"Don't worry everybody. While the guest list will be a lot more limited for the second wedding because of the potential danger, EVERY possible precaution has been taken," William Anderson reassured everyone present. "The biggest worry is making sure our secrets remain secured," he added, before moving his right hand to mimic a paw in motion, swiping at something unseen.
"Well, you worry about us all the time, so naturally we're going to worry about you," William's youngest son Eric said.
"Speaking of worries. First off honey, don't you worry. Your father's right," said Julie Stovall, Eric's one true love and fiance. "As the mayor's daughter, I know Moon Lake's done all it can to be secure, both now and in the days to come. Secondly, you better gather up your things if you're going to spend the night with me, because we want to be on time for dinner with my folks."
"Right, my Jewel," replied Eric, using what was rapidly becoming his pet nickname for her. After giving Julie a quick peck on the cheek, Eric grabbed his now finished homework, and went upstairs to get ready to spend the night with his lady.
"You two do make a cute couple," Martha commented, seeing how the two of them were around each other.
"Eric's my soul mate Mrs. Anderson," said Julie. "There's just no other way to describe it."
"I know the feeling," Martha replied, while hugging her husband. "I may be just an honorary member of the Skulk, but sometimes I swear I feel that life/soul mate bond a werefox is supposed to have with their mate too."
"Well, you know how I feel about you darling," replied William, before kissing his wife.
"Hey Nate. Considering the time, if you want dinner at a decent hour, we better head back over to my place," realized his boyfriend Alex Ramsey.
"Right. Just let me get my things," said Nate, as he gathered his books and headed upstairs. And I certainly can't wait for dessert!
Soon Martha and William Anderson were all alone in their house as Julie and Eric went out the front door to walk to her house, while Nate and Alex went out the back door to go over the hill and to the Ramseys on the other side.
"So, alone at last..." said William, while giving Martha a hug of his own. "Do you think we have time for..."
"Do you want to go the Skulk meeting smelling like we've just had hot sex?" Martha asked him in return.
"Well, if not now, certainly by the end of the night. And I haven't even told you yet about the ride home," said William, thinking about the conversation he had with Professor McCall.
MEANWHILE...
"So Stud," said Alex, holding hands with his boyfriend as they approached the back door to his house. "What do you think of meatloaf?"
"I don't have all his CDs, but I do like his music," answered Nate.
"No silly. For dinner."
"Oh. Sure. Any sides?"
"Mashed potatoes, gravy, and mixed veggies," replied Alex. "I did most of the prep work last night while my folks were packing to leave on their trip. It will only take about an hour or so to cook once I've got the oven warmed up."
"Speaking of being warmed up..." began Nate, before taking Alex in his arms and giving him a passionate kiss.
"That's dessert. Remember?" asked Alex, once their lips finally parted.
"Well, I'm hungry now," said Nate, pulling Alex closer.
"That will spoil you're dinner Stud."
"Something tells me I'll be hungry again later Handsome," said Nate with a smile on his face, using his pet name for Alex.
"At least let's get inside and let me put dinner in the oven first," suggested Alex, while breaking away to get his key out and open the back door to his house.
ELSEWHERE...
"You really think things will go okay at the wedding tomorrow morning?" asked Eric, as he escorted Julie back to her house. Although his was the travel pack he used for occasions like this, both were wearing backpacks, so had one hand free while the other was holding their lover's.
"Sure. Isn't the first time Moon Lake has had to take precautions to keep our secrets safe, but everything that could be done has. Just have to get through the actual event itself now," Julie said, reassuring him again.
She knew that even before he became a were-merman, Eric was a bit... sensitive to his surroundings. Not that in some matters she couldn't blame him. The risk of exposure was something every were was concerned about.
"I wonder what it will be like?"
"What?" asked Julie in return.
"Our wedding," replied Eric, stopping to stare at her.
"Wonderful," said Julie, staring at him with a smile on her face. "We'll have the service over the summer, so we don't miss any school between high school graduation and the start of college. We can have our honeymoon in Moon Lake itself, or swim out and explore the Pacific Coast a bit. Whatever you like."
"What I like, what I want, is to be with you. The rest is merely details," said Eric, before kissing her.
Both being were-mers, they were able to kiss for a long time without having to have their lips part for fresh air, but eventually the kiss did break as Julie's cellphone rang.
"Hello?" she said, answering it after getting it out of her backpack. "We're just a block away mom. We finished up our homework at Eric's and are on our way now."
"Guess we better get going," realized Eric. "Don't want to get you in any trouble with your parents."
"You won't honey," replied Julie, before giving him a quick kiss on the lips. "A place holder for later," she said with a smile, before grabbing his hand and resuming their walk.