Sequel: Family Goals

Keep It Kasual

Chapter 17

Cuts heal and bruises fade. Soon enough I found myself and Alex had found a routine we both enjoyed. 10 am Monday, Wednesday and Friday we had swim lessons. The best part was that it was an all Pens kids class. Today was our last class for the week. Everyone was in the locker room changing the kids out of their street clothes. We were talking about the Halloween party in a couple weeks. It got me thinking about what Kris and I were going to wear. I knew what I wanted to wear, but I had no idea if Kris would go for it. The boys had won last night, the first game of the season. They were at practice right now but we were meeting them for lunch. Pulling Alex out of his clothes and getting him into his swim suit made him happy.

Alex loved water, of all kinds. It made me happy that he was learning to swim. It would make him a bit safer to be around our pool in the summer. I pulled my stuff off and was soon working on getting him sluiced off before going into the pool. I had to pick him up after that or else he’d try and dive into the pool before it was time.

Courtney and Brett came out behind us. “So what are you and Kris going to wear?” We moved to the spot that the kids would enter the water. I set Alex with his feet in the water.

I chuckled a bit. “Well what I want to wear and what we will wear might be two different things. If he agrees I’d love to go as Briar Rose and Phillip. I’ve got her costume already, I’d just have to make his.” Alex kicked his feet in the water laughing.

“That’s such a cute idea. I didn’t know you sewed when did you start that?” She set Brett down and he also started splashing.

I blushed. “Some months can be pretty lean for a photographer. I did costumes and stuff on the side, I started in college. My goddaughter, Ava, wanted to be Merryweather so someone had to be Briar Rose. I haven’t had a chance to do anything since I met Kris actually.” I had been busy.

“That’s so cool, you’re so creative. Do you have any patterns for diaper bag stuff?” I nodded. She leaned in. “If you come with me to pick out good fabrics, would you make me something?”

“I’ll have to get a machine first. I’ll look up my favored brand when we get to lunch. Who knows, if I get it everyone may get handmade things for the holidays.” I grinned. I loved making things for friends.

After a class full of happy kids, a handful of us met our guys for lunch. That’s when the Halloween party was brought up again _and_ my until now hidden talent. Kris looked at me sideways. “I didn’t know you could sew. That’s actually kinda cool.”

I flushed. I hadn’t meant to keep it from Kris, it just never had come up. “Ava benefitted quite a lot. I used to make dress up clothes for her. I even made her Halloween costume a couple years ago, which is how I have the one I’d like to wear.” Everyone leaned in and I bit the bullet. “I was thinking we could go as Briar Rose and Phillip from Sleeping Beauty.”

Kris looked at me dubiously. “Would I have to wear tights?” He asked to much snickering from the guys.

I sighed. “No, I have the full pattern so no tights. Right now I need the fabric, your measurements and a new machine.” I hoped he wouldn’t get upset, good machines could cost quite a bit.

Kris shrugged. “So then go get them. Does this mean you could make things for our home too?” I chuckled and nodded. He handed me his phone. “Find which one you want and where we can get it. We will go after lunch.” I looked up on the Babylock website, found a local dealer and found the machine that would be perfect for everything I wanted to do.

Lunch after that went smoothly with only a few questions about what I already knew how to do. I quickly got ideas for gifts that would be useful and welcome. Alexander was wilting as we got into the car and headed to Gloria Horn Sewing Studio’s. Kris said he’d stay in the car with Alex so I wouldn’t have an upset little boy hanging on me.

Heading inside I was warmly greeted. “Looking for something or picking up?”

“Buying new actually. Being the Platinum Retailer for Babylock I came here first.” That kicked off the questions Lisa had for what I needed or wanted. 10 minutes later I walked out carefully with the machine I had looked at online, the Crescendo. Kris shook his head as I loaded it into the back seat. I got in and ignored the look. “You told me to get it. I’ll get the fabric after I get your measurements. Let’s get home and get this one in his bed for the rest of this nap.”

Kris put Alex in his crib to nap while I tried to figure out how to get the machine out of the car one handed. In the shop I had Lisa help me but here I didn’t have that help. Just as I was about to give up and go find Kris to help me, I felt a hand on my back. “Where do you want this?”

I felt relief and helpless at the same time. Next week I could take the sling off and start physical therapy. “The living room is fine for now. I want to read the instructions.” He hoisted the box and took it into the living room for me.

“How did you carry this to the car?” He asked after setting it down. He sat on the couch too.

I flushed. “I had the sales lady put it in my good arm so I could use the other for balancing it and she held the door.” Kris laughed as I sliced open the box and revealed it’s contents.

Leaving everything but the manual in the box I began to look over just what this machine could do. It was a bit fancier than the one Paula had after all. As I read I could see some great projects I’d get to do. After the overview I stopped and looked at Kris. “You really don’t mind dressing in a couple’s costume this year?”

He shrugged from where he sat and muted the TV. “Why should I? You have every right to be happy and do something that you love. If this is a part of that, then wonderful. I just don’t know where your costume could be. I don’t remember seeing it.”

I put down the manual and slid over to him. “You remember that dress bag I packed?” He nodded. “It’s actually got 4 costumes in it. 2 for Aurora, Briar Rose and a dark purple fairy outfit that I swear wasn’t made to fit me.”

Kris held up a finger, pulled out his phone and called someone. “Hey, you know how you were looking for an idea, Kallie may have something. Come over.” He hung up and _then_ explained. “Aleks and Sid aren’t doing a couple’s costume and she’s been looking for something. Would you mind if she tried the purple one?”

As the light dawned I grinned. “If she likes it I’ll sell it to her for the cost of the fabrics. I never saw myself in it but it was something I _had_ to make.” I hoped he would understand. Sometimes inspiration just struck.

A few minutes later he was letting Aleks into the house. We hugged and I took her into our closet. “You won’t hurt my feelings if you don’t like this.” I said as I brought the bag out of it’s spot. I laid it on the bed and began taking the other dresses out of it. I had both a blue and a pink Aurora dress, my Briar Rose outfit and finally this dark purple fairy outfit.

Aleks sat on the bed and looked at my other dresses while I sorted out all the parts. Finally I had the dress, shawl, gloves and wings sorted out and I got her attention. “Ok all set.”

Aleks moved over and began by holding the dress up to her and taking a critical look in the mirror I had. “It might fit. Do you mind if I try it on?” I shook my head and she was headed for out en suite bathroom. “So what made you make a dress you couldn’t wear?” She asked as she got undressed.

I giggled. “You know how sometimes lightning will strike and an idea just _has_ to be done?” She made an affirmative noise. “This outfit was one of those times.” She laughed as she came out.

“Well I guess it’s a good thing.” As I looked at her I knew this was meant to be hers. I handed her the gloves and picked up the shawl.

“Let me help you.” I showed her how to put the shawl on so that it covered her arms and wouldn’t interfere with the wings that I then showed her how to put on. I stood back and wasn’t sure how I felt at first. Then Aleks turned to face the mirror.

“Oh wow.” It all fit her perfectly. I adjusted the wings and shawl a little bit while Aleks marveled at herself. “Kallie this is… wow.”

“If you like it that much I’ll sell it to you for the materials cost. You need a few things to finish off the outfit but I bet you could find those in the time we have before the party.” She turned back to me and smiled.

“Write it up and I’ll pay it. This is incredible. I have the perfect shoes to go with this already I’ll just need a mask and wand.” She hugged me carefully. “I can’t thank you enough, this is perfect.”

She went and changed back into her clothes and we went back downstairs. “You two are going to look awesome.” I ducked my head and Kris just smiled. “No seriously, if you don’t take first place then someone’s lying. Anyway, let me know what I owe you for that and _thank_ _you_ for calling me. I love it!” She said her good byes and left us in the quiet house.

I took Kris upstairs to see the costumes I had and he was shocked. “This is how good you are? Mal is right, we’re going to look incredible. Wait, you can’t barefoot all night.”

I giggled, I couldn’t help it. “No, I wear nude ballet flats. It completed the look and still keeps my toes warm.” I pulled me to me and kissed him soundly.

He deepened the kiss pulling me to his front. He slowly broke the kiss. “My mother wants to know when we are going to be getting married.” I sighed heavily. As much as I loved Kris I didn’t want his mother dictating when we were going to get married, let alone where.

Keeping myself close I decided to find out just how bad it was. “What did you tell her?” I mentally braced for the answer.

He moved us to the bed where I got set down carefully and he knelt at my feet. “Well I said we had not picked a date yet, but that was because of everything that has happened.” He took out his phone. “We could call the Basilica and find out what dates they have free.”

Not letting myself freeze up I nodded and he dialed. It seemed like a chancy way to pick a date but at least then we knew we’d have the place chosen. “Hello, I am looking for Daniela Staffa. Hello ma’am, I am calling to find out what dates you have open in July 2014. No, we can’t. Well, I play hockey for a living and the season just started.” He put her on speaker and pulled up his calendar app. “Um, it looks like the team will be in town in November, the 23rd.”

I sighed and took over the conversation. “Hello, I hate to butt in but Kris obviously needs help. He plays for the Pens and we have a small child which means we can’t just come down to the office and talk to you. We’re in Pittsburgh for the season. We’re calling to find out what dates you have open in July so that we can coordinate our Marriage Prep courses hopefully with the church we go to here. We’re both full members of the church and go to the Basilica during the summers when we are home.”

“Did you have your son baptized this past summer?” I confirmed this. “Forgive me it is not every day that we have people calling claiming to be Mr. Letang. I hope that we are your first call.” I heard pages turning.

“Even before we contact our local Church yes. I spoke to Father McCaffrey this last weekend and if you’re willing to work around our schedule he’ll be willing to do the preparation counseling. I know this isn’t normal and you probably have to ask one of the priests if you can even do it.” I crossed my fingers as Kris pulled me onto his lap on the bed.

“Are you looking for the Basilica itself or the Chapel?” I looked at Kris. I loved the Chapel it felt much more intimate than the main Basilica.

Kris took this one though before I could say anything. “The Chapel please. It’s our favorite spot in the Basilica.” More pages turned and hope blossomed in my heart.

“You said you were looking for July right?” We quickly confirmed this. “We have 26th of July open both at 1:30 and 3:30 which is unusual. Would you mind if I put you on speaker phone so that the priest I have on hand can hear what your request is?” Mrs. Staffa asked casually. She must have called someone over to her.

“That’s fine.” “Sounds perfect.” We answered together, making her laugh.

“Father Bedard, on the line is Mr. Letang of the Penguins and his fiancee. Oh I’m sorry, I didn’t catch your name.”

I facepawed. “It’s not your mistake, I forgot to tell you. I’m Kallie Brassard.” Kris rubbed my back in sympathy.

“Hello Mr. Letang and Ms. Brassard. Mrs. Staffa has told me that you have an unusual request. To do your pre-marriage preparation in Pittsburgh with your local priest.” He sounded familiar.

“Yes Father. Our local priest Father McCaffrey is willing, with your permission, to do it specially around our schedule. With my work schedule we were hoping that this would be a good way to get the proper preparation and keep everyone happy.” Kris sounded hopeful and yet unsure.

Father Bedard sighed. “This is most unusual. I can understand why you would like it done like this though. However, without speaking to Father McCaffrey himself I can not answer you at this time.” I pulled out my phone and looked up the contact information for Saint John & Paul Parish. “If you have a number I can call him at, I will get in contact with him and get back to you as soon as we have an accord.”

I wiped my brow and sighed silently. “I have it right here Father.” I waited while he found something to write with and upon. I then game him the phone number and extension for Father McCaffrey. “I have asked him already if he’s willing to, but I completely understand. I’ll give Mrs. Staffa our phone numbers so that when you have an accord it’s easy to find us.” We got off the phone with him and gave our contact info to Mrs. Staffa and then hung up.

Digging around in my stuff I found some animal print fabric, otters to be exact. I had found my box of sewing stuff… I carefully took it to the living room and began pawing through it. I found a nice plaid pattern that coordinated with the otter one and got hit by an idea. I’d make a bag for Alex so that he could carry some of his things.

Alex came into the room just as I finished his new bag. “Did you have a good nap ma loutre?” He nodded. “Good, mama made you something.” I pulled the bag out from where I had tucked it. He clapped as he saw it. Putting it on him I showed him the pocket inside and the inside of the bag. “You can take your crayons and some of your stuff and carry it all by yourself.” He nearly ran over to the diaper bag and pulled out his crayons, the small activity book I made for him and the small otter toy I found at Toys R Us a few days ago.

Kris came down next with a smile on his face. “Just got off my phone with 2 priests. July 26th at 3:30, in deference to someone’s n-a-p, we start our life as man and wife.” He leaned over and kissed me. “I can now tell my mother and we can now begin planning.”

I groaned as I remembered a promise. “And I now have to make a phone call and finish a promise.” I went and grabbed the house phone and checked the time. It wasn’t outside the realm of possibility that Blair was shooting someone but I doubted it. I dialed his number and waited to find out who I was talking to. It rang several times and when I was about to give up and get ready to leave a message, a desperate Blair answered.

“Blair Gable Photography, Blair Gable speaking!” He was a bit out of breath.

“Well I don’t know… what are you doing on July 26th of this year?” I heard him gasp so I continued. “Cause I remember making a promise to this young wedding photographer that he would be my second call once I had a place for my wedding…” I was deliberately drawing out what I was saying, to give him time to remember me.

“Kalista? Holy shit! Girl you up and disappeared, where the hell are you?!” Oh yeah, I forgot to tell him…

“I’m putting you on speaker so watch your language.” I did so and then continued. “You _do_ remember the promise I made to you right?”

“Yes, I remember the promise, now answer _my_ question. Where did you go?” I heard a chair squeak and knew Blair had sat down.

“Well to make a long story short I’ve moved in with my fiancé and our son, his by birth and mine by law. He plays in the NHL so we’re right now in our home there. However, back to the promise. July 26th in Montreal.” I pulled out the stool and sat down while Kris stood nearby.

After a little bit of silence I heard a laugh. “Woman you are taking my only weekend left in July!” He sighed. “You can be glad Kimber loves you as much as I do. Now where am I going to be shooting these nuptials to this mystery man?”

I smiled and chuckled. “Notre-Dame du Sacré-Cœur Chapel in Basilique Notre-Dame de Montreal.” He gasped. “Notre fils, il a été baptisé l'été dernier, il est un endroit approprié pour nous de commencer notre vie en tant que mari et femme. (Our son was baptized there this past summer, it is an appropriate place for us to begin our lives as husband and wife.)”

After introducing Blair to Kris and vice versa we talked about what we wanted for our pictures. It didn’t take long and he even gave me the name of who he thought was the best wedding planner in Montreal, Rachel Cripps-Gervais with An English Rose. I took down the information and pledged that Kimber would be invited, thus starting our invite list.

I called An English Rose on that Monday and found out that not only did they also have that weekend open, they were more than happy to wait to meet us until November as long as we were willing to start planning this week. That’s when I told her who my fiancé was and she assured me that they could be discreet. She emailed me a list of things she’d like to have done before we met. A good portion of the 12-16 months stuff we had done but she wanted us to try and knock out the 8-10 months list too. She said if we had any trouble or questions to email or call her and she’d help. She also said she’s get us a list of vendors that had that day available within the next week.

I also called Paula and my childhood BFF Sarah. It would check another thing off my list and I could see if they, along with Vero, could be here this weekend to see if we could find our dresses. I was fortunate that all of them, including Ava who was going to be my flower girl, were happy to be my attendants and could make it this coming weekend.

To take my mind off of what was going to be a huge project for the next 10 months, I went shopping for the fabric for Kris’ Halloween costume while he was at morning skate the next day. I’d gotten his measurements and now I had the fabric, now all I had to do was get it done by the 21st. 2 weeks, I could do that.
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Ok all of the costumes mentioned are here.

Yes, the Notre-Dame du Sacré-Cœur Chapel in Basilique Notre-Dame de Montreal IS where Alexander was baptized this past summer.

Here is the messanger bag Kallie made for Alex.

If you want the websites for either Blair Gable or An English Rose, let me know.

I'm working on the next chapter already. As usual questions, comments and anything else. Please say something!