Richie unfolded himself from Elena's small compact car. It'd taken them a good twenty minutes to find her car when they'd finally made it to the airport. Man, he loved his wife to pieces, but she couldn't remember the difference between left and right or fourth and fifth floor when it came to a parking deck.
She watched as he literally unfolded himself from the car and forsaw a new car in the future, or at least hers being put out to pasture. "This the place baby?"
"Yup, Mom and Dad used to take me here at least once or twice a month. We followed the tradition as we got older." He rounded the car and clasped her hand in his. "You ready, darlin'?"
She slipped from the car and took a deep breath, before looking up into his eyes and feeling settled immediately."As ready as I'm going to get babe."
He opened the front door for her, twisting his wedding ring with his thumb as he walked through the familiar restaurant. Every big moment in his life had started at Joanie's it just seemed fitting that he let almost every important person in his life in on his news here too.
He felt a little twinge that he hadn't stopped at his parents’ house first. Because seriously, with the level of gossip that happened at the bar, he'd be in deep shit if he didn't get the news to his mom before the grapevine did.
Elena moved closer to Richie, her slender arm wrapping around his waist with the slightest tremble. Looking up at him she saw a slight gleam of worry in his gaze. "You ok there Pony?"
He smoothed his hand down her back reassuringly."I'm fine, Lains. Just a little nervous. Not everyday you tell your buddies you ran away and got married."
She giggled softly, "If they get uppity I'll just deal with them like I did Mop Top." She winked his way. "Time to face the lions." She wasn't going to turn loose of his waist though, her nerves were feeling like King Kong sized monkey's had been set free in her belly.
"They already like you, it only takes a minute to love you," he said and bent down to kiss her softly. "Here we go," he said and pushed open the door.
The rattle of silverware and plates, talking and boisterous laughs came to a halt as he and Elena stood in the entry way. And just like that, they all started talking at once as they rushed them.
Well wishing and hugs everywhere, Richie laughed and hugged everyone, and when his mother made it through the line of leather jackets he couldn’t hold back the smile at the surprise.
Elena watched quietly as the hug fest started, her gentle brown gaze centering on the older lady who walked up and pulled Richie into a big hug. She wondered which family member she was as her husband’s face split into a huge grin.
"Welcome home Son." Joan Sambora smiled.
"Ma! I didn't know you were going to be here."
Joan tilted her head with a grin, "Well Jonny called, I couldn't resist a chance to see my wandering son you know."
"Well, I'm really glad you're here. Saves me a whoopin' tomorrow."
Joan's brow arched slightly, "Oh really now? What have you done this time Richard?"
He looked around the room. Nearly everyone was there that meant anything to him. He frowned as Al was missing, but he shrugged it off. "Ma," he motioned to his father who stood and enveloped him in a hug. "Pop," he smiled then looked out at the rest of the room. "Everyone...I'd like you to meet Elena, my wife."
Elena's eyes flickered over each person in turn, her worried gaze raking over each face and noting everything from stupefied shock to stunned amazement. As her gaze flickered up to Richie, she saw his happiness and pride and smiled slightly before again watching the room.
Where they happy about what he said? She couldn't tell, for the briefest of moments no one was saying anything, they were simply staring at Richie like he had grown a second head. Well this wasn't expected. Her small hand reached back for Richie's and tightened. Why wouldn't someone say something?
"Heeey! Will you look at that? Only Richie would go off on vacation and get married!" David stood first and crowded in on the couple. "Welcome to the crazy family, kid." He hugged Richie first then enveloped Elena in a hug. "Be strong babes this is gonna be a shocker," he whispered into her ear.
She turned her head, her brown eyes shining with a bit of relief when at least one of the crew welcomed her. Giving David a brilliant smile she whispered back, "Maybe you’re not such a junkyard dog after all. Thank you."
Turning her out to the people gathered he whacked her on the ass. "At least Richie picked a pretty one," David said with a big grin.
She blushed to the roots of her hair and fought back the slight twinge of fear at the friendly smack. Shaking her head she laughed softly, "Ok I rescind that statement about you not being a junkyard dog."
"Oh yeah," David said with a sly smile. "She totally likes me."
Tico stood and strode forward wrapping Elena in a bear hug. "Congratulations little one; welcome to the family." Turning to Richie he gave him a quick jab to the shoulder. "Sly dog, Find the prettiest and keep her for your self. I see how you are." He winked at Rich then grabbed his hand shaking it. "Congratulations to you too bro."
Elena brightened as Tico hugged her, "thank you Tico."
Richie hauled Tico in. "Thanks, man. Really, she's everything I could want." He slapped Tico on the shoulder and said to him quietly. "I appreciate the support."
Tico nodded, "Well if you're as happy as you look man, then all's well. That's what brothers are for.”
Elena gazed out over the room wondering why the four most important people had yet to say a word. A puzzled brown gaze swept over Kate, Jon and Richie's parents with concern. She didn't want Richie hurt, and by the shell shocked looks on all four remaining faces she couldn't help but worry.
Kate stood up quietly. The hurt and the shock were running an even race. She'd just blurted it out. Just like that? She was already the odd man out when it came to this group, but...just wow. She gave Jon's hand a quick squeeze and headed for the door.
Elena trembled as she watched Kate head for the door, her eyes shadowing as she read the hurt and shock within her gaze. "Katydid?"
She stopped at the door. "I'm just going to the bathroom. I'll be back in a minute," she said without turning around to face her friend before slipping out the door.
Stay or go, the need to talk to Kate warred with her need to stand by Richie. She'd hurt her best friend, she hadn't meant too, hadn't considered the consequences at all in fact. She took a deep breath and twisted, preparing to go after her friend, but before she could even take a step she saw Jon moving towards the door.
Jon watched Richie a moment, shock and anger flickering in his crystal blue gaze. They were supposed to be brothers, best friends, and he had kept this from him? How could he go off and do something this spontaneous and not even call. And Elena, how could she do this to sweet Kate? Teensy was an idiot, there was no doubt too it. With a soft growl he muttered an ‘excuse me’ and quickly headed towards the door Kate had slipped out of.
