Chapter Text
Ali walks slowly through the empty room, taking in every detail she can. The way the light filters through the two big windows in the front, the slight slope in the floor when you reach the back office and warehouse, the height of the ceilings and the potential the wall spaces hold.
“The warehouse space in the back can be used for inventory storage, work space for your projects, even event hosting. It opens up to parking lot designed for loading, but there’s a bit of green space as well. You could have a warehouse party sale or something if you wanted!” The listing agent explains excitedly. “A lot of great options!”
“I love the potential.” Ali says thoughtfully. “But does it have the same draw being in more of an industrial area?”
“I’d argue that you’re enough of a draw yourself.” The agent, Samantha, comments. “You’re making quite a name for yourself.”
“I just want to make sure it makes sense once the novelty wears off.” Ali sighs
The two are interrupted when Ali’s phone rings. She glances down at the screen and excuses herself.
“I’m so sorry, I have to take this.” She apologizes. “Hey, Julie.” She answers the call.
“Ali!” Julie says excitedly. “I’m so glad I finally caught you!”
“I know, I’m sorry. It’s been sort of hectic lately.”
“No worries!” Julie chirps. “Look, have you found a new shop in Florida yet?”
“Maybe.” Ali says with a grin. “I’m actually standing in what might be the new shop as we speak.”
“Oh, well. We can get creative.” Julie says more to herself than to Ali.
“We can?” Ali asks, confused.
“We want to extend the web series!” Julie shares. “It’s been great for the website and they’re getting tons of views on IGTV. People love you, Ali! We thought following you on your journey to open your second store could be fun. If you’ve already found the place, we can just stage some tours at other places. I know that might not feel very authentic but it’s part of the biz.”
“Wow, that would be amazing!” Ali replies. She’s shocked by the offer. “Wait. How did you know about the second store?” She hadn’t told Julie about her plans. In fact, she had assumed leaving her store in the DMV area would end her work with the magazine.
“Well after you left that sort of cryptic voicemail about moving to Florida, I stopped in at the shop and your mom was there. She explained that Ashlyn’s family situation was relocating the two of you to Florida and that she’d be taking on the management of the store there and that you’d be opening a new shop and overseeing them both.” Julie explains.
“Of course she did.” Ali laughs.
“And I’m glad she did! I think this is going to be a hit, Ali!”
“Sign me up then.” Ali says with a smile.
“Great!” Julie nearly squeals with excitement. “I’ll get some contract and overview stuff together and send it over to you in the next week or so. I’ll try and come out next month to meet with you in person, too.”
“Let’s do this!” Ali replies.
Once Ali hangs up, she takes a final walk through the space.
“Okay.” She says with finality.
“Okay?” Samantha ask.
“This is the right place.” Ali says with a nod. “And if it isn’t, I’ll make it the right place.”
“I’ll get the paperwork started, if you’re certain.” Samantha says.
“It’s not about certainty.” Ali smiles. “It’s about taking a chance, and being willing to put in the work. Turns out that applies to most things in life.”
***
“Oh!” Ashlyn’s grandmother clutches her chest when she finds her granddaughter in her kitchen. “You scared me!”
“I’m so sorry, Gram!” Ashlyn apologizes.
“You know, Sweetheart, when you bought a house three doors down, I thought maybe you’d feel more comfortable leaving me unattended here.” Grandma sighs.
“I do!” Ashlyn defends. “Really, I do.”
“And yet…” Grandma gestures to her granddaughter standing before her.
“I can see how this could be confusing.” Ashlyn laughs. “But I’m promise I’m just here to grab something.”
“Are you stealing from an old woman?!” Her grandmother teases.
“No, Gram.” Ashlyn rolls her eyes playfully. “I’m looking for that coffee mug with the gold handle and the ‘A’ on the front? Ali and I have a matching set but she pointed out today that we only have one. I thought maybe I left it here.”
“I think it’s up in that cupboard there where you left it. I don’t use those top shelves anymore.” Grandma points to a cabinet behind Ashlyn.
“Thanks.” Ashlyn says with a smile as she turns and opens the cupboard.
“How’s the new house treating you now that you’re finally getting settled?” The elderly woman asks, taking a seat at the table.
“It’s great.” Ashlyn looks back at her grandmother and beams. “I was kind of hesitant about the whole ‘fixer-upper’ thing but you know that’s Ali’s wheelhouse. I actually think she’s a little disappointed there are no more projects to oversee.” She chuckles. “I, on the other hand, am thrilled to have everyone out of my damn house.”
“Well now she’s got the new store to focus on.” Grandma comments.
“She does.” Ashlyn nods. “I’m glad she’s got something here she’s passionate about. I was worried she wouldn’t be happy. That she might start to resent me.”
“I guess it’s a good thing that you’re what makes her happy then.” Gram smiles. “Ali has always gone after what she’s wanted in life.”
“I’m grateful everyday that I’m on of those things.” Ashlyn says seriously, looking down at the mug in her hand.
***
“Ride for Kelley?” Kelley leans in the open window of Ali’s car, pretending she doesn’t know her.
“Cute.” Ali deadpans.
“An attitude won’t get you a five star rating, miss.” Kelley warns playfully.
“Come here and hug me already!” Ali says impatiently.
Kelley launches herself at her friend and hugs her tightly. It had been almost six months since Ali had moved to Florida and though they facetimed at least twice a week and were in constant contact via text, they had only seen each other in person once since the move.
“Geez, Kelley!” Ali complains as she hauls a third suitcase into the back of her car. “Think you brought enough stuff? I know Ash and I are a little over the top but I think a single outfit change for our engagement party will be sufficient.”
“I like to have options.” Kelley shrugs.
“So you packed your entire closet?!” Ali laughs.
“Pretty much.” Kelley says, a bit too seriously. “So tell me about this new web series, hotshot!” She changes the subject before Ali can ask anymore questions.
“Oh, please.” Ali brushes her off. “It’s a web series. I don’t think that qualifies as a ‘hotshot.’”
“Are you kidding? You’re like a gay Joanna Gaines! Joanna Gay nes, if you will.” Kelley replies.
“Hardly!” Ali laughs. “I’m not an interior designer.”
“Okay but I can totally see you picking out tasteful names for a palette of interior paints, or having your own line of throw pillows and candles at Target.” Kelley says.
“Maybe someday.” Ali shrugs. “But I’m over the farmhouse vibe.”
“No?” Kelley asks, pseudo-surprised to hear this. “I won’t find shiplap in every room of your new house?”
“Sorry.” Ali replies. “You might want to temper your expectations now.”
“So, when does everyone else get here?” Kelley asks.
“Well my mom and Kyle have been here all week to help with the party prep, Alex and Servando got in this morning, and Ash is picking up Christen and Tobin late tonight.” Ali runs through the list of people in her head.
“What about Heather and Jane?” Kelley asks.
“My mom is picking them up tomorrow.” Ali answers.
“Let’s just skip the party and have game night instead.” Kelley jokes.
“Don’t tempt me.” Ali groans.
“What?” Kelley asks, surprised. “Ali Krieger loves a party! And you love Ashlyn even more. So a party celebrating how much you like each other should be your dream come true!”
“My mom asked Tammye if she wanted to co-host the party with her.” Ali sounds genuinely a little scared.
“How did I not know this?!” Kelley is flabbergasted. “She said yes?!”
“Well she likes Ashlyn.” Ali explains.
“Your mom is involved.” Kelley reassures. “She won’t let it be anything but spectacular.”
“No, you’re right.” Ali agrees but doesn’t sound convinced. “It’s going to be great.”
Ashlyn is already in the garage when they pull in the driveway.
“Sister Kelley blesses us with her presence.” Ashlyn grins as she greets her friend with a hug. “I’m glad you’re here.”
“And I’m glad you're here.” Ali pats Ashlyn’s shoulder. “Kelley has a lot of baggage.”
“A therapist might be better suited to help with that.” Ashlyn jokes. She walks around to the back of Ali’s car and her eyes go wide when she sees that Ali isn’t kidding. “Wow, Kell, are you moving in?” She teases.
“Kind of.” Kelley says seriously.
“What do you mean?” Ashlyn laughs as she begins pulling luggage from the car.
“I mean,” Kelley takes a deep breath, “that I’m not going back home. I’m moving here.”
“ What?!” Ali can barely comprehend what she’s hearing.
“I know it might seem a little crazy but you guys are my best friends. When you two got together, I got spoiled. I didn’t have to live a double life of keep secrets anymore. I just got to enjoy having my two favorite people in my life.” Kelley explains. “Ali, when you left, I cried for a week.”
“Aw, Kelley.” Ali is starting to tear up. She wraps an arm around Kelley and leans her head on her shoulder. “I did too.”
“When you were there, you gave me something to do to forget about missing Ashlyn. I had you to focus on.” Kelley continues. “I love my work, and my youth group, but I don’t have me people anymore. My support network. The people who I can vent to, or laugh with, who fill my cup, you know?”
“You’re really moving here?” Ashlyn asks.
“Really.” Kelley nods. “I mean, I hear there are some really cuter surfer chicks” She shrugs.
“You’re not wrong.” Ashlyn laughs.
“You should meet Hannah, I just hired her to help me with the new store.” Ali is already scheming.
“Let me find a place to live first.” Kelley chuckles at Ali’s enthusiasm. “I’ve found a job already, but I’ve got to put a few things together still.”
“Where are you staying until then?” Ashlyn wonders.
“Right here!” Ali squeezes Kelley tighter. “You’ll stay with us until you find something.”
“No,” Kelley refuses, “this is your brand new home and I’m not going to put you out. I have tons of options.”
“Who needs options when you have friends?!” Ali says enthusiastically.
“Kelley.” Ashlyn says with a look. “Look at her face.” She points to Ali. “You know that face.”
Kelley sighs. “No use fighting her when she’s made up her mind.” She relents. “But if you get sick of me, just--”
“Kelley!” Ali and Ashlyn say together.
“It’s settled.” Ali says with a sweet smile, but a look that says “shut up” in her eyes.
“Welcome home.” Ashlyn pats her friend on the shoulder.
***
Despite Ali’s hesitation, the engagement party is beautiful. Ali wears a chic, metallic wrap dress in emerald green while Ashlyn wears a royal blue suit, and forgoes a shirt under the jacket. They wander the long, narrow room of the hip restaurant and bar that their mother’s had rented for the evening, talking and hugging and laughing with friends and family near and far. Deb has to come over and usher them to their seats for dinner or they never would have sat down. She makes a mental note to make sure someone is in charge of this on their wedding day too.
“They were having a legitimate argument about it!” Alex is saying animatedly as the couple approach.
Kelley shakes her head, but wears a smug look on her face.
“It’s true.” Tobin confirms.
“What’s true?” Ashlyn asks.
“That you and Ali are fighting over who gets Kelley in their bridal party.” Christen answers.
“We are not.” Ali rolls her eyes. “ I get Kelley.”
Ashlyn throws her head back and lets out a single “Ha!”
“What?” Ali narrows her eyes at her fiancée. “I won.”
“You cheated .” Ashlyn points at Ali. “You kept throwing after three instead of on three!”
“That’s enough, ladies.” Kelley says calmly, holding a hand up to quiet them. “I won’t be won with a game of rock-paper-scissors.”
“Fine.” Ali crosses her arms over her chest. “Who’s side are you on then?” She pouts.
“Neither.” Kelley says like it’s obvious.
Ali and Ashlyn both confused and a little hurt.
“Oh, just tell them, Kell.” Christen says. “They’re gonna cry!”
“I’m going to be your officiant.” Kelley grins.
“No union could be more blessed than one made in the Church of Kelley.” Alex adds.
The group’s laughter is interrupted by the sound of a fork clinking against a glass.
“Hello, everyone!” Deb shouts over the chatter of the room. “If we could have a few minutes of your time we’d be so grateful!”
They all turn to look at Deb and Tammye, standing side by side at the next table.
“We’d just like to take a moment to thank all of you for being here.” Deb says as the room quiets. “Tammye and I, and both of our families, are so thrilled to be celebrating with all of you this evening. Thank you so much for coming out to show your love and support for our beautiful daughters. I know for me personally, I’ve learned so much by watching these two amazing, kind women on this journey to find one another. They are a true example that love is greater.”
The rooms claps and cheers. Deb raises her glass, “To Ashlyn and Ali!” The room joins her with it’s echo “To Ashlyn and Ali!” and the clinking of glasses.
As it quiets again, Tammye speaks. “I’d like to add something.” She says, a bit nervously.
Ali shoots Ashlyn a questioning look, but is met with Ashlyn mouthing “I don’t know.”
“I’d like to apologize to you, Ali. When you came back into Ashlyn’s life, I didn’t handle myself very well and I certainly didn’t treat you very well. I’m sorry, and I want you to know how much I mean it, which is why I’m saying it in front of all these people. Ashlyn needed a love and support that I couldn’t offer her. But you were. I really couldn’t ask for a better daughter-in-law.” Tammye finishes tearfully and raises her glass with a nod.
Ali stands from her seat, Ashlyn following close behind. She approaches Tammye, tears in her own eyes, and holds out her arms. Ali and Tammye hug for a long moment before Ali pulls away. “Thanks for having such a cool daughter.”
“We’d like to say thank you, too.” Ashlyn announces. “This room is full of the people who we hold most dear. Ali and I wouldn’t be ‘Ali and I’ if it weren’t for all of you. Thank you for your love and support, and for coming out to party with us! Don’t forget to put December 31st on the calendar for round two!”