Kansas Story
by Grace
Chapter 101 - 110
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Chapter 101 - A Piece Of Paradise
March 23, Santa Barbara, California
It's nearly noon. Ben wakes up and smiles as he sees Meg sleeping peacefully with her head on his chest and her arms wrapped around him. He can't help feeling the happiest man alive being with her like this.
She starts to stir and he starts going his hand through her hair.
Ben (smiling): Looks like someone here is a big sleepyhead.
Meg: Are you talking about me?
Ben: And who else would I be talking about?
Meg: You.
Ben: Me?
Meg: Yes you (smiles) Because I will not believe that you've been awake for longer than ten minutes.
Ben (gives up): All right, al right. But you know, when someone is busy at night, he has to sleep during the day, now doesn't he?
Meg: I guess.
She lifts her head up and gives Ben a gentle kiss on the lips.
Ben: So, how was your night?
Meg: It was absolutely wonderful. Thank you.
Ben (surprised): For what?
Meg: For everything. For taking me here, for making me feel this way.
Ben: Well, you make me feel wonderful too. More wonderful that I have ever felt in my entire life. And now when you're pregnant with my. our baby. God, I can't believe that I've been so blessed. I can't wait to meet our baby.
Meg: Well, it's only five months now. Gosh, I can't believe that I will keep going bigger and bigger every day (Meg smiles) But I love the thought of the little one growing inside of me. It's like a miracle.
Ben: It IS a miracle.
Ben smiles and they start kissing which is a beginning of spending another day in bed.
***
March 25, Sunset Beach, California, Surf - Central
Ben and Meg have just come back from Santa Barbara and Ben helps Meg in unpacking.
Meg (sighs): It's a pity that we had to come back to reality.
Ben: I know. But I.
Meg; I know. I guess I need to get used to being in a relationship with businessman.
Ben (smiles): If you want I can sell the Deep and Java Web and my stock in the Liberty Corporation and I can become whatever you want me to be.
Meg (laughs): Businessman is OK. (she walks closer to him and starts kissing him passionately) Really.
Ben: I'm glad.
He places her gently on the bed, but the same moment the phone rings.
Meg (sighs): I think I will have this thing removed from my room.
She laughs and answers.
Meg: Surf - Central. Meg Cummings speaking.
Jessica: Hey, Meg, it's me.
Meg: Hi, Jess. It's good to hear you.
Jessica: It's good to hear you too. Look, Ashley told me that something was wrong with you the last time she talked to you. Is everything OK?
Meg: It's even more than OK. It's perfect.
Jessica: Well, you seem to be changing your mind every five minutes.
Meg (laughs): I know. But so much has happened. Please, tell Ash that she can forget everything I told her then. Everything is wonderful now and I'm the happiest woman on Earth.
Jessica: Well, you certainly sound like if you were. So you and Ben are fine?
Meg: We're more than fine. (she looks at Ben) Gosh, I am so happy.
Jessica: From the sound of your voice I can sense that Ben is somewhere around.
Meg: He is.
Jessica: OK, so I'm not gonna keep you. You take care of yourself and your baby, OK?
Meg: I am.
Jessica: All right then, we'll talk later. Bye.
Meg: Yeah. It was nice you called, bye.
Meg hangs up and looks at Ben. He is grinning.
Ben: Why do I get the feeling that this conversation involved me?
Meg: Well, maybe because it did. Well, you are the reason I am so happy.
Ben (teasing): Am I?
Meg (kissing him): Yes, yes you are. YOU are my happiness.
Ben: Well, it goes both ways, doesn't it?
Meg: Probably.
She smiles and they kiss again.
Chapter 102 - The New Job
March 27, Sunset Beach, California, Liberty Corporation - Gregory Richards' office
Ben (seeing Gregory acting very nervous): Hey Gregory, what's wrong?
Gregory: And why do you feel like I owe you any explanation?
Ben (sighs): I thought you weren't mad at me anymore for not telling you about Meg.
Gregory: No, why would I? I mean, my best friend is going through the toughest time in his life and he doesn't say a word. So why would I be mad?
Ben: Gregory.
Gregory: I'm sorry, Ben.
Ben: So what's the problem?
Gregory: Lisa, my assistant quit her job today. She is moving to New York.
Ben: Is there any way I can help you?
Gregory: And can you find me another assistant by evening?
Ben: Actually I think I can.
Gregory: Oh really?
Ben: Yes. I know someone who would be perfect for this job. She is working as a waitress at the Deep and in Java Web.
Gregory (reading Ben's mind): Are you talking about Meg?
Ben (sighs): Look, I know that she is pregnant and all.
Gregory: Doesn't matter, doesn't matter. I need the new assistant and if she can start today then she is hired. Is she any good with computers?
Ben: She's great. She's been running my accountancy.
Gregory: Good. Tell her to meet me in my office in two hours.
Ben: Sure.
Ben smiles and rushes to the Java Web. Meg is bustling between the tables. Ben knows that soon she would have to give up that job anyway, so Gregory's offer might be perfect for her.
When Meg notices Ben, she walks to him and greets him with a kiss.
Meg (smiling): What are you doing here? I thought you were at the Liberty Corporation.
Ben: I was.
Meg: Then why are you here?
Ben: I have great news for you.
Meg: What news?
Ben: I just got you a job.
Meg (surprised): But I already have a job, remember?
Ben (laughs): I know. But you can't keep working as a waitress being in your condition. You can't overstrain.
Meg: I'm not.
Ben: Well, that's what you think. But you keep working as a waitress, running my accountancy and doing hundreds of other things. That's why I found you a less exhausting job.
Meg: What do you mean?
Ben: You will be working for Gregory Richards.
Meg: And who is Gregory Richards?
Ben: Sorry. He is my partner in the Liberty Corporation. His assistant has just quit her job and he needs a new one immediately.
Meg: And I'm supposed to work in the Liberty Corporation? You must be kidding.
Ben: I'm not. I'm sure you will do a great job.
Meg: Ben, I can't. I'm too stupid for that.
Ben: Now you must be kidding. You are the smartest woman in the world.
Meg: Yeah, right.
Ben: Look, all I'm asking is that you try. You won't have to keep this job.And don't worry, you can always be a member of my staff again anytime you want.
Meg: I don't know.
Ben: Come on, Meg. Just give it a try. I'm sure you will love Gregory. And he will love you.
Meg: OK, OK, I'll do it.
Ben: All right. Gregory wants to meet you in his office in an hour and a half. I'll drive you.
Meg: OK, but are you sure I can leave this place?
Ben: Yes, Mark and the rest will do just fine.
Meg: OK then let's do it.
She smiles and they leave the Java Web.
Chapter 103 - The Question
April 2, Sunset Beach, California, Liberty Corporation
Gregory (handing Men an envelope): Meg, can you please check it one more time?
Meg: Sure.
Gregory: When you're finished you can go home. I won't need you today.
Meg (looking at her watch - it's three): Gee, thanks.
Gregory smiles and leaves. Soon the door open again and Ben walks in the office.
Meg (smiles): I didn't hear you knocking.
Ben: I didn't know I had to.
Meg: You don't.
She smiles and he walks closer to give her a kiss.
Ben: So, how is your new gob?
Meg: Pretty well actually. Gregory is a really nice man.
Ben: I told you...
Meg: Can you believe that he gave me a free afternoon today?!
Ben: Did he?
Meg: Yes. I just need to go through that papers and I'm free to go.
Ben: Well then what would you say if I invite you for supper today? I mean at my place. You know, just the two of us.
Meg (grinning): I would ask what time?
Ben: Eight o'clock, unless you want earlier or later.
Meg: No, eight would be perfect.
Ben: OK, I'll pick you up.
Meg: No, no, don't bother. It's just a few houses. I'll be fine.
Ben: Are you sure?
Meg: Yes.
Ben: All right then, I'll be waiting. Look, I wish I could stay here with you, but we have a meeting.
Meg: Sure, I'll see you later.
Ben (kissing her gently): I can't wait.
He smiles and heads towards the door. She watches him leaving.
Meg (thinks): Why do I get the feeling that you're up to something, Ben Evans?
***
April 2, Sunset Beach, California, Ben Evans' house
Meg enters Ben's house and sees the whole living room in white roses. There are also a few candles. Meg smiles happily.
Meg: Ben, you didn't have to. It's wonderful.
Ben: I was hoping that you would like it.
Meg: How could I not? It's so amazing.
Ben: YOU are amazing.
Meg (blushes): Ben, how do you keep doing this?
Ben: Doing what?
Meg: Being so sweet. I mean you always know exactly what to say.
Ben (leans to kiss her): Well, I have my inspiration here with me.
Meg (blushing again): Really? Where?
He grins and their lips meet again in a long, passionate kiss. He takes her hand and leads her to the table.
Meg (smiles): Wow, that smells wonderful. I'm starving.
Ben: Well, the food is all yours.
Ben smiles, helps Meg to sit down and they start eating. Ben notices that Meg must have been starving indeed. And she notices that Ben is acting really strange - his voice sounds differently and he seems nervous.
When they finish eating, she looks at him worried.
Meg: Ben, are you OK?
Ben: I'm fine, why?
Meg: I don't know. You seem so nervous.
Ben (becoming more and more nervous): Nervous? No.
Meg: Well, even if you are, I know a pretty good way to make you feel better.
She walks closer to him and gives him a kiss. He takes her hand and leads her to the coach.
Meg (sitting down): You know, I can't believe that this is actually happening. We are here together. We're gonna have a baby. I love you, Ben.
Ben: I love you too. I love you more than I've ever loved anyone. My life was empty before I met Dorothy from Kansas. She showed me a completely new world. YOU showed me a completely new world. You made me see the world in a different way. You filled all the empty space in my life. You were my soul mate, you shared my deepest thoughts and dreams. I fell in love with you. And I kept falling in love with you over and over again. And now I know that there is nothing I want more than to spend the rest of my life with you.
Meg (close to tears as she can't believe that Ben actually has such a strong feelings for her): I love you too, Ben. But why are you telling me all this?
Ben: Because. I. Look, I know that it's probably a little bit early and we have known each other only for a couple of months. But I feel like I've known you my entire life.
Meg: I feel the same way. But why are you telling me all this right now?
Ben: Because I feel that my life without you is worth nothing. I want to have you with me always. When I go to sleep, when I wake up in the morning. I want to hold you in my arms every night. I want to come back home to find you there waiting for me.
Meg (this time in tears for real): Ben. I don't know what to say.
Ben: Just answer one question.
Meg: What?
Ben takes a small box from the cupboard. He opens it and Meg realizes that there is a ring in it. Ben pulls the ring out and kneels.
Meg (seeing what Ben is doing): Ben.
Ben (looking straight into her eyes): Meg Cummings, will you marry me?
Meg looks at him shocked.
Chapter 104 - The Answer
April 2, Sunset Beach, California, Ben Evans' house
Meg keeps looking at Ben and the ring.
Meg (not being able to say a word): Oh my God. Ben. I. I can't believe.
Ben (confused): Look, I know it's soon. And if you need some time to think about it.
Meg (through tears): I don't. I just can't believe that you're actually asking me this.
Ben: Hey, I'm sorry if I confused you. If you.
Meg: You did not confuse me. You just made me really, really happy.
Ben: Does that mean.
Meg: I think you know what it means. (she smiles) The answer is yes.
Ben (grinning): Yes?
Meg: Yes, yes, of course YES. And don't tell me that you expected any other answer.
Ben: I don't know. I just wasn't sure.
Meg: You weren't sure? After everything we've been through. (Meg stops and looks lovingly at Ben) I love you and I will be honored to become your wife.
Ben: Then we're getting married?
Meg: I guess.
Ben puts the ring on Meg's finger and stands up. She looks at the ring with tearful eyes and wraps her arms around Ben. He embraces her and starts kissing her passionately.
Ben: I was so scared that you would say 'no'.
Meg: How could I? I've been dreaming about calling myself Mrs. Evans.
Ben: Well, it's going to happen really soon. As soon as my divorce is finalized.
Meg: Right. You're still.
Ben: But not for long. You and I will be married really soon.
Meg: It doesn't have to be soon. I just. I just want it to be special. I know it WILL be special and wonderful no matter when this is going to happen. The only thing that matters is that you will be at the altar waiting for me.
Ben: Well, I would wait for you for the rest of my life.
Meg (laughs): I promise I will not make you wait that long. But I do want everything to be perfect on our wedding day.
Ben: I promise that everything WILL be perfect. Everything MUST be perfect for a perfect woman.
Meg: I know that you've already done this once. But for me this is going to be the most wonderful day of my life.
Ben: For me too. (sighs) Maybe I've already got married once, but this time I'm gonna marry the woman I love and the woman I want to sped the rest of my life with.
Meg (sadly): Is that what you felt when you proposed to Maria?
Ben: Look, Meg, I know that you might be worried.
Meg: Ben.
Ben (not letting her finish): And I understand that you may have doubts, I really do.
Meg: I DO NOT have any doubts.
Ben: But I want you to know that whatever it was between me and Maria, it's over. It was over long before I met you, I just didn't want to admit it. I don't want you to feel that Maria.
Meg (placing her finger on Ben's lips): Ben, Ben. Just shut up, OK? I don't want to talk about Maria.
Ben: But.
Meg: Look, I know that you loved her. That's why you married her, isn't it? (Ben nods) But I'm OK with that. I know that you love me. And I don't want you to deny anything. Cause despite everything that's happened between you and Maria recently, I'm sure that you shared some beautiful times together and I know that you will always remember that. And you wouldn't be yoursel f if you didn't.
Ben (looking at Meg, not being able to believe that she understands him so well): God, every time I think I couldn't possibly love you more, you do so mething to make me realize that I will have to try really hard to love you the way you deserve to be loved.
Meg: The way you love me is definitely enough. I can't believe that you're gonna be my husband. That's all I ever dreamt of since the moment I met you over the Internet. All I ever wanted was to meet the mysterious SB.
Ben: Well you did.
Meg: Yeah, and it was even more wonderful that I could ever imagine.
Ben: Even if I kept a secret from you. about my wife.
Meg: That hurt me and I'm not gonna deny it. But maybe it was supposed to happen. Maybe that was the way to test our love.
Ben: Well if so, then we survived this test. And we will survive everything what's gonna be thrown at us. Because we love each other and we can face everything together.
Meg: I know. I know that now. You know, there were times when I had a hard time believing if there was such thing as fate. But now I know that it's true - when two people are meant to be together, there is nothing that can keep them apart.
Ben: You're right. Nothing will ever keep us apart. Nothing.
Chapter 105 - Sharing Happiness With Others
April 3, Sunset Beach, California, Surf - Central
Meg enters Surf - Central hoping that no one noticed that she didn't come back home for the night. But of course Casey wouldn't be Casey if he wasn't waiting for her ready to listen to the explanation.
Casey (smiling): I'm glad you remembered where you lived.
Meg: Casey, please.
Casey: OK, OK, I'm sorry. You are lucky that I knew exactly where you were.
Meg: Did you?
Casey: Yeah. Ben called me.
Meg (smiles): Ben...
Casey (smiling meaningfully): Yes. Looks like you two had some very important business to run.
Meg: You are awful! But you're right - we did have some important business to run.
Meg shows Casey the ring.
Casey (shocked): Oh my God. Is this what I think it means? You and Ben.
Meg (screams happily): We're engaged!!!
Casey: Wow! Ben certainly doesn't waist his time.
Meg: Casey, please.
Casey: No, I didn't mean it this way. If Ben is sure that he loves you and if you're sure that you love him.
Meg: I am.
Casey: Then it's really wonderful that you two are getting married. Congratulations!
Meg (giving him a hug): Thanks Casey.
She smiles and goes to her room. She dials her parents' number. She can't wait to tell her family the news.
Joan: Hello. It's Joan Cummings.
Meg: Hey mom, it's me.
Joan: Hi sweetheart. How are you?
Meg: I'm fine, mom. I'm absolutely fine. Actually I have never been better. Mom, I am so happy.
Joan: And why is that?
Meg: Mom, Ben and I are getting married!!!
Joan: What?
Meg: We're getting married! Ben proposed to me yesterday!
Joan (shocked): Oh my God. I can't believe it.
Meg: I can't believe it either, but it's true. Ben wants me to be his wife and I couldn't be more happy about that. God, mom, I'm gonna be Mrs. Evans.
Joan: And what about former Mrs. Evans? Isn't Ben still married to her? The divorces don't take place in one day.
Meg: Yeah, I know. Ben and Maria are not officially divorced yet, but they are gonna be very soon. And then Ben and I are going to get married.
Joan: Well that's certainly unexpected, but I know how much you love Ben and how happy you must be right now.
Ben: I am happy. Very happy. I'm in love with the most wonderful man in the world, I'm having his baby and I'm gonna be his wife. My life couldn't be more perfect.
***
April 4, Sunset Beach, California, Surf - Central
Meg is about to go to bed when she hears the phone.
Meg: Hello.
Ashley: Hi Meg, it's me. I hope it's not too late.
Meg: Actually I was going to sleep, but it's OK.
Ashley: Your mom told us. Congratulations!!!
Meg: Thank you. Ash, I'm so happy.
Ashley: I can imagine.
Meg: I'm sorry I didn't call you and Jess, but I've been so busy and.
Ashley: Hey, don't worry about us, we always have fresh news from your mother.
Meg (smiles): Right.
Ashley: You just enjoy your happiness and don't forget to invite us for your wedding.
Meg: Don't worry. I won't forget about you. I want you to be with me during the happiest day of my life. I want everyone I love to be there with me.
Ashley: Well, we were all thrilled to hear that you are getting married.
Meg: I was thrilled myself when Ben proposed to me. But I couldn't be more happy about it.
Chapter 106 - Time To Understand
April 7, Sunset Beach, California, Ben Evans' house
Annie (entering Ben's house without knocking): Hey Ben.
Ben: Annie, what is this going to take to teach you that this is MY house and you can't just come in here whenever you like.
Annie: Come on, Ben, we have known each other for so long. I am your best friend.
Ben: And this is MY house. When are you going to finally understand it?!
Annie: All right, all right. (changes the subject) I heard the news.
Ben: What news?
Annie: About you and Meg. The whole Sunset Beach is talking about it.
Ben: Annie.
Annie: So you really are marrying this slut.
Ben: Annie, watch out what you're saying!
Annie: You know, I thought that you would come to your senses and leave that little farmer. You and Maria belong together.
Ben: Annie.
Annie: I can't believe that you actually left your wife for little Mary Sunshine.
Ben (looking icily at Annie): I did not leave Maria for Meg. Me and Maria have gotten divorced because we had thousands of problems that you had no idea about.
Annie: I'm sure you would have solved them all if only that little witch hadn't seduce you. (Annie smiles ironically) By the way - what did you fall for - the straw in her hair?
Ben: Annie, Meg did not seduce me and she didn't have anything to do with my problems with Maria. Things just weren't going well between us (sighs) Gosh, I don't even know why I'm telling you all this.
Annie: Ben, you will ruin your life if you marry Meg.
Ben: I will ruin my life if I don't. When I marry Meg I will be the happiest man alive.
Annie: You can't mean that.
Ben: I do mean that, Annie (Ben looks at his watch ) And now would you be so kind and leave. I'm waiting for someone.
Annie: Who? That bitch from Kansas?
At the same moment Meg enters the house. Ben sees the expression on her face after hearing what Annie said and looks icily at Annie.
Ben: Annie, I thought you were leaving.
Annie: No, I have a few words to say to that.
Ben (angry): Annie!!!
Annie: All right (looks at Meg) But it's not over.
Ben: Oh yes it is.
Annie leaves. Ben looks confused at Meg.
Ben: I'm sorry about that. She.
Meg: It's OK. She is Maria's friend. She has a right to feel the way she does about me.
Ben: But she has no right to call you.
Meg: Ben, I can handle this. Besides I don't care what she thinks. I don't care what anyone thinks. I would face the world turned against me, as long as I would have you by my side.
Ben: Forever that is.
Meg: I hope so. (she kisses him gently) So why did you want to see me? Is there any emergency?
Ben: You bet (she looks at him confused) I missed you.
He smiles and kisses her again.
Ben: Meg, don't worry about Annie. She needs some time to understand.
Meg: I know. I know that she is your friend too, and I don't want her to hate me.
Ben: She won't hate you. We just need to give her some time.
Meg: Well, Annie can take all the time she needs.
Ben: You're right, you're right. You're gonna be my wife for the rest of our lives so Annie has time to adjust (Ben smiles and thinks) But I doubt that she will ever understand.
Chapter 107 - The Little One Inside
April 17, Sunset Beach, California, South Bay General
Rae: Hey Meg, I'm glad you could come. I know that we had an appointment for tomorrow, but I will have a very busy day and I don't know if I will find time.
Meg: It's OK. I had a free afternoon anyway, so it's not a problem.
Rae: Great. Are you ready to run those tests now?
Meg: Sure. Are you sure it's just a prophylactic.
Rae: Of course.
Meg: And you would tell me if there was something wrong with my baby?
Rae: Meg!
Meg: OK, OK, I'm sorry. I'm just a little bit nervous.
Rae (laughing): A little bit?
Meg: OK, so I'm VERY nervous. But I've never had a baby before. And I don't know what to do or.
Rae: Meg, Meg, Meg, just calm down.
Meg (blushing): I'm sorry.
Rae: It's OK. And can we please run those tests now?
Meg: Sure.
Rae tells one of the sisters to take Meg's blood sample and later examines her.
Meg (looking at Rae impatiently): Well? Is everything OK?
Rae: Yes, everything is fine. You can be proud of yourself for taking such a wonderful care of your baby.
Meg: Well, I'm trying.
Rae (smiles): I know. The blood results are gonna be ready tomorrow, so I'll give you a call or tell you at Surf - Central.
Meg: Sure. Thanks Rae.
Rae: No problem. Look, I need to take care of a few things, would you excuse me?
Meg: Sure. Go ahead.
Rae: Bye.
Rae leaves the examine room. Meg finishes getting dressed and goes outside. She runs straight into Ben's arms.
Meg (surprised): Ben? What are you doing here?
Ben: Well, I heard from Casey that you went to the hospital for a check up and I just wanted to be with you. (pauses) But I guess everything is already over.
Meg: I'm sorry. I would have waited if I had known that you were coming.
Ben: It's OK. So how is little Evans doing?
Meg (smiles): He. or she. is doing pretty fine. Ben, I know that it's possi ble to know the sex of the baby, but.
Ben: Hey, I know. it's gonna be wonderful to be surprised when the baby is born.
Meg: Do you really think so?
Ben: Of course I do. Sometimes I feel like I would like to know the sex of the baby, but at the same time I wanna wait until the baby arrives. Gosh, this is such a strange feeling.
Meg: I know exactly what you mean. Sometimes I can't wait to meet our baby and sometimes I feel like I could carry it inside me forever. It's such a wonderful feeling. knowing that there is a new life growing inside of me. The life that we created. (she's close to tears) Ben, we made that little one. the baby which is gonna be a part of us forever. This is so incredible.
Ben: I know
Meg: Ben, we are gonna be parents. God, I still can't believe that I'm having your baby.
Ben: OUR baby you mean.
Meg: Yes. Our baby. Our wonderful, precious baby.
Chapter 108 - The Date
April 25, Sunset Beach, Liberty Corporation
Ben silently enters the room Meg is working in. He comes closer to her and wraps his arms around her. She screams and turns around.
Meg: God, Ben! You scared me!
Ben (smiles): I'm sorry. I didn't know you were so busy that you would not notice me.
Meg (laughs): I'm sorry. Gregory told me to go through some files and I'm afraid this is going to take some time. But I don't complain, I've had a few free afternoons recently.
Ben: Well, I hate to disturb you, but I have some news and I think you might want to hear it.
Meg: What news do you mean?
Ben: Well, my divorce with Maria is going to be finalized in two weeks, so we can start planning our wedding.
Meg (happily): Two weeks?
Ben: Yeah, we can set a date for the wedding.
Meg: Oh my God, are you serious? You wanna set a date for the wedding??!!
Ben: Of course I do.
Meg: That's wonderful!!!
Meg smiles and kisses Ben passionately.
Ben: I was hoping you would like the news.
Meg: I love it! I love it! And I love you.
Ben: I love you too.
He smiles and embraces her again. They start kissing passionately.
Gregory (entering the room): Meg, can you.
He sees Ben and Meg and smiles. Ben and Meg pull away from each other.
Meg (blushing): Sorry. We were just.
Gregory (smiling): It's OK.
Meg: So, what do you want me to do?
Gregory (handing her some files): Here is the contract I told you about. Can you please take a look at it?
Meg: Sure.
Gregory: But that's the last thing I want you to do today. I promise.
Meg (takes the files from Gregory): It's OK, I'll be fine.
Gregory (heading towards the door): I'm just gonna leave you two alone.
Ben: Thanks.
Gregory leaves.
Ben: So, coming back to that thing we talked about earlier. Is there any particular date you were thinking about?
Meg: No. I just want it to be as soon as possible. I can't wait to be Mrs. Evans.
Ben: Great. Do you have time tomorrow in the evening?
Meg: I think I do, why?
Ben: Well, we could go to the church and talk with father Antonio Torres.
Meg: Torres? Isn't that Maria's.
Ben: Antonio is Maria's brother.
Meg: Ben, I don't think it's a good idea.
Ben: Meg, Antonio is a wonderful priest. I'm sure he will not have anything against our wedding.
Meg: I don't know.
Ben: Trust me.
Meg: OK, OK. Let's talk to father Antonio then.
***
April 26, Sunset Beach, California, The mission
Ben and Meg are waiting for Antonio.
Meg: Are you sure that's a good idea?
Ben: Meg.
Meg: All right, all right.
Antonio enters the room.
Ben: Hi Antonio.
Antonio: Hi Ben. Hi Meg. Ben told me that you wanted to set a date for your wedding...
Meg: Look father Antonio.
Antonio: Just Antonio.
Meg: OK. I know that you are Maria's brother and that it might be hard for you....
Antonio (smiles): Look, I am a priest. And I serve God. And whatever happened between Ben and Maria, I have no right to judge it.
Meg (smiles): Thank you.
Ben: So can you tell us what possibilities we have? In two weeks is the soonest we can.
Antonio (checking his notebook): Let's see. In two weeks. Well, the first date I have free is May 25th.
Ben: May 25th. (turns to Meg) What do you think?
Meg (smiles): I think it would be perfect.
Ben: Great, then we're settled?
Meg: Yes.
Ben: OK. Antonio, can you please book that date for us?
Antonio: Sure. (Antonio takes a note in his notebook) Would you excuse me, I have the confessions today.
Ben: Sure. We will be fine.
Antonio: OK. Bye.
Ben and Meg: Bye.
Antonio leaves.
Meg (screams): Oh my God! May 25th! It's only a month!!
Ben: Only?! I would marry you right this second.
Meg: I know, I know. But still it's amazing that this is going to happen for real in a month. I can't wait.
Ben: Me either. I can't wait to keep calling you Mrs. Evans.
Meg: Oh Ben, I can't believe that this is happening.
Ben: It is, it is.
Meg (happily): Oh my God, we're getting married!!!!
She runs to Ben and wraps her hands around his neck. He kisses her passionately.
Meg: This is going to be the best day of my life.
Chapter 109 - Invitations
April 27, Ludlow, Kansas, Cummings' house
Joan: I'm so happy that Meg has finally found her happiness.
Hank: You think this guy. Ben Evans. Do you think that he will make her happy?
Joan: He already has. You don't know cause you haven't talked to her in a long time. But if you had, you would have known it from the tone of her voice. She is happy. Very happy. And all because of Ben Evans.
Hank: I don't know. He hurt her.
Joan: Hank, that was in the past. Ben loves Meg.
Hank: I guess you're right. I just don't want anyone to break her heart again.
Joan: I think. I think that Ben will not break her heart.
Hank: I hope so.
The telephone rings.
Joan: Hello.
Meg: Hi mom, it's me.
Joan: Hi sweetheart. I'm glad you're calling.
Meg: I have a great news for you.
Joan: I'm listenig.
Meg: Ben and I have set a date for the wedding!!!
Joan (a little bit shocked): You did what?
Meg: We set a date for the wedding!!! It's May 25th!!!
Joan: Oh my God, that's wonderful!
Hank (trying to find out what happened): Joanie, what's going on?
Joan (to Hank): Ssshhh.
Meg: Did you say something, mom?
Joan: No, no, it was to dad. So May 25th?
Meg: Yeah, I'll send you the official invitations later, but I just wanted to let you know. Look, you can fly to Sunset Beach earlier to help me. Ben said it was OK for you to stay at his place until the wedding.
Joan: Oh, that's nice of him.
Meg: Yeah.
Joan (sighs): And don't worry - we'll move out before your wedding night.
Meg (blushing): Does that mean that you agree to come here a little bit earlier?
Joan: Of course. I need to make sure that my daughter will be the most beautiful bride ever.
Meg: Thank you, mom. Look, I don't know when I get in touch with Ash and Jess. I called them in the morning, but no one answered. Anyway, if you see them, tell them about the wedding. Oh, and that they can stay at Surf - Central with me. Casey said it was OK, besides we have a few spare rooms anyway.
Joan: All right, I'll tell them.
Meg: Oh, and Matt and Ryan too. I just don't know if I should invite Tim and Connie. I mean, not that Tim is dying to see me marrying Ben, but on the other hand he was my friend. Maybe I owe him something.
Joan: I don't think you owe him anything. Or Connie. After what they did to you.
Meg (sighs): Oh, I know, I know, but still maybe I should.
Joan: I don't know, it's up to you sweetheart. You'll do whatever you think is right.
Meg: Yeah. I'll talk to Ben about it. Look, I have a few things to take care of.
Joan: Your new boss is giving you a hard time?
Meg: No, no, Gregory is really OK. I have a lot of work with the wedding invitations and the bridesmaids' dresses. By the way, I want Ash and Jess to be my bridesmaids, but don't tell them about it right now. I still need to talk to Sara. I would like her to my maid of honor.
Joan: I'm sure she's gonna be thrilled.
Meg: I just hope that she will be able to come from Washington.
Joan: I'm sure she will. I mean she wouldn't miss her own sister's wedding, would she?
Meg: I guess not. I'll call her tomorrow. Gosh, I have so many things to do.
Joan: I can imagine. So I'm not gonna keep you. I'm glad you called.
Meg: Yeah, it was nice to hear your voice too. Tell dad that I love him.
Joan: Sure, bye sweetheart.
Joan hangs up.
Hank (confused): So, are you gonna tell me what's going on?
Joan: Yes, yes, I am. Ben and Meg set a date for their wedding.
Hank: Really?
Joan: Yeah. May 25th. But Meg wants us to be there a few days earlier. Well, at least me. I need to halp her with the dress and all that stuff.
Hank: Sure. Looks like you were right - Ben really loves Meg.
Joan: He does. I know that. (We all do... LOL - G.)
Chapter 110 - Bridesmaids
April 29, Sunset Beach, California, Surf - Central
Meg, excited walks back and forth in her room. She has been trying to get in touch with Sara all evening, but Sara doesn't seem to be answering and Meg is going crazy.
Meg (angry): Come on, Sara, where are you?
Meg one more time walks around the room and picks the earphone again.
Meg: Come on, Sara. Be there. I need to talk to you. (someone answers) Sara, Sara, is that you?
Sara: Hey, where's the fire?
Meg (blushing): I'm sorry, I'm sorry. I just have something really, really important to tell you. And I couldn't get in touch with you and.
Sara (laughing): Meg, Meg, Meg, just calm down.
Meg (blushes again): Sara, I'm sorry. I'm just really nervous.
Sara (smiles): I've noticed. So what do you want to tell me?
Meg: Look, Ben and I have set a date for he wedding.
Sara: Really? When?
Meg: May 25th.
Sara: Oh Meg, this is wonderful.
Meg: I know, I've never felt more happy. I know that this wedding is going to be the happiest day of my life. But I need your help to make that happen.
Sara: Me? Why?
Meg: Sara, would you like to my maid of honor?
Sara: Would I like? Meg, I would be honored.
Meg: I was hoping you would say that.
Sara: How could I not? Meg, you are my sister and I couldn't be more happy to say 'yes'. I'm so glad that you and Ben have worked things out.
Meg: Yeah, this is like a wonderful dream.
Sara: Well, you deserved that one.
Meg: You really think so?
Sara: Of course. Meg, after everything you've bee through with Tim and Ben lying to you, it's great that you finally found your happiness.
Meg: Well, I found Ben. And he is my happiness.
Sara: I wonder if I will ever find a man like Ben.
Meg: I'm sure you will. You just need to keep looking. I found Ben without even leaving my room.
Sara (laughs): Right. Look, Meg, I.
Meg: I know, I know, you have probably many things to do and I still need to call Ashley and Jessica to ask if they want to be my bridesmaids.
Sara: I'm sure they will love the idea.
Meg: Well, I hope so. So, we'll talk later.
Sara: Wait a minute, what about the dress? How am I.
Meg: Don't worry. I just need your size and I'm gonna have the dress sewed.you just need to come to Sunset Beach a few days before the wedding and try it on to do the last changes.
Sara: OK , OK, I'll be there. I'll call you in a few days.
Meg: Sure. Bye.
Sara: Bye.
Meg hangs up and dials Ashley's number. Her mother answers.
Meg: Hi Mrs. Williams. It's Meg Cummings speaking, can I talk to Ashley?
Mrs. Williams: Sure Meg, hold on.
Meg waits a second and after a while she hears her friend's voice.
Ashley: Hey Meg. We heard that you and Ben set a date. Congratulations.
Meg: Thanks. Look, that's reason I'm calling.
Ashley: What do you mean?
Meg: I would like you and Jess to be my bridesmaids.
Ashley: Oh my God, are you serious?
Meg: No, I'm kidding (laughs) Of course I'm serious. You and Jess are my best friends.
Ashley: I'm guessing that Sara is going to be your maid of honor.
Meg: Yes. So do you agree?
Ashley: Of course we do. I mean I do. But I'm sure Jess will too.
Meg: I tried to call her today, but I couldn't get in touch with her.
Ashley (laughing): There's no wonder.
Meg (surprised): What do you mean?
Ashley: She had a hot date with Matt.
Meg: Oh, I get it. (smiles) Well then tell her that I called, OK?
Ashley: Sure.
Meg: I'll call her in a few days. Oh, and about the dresses. I just need your size. Then all you need to do is try them on a few days before the wedding. My mom told you that you can stay at my place or at Surf - Central?
Ashley: Yeah, she told us everything.
Meg: OK, OK, then we'll talk in a few days.
Ashley: OK. And one more time congratulations.
Meg: Thank you.
Meg hangs up and looks at the engagement ring.
Meg (thinks): God, I can't believe that I'm really doing this.
***