Chapter 71: Sixteen Candles Part Two

Wednesday, July 20th, 2006

Josh and Katie arrived at her parents’ house a few minutes behind schedule, delayed by a quiet moment together that stretched longer than expected. Their delay was due to an impromptu moment of intimacy that extended longer than either of them had anticipated. Holding hands, they stepped out of the XC90 and made their way to the front door. Josh opened it, letting Katie enter first.

The living room was cloaked in darkness. Katie paused, puzzled. There were no cars parked along the street, which struck her as odd-she had anticipated a surprise. She walked cautiously toward the light switch, expecting someone to yell “Surprise!”-and just then, the lights blazed on, accompanied by an enthusiastic chorus of “HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!”

Momentarily stunned, Katie froze, taking in the sight of the gathered guests: her father Kirk, mother Judith, sister Hannah, Josh’s mother Dorothy, his brothers Joel and William, Joel’s wife Beth, William’s girlfriend Amanda, her Aunt Pam and Uncle Barry, as well as Noel and Kyle.

Overcome with emotion, she moved through the room, embracing each guest. When she asked where everyone had parked, they explained that they had left their cars a block away to maintain the element of surprise.

The celebration transitioned into the kitchen, where Dorothy, Judith, and Pam had spent hours preparing an impressive spread. Kirk had grilled an assortment of meats-burgers, hot dogs, and bratwurst-which were kept warm in trays. Dorothy had prepared both potato and macaroni salads, Judith had contributed baked beans and coleslaw, and Pam had personally baked and decorated the birthday cake.

Guests lined up to fill their plates. Some gathered around the dining table while others dispersed into the living room. Josh and Katie found a spot on the couch, while Pam and Barry settled into the recliners.

Katie took the opportunity to formally introduce Josh to her aunt and uncle. “Josh, this is Pam and Barry.”

“A pleasure to finally meet you,” Josh said with a warm smile.

Pam raised an eyebrow, knowing that Josh had met her before in his first life time. While Barry just smiled with a nod. Josh remained silent, but his mind wandered. He remembered meeting Pam in his previous life, before she passed away. How he and Barry had spent considerable time together, especially in the difficult days after Pam’s funeral. Barry had even been the DJ at their wedding. There were countless dinners with Katie, Kirk, Judith, and Barry-until everything fell apart. After Katie died ... Barry stopped coming around, Kirk was dead, and Judith couldn’t bear to be near Josh. That life had shattered, piece by piece after Katie had passed away. Losing Katie and the family that had become his new family after his had fallen apart just added more fuel to the fire that was his depression.

He shook himself free from the memory. This life was different. Katie was alive. Kirk, Dorothy, and Pam were all still alive. He wasn’t about to lose them again.

Barry asked Josh about his career. Josh shared that he worked at a local Mini Mart and also co-managed a dojo alongside his sensei.

“Since my sensei doesn’t have an heir,” Josh explained, “he told me I’ll eventually inherit both the Mini Mart and the dojo. If Mrs. Chang is still with us when that happens, I plan to take care of her. Upon her passing, the estate will be transferred to me.”

Pam and Barry exchanged intrigued glances.

“Didn’t know you were that close with him,” Barry remarked.

Pam added, “Katie, is that the same Mini Mart where we once stopped to use a phone book?”

Katie’s eyes lit up. “Oh, I forgot to mention it to you! That day Josh and I nearly crossed paths. If you remember Mrs. Chang went to the back to find the phone book, and Josh was in the back helping her look for it. We were so close to meeting and had no idea.”

Pam and Katie laughed at the coincidence. Barry, unaware of the deeper implications involving time travel, found the story amusing but attributed it to happenstance.

The evening continued with joyful conversation and steady snacking. Later, everyone regrouped in the living room, where Katie sat cross-legged on the floor, surrounded by a small mountain of wrapped gifts.

She opened each one with genuine appreciation, receiving the expected mix of clothes, books, accessories, and gift cards.

All eyes turned to Josh in anticipation of his gift.

After the final box was unwrapped, Katie appeared finished and she hadn’t opened one from him.

Josh smiled slyly. “I already gave her my present. It’s a bit too big to fit inside, so we left it outside.”

The group followed him to the front yard, curiosity piqued. Hannah was the first to react with a scream, quickly joined by Noel and Kyle.

“YOU BOUGHT HER A CAR?!”

Josh stood grinning as Katie held up a key fob, proudly presenting the XC90 like a prized possession.

“Did you get your license yet?” Noel asked.

Katie reached into her pocket, retrieving a folded document, and handed it to Noel. Expecting a traditional plastic license, Noel unfolded the paper and squinted at it-then shrieked again.

“Is this a ... marriage license?!”

Kyle hurried over, theatrically reading over her shoulder.

The rest of the group looked on, With enjoyment.

“What is it?” Beth asked.

Katie paused for dramatic effect, eyes sparkling as the group leaned in, hanging on her next words. “We weren’t even sure we’d get it today,” she said with a laugh. “With Josh being 20 and me only 16, we thought we might have to go through the court to get it approved. But everything checked out, and they granted it on the spot.”

Then she beamed. “So yeah ... I got two licenses today. One to drive ... and one to get married.”

The front yard erupted in cheers and celebratory hugs.

Kirk approached Josh and clapped him on the shoulder. “I’m impressed. You really follow through.”

Josh nodded. “When I know what I want, I pursue it wholeheartedly. No hesitation this time.”

Kirk gave an approving nod. “Smart man.”

After the excitement surrounding Katie’s new car and the unexpected announcement of her marriage license, everyone gradually made their way back inside. The energy was palpable-equal parts relief and celebration. Josh and Katie hadn’t been sure if they’d even be able to obtain the license today. Because Josh was twenty and Katie only sixteen, there had been serious concern they might have to go through the courts for approval. But the paperwork was in order. They were officially cleared to marry. They’d already chosen a date-October 28th-the same date they were married in their first life, though now, they would say their vows eleven years earlier.