Chapter 4: First Comes Love, then Comes Marriage, then-

You two decent now?

“No!”  There was a giggle at the end of Brenna’s exclamation and Blake’s deep chuckle.

–arches brow—Oh, so now you’re taking his lead, Brenna?  Great, just what I have to look forward too…

This brought on more giggles as I peered into their bedroom.

The two sat on their bed, side by side, each looking like the cat that ate the canary.

Awww, you guys are too cute, ya know that?

Blake was too engrossed with his new wife to even make a comment on that.  They had their arms around one another, their cheeks together, just enjoying the closeness of the other one.

after a little while—Alright, I’ll leave you two alone for a bit.  This is getting a little boring.  While cute, I need something else to do.

The two of them looked at one another and giggled.  “See?” Blake murmured.  “Told ya it would work.”

“You were right, love.  C’mon, practice makes perfect huh?”  Brenna added an eyebrow wiggle for emphasis as she pounced on her husband.


Making breakfast, I see.

Blake nodded.  “Mhm, scrambled eggs.  I promise, I won’t burn anything down, ok?”

You better not… We’re a bit low on funds just now.  Waiting for the spawn points to come back is taking a bit and with the wedding and all, Brenna hasn’t been able to fish, so we’ve got very little income coming in.

“Yeah, I know.  I’ll be careful.”

watches a moment, just in case—Alright, you seem to have things well in hand here.  I’m gonna go check on Brenna, see if she’s awake yet.

He waved a hand, muttering under his breath, “Good, go do something else other than bug me.”

 

Oh good, you’re awake.

 “Ya know, Watcher,” she told me dryly, “I can handle going to the bathroom myself.”  Then she seemed to look pensive and then her head swiveled around.  “Is Blake with you?”

No, why?

“Ok, well, I just- I’m about to take a pregnancy test.  I don’t want to get his hopes up, that’s all.  W-will you stay with me?  To see?”

Of course, you don’t even have to ask, honey.

She nodded.  “Alright, so make sure it’s held in the stream… check.  Now I just gotta wait a moment and-“  Her eyes widened with delight.  “Watcher!  Watcher!  Look, look!  It’s positive!  I’m with nooboo!”

Awww, that’s great Brenna!

Before I could finish congratulating her, she was off like a shot to find her husband, yelling his name.  He had been about to go for his morning run so as she burst out onto the front porch, he had frozen.  “Brenna, what is it?  Are you alright?”

Her face looked like it was about to split apart from how wide her smile was.  “I’m better than alright!  We’re pregnant!  We’re gonna have a nooboo!”

“Wait, what!?” he exclaimed, his eyes as wide as saucers.  “A-a nooboo?”  Slowly, his mouth split into a mile-wide grin to match his wife’s.  “I’m gonna be a daddy?”

“Yes!”

He gave a whoop and began to run around like a little kid, exclaiming, “We’re gonna have a NOOOOBOOOO!”  Brenna and I could only laugh.

He’s definitely excited.

She smiled and then looked quesy.  “Oh… oh dear.”

Ooo, yeah, the morning sickness can be a bit of a killer.  Go relax, hun. 

She nodded once.  Holding her stomach, she went to go lay down on the couch for a moment.  I found Blake jogging down the trail around their property.

Still can’t stop smiling, huh?

 

”Can you believe it?  I’m gonna be a daddy…”

You’ll do fantastically.

 

Once Blake returned home after his jog, he grabbed a glass of milk and sat down.  The excitement was still there, but there was a hint of thoughtfulness now, too.

”Hey Watcher?”

Yeah, darling?

“You think I’ll be a good dad, really?”

Yes, I really do.  And it’s normal to be nervous.  But don’t worry.  You’ll have me and Brenna to help ya along, alright?

He nodded, still looking lost in thought.


“Hey babe, what ya think?”

Blake looked at the canvas his wife was working on.  “Looks great, honey.”

Definitely gettin’ better there, Bren.  Lookin’ good.

“And isn’t this more relaxing than fishing?”

–winces—Oh you idiot…

Brenna turned a narrowed gaze onto her husband.  “We are NOT going to have that discussion again.”  She set her paints down and walked away.

–sighs—Smooth move, Blake…

He threw up his hands.  “You’d think it was a crime to want to make sure my wife- the mother of my child- was safe!”

Not a crime, no, but c’mon Blake, you’re either treating her like she’s a fragile piece of glass or—

“Or?”

-Or you’re insinuating that she doesn’t want to be with you.  Neither of which is true.  I told you, you need to curb that jealous streak of yours.  I get it, you’re scared and nervous and excited, but you’re being a bit- ridiculous.

He threw up his hands and walked away, his head hanging down.


After tempers had cooled a bit

 

“I’m sorry, sweetheart.  Can you forgive me?”

“Of course,” Brenna murmured.  “I love you.”

“I love you too, more than anything.  I-I just don’t always know what to do with it.”  He gently kissed her cheek.

Brenna smiled at him.  “I know.  I know, baby.  We’ll get through this.  It won’t always be easy- or comfortable- for either of us.”

He grinned ruefully.  “Guess not, huh?”

Brenna laughed.  “I come from a huge family, you know that.  Having 10 brothers and sister, things were always nuts.  And my parents definitely had their moments.  But we’ll get there.”

“Yeah, definitely.”


“Morning, beautiful.  How are you feeling this morning?”

“Good.  The morning sickness seems to have slowed way down.  Thank Watcher for small miracles.”

He helped her up and pulled her into a hug.  “That’s great to hear, honey.”

“These fish tacos you made are really good, babe!  You’re really improving!” Brenna exclaimed as she scarfed hers down.

–grumbles—Better be… he tried to take his finger off again…

Blake gave me a dirty look, but he was all smiles when he looked at his wife.  “Thanks, hun.”


So?

“What?”

–exasperated sigh—What was that all about?  You looked at her phone and got this weird look on your face.  What was that about?

“Oh that?  It was nothing,” he said nonchalantly.  “Just found out I made the team.”

Oh, I see.  Blake I’m sor- Wait a minute!  You what?  You made it!  You brat! –laughs—Congratulations!

 

You’re looking so beautiful, Brenna.  You really are.

 

“Thanks, Watcher.  I feel beautiful… until the nausea hits.  At least it’s not constant now, though.”

It’ll pass, love.  And then you’ll have a beautiful nooboo.

“Oh, I know.  I just want to hold them now, ya know?”

–laughs—Yeah, you say that now.


“There’s my beautiful wife.  And how’s our little one doing this morning?  Are you being nice to your mama?”  Blake gently stroked over Brenna’s belly.

Brenna laughed.  “They’re definitely yours, babe.  Very active.”

Blake glanced up, grinning and winking.

 

Oh sweetheart, are you ok?

 

“Huh, what?”  She climbed unsteadily to her feet.  “Whazit, Watcher?”

Oh Brenna, you need to get some rest.  And certainly don’t let your husband see you like this… he’ll have kittens!

“Y-yeah you’re right.  I’m going to lay down.  D-don’t tell him, ok?”

You’re secret is safe with me, long as you take care of yourself, alright?  Long as no harm is done.

She nodded and toddled off up the stairs to get to her bed.


“Hey babe, hear you’re having a rough time.  Why don’t you let me give you a little massage?”  Blake dug his fingers gently over her back and shoulders.

She let out a groan.  “Thanks, love.  That feels sooo good.”

“Anything for my girl.”  He kissed her cheek.


Anytime now. 

“I know.  I feel like a beached whale.”

Nonsense.  You look great. Soon, you’ll get to be holding your nooboo in your arms.

So have you talked to Blake yet?

“No, not yet.  Just haven’t really found a good time.”

No time like the present, hun.

“Suppose you have a point.  I’ll ask him over breakfast.”

Sounds like a plan.

 

“Hey, love.  So, I’ve been thinking.  I saw online that the lab in Oasis Springs is looking for help.  I thought about, once the little one is born, applying.”

Blake frowned.  “Don’t you think that’s a little soon, sweetheart?”

“Not really.  It will probably take a bit of time to actually hear back anyway.  There are some fantastic daycares around.”

“I don’t see why you want to work.  Now that I have a job, I’ll be able to provide for all of us.”

“Blake,” she said with a light laugh, “C’mon, I’ll need to get out of the house occasionally.  The hours wouldn’t be bad.”

Blake’s face became a thundercloud.  “I don’t like it.  I don’t like it at all, Brenna!  There’s no need!”

Oh you bloody idiot…

Brenna slowly stood up, her face utterly blank.  “I see,” she said softly.  “So that’s how it’s going to be huh?”  Without another word, she turned and walked away, leaving her husband staring after her, realizing with a sinking heart he had really messed up.

His head hit the table with a loud ‘thwak’ as he let out a groan.  “Oh what did I do, Watcher?”

You don’t want my opinion, boy.  Let me tell you what, you better be glad I can’t reach right out and smack the daylights outta you.  As it is, I’m seriously contemplating locking you in your room without a toilet for a little while.  What were you thinking?  Wait, let me answer that.  You weren’t!  Oh Blake… I know you haven’t had an easy time.  But you can’t control her.  She’s her own Sim.  You love her, but if you can’t get over some of your issues, you’re going to lose her.  Do you want that?

“No!  No, of course I don’t!  I-I love her more than anything!”

Then stop being a moron.  Give her some time, then talk with her, alright?


You’re going to have to talk to him sometime, honey.

“I don’t know, I think I can go for a while longer,” Brenna said waspishly.  Then she sighed.  “Sorry, I know this isn’t your fault.  I know you’re not happy with him either, but- I don’t know if I can live like this, Watcher.  I mean… I know he had a hard life and this- jealousy and insecurity issues come from his past, from not having had anyone before.  But-“

Shh, honey.  It’s ok.  I know.  I understand, I do.  Just give it a little time.  Oh, don’t pull that face, sweetie.  It’ll get better, I promise.

“Uh, Watcher… th-this isn’t from that- or at least, not totally.  Uh… I think I’m in labor.”

Whoa!  Oh, ok.  Ok, sweetie.  We’ll get ya to the hospital.  I’ll get Blake.  Just take a few deep breaths, ok?  One sec.

Blake!  Blake, your wife is in labor.  C’mon, stop sulking.  She needs you now.  Let’s go!


 “I-I’m Brenna Hanover.  I-I’m in labor.”  Brenna’s voice quavered as she got up to the receptionist desk as the hospital.

“Hey Brenna!  Don’t worry, the doctor’s waiting for you.  Just sit tight for a moment, alright?  You ok, doll?”  Damien was a friend that had been at her wedding and he was looking a little concerned.

Brenna nodded.  “S-sorry Damien.  J-just a bit overwhelmed.”

“Where’s Blake, hun?”

“I-I don’t-“  Her eyes rolled up into the back of her head as all the stress of the last little while came crashing down and darkness rolled over her.

“BRENNA!” Blake burst through the doors, looking positively manic.

Damien was already helping Brenna up.  She’d only been out for a few moments.  “B-blake?”

“Oh baby… I’m here.  She’s gonna be ok?”

Damien nodded.  “Yup, let’s get her to her room.”


Brenna lay on the cold table, a bit light headed.  She was definitely out of it.  “Blake?”

“Sshh, just relax.  He’s just outside.  You’re doing lovely, my dear.  Your baby is almost here.”

As she went in and out, she could vaguely hear the whir of machines, though she felt nothing as she had been given an anesthetic.  Only when she heard the sharp cry of a baby did her eyes fly open.

The door burst open.  “Brenna!  Oh Watcher, Brenna, are you ok?”

“Blake, I-I’m ok-“  She was interrupted by the cry of their nooboo.  Blake froze and looked at the tiny little figure in the basket.

“Is-is that-?”

Brenna smile at him, nodding as she pushed herself off the table.  “That’s our son, there, daddy.”

With shaking hands, he leaned over and gently lifted the tiny form up into his arms.  “S-son?  A-a little boy?”

“Yes.  W-what do you think of the name Christopher?”

In answer, Blake brought his son up higher.  “Hear that buddy?  You’re Christopher.  You’re my son.”

He looked over to his wife, tears in his eyes.  She smiled at him.

Blake gently handed little Christopher to his mother.  Brenna held her son gently, cradling his head against her shoulder.  “Hello baby boy.  Welcome to the world.”

She smiled at him, then kissed his forehead.  “Your daddy and I love you, very much.  Let’s get you home.”

 

The trip home was accomplished in no time and once Christopher was settled in his bassinet in their room, Blake and Brenna stood in their living room.  Blake swallowed.  “B-brenna… I-I-“

She took a step forward and gently put a finger over his lips.  “Shhh, it’s ok, Blake.  I know.  I do.”

“Can you ever forgive me for being such an idiot?”

“There’s nothing to forgive,” she murmured, brushing her hand over his cheek.

She kissed him softly.  “We’ll be alright, Blake.  We’ll figure this out together.”

Advertisement

Chapter 3: A Lovely Wedding

“Welcome to your new home, my love,” Blake murmured to his fiance as she stepped inside.  “I-I know it isn’t much right now, but it will be.”

“Blake, stop that,” she said, “there is nothing wrong with it.  It’s cozy.  I like it.”  To prove it, she went to him and slid her arms around him and pulled him close for a kiss.

As they pulled apart, Blake reached a hand up to gently brush the backs of his fingers over her cheek.  “I’m a very lucky man,” he murmured.  “To have found someone like you.”

Brenna giggled at him.  “Yeah, you’re definitely lucky.  I’m quite a catch, after all.”  Her grin widened.  “But then, you seem to know just the right bait.”

He gave her a wolfish grin and pulled her close.

Then he dipped her right over for a searing kiss that left her lips tingling- as well as other body parts.

By the time that Blake righted her, she was feeling a little light-headed.  “Wow,” she breathed softly.

–wryly—Alright you two… You need to take a little trip.  Blake, Brenna and I have a surprise for you.  You’ll see it when you return, ok?

 “A surprise?” He looked at Brenna, one eyebrow arched.  “What kind of surprise?”

She just laughed.  “Oh no you don’t, Mr. Hanover.  You will not be getting it out of me.  You’ll just have to wait until we get back, alright?”

Blake pouted.  “Oh c’mon!”  The pout disappeared and that roguish grin of his was back.  “That’s ok, I’ll just continue to wheedle it out of you while we’re gone!”

–snorts as they walked off—Good luck with that, Romeo.  You’re a goner.  Now… let’s get to work!


So after some hard work and distractions, I completed my and Brenna’s plan.  Gone was Blake’s little cottage.  In it’s place was a gorgeous 3 bedroom, 2 bath modern home.  It had been her idea to use the money from the sale of her house and her possessions to build a new one.  She knew that Blake was self-conscious about how small his house had been.  I told her it had been a great idea.  And so, Chateau Hanover* was born.

 

*For a full tour of the house, check out this link:   Chateau Hanover

“Whoa!” Blake exclaimed when they returned, his eyes virtually popping outta his head.  He looked at his fiance, his jaw hanging open.

She laughed and led him inside.  “Surprise, baby.  Hope you like it.”

In answer, he simply pulled her close and kissed her senseless. This seemed to be his answer to a lot of different things. Hehehe

I see you approve? –asked dryly—

 After he came up for air, he grinned.  “It’s great.  How’d ya know?”

I am your Watcher, after all.  I know you far better than you’re willing to admit.  You better thank that lovely lady of yours.  It was her idea and she offered the money from the sale of her own house.  Didn’t even have to ask.

Blake looked at Brenna, sighing softly as he lead her to the couch so they could sit down.  “I love you so much,” he murmured to her as he kissed her softly.

“And I love you too,” she whispered back.  She leaned close and whispered something into his ear, something unintelligble, though by the giggles and the look in Blake’s eyes, I knew what it must have been.

Think that’s my cue –mumbled—I’m outta here.  You guys have fun.  I’ll be back in a little while to help plan the wedding.


 

 

“Ready for today, baby?” Blake asked.

Brenna smiled at him.  “More than.  I can’t wait till this afternoon.”

“Me either.”

She stood up after she’d eaten her breakfast and then smiled at him.  “I’m going to do a bit of fishing, alright?  Keep myself occupied so I don’t wither away from anticipation!”

Blake laughed.  “Go on, sweetheart.  I’ll putter around here and make some calls, make sure everything is set, alright?”  She kissed him on the cheek as she strode out of the house to her favorite fishing spot across the street.

She greeted the other man there fishing with a wave and a kind smile.

Blake watched her through the front window for a moment, his expression a bit dark.  Hey, what’s wrong with you?  What’s with that look?

 “Nothing.”  He turned away and went to the kitchen and grabbed a mixing bowl out as well as a bunch of ingredients, slamming them a bit as he mixed flour, baking soda, eggs, some sugar, and vanilla.

Ooo-k… you makin’ a cake there?

 “Yeah, figured why not?  Save us on a caterer, right?”

‘Spose so… hey, Blake.  You ok?

 “I’ll be fine, Watcher.  Just leave it, ok?”

Ooo-k, you got it, pal… yeesh.


 

Ok, let’s see, the mixologist is taken care of, the bar and all that important stuff is already here… let’s see.  Bride and groom, check… Guests, check… Cake, check… Looks good from here, guys.  Let’s get this show on the road!

 

Blake… what’s the face for?

 “I-I don’t- What’s a guy like me done to deserve a woman like her, huh, Watcher?” he asked me, his face looking quite- sad, for a man who should have been happier than a cat with cream on his wedding day.

Blake… please tell me this isn’t that jealousy trait coming out, now, of all days…

 “Oh forget it, Watcher…  I know I’m an idiot.  Alright?”

Blake, c’mon.  It’s your wedding day.  Look at her.  She’s beautiful.  And guess what?  She’s yours.  So buck up!

 “You’re right, of course.  She is beautiful.  And even if I don’t quite understand it, she is mine, isn’t she?”  His expression softened as he watched his bride-to-be smoozing effortlessly with their guests.

That’s exactly right. –murmurs to self—Hm… this could get interesting… going to have to keep an eye on that, I think.

Places everyone!  C’mon, you two!  It’s time!

Blake led his soon-to-be wife to the arch on the edge of the platform.

“You – take my breath away, Brenna,” he whispered to her.

“From the first moment I saw you coming toward me, I-I felt a connection.  It was a jolt straight through my heart,” she whispered back, bringing her hand up to his cheek.

As the ceremony started, Blake nervously slid the ring onto her finger.  “With this ring,” he murmured, “I thee wed.”  He looked up into her eyes.  “I promise to love, honor, and cherish you for as long as there is breath in my body.  I swear to be your rock, your support for whatever life throws our way.”

Brenna had to swallow, tears of joy swimming in her eyes as she spoke her own vows.  “With this ring, I thee wed.  I promise to love, honor, and cherish you for the rest of our days.  I promise that I will be there to give you my support, my undying love no matter what happens.  I will always be there for you.”

Blake pulled his new wife to him and they kissed as husband and wife.

Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Blake Hanover!

There were a few good-natured catcalls from their guests as they kissed.  Then they threw confetti at the couple as they made their way to cut the cake, the same cake that Blake had made with his own two hands.

Blake cut the first piece and held it for a moment, looking at his new wife.  She narrowed her eyes at him, though they sparkled.  “Don’t even think about it, Mr.,” she warned him, trying not to laugh.  Blake just grinned roguishly.  He debated, but only for a moment before they both tucked their forks in and then gently held them out to the other.

Their wedding turned into quite the hit; the guests would be talking about how lovely the evening ceremony was for quite some time.

Here are a few lovely shots the bride and groom took of one another.

After they could safely escape, Brenna and Blake went home.  “My wife,” he murmured, kissing her.

“My husband.”  She grinned saucily at him.  “Let’s celebrate.”

This was my cue to uh, go and watch something else for a little while…

Chapter 2: The First Week- continued

“Did you do what I think you did?  You DID!  You invited Brenna!  Are you crazy!?”

”I thought you wanted me to get together with her?  What is your issue?”

You can’t just- bull through this!  You like her right?  Really like her?”

“I-I well, yeah.  But I don’t know her well yet and I’d like to change that, alright?  I’d like to do this my way, alright?  So, why don’t you keep a look out for her, huh?”

… “Alright then.”

 

A few minutes later:

“She’s here, Blake!  But she’s all the way outside.  Better hurry to meet her,  huh?”

“On it!”

 

He hurried to meet her, running his cute buns off.  And when he saw her, he got that same star-struck look on his face he had when he first saw her.

“Hi again.”

“Hi yourself.  Partying?”

“Sorta.  The Watcher heard about something happening here, so decided to check it out,” he said with a one-shoulder shrug.

“Watcher?  You’re a Watched Sim?”

“Hello, Brenna.  I’m Blake’s Watcher.  Nice to meet ya.” –mutters under breath—“Again…”

“Oh, well hello!  It-it’s nice to meet you-“  Her brow furrowed in concentration.

Blake stepped forward in that moment and he grabbed both of Brenna’s hands gently in his.  “You ok?” he asked softly.

She seemed to swallow.  “Uh- yeah.  Thanks.”  She smiled at him softly.

“You’re beautiful, ya know that.”  I swear I heard a catch in Blake’s voice.

“Don’t overdo it,” I warned him softly.

But there was no stopping him.  He blew her a cute little kiss, which she seemed to dig.

So far, so good, right?  Well, Blake had always been a little- impulsive.  Before I knew that, there he went!  He moved right in to still her first kiss!

She rocked back on her heels, looking a little dazed, though I can’t say she hadn’t enjoyed it.  She smiled at him.  “Thanks,” she murmured.  ”I-I need to get home, b-but thanks for the lovely evening.”

 

“Wait!  Before you go, let’s take a picture, to commemorate this?  Is that alright?” Blake wheedled.  The man had a lethal smile, let me tell ya…

 

Sure enough, Brenna couldn’t resist it either.  And Blake got his picture to commemorate their first kiss.

Once that was done, Brenna looked at him for a moment, then turned to walk away.  “Brenna?”  She turned to look at him for a moment.  “Thank you.  You really brightened up this evening.”  That earned him an eyeroll, but I could see the secret little grin on her face as she walked away.


 

You are looking far too smug, ya know.”

 

“What?  I’m just working out.”

“No, you are definitely looking smug.  I mean, you aren’t exactly the most humble Sim on the best of days, but since you kissed Brenna, I’ve wandered if your head would fit through the door a few times!”

He grinned.  “Jealous?”

–rolls eyes—“No.  Look, I’m serious.  That could have gone really badly.  When you see her again, you need to take it slow.  Listen to me, will ya?”

He frowned and then nodded slowly.  “Alright.  I can do that.”

Alright.  Good boy.  Now, home time, I think.”

 

“When can I have something beside salad!?”

“Oh stop your complaining.  A few more meals and you should be good enough not to burn your house down.”

 

“Ok, I’ve had food… though it was unsatisfying. Had a shower.  Which, just so you know, the hot water only lasts a couple seconds.  Now, to make a quick phone call.”

“Complain, complain, complain!  Don’t want to go crazy yet, even with a bit of money. And wait, who- You’re inviting her over?”

He ignored me and then there was a knock on the door.  He grinned.  “That would be her now.”  He walked to the door and opened it, leaning in the doorway for a moment so he could look at her.  “Welcome to my- humble abode.”

 

She came in and looked around.  “It’s actually really cute.  Very- homey.”

 

Blake snorted.  “Yeah, homey is one word for it.  Though, it’s more than I had growing up.  And it will get bigger, with time.”  He looked around for a moment, nodding his head at the visions in his head.  Then he grinned sheepishly.  “C’mon, have a seat.  Sorry, just enough room for the loveseat there.”

So, ok, I can admit now that I made a mistake.  I took over for Blake, helping him along.  Or at least, I tried.

 

But Brenna wasn’t quite as taken with it as I thought she’d be.  There was a moment of awkward silence and then she smiled at him.  

“Blake, why uh, why don’t you be yourself?  Um, Watcher?  Can you uh, leave me and Blake alone for a little while?”

“Uh… yeah, sure.  Sorry about that-“

 

So honestly, not sure how it played out, though I can guess.  Blake was wearing a grin for the next couple days and he was humming under his breath as he was doing, well, everything, even making his salads.  Which he didn’t complain about once!

For two days, Blake and I talked of inconsequential things and I Watched him do work outs.  And then Brenna returned to fish in the same spot that Blake had seen her before. I watched from afar as he asked her something.

The next thing I know, we’re at the musuem!

“The musuem?  Odd venue for you, Blake.”

“Thought it would be a nice change, a little different.  It’s a pretty old building, plus… well, that’s for later.”

 

The two sat and talked for quite a while in the musuem.

 

Then Blake took Brenna’s hand and helped her off the bench.  He just loved looking into her eyes.  He smiled gently as he brought a hand up to brush it over her cheek.

“I uh, have something I want to- show you, ok?”

She looked at him for a moment, intrigue.  “Alright then, Blake.  Let’s go.”

 

He took her hand and led her out of the museum, down to the edge of the river outside of the Musuem.

The two of them looked at one another for a long moment before Blake pulled her into his arms for a scorching kiss.  Yowza!

They separated, needing to take a breath.  Then Blake just looked at her for a long moment again.  “Brenna?  I-I know we haven’t been seeing each other long, but… I have an important question for you.”  He took a deep breath to steel himself and then got down on one knee.

“Brenna Hailama, life is too short to wait on the important things.  You are one of those important things to me.  I-I know we have a lot of things to learn about each other and I’m more than willing to dedicate the rest of our lives to doing that.  W-would you do me the honor of becoming my wife?”  The ring flashed happily in the sunlight as he pulled it from his pocket.

Brenna could only clap her hands to her mouth for a moment before she smiled wide, looking at the ring he’d slid on her finger, then looking at him.

“Yes, Blake.  Yes, I’ll marry you.  We’ll spend the rest of our lives getting to know one another,” she murmured as she leaned forward to press her lips gently to his.

Then she gave a loud whoop of delight and leapt into his arms.  “Oof!”

They looked into each other’s eyes for a long moment, the Watcher sighing happily.  Blake gently let Brenna down and they held one another tightly, both quivering slightly.

“For the love of my life,” Blake whispered as a long-stemmed rose appeared behind his back and then he brought it out from behind to present to his new fiance.

Blake pulled her close once more.  “You have made me the happiest man in the world right now.”

Brenna leaned close and whispered in his ear.  “Let’s go home.”

Chapter 1: The First Week

See Blake.

 

See Blake Run.

Hold it!  Hold it!  Really Watcher?  Really!?  That is the lamest joke yet!

Hush you… My jokes aren’t that bad, are they?

–Arches  a brow—Yes, yes they really are…

–huffs—Well fine then!  Such disrespect!

 

Ahem, sorry about that folks.  Just a bit of- creative differences between my subject and I.

Subject huh?  That’s not what you normally call me…

Oi!  Hush up for a bit would ya and let me at least start to tell your story?

Just making sure you get it right.  That’s all.  Alright, alright, I’ll leave off for a bit.

Thank you!

 

Ok, where was I?  Oh yes, this is Blake Hanover:

He’s the founder of what will become the Hanover Family Reign.  Our dear Blake is alone in the world- well, except for me, his Watcher.  A ward of the state, he never had a real family.  With a bit of money and a lot inherited from a distant relative, Blake has settled down in Willow Creek.  Here, he hopes to fulfill his dream of becoming a superstar athlete and maybe- just maybe, he’ll meet the One, the One woman just for him.  But let’s not get ahead of ourselves huh?

 For now, this is Blake’s new home.  It’s small and spare, but in many ways, more than he’s ever had.  And it’s all his!

 

Ya know, this may be a novel idea, but why don’t I tell my own story?

–grinds teeth and looks at—What did I tell you before?  Quiet!  Or I’ll leave you paused for a month!

You wouldn’t…

Wouldn’t I?

…Shuttin’ up now.

Bout time!  Oi… ok, now where was I?  Oh right, so Blake finally has a home of his own.  Aside from him taking up a nice scenic jog around his new neighborhood:

 

There was a nice little gathering of his neighbors just from up over the way, the SKL household.

 

Blake enjoyed the little get together, though he was happy to see them leave.  He only had a little bit of time to prepare.  Tryouts for the local team would take place in a little while and he had to make sure he was in top shape.  So off to the gym he went.

He met a few new friends with a penchant for working out like he did.

Including this young lady that does keep appearing in various places:

She was obviously admiring his- technique, right?

–snorts—Oh c’mon, you’re transparent, ya know that, don’t ya?

–with great dignity—I don’t know what you’re talking about…

Riiiight.  I’m sure you don’t.  What’s with all the screenshots you took of me without a shirt on?  I distinctly heard you humming when I stepped outta the shower.

Moving on…

 Ahem, so Blake’s first few days in Willow Creek, on his own was fairly uneventful.  Except for the occasional mishap in the kitchen…

“Um, Watcher?  Why do I have to make salad?  I’d rather have something more uh- substantial!”

Not until you learn enough NOT to burn down your little house.  Until the tryouts, you have very little money and even the little bit of collecting you’ve done hasn’t given us enough of a leeway yet, alright?”

“Fine, fine… cripes.  Ok, so let’s cut up this tomato!”

Whoa, watch what you’re doing with that knife!  Cripes!”

Did ya have to include that?  Really?

We’re being honest!  You aren’t perfect so I’m not sugar coating this!

Fine fine… man…

At least I’m not putting in the other picture!

What other- –eye widen—Oh… that one… –looks around fertively—Ok, ok, I’ll keep quiet!

Thank you!

 

Eventually, our “hero” managed to make his salad, even if he was disappointed it wasn’t something a bit- meatier.

 

See?  You just like showing me off without a shirt!

… What happened to being quiet!?

–snickers and wanders off—

 

…Ok, so maybe he has a point!  He’s hot, especially without a shirt on.  So sue me!  Anyway, be that as it may, Blake continued to make his way around town.  There was more gym time and he even went to the local watering hole to see what the night life was like.  He finally got his more substantional meal there.

 

He also met a couple of nice ladies and some other strapping young lads.  They exchanged some good work out tips, talked sports.

 

But eventually things wound down.

 

He came back and went to sleep.

 

“Blake!  Blake!  Wake up!”

“Huh, wha?  What’s goin’ on?”

(He’s really not a morning Sim, not until he’s had his morning run at least.)

“Get that cute butt outta that bed!  She’s here!  Omgomgomg, this is awesome!”

“You’re even crazier than normal.  What are you talking about?”

“The woman of your dreams!  She’s fishing just across the way!”

“What have you been smoking?”

“GET UP RIGHT NOW!”

“Alright, alright!” –gets out of bed and reluctantly dresses—  “What’s this about the girl of my dreams?”

“Just- trust me ok?  I know she’s for you.  I wasn’t sure we’d get to see her, but she’s here!”

 

–shrugged and headed out of the house, whistling, but after he crossed the street, he stopped, his heart beating in his chest as he saw the figure idly fishing—

“W-watcher… w-why does it feel like-like I know her?”

swallows—“It’s a bit of a long story.  I’ll tell you about it one day.  Don’t just stand there, introduce yourself!”

 

He took a few steps closer as she turned around and then just stood there with a stupid look on his face.

 

“Hello?”

–whispers– “Say something you idiot!”

“Hi,” he breathed out.

–sighs in disgust—“Crimeny… smooth, Blake, smooth…”

She grinned.  “Hi.  I’m Brenna.  Brenna Hailama.”

“Brenna… That’s a beautiful name.”

 

“Thanks, I’m rather fond of it,” she said with a light laugh.

still whispering—“Oh, he’s such a goner… again!”

 

Eventually, Blake was able to remove his foot from his mouth as he relaxed.

“So, uh, do you live around here?”

Brenna smiled—that seems to be her default expression, quite honestly–, “Actually, I do.  Well, I live here in Willow Creek.  The old Rindle Rose place.  But I can’t beat the fishing out here.  That and it’s just too beautiful.”

“Oh, it definitely is.  Can’t beat the view, that’s for sure.”

She laughed again.  “Well, I need to head home now.  Will I see you around?”

Blake gave her his best grin.  “Yeah, definitely.  I live just across the road.  The old Oakenstead lot.”

“Oh really?  I thought it belonged to some older lady?”

“Yeah, I think she was a great, great aunt.  She left it to me, when she passed.”

“Oh, I’m sorry to hear that!”

“I didn’t really know her that well, honestly.  But uh, you’re welcome here anytime and if you want to come and fish a bit further up, just off the property, you’re welcome to.”

Her smile softened.  “Thanks.  I uh, might take you up on that.  Here.”  She took his phone out of his pocket and entered her number into it.  “I’ll see you around, Blake.”

 

He stood there, his hand waving goodbye, that stupid look on his face.  –snorts—“C’mon, Romeo.  Let’s go.”

 

—–

 

Hey, hear there’s a party going on in Windenburg.  At the Von Haunt Estate.  Think you should go.

Sure, why not.  –shrugs—

 

“This place is really cool, isn’t it?  Wait, what ya doing, Blake?  Who ya callin’?”

 

 

“Just you wait.  You’ll see.”

“Why does that make me nervous?”

“You have a suspicious nature?”

Hmmm…”