if I was naked and on a bed you wouldn't do anything.",she sighed. "Because I'm not allowed. Doesn't mean I wouldn't want to. Look temptation up your picture is next to it.",he teased.
She smiled at him and leaned up, kissing his nose. "Songs almost over.",she said softly. His nose twitched at the kiss. "Why do you two do that to me?",he asked. it was one of rose’s favorite things to do to him. "Because your nose makes the most adorable twitches. God I hope the next guy I fall in love with is as adorable as you.",she answered. Merrick chuckled. "Good luck with that. Unless you're waiting like eighteen years for Faelan.",he teased. She smirked. "Oh that's just wrong," she teased "Train him early.",he laughed. "I'm joking. You're auntie Zoe to him.",he added. "But hey maybe when you meet the lucky bastard you end up marrying, you'll have a daughter to go with Faelan.",he chuckled. "Already planning his future, sly dog.", she said. "Nah. He'll figure that out on his own. Just ask a simple set of rules. Always use condoms, and they better be ones you bring and in general don't repeat my mistakes.",he smiled looking over to his mother holding Faelan as the song ended. “Come on. Let’s head back to Bayville. Faelan should get into pajamas and into his crib where he can sleep in his wolf form comfortably.”, he suggested. Zoe nodded in agreement and they walked over to the table. She carefully took Faelan from Kim while Merrick grabbed his diaper bag and then the car seat from his parents car before they drove back to Bayville.