With a few hours to spare before Mase and Zoe’s wedding, I step out of the house to enjoy a long jog. The only thing I miss about country living is the cool, crisp morning air, so I’ll enjoy as much of it as possible while here.
Shortly after Dub has left for his jog, Me-Me leads Tami out of the house to show her the birthday gift she and Kai purchased.
Tambara: I love my new bike so, so much, gran!
Melisa: I’m glad. Just be careful not to hurt yourself. Your dad will help you learn to ride it once you get home.
Tami doesn’t want to wait; she climbs up on the bike and uses her feet to scoot the bike along.
I finish my jog and return to my parent’s house to see Tami on a bike.
Wade: Where’d you get that?
Tambara: It’s a gift from Gran and Pop-Pop. Can you teach me how to ride it?
Wade: Of course, but later. We have to get ready for Uncle Mase’s wedding.
Tami gets off the bike but looks reluctant to go back inside.
Tambara: Weddings sound boring.
Wade: I thought you liked a good fairy tale wedding.
Tami perks up as if she just remembered that fact.
Tambara: I do. Will Aunt Zoe dress up like a princess?
Wade: I’m sure she will. And you’ll get to dress up, too.
Tambara: Is Mommy still coming?
Wade: Yep, I just spoke to her. She caught a flight this morning and will meet us at the church.
Tambara: Do I still get to throw flowers at the wedding?
Wade: Yes, but not if you don’t come inside and get ready.
That’s enough to convince Tami to follow me inside finally.
We gather at the Church on the Hill at noon. I look around for Maia, who hasn’t made it yet. But 10 minutes later, she hurries through the back door to take her seat in the pews. The church’s front doors open, and Tambara walks down the aisle with her basket in hand, tossing flowers left and right – taking her job as a flower girl seriously. Finally, Zoe is there with her sibling, Londyn, who escorts her down the aisle.
I tear up a little as I stand at the altar, watching my younger brother exchange vowels with the love of his life. They keep it short and sweet, which I like, and Mason and Zoe are officially man and wife before long.
It’s time for the first dance. We gather around the dance floor and blow bubbles while the bride and groom dance to a cheesy song I’m unfamiliar with. It fits them perfectly, though.
Once again, I’m a little emotional as I recall the first time Mase introduced me to Zoe. Back then, he was too naïve to realize that she liked him. But as his big brother, it was my duty to point it out to him, and they have been together ever since. I poke my chest out a bit, giving myself credit for their happiness.
While my attention is on Mase and Zoe, I forget all about the fact that my wife and Perla are in the same room. Perla steps over to my mom and Maia while they are talking. As soon as I see her, all the guilt I felt from last night comes slamming into me. I turn my back and pray silently, although no one would ever know about those thoughts.
Perla: *to Me-Me* Hello, Mrs. Banks. It’s good to see you!
Melisa: Perla! Long time no see. How are you?
Perla: I’m fine
Perla pauses and turns to Maia as I get the sudden sensation of having the floor disappear from under me.
Perla: …and you must be Maia! Congrats on your recent marriage. I’m Perla, an old friend of the family.
Maia: Oh, nice to meet you! Thanks!
I watch the two of them talk in slow motion—hoping that Maia doesn’t realize that Perla and I have somewhat of a past. But then my mind flashes back to the prom picture I used to have hanging on my wall back in Brindleton Bay. Why didn’t I remove it as soon as Maia and I met?
Ma and Maia talk with Perla momentarily before excusing themselves to find a spot to sit down. Suddenly, I’m there alone with Perla.
Perla: Your wife is beautiful, Dub!
Wade: Yes, I know! Thanks.
Perla: It’s wild how much has changed over the years.
She’s right; many things have changed, and I realize that a less mature part of me always hoped that Perla and I would find our way back to each other. But now I’m a grown man with a wife and child and it’s time I lay those silly notions to rest. I don’t know how Perla will receive what I must say, but I decide to say it anyway.
Wade: Perla, you were a special part of my life when we were young. And for a long time, I held on to the hope that we’d get to explore a relationship. But now that I’m married, I can’t keep those thoughts in my head. I realized that when I saw you last night.
Perla: I’ve been thinking the same thing. But I’m glad to see you are happy—truly, Dub.
Wade: Thanks. I wish things had turned out better for you.
Perla: It is what it is. But I hope we can remain friends.
Wade: You and your family will always be a part of our lives. Of course, we can be friends.
Perla: Good. I guess I’ll see you around.
An immense wave of relief washes over me now that I’ve officially closed the Perla chapter of my life.
I’ve been on my feet for hours, so the nearby bench entices me to sit. Maia grabs some food and finds me through the crowd. She immediately picks up on my relief.
Maia: Is everything okay?
Wade: Yeah, everything is perfect. But I have something to talk to you about later.
Maia: Okay
The wedding reception is winding down as everyone disperses. Mase unexpectedly walks over and gives me a gift.
Wade: *confused* You’ve got this all wrong, bro! Today is your wedding. You’re the one supposed to be getting gifts.
Mason: I know, but this gift serves two purposes. First, it’s my gift to you for your recent marriage, and second, it’s my appreciation to you for being my sim of honor today.
I’m getting soft in my old age. Here I am, wiping away tears for the third time today as I accept the gift from my brother. I’ll cherish it, no matter what it is.
Wade: Thanks, bro! It means the world to me.
After leaving the wedding and saying goodbye to our family and friends, we catch a late flight back to San Sequoia. When we arrive home, the gift-giving continues as Tami pulls out a box and hands it to Maia.
Tambara: I caught this for you, mommy!
Maia: Caught it? What is it?
Maia opens the gift and sees that Tami has found a rare frog she’s never seen before.
Maia: Oh, my Watcher! Tami—it’s incredible! Where’d you get this?
Tambara: I caught it with Gran and Pop-Pop at the family day party.
It seems Tami has learned the art of perfect gift-giving.
We make our way inside to get ready for bed.
With Tami safely tucked in bed, Maia and I enter our bedroom. We crawl up under the covers, and I pull my wife close. It’s confession time.
Wade: I was a fool this weekend.
Maia: Why? What happened?
Wade: You know Perla, who introduced herself to you at Mase’s wedding?
Maia: Yeah
Wade: Did you recognize her?
Maia: Not really. Should I have?
Wade: She was my prom date. Remember the picture I used to have on my wall?
Maia: Oh, right! Why were you a fool?
Wade: *sigh* I ran into her at Mase’s bachelor party. And when I first saw her, it was like being transported back in time. And for a moment there, I wondered how things would have turned out if she and I had pursued a relationship before I left Henford. But Maia, believe me. It was all in my head. She and I barely even spoke during the party.
Maia: Is that it?
Wade: Yeah, that’s all I wanted to say. But also—I love you, and no other woman could ever take your place. Please forgive my temporary lapse.
Maia stops to think for a moment.
Maia: There’s nothing to forgive. Those thoughts are natural. What matters is that you’re right here with me.
Wade: So, you’re not mad?
Maia: A few years ago, your confession would have made me feel very insecure. But I love your honesty. It says a lot about you and our relationship. I’m not mad at all.
Wade: Good, because I love you more than anything in life.
Maia: I love you too!
(Generation 4 Chapter Summaries)
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