Natalie, Lauren, Emma and Haley made their way into the lobby after parking the car (read: people mover).
"I don't see him," Emma said, looking around.
Natalie shrugged.
"I guess they're not down yet."
**********
Meanwhile, a couple of floors above:
"Hey, Saku, you ready yet?" Zac asked.
Saku emerged from the bedroom, combing his hair back.
"Ready whenever you are."
"Says he who is still doing his hair."
Saku just smiled, and put the comb down. Isaac entered then.
"Where's Tay?" he asked.
Taylor
"I'm here," Taylor announced, stepping out from the bathroom and straightening his shirt.
"I saw Nat out the window so I'm going down. You guys come down when you're ready."
And he darted out the door not even waiting for a response. As he made his way down the stairs and caught sight of Natalie and her friends, he grinned.
"Hey!" he waved to get her attention.
Natalie, Isaac, Zac and Saku
"Hey!" Natalie beamed.
She ran towards Taylor and wrapped her arms around him in a hug.
"Aww," said Haley. "Isn't that so sweet?"
"It's like those movies," Emma grinned. "Taylor! Natalie! Taylor! Natalie!"
Zac laughed and Natalie poked her tongue out at her.
"Okay," she said. "These are my friends, Lauren, Emma and Haley. Girls, these are Isaac, Taylor, Zac - "
"We know this, Nat," Lauren said.
"Ner. I'm just being polite. And this is Saku. Whom you don't know. So there."
"Really? I thought it was Mackie."
"I'm the fabled fourth Hanson," Saku said solomnly. "I don't actually play any instruments, but you know how Taylor and Zac always sing so high? Yeah... that's because I kick them in the balls. I tried it on Ike too, but he kicks back."
The girls laughed.
"Doofus," Zac said.
Saku grinned.
"Mackie's younger than Saku... more or less," Isaac added ironically. "But he'll be at the wedding too."
Taylor
"Yes, I've successfully employed him as my page boy," Taylor agreed, "or rather, blackmailed into it."
He gave Natalie a peck on the cheek then stood with his hand around her waist.
"So are we going to the church?"
Natalie, Isaac, Zac and Saku
"Yep," Natalie replied. "We've got the car out in the parking lot. This way."
She led the group out to the van, and they all piled in. Lauren made a point of making Taylor take the front passanger seat, while Emma stratically sat next to Isaac.
"Emma, remember. Isaac is taken," Haley teased, immediately noticing this.
Isaac's eyebrows raised and Emma had the grace to blush.
"See? Aren't you glad I'm the Maid of Honour, and not Emma?" Lauren grinned. "Matt gets stuck with Emma."
"Hey!" Emma objected to the word 'stuck'.
"Does that mean I'm paired up with you?" Zac asked Haley.
"Yep."
"Zac?"
"Yes, Nat?"
"No."
"Huh? No what?"
"I think," Isaac replied with a mild grin, "that Nat is referring to a certain habit of yours that she doesn't want you to, umm, involve her friends with."
Saku laughed and Zac pulled a face.
"What habit?" Haley asked. "Nat? Why can't -"
"Trust me. Don't ask."
"You're all ganging up on me and I haven't even done it in ages," Zac complained, folding his arms across his chest.
Natalie, in the drivers' seat, twisted around to grin at him.
"Because you haven't wanted to? Or because of lack of opportunity?"
"Both. Eat that."
Natalie chuckled and started the van. They were soon on their way to this church the boys had heard so much about.
Taylor
As the chatter rose in the back, Taylor leaned over to Natalie.
"Are these some of the fans you mentioned?" he asked, trying hard not to sound rude.
Natalie, Saku, Zac and Isaac
"Yep," Natalie replied, her eyes twinkling. "This is my core group of friends... and the biggest Hanson fans of them all."
She paused.
"Except Sammie. And you should be thanking me for not even telling her I'm getting married to you, let alone inviting her to the wedding. Let's just say... no actually, let's not say anything. It's safer that way."
"Sammie?" Emma repeated, having heard the comment anyway.
She started laughing.
"Sammie? You're not inviting Sammie are you?" Haley asked.
"No, no," Natalie assured them.
"Thank goodness! I'd hate to think what she would actually do if she met you guys in person."
"Yeah," Lauren mused. "It's bad enough what she does at concerts."
"What?" Saku asked, intrigued.
"All I'm going to say, is that it involves shirts, bras, nickers, weird looks from other people and us moving away from her as quickly as possible."
"Oh, is she one of those fans who like to throw her underwear on stage?" Zac dismissed.
"Amongst other things," Haley said ominously.
"Okay," Natalie said, happy to be able to change the subject. "We're here!"
"Ooh," Isaac said, looking out the window. "If the inside is anything like the outside, I'm not surprised you want your wedding here."
"It's better," Natalie replied, pleased.
They all piled out.
Taylor
"It looks awesome," Taylor grinned, slipping his hand around Natalie's waist again and leaning in to kiss her cheek.
"Shall we go in?"
He looked around at the group.
Natalie, Isaac and Zac
"That's why we're here, big boy," Haley replied.
"Let's just be careful in case they have something on today," Natalie advised.
"They always have something on here. They should just stop using it as a church," Emma commented.
"That would defeat the purpose of having weddings and christenings and dedications and funerals here."
"They could have those, and just not have the regular church services."
"Emma?"
"Yes, Nat?"
"You're weird."
Emma giggled.
"Big boy?" Isaac repeated to Zac in a low voice.
Zac snickered.
The group trooped up to the entrance.
Taylor
Taylor held his hand out to take Natalie's, then began to walk with her toward the entrance to the church. The door was half open, so they quietly slipped inside.
Taylor looked around at the interior with awe.
Natalie and Isaac
Natalie, who had been watching Taylor anxiously for his reaction, was well pleased with what she saw.
"It's amazing, isn't it?"
"Breathtaking," Isaac agreed.
"Newbies," Lauren teased, but kindly.
Taylor
"It is," Taylor agreed, still looking around.
"It sure is amazing. It's perfect."
Natalie, Isaac, Saku and Zac
Natalie beamed. They spent a few minutes looking around and then departed to go to the next location.
"My uncle's restuarant is just five minutes from here," Natalie said as they all piled back into the van again.
"Nifty," Zac said. "Does he sell chocy muffins?"
Natalie just laughed.
"You like chocolate muffins, huh?" Haley asked.
"Oh yes. They're scruuuuuumchious."
"Don't get him started," Isaac advised.
"I think it's too late," Saku said.
"So seriously," Lauren said. "Who are you? You're not really the unmentioned Hanson sibling are you?"
"Nope."
"So?"
"I'm Zac's son," Saku replied seriously.
"The more you keep hedging the more curious I get."
Saku laughed.
"C'mon..." Emma put in. "You're a cousin or something, right?"
"Yep," Saku nodded.
"Okay, cool then. Was that so hard?"
"No. But it was fun."
"Can't argue with that," Zac smiled.
Taylor
When they got to the restaurant, Taylor grinned as soon as he saw it.
"Nice outside area," he complimented as he undid his seat belt.
Natalie
"Uncle Tony's very fond of his gardens," Natalie nodded, as they headed inside.
The host looked up as the group entered.
"Table for... oh, hi Natalie," he said.
"Hi. I'm just showing everyone around."
"Okay," he nodded. "You know what room your uncle's put you in?"
"Yep."
"Okay. Enjoy. And let me know if you decided to eat here now after all."
"I will," Natalie chuckled. "This way guys."
She led them through some tables, and then through an arched doorway into a hallway.
"Here we go," she said. "The Rose Room. You guys wait here while I go grab a key."
There was murmered assent.
"Okay, you," Lauren said sternly the moment Natalie had left ear shot, poking Taylor in the chest. "I'd just like to say, thank you for marrying Natalie, and not abusing her or abandoning her like some lowlife males do when they get their girlfriends pregnant. Because, I promise you, if anyone abuses my friends..."
She trailed off threateningly.
Taylor
Taylor's eyebrows rose.
"Right. You're welcome, I guess..."
He glanced toward Isaac as if to want rescuing.
Zac, Isaac and Saku
"What if..." Zac spoke up. "What if Natalie broke up with Taylor and never told him about the baby? Would you still want to beat him up even though he didn't know a thing about it?"
"No," Lauren replied.
"What if she lied to you and told you that Taylor was the one who left her after she told him?"
"Well, yes. But that's because I wouldn't know the truth."
"Okay, so you hunt Taylor down to beat him up, and he's acting all surprised and like 'what baby'? Do you believe his astonishment?"
"Zac?" Isaac cut in.
"Yes Ike?"
"What is the point of this?"
"The point is that it wouldn't matter what Taylor said, if Natalie lies to Lauren about being absued or abandoned in anyway, Taylor gets beaten up," Zac declared. "I'm just looking out for my little brother."
"Tay's older than you," Saku put in.
"Yeah, but I said 'little' not 'younger'," Zac grinned.
Taylor
"Little only in width," Taylor added.
"But he can definitely be a lot more dangerous."
He chuckled.
Zac, Saku, Isaac and Natalie
"Hmph," said Zac, "hear the man trying to justify his punyness."
"Zac, you're not that much bigger than Tay," Saku pointed out. "And he did conceed that you were more dangerous."
"That's because I am! Mwahahahaha!"
"Don't mind him," Isaac advised the girls. "He occasionally has these egotisical spasms."
"I see," Emma said.
"Okay, back," said Natalie, rejoining the group, keys in hand.
She made her way to the door and unlocked it, then pushed open the double doors.
"Wow," said Isaac. "I can see why they call it the rose room."
Taylor
"Zac, this is what I was talking about."
Taylor went to stand behind him, and indicated to the girls the many inches between his chin and his brother's head.
"But moving on..." he stepped through the doorway.
"Ah... yeah, wow. It certainly big enough too. Small stage area... plenty of seating..."
Zac, Isaac and Natalie
Zac started running around the room.
"I'm free! Free, I tell you! Freeeeee!"
Haley nudged Isaac nervously.
"He's not always like that, is he?"
"Zac's jast having one of his particularily psycho days. But if you're asking me if he's going to embarrass you on the day, I wouldn't put it past him."
"Oh great," she muttered.
"Well, the room looks great," Lauren said. "Not that I've been in here before or anything."
Natalie chuckled.
Taylor
"So is your Uncle here?" Taylor asked Natalie.
"I'd like to meet him."
Natalie, Zac, Isaac and Saku
"He's busy in the kitchen at the moment," Natalie replied. "In addition to being the owner, he's also the head chef. But he knows I'm here now, so if he has a chance he'll probably come out and say hi."
"Head cook and bottle washer?" Zac asked.
"He has someone to wash his bottles for him," Natalie giggled.
"Hurrah!"
"Y'know what Ike?"
"Yes, Saku?"
"I know I have my moments, but really, I think Zac's worse than me."
"Ha!" Zac replied. "Trust me, Saku, you are definitely psychoer than me. I'd name some examples, but not in front of present company, if you get my drift."
"You may have a point there," Isaac mused.
Saku grinned.
"Oh don't stop your banter on our account," Emma said.
But they would, because referring to Saku's behaviour in his cat form was not advised.
Taylor
"Excuse us for a moment," Taylor smiled to the girls, before leading Natalie outside.
He closed the door behind them.
"It sounds like your Uncle runs havoc in this place," he began, "do you want to give him the day off? We can bring in a friend or two from Tulsa. It's his niece's wedding after all."
Natalie
"What, you mean, let someone else into his kitchen and cook for him?" Natalie asked. "Trust me, Uncle Tony would be mortally insulted if you suggested such a thing to him."
She gave him a hug, and kissed his cheek.
"Don't worry. We've had family occasions here before, and he always makes time to spend time with us. He's just one of those chefs that gets pidantic about food."
Taylor
"Just a suggestion," Taylor shrugged.
"And well, let's not hope he's too pidantic. Although... I did say it was his niece's wedding."
He grinned.
"His favourite niece? Only? Am I close?"
Natalie
"Whichever niece is currently giving him an excuse to cook is his favourite," Natalie replied.
She leaned close conspiratorily.
"Some say that he even married Aunt May because she can't cook. Therefore, she never tries to insist that she does any cooking."
Taylor
Taylor's eyebrows rose.
"Interesting way to choose a significant other," he mused.
"That would be like my brothers and I choosing someone who couldn't play any musical instruments almost."
Natalie
Natalie giggled.
"Well, given the fact that they've been happily married for over 20 years, I'd say there was more to it than just cooking ability."
Taylor
"I guess so," Taylor shrugged, before opening the door and leading her back into the room.
"So guys, what do we think?" he asked.
Zac, Isaac, Saku and Natalie
"I think it's so sweet that you two have to leave us to have your own personal conversation," Zac mocked. "Don't worry, one day you two will be so in tune with each other, you'll be able to have a personal converstation about hard hitting topics across a crowded room with only your eyes."
"Dork," Isaac said.
Zac grinned.
"I like it," Saku said helpfully.
"Same," Isaac agreed.
"Not that you have much choice in the matter," Lauren mused. "But hey, you're getting it for a discount."
"Actually, you're getting it for nothing," said a new voice, "it's just the food and preparation thereof."
Everyone turned.
"Uncle Tony!" Natalie greeted cheerfully.
"Hi pumpkin," Uncle Tony replied, grinning. "So... which one of these chaps is the lucky man?"
"This is Taylor," Natalie replied, putting her arm around his waist. "And those are his brothers, Isaac and Zac. And Saku."
Taylor
"Pleasure to meet you Sir," Taylor smiled, leaning forward to shake her Uncle's hand.
"This is a wonderful establishment you have."
Natalie
"Thank you," Uncle Tony replied, then nudged Natalie. "Wait till he tastes my cooking, huh?"
Natalie giggled.
"Hi there girls," Uncle Tony then greeted Natalie's friends.
"Hi Tony," they replied.
Taylor
"I can't wait to," Taylor grinned.
"Is it possible to get a copy of the menu, so we can fine tune anything?"
Natalie and Zac
Uncle Tony gave Taylor a long look, then grinned broadly.
"Very well," he acquiesed, then patted Natalie on the shoulder, "I'll email it to you tonight, eh? You take care of things?"
Natalie nodded with a smile.
"Everyone knows I get touchy with my food," Uncle Tony went on with an ironic smile. "Nothing but my best dishes will be on the menu! But... I understand that some relatives and friends have allergies and silly diets they you need to be aware of. Do you know, Natalie, that Cynthia has gone vegan? Vegan!"
"Yes, uncle," Natalie grinned. "You've only been complaining about it for years."
"Hmph. She has no appreciation of meat," and Uncle Tony's complaint was joined by all four of the girls in unison.
Zac laughed.
"I think they know you too well, Uncle Tony. Can I call you Uncle Tony? You're not really my uncle..."
Uncle Tony laughed.
"Ahh, but we will be family soon, eh? Yes, you may call me that."
Taylor
Taylor chuckled.
"Thankyou," he nodded, "and excuse us if we become a bit... loud on the day."
He gazed over at the stage area.
Natalie
Uncle Tony chuckled.
"Natalie told me you were in a band," he said. "That is fine, just fine. In fact, we can take a photo later of you boys with Uncle Tony, eh? Make a nice addition to the restaurant."
Natalie chuckled.
"There are lots of family photos in the restaurant. I don't know if you guys noticed on the way in?"
"Nat finds it a constant source of embarrassment," Haley said mischeviously.
Taylor
"I did see one I thought was you," Taylor gave Natalie a thoughtful stare.
"It must have been ten years old though. Something to do with a bucket?"
He grinned.
Natalie
A bashful look crossed Natalie's face and Uncle Tony laughed.
"If only the bucket was over my head..." she sighed.
Taylor
"Oh come on, it's not that bad," Taylor gave her a reassuring hug.
"Let's go check out the stage," he said, starting to walk over and indicating for Isaac and Zac to follow.
Natalie, Isaac and Zac
"You haven't been dealing with it's existance for ten or so years," Natalie replied.
"It's a cramped little stage, isn't it?" Zac considered.
"It's not that small," Isaac pointed out. "We've performed on stages much smaller than this."
"True..."
Taylor
"Well if we put the drum set there..." Taylor trailed off thoughtfully.
He stood in silence for a moment.
"We'll manage," he decided, "we only need acoustics anyway. No need for amps or anything."
Zac
"Yeah... plus this is a good room for accoustics," Zac said.
Then he promptly demonstrated with a vibrant "Echo"
Taylor
Taylor blinked.
"Yep, all good," he said decidedly.
"Let's hope the boys don't trash it. I'll kill them myself."
Zac and Saku
"I thought you'd gotten past those homosidal tendancies," Zac joked.
"Which boys trash what?" Saku asked, looking confused.
Taylor
"Whoever decides to play on the day," Taylor explained.
"Jonny might... the Admiral Twin boys... whoever. We don't want them wrecking the stage. I'm sure they'll take care when they realise Nat's Uncle owns it. Well, soon to be my Uncle I guess."
Saku, Zac and Isaac
"Oh," Saku said.
"I doubt any of them would do any damage," Isaac said. "Not on your wedding day, at least."
"If they do, we can always trash their weddings," Zac said gleefully.
"That's assuming they ever get married."
"Hmm, true."
Taylor
"The ones that aren't already," Taylor shrugged.
He looked back over to where the girls were.
"I guess we should ask who wants the gig. Did you guys want to do something?" he looked between Isaac and Zac.
Zac and Isaac
"Tay," said Zac, "that is like asking Garfield if he wants lasanga."
Isaac chuckled.
"Now, the question is... are you going to do something?" he asked.
Taylor
"I don't know if I should," Taylor looked uneasy as he eyed the stage.
"I don't think it'd feel right. But I guess we can always see what happens on the day."
Isaac and Zac
"Well," Isaac said, "it's your wedding. Do what you want."
"Actually, isn't it Natalie's wedding?" Zac asked cheekily. "Weddings are always all about the bride."
"Which is dumb, because without the groom there is no wedding," Isaac pointed out.
"And yet... it's still all about the bride."
Taylor
"And it's going to be," Taylor's eyebrows rose.
"So... it basically depends if she lets me."
He chuckled.
"And then, she could always make me. I don't know."
Zac and Isaac
"Hehe, whipped!" Zac chuckled.
"Wait, you go to all the trouble of pointing out that the wedding is all about the bride... and then you accused Taylor of being whipped when he admits he would conceed to her desire on the day?" Isaac questioned.
"Umm, yep."
Taylor
"I don't care," Taylor shrugged with a smile.
"I'll admit I was 'whipped' a long time ago."
He looked back over at Natalie with a somewhat dreamy look on his face.
Zac and Isaac
"Awwww," Zac and Isaac said together.
They looked at each other and laughed.
"Hey," Lauren called from the floor, "Wanna let us in on the joke?"
"Nope!" Zac replied.