Hi Love,

Please join me on my latest blog series, Twenty One Questions:

http://TwentyOneQuestionsBlog.blogspot.com/

Make sure to follow my personal page for more updates!

http://ZaraKennedy.blogspot.com/

Can't wait to see you there!

xx,
Zara

Just Go With It

Hello Loves,

This post takes place at a random moment in time after the five year jump. I didn't want my last post to be a wrap up, so this post is meant to be more of a fun post with no intentions of "wrapping" things up. I hope you guys enjoy! 

For those of you who didn't catch my post from yesterday, please do so! Add me on Instagram for updates or just say hi by shooting me an email. @TheDaily.ZaraKennedy or ZaraKennedyWrites@Gmail.com 

Please make sure you all visit my page this weekend. I will be announcing my next project! 

Xx,

Zara

_________________________________________

“Good morning!”

It was barely 5am when I opened my eyes to catch Jonah walking out of the closet. He was dressed and ready for work with a smile on his face. Something wasn't normal. Our morning conversations were usually in gibberish with our eyes half open.

“Hey” I stretched my arms over my head as I sat up in bed. “You're weirdly happy.”

Jonah smiled again. “Oh, so you want me to pretend like I don't know?”

My eyebrows flinched. Maybe he'd said something that I missed. “What are you talking about?”

“Okay, fine. I'll just go with it.” He leaned over and kissed my forehead before he walked out the room.

I wasn't sure what was going on. I followed him down the stairs and to the kitchen.

Jonah's smile disappeared. “Where's Lucy? Where's the big breakfast?”

“Big breakfast?” I snorted. “Babe, I'll make you a bagel if you want, but I have to get ready for work.”

Jonah walked around the kitchen island examining every open cabinet. His eyes filled with disappointment as realization struck his face. He sighed and grabbed a bagel.

“You want me to heat it up for you?” I asked.

Jonah walked past me to the front door. “No, it's fine.” His mood had clearly changed. It was only when he was pulling the door open that he remembered he hadn't kissed me goodbye.

Just as Jonah drove away Anna's car pulled up to our house. I stood in the doorway waiting for her. She took her time as she grabbed some things from her back seat.

“What is all this for?” I asked her. Anna's arms were filled with presents and a cake. As soon as I finished asking my question I made the most dramatic gasping sound. Both of my hands flew up to cover my mouth. “Oh my God!”

“Did you forget, honey?” Anna asked with an amused looked on her face. She walked over to the entry table and placed everything down.

“Today is Jonah's birthday!” My fingers weaved through the roots of my hair. “No wonder he was acting so weird. He thought I remembered.”

Lucy and I had a birthday morning tradition where we'd make some of Jonah's favorite breakfast foods. He always knew it was coming, but he'd still act surprised just to make Lucy happy. And at night Jonah's mom and sisters would join us for a nice dinner at a restaurant.

I stood leaning my elbows against the kitchen counter as I covered my face. “I'm the worst wife ever.” I mumbled in a whiny tone. “He's never going to let this go.”

“Oh, stop it! He's a grown man!” Anna tapped my shoulder. “Just pretend like you knew this whole time. He won't know the difference.”

“Really?” I peeked through my fingers.

“Lynn, it's called motherhood.” Anna smiled mischievously, “I'd be damned if my kids knew how many times I pretended like I knew something when I really didn't.”

“Hey!” My eyes widened as I stood up straight. “I'll throw him a surprise party! He'll have no idea.”

I ran back upstairs before Anna could convince me otherwise. I must have looked like a crazy person the way I was carrying Lucy in one arm and frantically texting with my other hand. Lucy wasn't much of a morning person, so having her with me as I got ready was necessary for her waking up process.

She wiggled her fists over her eyes as the sound of running water finally woke her up. I couldn't blame her for her shocked reaction when she saw a tooth brush hanging out of my mouth as I tried to make my hair with one hand and continued to text with the other.

I sent out a group text to Kadie, Sarah, and Jaime.

Lynn: EMERGENCY! Throwing a last minute surprise party for Jonah! Need your help!

Kadie: What can I do?

Lynn: Guestlist. Contact everyone and give them the deets. 7PM my place!

Sarah: Don't tell me you forget his birthday.

Kadie: Got it!

Lynn: I'll find a caterer for tonight and grab some decorations during lunch.

Kadie: Great! I'll come by early to set everything up!

Lynn: Thanks Kadie! Jaime, can you make sure we have alcohol?

Jaime: You couldn't have given me an easier task!

Sarah: What about me?

Kadie: Wait, I forgot, Woody's coming into town today. I was suppose to pick him up around 6

Lynn: Sarah, can you make sure Woody gets here?

Sarah: You have to be fucking kidding me. Why can't I get the alcohol?

Jaime: LOLOLOL this should be fun!

“Mommy, why are you acting so weird?” I heard Lucy's voice as she tugged at my clothes.

I picked her up and sat her next to the sink. She reached over for her tooth brush and I squeezed a bit of paste onto it. “Mommy made a boo boo.”

That morning as I walked into the hospital Sarah pulled me into an empty exam room. “Lynn, I can't pick up Woody.”

I sighed. I knew why she didn't want to, but if Kadie went to the airport she wouldn't have time to set everything up for the party. Kadie was the only person I could trust enough for the task. She was a professional when it came to this sort of thing.

“Sarah, I know you and Woody have your differences.” Her eyes widened at the understatement. “But, I really need Kadie to be at my place early.”

It had been a couple of years since the two of them had talked. After Kadie's wedding Woody and Sarah thought we didn't know, but they continued their relationship for a while. They were over before anyone could notice. One Christmas when we went back to Texas I finally got it out of Woody. He had a feeling Sarah didn't see potential in him. So, our good old farm boy Woody went back to college and a few courses later he landed an opportunity to run his own business. Trust me, it was the shocker of the century. At the same time it was so typical of Woody's motivation to be a girl.

Kadie and I tried to wiggle magic fingers over the two, but neither one wanted to talk to the other. They were both too filled with pride. The years had past and every gathering only became more and more awkward.

Sarah rolled her eyes. “Why can't he just get an Uber like a normal person? I don't understand why everyone caters to him.”

I watched as Blumenfeld walked past the door. I needed to leave work on time, so today was one of those days I couldn't afford to piss him off. “Fine!” I huffed. I didn't have time to mangle in her love life.

It was half past one o'clock when I was able to slip out of the hospital. I headed towards Midtown to grab some decorations. Kadie ended up calling me to go over the progress she'd been making.

“Henry said his shift doesn't end until 6, so he'll be a little late. Mandy won't be able to come in to town until tomorrow. But, I talked to some of Jonah's co-workers and told them to spread the word at the office.” Kadie sounded like she was reading off of a list. “Adam's at Jonah's office now, so he'll be able to give the final head count once everyone there confirms.”

I stood in the check out line while I mindlessly listened to Kadie. I had a million thoughts swarming around in my head as I stared out of the windows behind the cashier. I watched as children crossed the streets with their nannies and a crowd of tourists took pictures of one another.

And that's when I saw Connor walk by.

I almost dropped the pile of decor cradled in my arms.

“Lynn?” Kadie responded to my gasp. “What's wrong?”

“Holy shit!” I whispered. “I think I just saw Connor!” I tiptoed behind the woman in front of me. She looked over her shoulder paranoid of the invasion of her space. “I'm sorry,” I lipped the words to her as I continued to make a fool of myself.

“Wait,” Kadie sounded just as shocked. “Connor Cassidy? As in the Connor Cassidy you dated a century ago? Isn't he dating Elite's top model now?”

“What?” I don't know why I was shocked Kadie would know such a thing.

“Yeah, I saw it on one of those New York gossip columns.”

I kept my eye on Connor as my turn to check out came up. I watched him as he walked into a Duane Reade across the street. The cashier became anxious as she watched me wiggle around nervously.

“I haven't seen him since my internship at his office.” I told Kadie. “It's been almost six years.”

“Are you going to say something?” Even though she asked the question Kadie already knew the answer.

“I want to.” I quickly paid for my items and grabbed my bag. I walked out of the store at a fast pace and headed towards Duane Reade. “I don't know how Jonah will feel about it. He's not really a fan of Connor.”

“Okay, but can you tell me who actually is a fan of Connor?”

“Touche.”

I crept through the aisles of the store trying to find him. I did a quick scan of the store with no luck. “I think he left.” I whispered to Kadie.

“Lynn?” I spun around so fast when I heard Connor's voice behind me that I knocked over a display of shampoos. I mean, they were practically a safety hazard to begin with.

“Oh my God!” I shrieked as I clenched onto my chest.

“I thought I saw you,” Connor began to laugh as he shook his head. “Still the same old Lynn.” He said as he picked up some of the shampoo bottles.

“Connor!” I acted surprised to see him.

“That sounded so fake.” Kadie commented over the phone.

I ignored her.“Wow, it's been forever. Where have you been?”

“Oh” Connor furrowed his brows at my interest. “I took a year off from my practice and volunteered in South America. When I came back a buddy of mine wanted to partner together and open an office in Boston so I've been between the two cities. Well, mainly Boston since we started that office from scratch.”

Kadie's voice crept through the phone again, “Jesus, he really makes it hard to hate him.”

I couldn't help but notice the streaks of gray in Connor's hair. He was pushing forty and it was really starting to show.

“I'm just rambling here. Tell me how it's been going with you?”

“Great! I'm just a few months away from finishing residency...” Before I could continue I saw Jonah and Adam walk in to the store. “What the hell” I whispered to Kadie.

“What? What happened? Did he try making a move? That sleaze ball hasn't changed a bit!” Kadie's voice rapidly progressed.

“No,” I whispered back. Connor looked at me confused as to why I was talking on the phone in the middle of our conversation. “I'm sorry I just remembered something I needed. I have to go! Bye!” Connor was left speechless as I smiled and disappeared into the next aisle. I hid behind a rack of potato chips as I spied on Jonah and Adam.

“You'll never believe who just walked in.”

“Jonah!” Kadie shouted. She was enjoying this all too much. “This is like that one night all over again!” She laughed hysterically. “Well, what is he doing there?”

“I don't know, but he's with Adam.” I panicked. He was suppose to be at work. That's when I realized I was at the Duane Reade down the street from his office. “I don't want him to see me. I have all the decorations with me. He'll know I'm up to something.” I leaned forward causing the aluminum bags to create a crinkling sound. Jonah's head turned towards me. I quickly ducked down.

“What are you going to do? Oh my God!” Kadie's voice was filled with thrill. “Should I text Adam and tell them to leave?”

“No don't!” my voice grew louder. I was squatted over pretending to look at something on the bottom shelf. “I need to get out of here.”

I peeked over the rack of potato chips again. The coast was clear. Adam and Jonah were distracted so I made a bee line to the revolving doors.

I ran through them so fast my bag of decorations got caught and trapped me inside. I pulled and pulled but there was no budging. “FUCKKK!” I shouted. I explained what was going on to Kadie and she couldn't even breathe.

I kept my back to the store so the guys inside wouldn't see me. Finally a timid sales associate came over. He started yelling in order for me to hear him through the glass. I covered my face in embarrassment. There were people on the street passing by as they laughed.

“I need you to pull your bag as I push! Can you hear me? You pull, I'll push!” He spoke as if I was incompetent. I couldn't blame him.

I tugged at my bag again and again until finally the door become unstuck. I flew onto the street and my bag tore in half. The decorations I'd bought fell everywhere. I didn't have time to grab them all so I picked up anything in arm's reach and ran.

“Kadie, I legitimately can't feel my face right now. That was so embarrassing.”

She howled over the phone only making me feel worse than I already did.

I went back to work and quietly finished my day. I didn't want to talk to anyone. This is what I got for stalking my ex-boyfriend when I was happily married, dammit!

It was past five by the time I made it home that evening. Anna had just brought Lucy back from ballet rehearsal and Kadie already had the place set up for the party.

“Mommy,” Lucy ran up to me as I walked in to the house. “Nana said it's daddy's birthday today.”

“Yes, it's is sweetie.” I picked her up in my arms and kissed her on her cheek.

“But how come we didn't make daddy breakfast like we always do?”

“Because...” I avoided telling her how horrible of a wife I am. I set her back down and sent her on her way. “Where's Olivia? Go play with Olivia!”

“Can we just take a minute to recap your day?” Five hours later and Kadie's face was still red.

I pulled some things out from my purse. “These were the only salvageable pieces.” We looked down at the table of mangled decorations. A moment of silence passed before we burst into laughter.

“I don't know how I manage to get myself into these situations, Kadie. Honestly! I'm married with a career and a five year old and I still don't have my life together.”

Kadie patted me on my back. “It's okay, Lynn, none of us do.”

One by one the house started filling up with Jonah's friends. Jonah walked in right on time. He stumbled back when everyone shouted surprise. The look on his face was one for the books.

He laughed as I gave him a hug, “you remembered!” His arms squeezed my waist. “I thought it slipped your mind.”

I laughed along. If only he'd known the misadventures I had to go through in the last ten hours.

“I could have sworn I saw Woody walk in a while ago.” Kadie suddenly remembered.

Jaime looked around. “Where is he?”

“I was just talking to him, mate.” Henry added.

Kadie walked away determined to find our friend. Meanwhile I walked around the party making sure everyone was boozed and feed.

“Lynn!” Kadie shuffled across the living room and pulled at my arm. My body jolted as I followed behind her.

“What's going on?” I yanked my arm and demanded to know why she was having another giggle fit.

She pointed towards the bathroom door down the hall, “It's safe to say Woody and Sarah are back together.”

Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds

-5 YEARS LATER-

 

“Dr. Cohen, this is turning into a real problem... Dr. Cohen? Dr. Cohen, are you listening to me?”

I was looking down at my work beeper lighting up as a hand waved over it. I shook my head to reel back into reality and the drowning voice of Lucy's private school dean filled my ears.

“I'm so sorry.” I apologized as I stuffed my beeper back into the pant pocket of my scrubs. “I'm late for work. They really need me. I'm gonna have to cut this short.”

“I understand that work is important, Dr. Cohen, but so is your daughter's attitude. I'm not sure where she's picked up the sarcasm, but it's something you need to sit down and discuss as a family.”

I rolled my eyes as I took a step to the side. Over the dean's shoulder I watched Lucy happily parade into the building as she waved goodbye. I blew her a kiss and waved back.

“Can you blame her? She's Jewish and her dad is Jonah Cohen.” I jokingly laughed, but the dean didn't find it funny. “Look, so long as both those things are in the equation she's just always going to be a ball of witty remarks. I'm sorry.”

I reached into my purse and pulled out a half eaten bagel. It was Lucy's, but she hadn't finished it, so I covered it with a napkin and stowed it away for later like most of my meals since the beautiful blessing of motherhood. Okay, so maybe Jonah wasn't the one to blame for Lucy's sarcasm.

The dean looked at me as she tried to hide her disgust in my choice of leftover breakfast. “I'm not denying that Lucy is anything short of having character. I'm simply implying that her mannerisms in speaking are a little far too advanced for her peers.”

I laughed harshly as I pulled at my bagel. “Far too advanced for her peers? Mrs. Rhoades, isn't that why we're paying you the equivalent of an average American's annual income each month? So, that our children can become more advanced?” She was about to rebuttal, but I held up my hand to stop her as I started to walk away. “The beauty of Manhattan's children is their quick wit and culture. If that's missing then we've truly failed as parents.” I was already five paces ahead. “Good day, Mrs. Rhoades!” I waved my hand in the air as I quickly glanced over my shoulder. She'd finally stopped following after me.

“Dr. Cohen” My supervisor, Dr. Blumenfeld, sang disapprovingly as I waltz into the hospital. “Beepers are meant for emergencies, not for you to look at and ignore.”

“I'm sorry!” I swung my purse off of my shoulder and stuffed it into an empty locker. “Lucy's dean just wouldn't stop nagging at me this morning.”

“You're just a few months shy of finishing your Residency.” His eyebrow was perked up in concern. “I shouldn't have to remind you that patients are just as important as family.”

My back was turned towards my supervisor as I quietly mocked his words along with him.

I slipped on my white coat and headed towards the exam rooms where my eager patient waited. I was caught by surprise when I bumped into Sarah leaving the same exam room.

“Oh!” She chirped as I'd startled her. “You're here.” Sarah looked confused. “Blumenfeld asked me to see the patient since you were running late.”

I sighed loudly as I grabbed my forehead. “I hate when he does this! I was half a minute late!”

“Don't worry, it was just another teenager trying to get out of class.” Sarah smiled as she pranced into the nurses' triage.

“You're...Jonah Cohen's wife...aren't you?” I turned around to see two young high schoolers standing in the doorway. Their smiles were from ear to ear and filled with excitement from the now potential single degree between them and the host of the Late Night show.

“Maybe.” I swung my shoulders side to side. “Who's asking?”

“Dude, it's totally her!” The boy's tall skinny friend tried to convince him. “I've seen him with her before! It's totally her!”

“Shouldn't you boys be in school?” I picked up the chart for my next patient and looked over it as the boys quietly mumbled to one another.

“We have a free period right now. Well, not really “free” but we're trying to get stories for the school newspaper.”

I put the chart down and gave them a look. I knew exactly where this was going.

The boy's tall friend chimed in, “we're huge fans of Jonah! He's one of the reasons we're on the school paper! I've even already received early admission to Harvard, and I'm going to be on the Harvard Lampoon and the Crimson, just like Jonah!”

I snickered as I held my fingers over my mouth. Jonah was just a normal guy to me, so it always made me laugh when people reacted this way.

“He inspired me to start writing. His jokes when he hosted the ESPY's last year? And don't even get me started on how great he was at the Oscar's! Not just once, but twice! Oh and his show....”

“Okay, okay, okay...” I gestured for the boys to calm down. The nurses in the triage were starting to look our way, concerned. “What do you boy's want?”

“We just want to do a quick little interview with him!” The shorter boy begged.

His tall friend added, “or even just a quote will suffice!” The boy nudged his friend and scowled at him for so quickly diminishing their request.

I rested a hand on each of their shoulders as I walked them to the hospital's exit. “As long as you boys promise to say out of the hospital, I just might...” I dragged the would out in emphasis “...ask Jonah to pop into..”

“Park Lane Preparatory!” The boys could hardly contain their excitement. “Thank you, miss!”

“Doctor!” The taller boy corrected his little friend

Sarah laughed. “Those poor boys think you're actually going to send Jonah.”

I smiled as I picked up my chart and scanned over it again. “You're coming tonight, aren't you?”

“Yup!” Sarah leaned over the counter between us. “As soon as I pick up Henry and Jaime from the airport we will be there!”

“Right!” I closed the file lying in front of me and rested my elbow on the counter. “They're back from their honeymoon tonight, aren't they? How about the le boyfriend?” I wiggled my brows. She pushed herself away from the counter and began walking down the hall as I trailed after. “Another dud, huh?”

“You know, for so long every guy I dated wanted things to be a little more serious than I liked, but I was in love with the bachelor life, and now, now that I'm ready to settle down, I can't seem to find any of those guys anymore.”

“Don't worry S” I wrapped my arm around her in a side hug. “Candice from oncology is bringing her cousin Emerson. He's a total stud, and he just moved to the city!”

Sarah laughed as we parted ways down the hall.

It was well past five o'clock by the time I was done seeing patients and filling out paper work. I slipped off my coat and grabbed my purse out of the hospital's locker room. I still had a million errands to run before tonight's house warming party.

“Hello?” I called out as I entered the house. Lucy raced down the staircase as her grandmother tried to keep up.

“Mommy!” Lucy tackled my leg. I picked her up in my arms and kissed her.

“Thank you for staying so late Anna.”

“Anything for my sweet little pumpkin.” Anna and Lucy wrinkled their noses at one another. “I have to get going though.”

“Anna, when are you going to sell the Long Island house? You know Jonah and I want you here with us. I mean, besides Lucy's playroom, the whole third floor is empty!”

“That's sweet dear, but I feel it's easier on all of us if I'm just here during the week and back home on the weekends.”

“Nonsense!” I disagreed. “Nonsense!” Lucy mocked me.

Anna laughed at Lucy. “I'll think about it. Besides Marsha and the girls are coming over tonight.”

After Anna left, a chef came over to prepare dinner while I did a quick sweep of the house making sure things looked presentable. It didn't take too long since we just moved into the house a few weeks ago.

I was in my closet picking out a dress to wear when I yelped as I felt hands wrap around my waist. “Jonah!” I felt his mouth against my neck as he kissed me. “Jesus Christ, I didn't hear you come in.”

“How was your day, babe?” He asked as he pulled his shirt off and walked into the bathroom.

“So weird.” I finally decided on a dress and began undressing. “I'm convinced Lucy's dean is out for her. I'm usually able to dodge her, but we were running late today because someone kept her up past her bedtime last night.”

“Sorry not sorry. Thursday nights are Monty Python nights. It's a Cohen tradition!” Jonah shouted over the sound of running water.

“Anyway, that made me late to work and today just happened to be the day Blumenfeld had a stick up his ass. Like, I'm late half a minute, chill out!” I grunted as I pulled the dress over my head. “Don't get me started on the ridiculous work load for a Friday.”

Jonah walked back into the closet and helped me zip up my dress. “I'm sorry you had such a bad day.”

I turned around and looked at Jonah. Something looked off about him. He wasn't acting like his normal self. “What's going on?” I asked quietly

“Huh?” He pretended not to hear me.

I grabbed his chin and turned his head towards me. “What's going on?”

“Okay, okay, I didn't want to tell you this til later.” His energy level had quickly gone up. “But...” He squealed like a little school girl. “I got the Tonight Show!”

My jaw dropped. Jonah couldn't hide the gigantic smile on his face. “What!” I gasped as the words slowly caught up to me. “Oh my God! Jonah! That's amazing!” I squeezed him tightly between my arms. This was all Jonah wanted since he started his career.

“They haven't made the official announcement yet and there's still a shit ton of legal details Adam has to iron out with the network before everything is settled.”

“Holy shit!” I walked out of the closet and sat on the bench at the end of our bed. “Did you ever think we'd be here? You hosting THE talk show of talk shows, me being a doctor, us having a five year old, and living in a Brownstone that we designed ourselves?”

“Didn't I tell you?” Jonah sat next to me. “Before we got married and you were worried about the future, didn't I tell you it would all work out?”

I leaned in and kissed Jonah. “You did.”

The doorbell rang and I quickly threw on some jewelry before racing down the stairs.

Kadie and Adam were the first to arrive. “My favorite little niece is here!” I cheered as I took Olivia from her arms. She smiled as she sucked on her hand unaware of what was going on.

“Wow!” Kadie whispered as she looked around. “Y'all did a great job decorating.”

“Are you kidding? Neither one of us had time so we hired a decorator.” I laughed. “By the way, how was the launch?” Kadie's PR company had blossomed in the last few years. She opened her second national office in L.A. It wasn't until Jebrone and Adam partnered together to build their own law firm that Kadie's business grew as far as opening her first international office in London.

Kadie and I pulled up a couple of bar stools to the kitchen counter. “It was so unreal! I wish you could have been there. The office is just a block away from Darlington's.” I laughed at the irony.

Our guests started arriving one by one. Jonah and I gave everyone the grand tour of our beautiful new home. Since I graduated and started working, we agreed that it was time to start building a more permanent residence. Almost two years of staring at different shades of paint and finding the perfect marble top, we were finally able to move in.

It was getting late so I excused myself from the party and headed up to Lucy's room. She was already in bed waiting for me to tell her a bedtime story. Most of the time she'd talk herself to sleep. Jonah and I never understood how she'd come up with such bizarre stories, but they always kept us entertained.

“Mommy?” Lucy's voice sounded sleepy.

“Yes sweetie, I'm right here.” I closed the door behind me and laid next to her.

“Nana said daddy named me after a song. Is that true?” I smiled when I heard her question. Lucy already knew this, but she loved hearing it over and over.

“It is in fact true!” I tapped her nose and she giggled.

“Is it the song daddy sings when he takes me to the park and throws me in the air? I like that song”

“Mhmm...do you remember how it goes?”

She whispered quietly. “Lucy in the sky with diamonds.” She was already nodding off, but not until she got the full story. “But why mommy?”

“Well, before you were born daddy and I weren't sure if we were going to have a little baby boy or girl. We wanted it to be a surprise. We picked some names just in case, but it didn't matter because when daddy saw your eyes he was mesmerized. They were so big and beautiful. The doctor told us we had a little baby girl he put you in daddy's arms and daddy said, 'A girl with kaleidoscope eyes.'”

I gently kissed Lucy on the forehead and within seconds she was fast asleep.

As I tip toed out of the room I found Jonah standing in the corner of the doorway. He'd been listening in on our bedtime story.

“I love you” He whispered.

“I love you too”

_____________________________

There will be one last additional post I just haven't decided what date it will be posted. If it's not up this coming Thursday it'll be up for sure by the next. If there's any character's wrap up you'd like me to include in the next post, please comment and let me know! Hope you all enjoyed the read! 

Forever And Always

“You came!”

I felt a single tear roll down my cheek as I looked over at my parents. They were standing in the doorway of my bridal suite. The room full of my hair and makeup team and bridesmaids grew quiet as they stood back and watched our exchange.

“Of course we came sweetie!” My mom slowly walked in front of me and held my cheeks between her hands.

There was a growing smile on my dad's face. “Did you really think we weren't going to come to our only daughter's wedding?”

For the last couple of weeks before the wedding, Jonah and I hadn't heard much from my parents. We were constantly filling them in with all the details of our trip, but there wasn't a definite answer on whether they were going to join us or not.

“You two made it pretty damn clear you didn't want this to happen.” I felt another tear forming, but my mom wiped it away before it could roll down my face.

“Hey!” My dad cut me off. “Your mother and I are ecstatic that you're marrying a man like Jonah. We were just a little taken back when you didn't want to celebrate with the family.”

“But, after spending the day with Aunt Betsy, we figured you had enough family time.” My mom whispered so my dad couldn't hear. She smiled as she rubbed my shoulders. “We talked to Anna and she convinced us to have a celebration once we're back in the states. She said you and Jonah deserved to have this, and once she put it that way we couldn't disagree.”

I wrapped my arms around my parents and gave them a tight squeeze. “This day wouldn't have been the same without y'all.”

My parents left shortly after to get ready for the wedding. It was still early in the morning and our ceremony wasn't until later in the afternoon.

I was nervously pacing back and forth. Kadie was the only one to have noticed. Everyone else was too busy enjoying the scenery and the extra attention from the makeup artists.

“Lynn” Kadie grabbed onto my shoulders “Take a breather.” She instructed me to follow as she inhaled long breaths and exhaled slowly. “Tell me, what's going on.”

“That's the thing, I don't know.” I grabbed my forehead and turned around. I stood in front of the French doors as I watched a group of Italian men set up chairs and tables for our reception in the distance. “I don't know.” I whispered before I finally turned around. “It just feels so real now. We're getting married and in a few short months we're going to be a family of three. It's really happening.”

“It's just nerves.” Kadie gestured for me to take another long breath. “Remember, how I was freaking out before my wedding?” I nodded. “Remember what you told me?” I nodded again. “Okay, same thing applies here.”

“That's such great advice, Kadie. I'm so glad you're my Maid of Honor.” I rolled my eyes.

“Okay, I can't argue on how bad that sucked, but trust me Lynn, nothing is impossible. You will marry the man of your dreams, and you two will have a successful marriage, and you two will be able to raise a baby in the midst of everything.” She lifted up my chin and smiled. “You've been doing a damn good job so far, Lynn. Don't worry. Be Happy!”

I took one last deep breath. “You're right...You're right! I can do this!”

It was nearly five hours later when my hair and makeup was finished. Kadie had already taken the girls, and Jaime, to get ready for our entrance. I could hear the string instruments playing. I walked back over to the French doors to see who all was already out there.

I don't know what I was expecting to see. Everyone, except for Jonah and I, were staying at the villa where the wedding was taking place. I guess I was just hoping to get a peek of my groom, but he still wasn't out there.

I felt the butterflies coming back. I nervously shook my hands and tried Kadie's breathing technique.

There was a knock at the door. It was Rachel, Jeremy's cousin and our wedding planner. She gasped as I opened the door. “You look absolutely stunning!”

Jonah and I had been talking to Rachel for the last few weeks trying to finalizing the wedding details. It was only yesterday when we came into town that we'd met her in person. You'd have thought we'd been friends for years by her mannerism.

“Thank you!” I engulfed her in a hug. “Thank you so much for everything, Rachel! You did such an amazing job on such a short notice!”

“Oh, hush!” Rachel smiled. “Jonah's suppose to be the only one making your mascara run today. Speaking of, do you have your vows ready?”

I frantically looked around the room as I tried to find my note card before I realized I'd already stuff it in my bra.

“Your guests are ready whenever you are!” She took my hand and walked me out of the bridal suite. I felt my heart jumping with every step I took.

It was like deja vu. I was walking down a long hallway in a beautiful villa. There at the end stood my father waiting for me. I looked down at my dress, it was exactly as I'd seen in my dream. Perfectly accentuating my figure as a long train followed behind me.

I approached my father and he covered my face with my veil before we continued walking. He was whispering something to me, something about how much he loved me, but I couldn't seem to pay attention. I was distracted by the tears that were filling my eyes as we turned the corner.

There, on the other side of the most beautiful Italian garden, stood Jonah, my groom. How was it even possible for him to look even more handsome than he already did?

Everyone turned around to face me when they realized I had arrived.

I gave my dad's hand a squeeze. He slowly took a step forward and I followed after.

I couldn't stop staring at Jonah as his eyes gleamed from the tears that filled it.

“You look so beautiful” Jonah whispered as he took my hand from my dad's and helped me walk up the steps to the Rabbi.

Out of respect for Jonah and his family the ceremony was done in a traditional Jewish manner. Afterward we exchanged our vows. If there was any real reason for me to be nervous, it was for this. After all Jonah was a professional writer. And I...was not.

“Jonah' My voice trembled. I cleared my throat and tried again. “I had given up on love before I met you. When you walked into my life I knew there was something pulling us together. I tried to deny it at first, but slowly we found ourselves in a place where neither one of us could ignore it. The truth is, before you, I never knew what love really was. I've had a smile on my heart since the day I met you. We're about to take on a beautiful journey together and I promise you I will try my hardest to return the abundance of happiness you've brought into my life.”

“You already have, my love” Jonah whispered. He sniffled before he cleared his throat and continued with his vows.

“I think everyone here is tired of hearing about the day that I met you. I've told the story to every person I've met at least five times.” The crowd laughed as Jonah and I smiled. “The reason I love telling the story is because it was fate that brought us together. Lynn, I never told you this, but before I met you, I was struggling. I never fully got over the loss of my father, I was struggling with my career, and I just wasn't in a good place. So, I prayed. I prayed that things would get better. And three months later we were in the same state, in the same city, on the same street, at the exact same moment when we both fell in love. Within seconds of talking to you I realized our names had been written side by side before either one of us existed. You, Lynn Lee, quiet literally are a Godsend. I couldn't even begin to explain how much I adore you. We were meant to be together forever, and always.”

There were streams of tears rolling down my cheeks. Jonah pulled me in and dipped me low as we kissed, as husband and wife.

When I See You Again

Hello Love,

Today's post is going to be a personal one. For those of you who have been with me from day one, thank you. Y'all know how important this blog is to me. It's my baby. It's the story that finally clicked after years of having writer's block. It started off as an experiment and ended up as a passion. I learned so much these last couple of years. And more importantly, I've made some amazing friends along the way.

With that being said, it's saddens me to come to the conclusion of wrapping up New York Dixie.

Within the last couple of months there's been some, very random, spew of negativity and I just want to make it clear that this decision has absolutely nothing to do with that. This isn't personal. It's more of a professional decision. Trust me, I was planning on holding onto this blog for as long as I could, but as of recent I've come across some opportunities that will be consuming more of my time and I don't want to be unfair to my readers.

I've decided to take this opportunity because y'all have encouraged me to spread my wings. That was the very purpose of this blog. To learn. The loyal readers know that I've been very timid to dip my toe in the writing field. It's always scary to discover something you're unfamiliar with, but because y'all have supported me, and reassured me, I have the confidence I need to move on. It's so heart-warming to feel your love from all across the world. I would've never phantom that this would one day be a reality for me.

Please know that this is not the end.

In regards to New York Dixie, starting next week, I will start wrapping up the story with a conclusion by/before the end of the month.

In regards to my writing career, I'm working hard on creating a new series. The details are still confidential, but I will be able to share more within the month. Aside from the series, I'm still working hard on my book and a screenplay. This is definitely not the end my love!

In honor of New York Dixie, I would love for you all to share some of your love. Tell me about a favorite moment from the last couple of years, something that got you thinking, a personal connection you may have had with the blog or characters, where you'd like to see the story end, how you envision life for Jonah and Lynn or the rest of the gang. Share anything!

It would warm my heart tremendously if everyone participated. I know I always call out the ghost readers and a lot of you still continue to be ghost readers, but it would mean the world if we could all have this one last writer-reader connection with NYD.

Xx,

Zara Kennedy

Winter Is Coming

“I'm still upset with you, mom.”

I rolled my eyes as I answered my phone. I was woken up from the vibrations on my night table. It was Thursday morning and I'd been meaning to call my parents. Despite my tone, I was glad my mom called me first.

“Honey, I'm just calling to warn you....” Her voice was quiet and calm on the other end.

“No” I didn't pay attention to what she was saying. “You need to understand that this is mine and Jonah's wedding. I don't care if Aunt Linda or cousin Bill is there or not!” I lowered my voice when my mother's words finally caught up to me. “Wait, warn me about what?”

“Speaking of your family...” It sounded like she was at work by the way she was shuffling papers around. “Your Aunt Betsy is in New York.”

My heart stopped beating as I rose like Frankenstein from my bed. “Okay...anddd...” I spoke slowly with a lump in my throat.

My Aunt Betsy is one of those people you desperately avoid getting stuck in a conversation with. She's full of inappropriate questions and unsolicited advice. Aunt Betsy was a teacher for most of her life, but after 'having an epiphany' decided to leave her career to travel the world. Now I have to hear her say 'croissant' in a horrible French accent every time she talks about how much she misses her morning walks to her favorite Parisian bakery.

So, when my mom said she was in New York, this is exactly what I was hoping NOT to hear:

“She wants to stop by and see her favorite little niece.” My mom sounded as if she were holding back a laugh.

“This isn't funny, mom.” I buried my face in my hands. “I have so much going on!”

“Honey, what was I suppose to tell her? She's your dad's oldest sister. As much as she eats at my brain she's still family.” She sighed when I didn't respond to her. “You don't have to make a big dinner or anything. Just have her over for tea and send her on her way.”

“We don't drink tea in the City, mom.”

“Well then some cappuccino frappuccino lattes, oh, whatever you kids are drinking these day.”

A good chunk of my morning was spent anxiously staring at my phone waiting for Aunt Betsy's call. Maybe if I stared at the phone long enough I could send her a telepathic message to leave me alone.

It didn't work.

Aunt Betsy called late in the afternoon wanting to stop by. I lied and told her I was busy planning for the wedding, but she insisted on stopping by. I finally gave in. It was better that she came while Jonah was still at work or else she'd never leave in hopes of telling him every bit of information she knew.

I scurried around the apartment trying to hid things that seemed like conversation starters and dumped them in the guest bedroom.

My eyes widened and my ears perked up like a cat when I heard a knock at the front door.

I held up my prayer hands and quickly whispered to myself. “God, I know you might be pissed that I'm considering converting to a different religion, but please just do me one last solid and make my Aunt Besty leave soon.”

I took a deep breath...and then another one because the first one wasn't enough. I opened the door with a fake smile which was instantly wiped away when I saw Jonah standing with two full paper grocery bags.

“Are you insane?!” I pulled his arm, dragging him into the apartment, before checking to make sure Aunt Betsy wasn't in the hallway.

“My hands were full, I couldn't pull my keys out my pocket...” Jonah stared at me concerned and confused by my anger.

I continued staring out in the hallway as I whispered loudly. “What are you doing here? You need to leave, like, right now!”

“Is everything okay?” Jonah asked as he put the bags of groceries down on the kitchen counter.

I held a fistful of Jonah's shirt in my hand as fear filled my eyes like a character from Game of Throne who knew that death was upon them. “Aunt Betsy is coming!”

Jonah slowly nodded his head and took a step back. “Okay.”

I'd been so busy cleaning and freaking out that I didn't have time to fill him in.

“She can't see you!” I pulled at Jonah's arms again and dragged him back to the front door. “I don't have time to explain! You need to leave!”

Jonah mumbled under his breath “First you complain that I'm never home then you kick me out when I'm here...”

“Yeah, yeah, yeah...” I shooed him away.

“Oh!'” We heard a shriek as Jonah walked out the front door and right into Aunt Betsy.

Cue to my body slowly melting on the floor.

“Aunt Betsy!” I greeted her through my teeth as I faked a smile.

“Lynn, darling, how are you?” She walked in and gave me a hug before she turned back towards Jonah. “And who is this tall drink of water?”

Jonah smiled as he introduced himself.

“Of course, I've heard so much about you!” Aunt Betsy turned back towards me as she took Jonah's arm and walked into the apartment. “Dear, do you mind grabbing my bag?”

“Oh, Aunt Betsy, I didn't know you were planning on staying.” I held my breath.

“No, no” she wiggled her fragile little hand around. “I'm going to New Jersey to stay with my friend Janice. She should be here in a couple of hours.”

A couple of hours?!

“You know I met Janice when I was in Belize. Was it last summer or the summer before?” She turned her attention back to Jonah. “Have you been?”

Jonah sat across from her in the living room. “Yeah I actu-” He wasn't even finished before she continued.

“It's such a beautiful country! Janice was doing some humanitarian work there. I wish I could say the same, but I was just sitting on the beach enjoying my drink.” She laughed to herself.

“So, Aunt Betsy what brings you to town?” Jonah asked. I slowly made my way over and sat next to him.

“I had a stop over here, so I thought I'd enjoy the city and the presence of my favorite little niece”

I gave her another cheesy fake smile.

“Stop over? Are you coming or going?” Jonah seemed interested.

He furrowed his brow as I nudged his knee and whispered. “Stop asking her questions.”

“I'm just on my way back from Spain. I was there for the last couple of months.”

“Wow, that sounds like fun.” Jonah smiled. I dropped my head in disappointment. I knew exactly what was coming.

“Honey, you have to believe me when I say it was the best vacation I've taken in my life. And I've been just about everywhere! But enough about me...”

I looked up at her puzzled. Those were words I'd never heard her say.

“How's everything coming along between you two?” She leaned forward as she spoke.

“Everything's great!” I quickly spoke, knowing she'd continue badgering us with question if I'd said anything else.

“You know, in my day, couples lived separately until marriage.” She raised an eyebrow questioningly

“Well” I shrugged my shoulders. “These times they are a-changin!”

“Nice Dylan reference” Jonah whispered.

“He must be good to you, huh?” Aunt Betsy winked. “Real good if he got you to move in.”

“Wow, Aunt Betsy, that's so inappropriate.” I stood up from my seat and went into the kitchen. I was trying to figure out what I could possibly feed her before I kicked her out.

Aunt Betsy followed after me. “I will say this is a nice place. How much did it cost?”

Jonah, answered as he joined us. “It cost us our first born child, but only if it's a boy” They both laughed.

I widened my eyes at him. I wasn't sure if my parents told her I was pregnant. Either way I didn't want to be the one to tell her or I'd never hear the end of it.

I started pulling the groceries that Jonah had brought out of the the bags.

“Let me help you dear.” Aunt Betsy insisted as she stuck her hands into the bag. “Oh” She cooed as she pulled out a plastic bag filled with croissants.

I tilted my head and sighed as I looked at Jonah. “Really?”

“What? They were making them fresh!” Jonah defended himself.

“How I miss my fresh baked croissants!”

Jonah's face quickly flinched as he was startled by her butchered French accent.

Over the next couple of hours she managed to tell Jonah all about her year in France, her sun-bathing days in Croatia, her safari rides in Africa, and countless other, frankly, boring adventures.

“You want to check in with Janice?” I finally asked. We'd already gone through three cups of tea and a box of cookies.

“Oh” She suddenly remembered as she checked the time. “You're right. I hope everything's okay with her.” She walked towards the dinner table for some privacy as she called her friend.

“I'm so sorry” Jonah sounded defeated. “I didn't realize someone could talk so much about nothing.”

“It's okay, babe, it's okay. I'll keep you safe.” I joked as I wrapped my arms around his.

“Is there a powder room here I can use?” Aunt Betsy asked as she put her phone away.

I pointed across the room. “Of course, it's just down the hall.”

Before I could finish she opened the door to the guest bedroom. “Here?” She asked as she looked inside.

“SHIT!” I whispered.

“Oh my goodness! Would you look at this!” She excitedly exclaimed as her eyes feasted on the room full off hidden conversation pieces..

________________________________

Hello Loves,

A dear fellow blogger friend of mine has taken the courageous step in publishing her first book! You may know her as the writer from California Soul. She's such a sweet heart and I'd like nothing more than for you all to go support her in her new endeavor! Click the link below to order your copy!

http://www.amazon.com.au/Unspeakable-Things-Annabelle-Jackson-ebook/dp/B012TJLGZ2/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1438178884&sr=8-2&keywords=the+unspeakable+things

Yes To The Dress

Thank you all for being so patient with me these last couple of weeks that I've been sick. Bronchitis in July is a million times worse than it sounds, but I'm happy to say that I'm finally feeling like a normal person again! I love you all and I hate when I have to skip out on a week, even if I'm convinced that I'm on my death bed, so to make up for it here's a bonus post. Enjoy!!

Xx,
Zara
 __________________________________________

“This is so frustrating!”

I angrily whispered to Jonah as I squeezed my temples between my hands.

The party was over and everyone had already gone home. Mostly everyone. Kadie and Adam stuck around in hopes to calm Jonah and I down.

“I know” Jonah silently mouthed and rolled his eyes.

Our parents were still on FaceTime talking to one another. Or better yet, forming an alliance against us.

“Mrs. Barnes, I see what you're saying, but...” Adam tried to use his sweet lawyer voice on my mom, but she wasn't having it.

“Now Adam, I know you're trying to stick up for your friends, but would your mother be okay with you going across the world to get married?”

Adam sighed. He'd been going back and forth with our parents for the last ten minutes and nothing was seeming to work. “I get what you're saying Mrs. Barnes, but....”

My mom cut Adam off again. “So, you agree then, what's with the but?”

“Oh my God, Mom!” I sprang out of my chair and towards the iPad displaying my parents shocked expression. Even Anna's eyes widened when she heard my loud voice.

“Lynn” Jonah tried to pull me back to cool me down. I flinched my hand instead so he wasn't able to reach for it.

And then, I did it. Only a mere twenty-something years later I finally stood up to my parents.

“Jonah and I are going to get married! We're gonna get married and it's gonna be in Italy! It's going to be just like my dream, okay?! On some really high cliff in a beautiful garden that over looks the ocean and some random old Italian town...”

“Alright, a little off topic there” Kadie spoke from the side of her mouth. “Reel it in bud.”

“Anyway..” I was still shouting even though I clearly already had everyone's attention. “I just want Jonah and I to have this one thing!” I loudly smacked the back of one hand against the palm of the other. “And I'm sorry, I love you Anna, I love you mom and dad, but this wedding is suppose to be about us! Jonah's career is quickly taking off and this baby is going to be here sooner or later and I'm sorry I need to fit into my wedding NOW not five years from now! So either you're coming with us to Italy or not.”

I huffed out the last tiny bit of breath I had before I threw my arms to my side and walked back to the couch.

Jonah rubbed my arm gently, almost as if he was scared to, and whispered, “are you okay?”

“Yeah, I'm fine.” I sat back and folded my arms.

“Well, I think it's been a long night for everyone.” Anna tried to politely end the conversation.

“Yes, I think we should all take a breather...” Clearly my dad was talking to me... “And we can talk about this later.”

They said their goodbyes before Kadie and Adam shut off the iPads.

“What was that?” Kadie managed to ask between her giggles.

“Pregnancy hormones.” Even though I was heated I knew I must've looked ridiculous just now. I couldn't help but smirk at Kadie's expression.

“So, it's set then, Italy in a month.” Adam's voice trailed from across the room.

“Italy in a month” Jonah and I repeated in unison.

It wasn't until the next afternoon that Jonah and I started to second guess our decision.

We sat across from each other at a tiny bistro down the street from our apartment. We'd just made our order and were waiting for our food. It was always within those 15 minutes that our inner thoughts would reveal. I guess waiting for food makes us go to some deep places.

“Do you think we're doing the right thing?” I traced an invisible line on the table with my finger.

Jonah shrugged his shoulder and looked out the window. “I think we're doing what's best for us.”

I folded my arms and leaned my elbows against the table. “Yeah, but is it the right thing?”

“I don't know” he mumbled. “I feel like it is, but I hate seeing my mom so adamant about something like this.”

“Yeah, me too.” I sighed as I joined him in staring out the window. “Wait a second...” I jolted back in my chair. “Why don't we just have a party when we get back?”

Jonah furrowed his brows as he thought about it. “Wasn't the whole point to avoid the obnoxious crowd of random people?”

“Yeah” I shrugged. “But, at least this way we can get the intimacy we want and they can get the endless family and friends that they want.”'

Jonah curled in his lips as he thought about it. “You might be right.”

“Oh, come on Jonah. I'm about to be your wife. You really need to form the habit of saying that I'm always right.”

After Jonah and I ate lunch we headed back to our apartment to call Anna. She was iffy about the whole thing. “The ceremony is the whole purpose” She argued. “Are you kidding, Ma? No one cares about the ceremony! People sleep through it!” Jonah argued back.

They went back and forth...and back and forth, until Anna finally gave in with the compromise. I knew it was mainly because she felt bad about my behavior the night before. Maybe I should be using this pregnancy to my full advantage more often...

I knew my parents would be a little bit harder to convince then Anna so we agreed to talk to them the next night. The more time they had to think about it the better.

Later that afternoon Kadie and I decided to go dress shopping. We needed to pick out a dress for the girls to wear and I still wasn't sure what I wanted.

“What are you going to do if you don't find anything?” Kadie asked as we browsed the racks of a bridal boutique.

“Positive vibes, K.” I rolled my eyes at her. “I mean it doesn't have to be a bridal dress really. As long as it's a dress and it's white.”

Kadie mumbled under her breath, “sounds like a wedding dress...”

“Why don't you go find something that'll look flattering on the girls?” I gave her half a smile. “I'm going to try these on.” I held up a couple of dresses that I already picked out.

Since everything was happening so last minute, I was forced to buy a dress off the rack rather than having one tailor fitted. I tried on the first dress, or I should say I tried to try on the first dress, but it didn't fit. I was already defeated and practically in tears. At first it was because the dress wasn't fitting, but then it turned into tears of sadness knowing that I was having to battle with my parents for this wedding, which turned into tears for the fact that my life was about to drastically change once the baby was here and I still wasn't ready.

“Lynn?” I heard Kadie call out. “You've been in there for a while. Do you need help?”

I quickly wiped my tears and tried to quietly clear my throat. “No, I'm fine.” I called out with a crack in my voice that gave me away.

I heard the panic in Kadie's voice as she approached my fitting room. “Lynn Lee, are you crying?” She asked before she flung the door open.

“No...” I lied as I wiped the tears from my eyes. Kadie stared at me as I sat on the floor in the corner with only half the dress on my body.

Kadie couldn't help but laugh. She covered her mouth to stop herself but it didn't help. “Lynn” She softly spoke. “There's plenty of other dresses. Don't stress yourself out.”

“It's not about that” I corrected her. “It's the fact that I can't even have the dress I want because I'm in a position where I have to rush my wedding.”

“The dress doesn't matter, Lynn.” Kadie came and sat on the floor next to me. “When Adam and I were getting married I was stressing out day and night about all the wrong things. At the end of the day the flower arrangements doesn't matter, the table cover that you've spent weeks trying to find the perfect shade of doesn't matter, hell, the dress doesn't even matter. The only thing that matters is saying 'I do' and marrying the man of your dreams.”

I sniffled as another tear rolled down my cheek. “Really?”

“Seriously” Kadie reached over to wipe the tear. “Everything else is a blur.” She smiled and waited for me to reciprocate. “I need you to get up, take off that hideous dress and try this one on.” Kadie held up a dress she found.

“Kadie” I sighed as I looked at it. “If I can't fit into this dress, what makes you think I'll be able to fit into that one?” The dress was a mermaid style dress that looked to be a slim fit.

“Just trust me. These dresses always fit better than you think.” She stood up and held out her hand to help me up.

I tried on the dress and to my surprise, Kadie was right, the dress fit. I walked out of the room to show her and her eyes practically popped out of her head. By her expression I figured it looked bad. Until I walked in front of the mirror. I almost immediately stopped. I couldn't believe it was me I was staring at.

The dress fit like a glove. It was a sweetheart neckline covered in beaded work from top to bottom with a beautiful long train. My only reaction was to cover my mouth as I gasped. This was the dress I'd seen myself in in my dream. “This is it” I stammered. “This is the dress!”