Chapter 48 - Day of planning

Breakfast was early on Friday based on the schedule that Kurt set up.  They had flowers at 9:00, tuxes at 10:30 and caterers at 11:30 and 12:00 and rental place for tents and linens at 2:00.  Rachel found herself having to be at everything.  The other men were getting fitted for tuxes after lunch because Kurt didn't want anyone to see them.  Rachel was bummed that she wouldn't get to see Finn until later in the day.

"Kurt, we don't even have time for lunch?"  Rachel whined a little.  She wanted to be supportive, but felt that the timing would really be hard on the older women that were also required to attend all the morning activities.

"I had Ellen ask the caterers to prepare things for us to taste.  I figure if they want our business they'll be preparing lots of food.  If we're tasting lots of food, we don't need lunch, right?"

"Please say some will be meatless."

"Of course, Sweetie.  I would never forget my Maid of Honor in all of this."  He smiled lovingly at her.  It was then that he finally noticed that she was wearing a reindeer sweater with a pleated wool skirt and knee highs.  "Oh no Rachel Berry.  You turn around and change that outfit into something respectable.  I won't have the caterers thinking we are some unfashionable, country bumpkins."

"But, Kurt, I didn't bring anything else."  This started a long discussion about how awful it looked and she fought back because that's what Rachel did.  She didn't care what people thought about her clothes at this point.  It was senior year and she had Finn Hudson, the quarterback of the football team, as her boyfriend.

"Kurt, Rachel, stop!"  Blaine intervened since Finn seemed to be ignoring the fact that it was happening.  Blaine turned questioning Finn, "How on earth do you listen to that?"

"You should have seen them go at it in sophomore year.  This is nothing compared to some of their past arguments.  It's sometimes fun to watch."

Blaine shook his head.  "You're no help Finn.  Kurt, it doesn't matter what she's wearing.  Rachel just sit and have some breakfast."  Blaine could tell that today would be a rough one.  Jack and Ellen had joined them at the table as the breakfast casserole and croissants were being served by what appeared to be a cook. 

Kurt's eyes said everything as he stared at the person with the food.  "You have a cook?"

Blaine laughed thankful that all it took was Kenny entering with food to lighten the mood immediately.  Finn smiled and barked out, "So cool dude.  You like have your own chef?"

"Kenny doesn't always cook, but we hire him when we need him."

Jack cut in.  "We just aren't here enough to have him here all the time, but he is the best personal chef in Boston boys.  Eat up."

"Thank you Mr. Anderson.  You and Mrs. Anderson are so easy to cook for.  You don't have a lot of requirements, jut good food and that I can do."  Kenny seemed very happy to be there. 

Kurt leaned over the Blaine.  "I can't believe you guys have a personal chef."

Blaine whispered back, "My grandparents have a personal chef.  I have you."

"Nice Blaine.  I can't cook this good."  Kurt dove into some type of breakfast casserole that was fluffy and almost like quiche but way more down home cooking.  "I can't believe we aren't eating some eggs benedict or quiche or some type of omelet."

"Kurt, we're not the uppity type of eaters."  Jack laughed while digging into his casserole.  "We like down home cooking with a little update."

"That's true.  The Anderson's would rather have homestyle cooking, which is what I grew up with.  My family was from the south and we made the best artery busting food you good conjure up."  Kenny laughed.  "Mr. Anderson, will you still need me for dinner?"

Jack looked at Kurt who was shoveling in breakfast casserole like there was no tomorrow.  "Kurt?"

Kurt looked up with his mouth full.  If Jack didn't know any better, he would have thought that was Blaine with the food in his mouth.  "Sorry.  Yes.  Dinner.  Here."

Jack laughed.  "You heard him.  Dinner will be here."

"Kenny, I feel like an idiot.  This is my fiancée Kurt Hummel and his brother Finn and his girlfriend Rachel.  I would introduce you to his parents, but I think they must have slept in."

Kurt actually looked up from his plate.  "Kenny, this is the best breakfast casserole I have ever tasted.  I never eat this much.  This is so good." 

Finn mirrored him.  "Ummhmm.  This is unbelievable.  This is better than Kurt's."

Kurt stopped to look at Finn.  Blaine saw a bitch stare coming on.  "You are so right Finn.  This is the best.  Kenny is the best chef ever born.  Please make something this good for dinner."

Blaine was shocked.  "And this is my fiancée that normally eats like a bird."

Kurt glared at Blaine.  "I can't help it.  This is so good.  I can't wait for dinner.  I'll go on a diet when we get back home."

"I think it's safe to say that Kurt approves of Kenny."  Jack was completely amused at how Kurt was enjoying his food.  Blaine was right about Kurt.  He ate like a bird most of the time.

"Jack, I need my strength for today anyway.  We have lots to do."  Breakfast continued with conversation of the upcoming schedule for today.

"The theme is Red and Blue.  I would like white flowers and not too much red.  I don't want this turning into a funeral."  Kurt was firm and demanding at Floral Chic while explaining what flowers would be needed.

"Kurt."  Blaine tried to get Kurt to be less blunt.  He put his hand on his shoulder to stop him.  "I think what Kurt means to say is he would like the flowers to have bits of red interspersed throughout, but the primary color should be white.  He would like to keep the flowers pure and light with all the red and blue runners we have planned."

Kurt sat back and listened because Blaine had said it the right way.  Blaine had a way with making things sound much better.  Kurt was almost embarrassed that he came off the way he did.  "Yes.  Blaine's right.  I would like a nice light and classy white look.  The chairs will be covered in White with blue and red ribbons the runner down the middle will be Blue with red and white trim.  I think white would lighten it up and keep this light and airy."

"We can certainly do that Mr. Hummel.  Now do you have an idea of what types of flowers you want?"

"I do.  Roses, but not to many.  Roses can be heavy and weigh down even the mood.  They can be downright ugly if done wrong."

Blaine cut in again.  "We trust that you understand what we need.   Do you have some suggestions for us to look at?"  Blaine smiled at Kurt winking and held his hand.

Kurt did it again.  He started to think about what Ellen had told him.  Blaine was the Anderson heir and it showed.  He was well presented and knew how to carry himself and how to talk to people.  Kurt made him look bad twice now.  He said all the wrong things.  How was he ever going to figure out how to be an Anderson.  "Thank you Blaine."

Blaine saw the hint of worry and shame cross Kurt's face.  He squeezed his hand tightly to let Kurt know that he was the most important person to Blaine.  Kurt was zoning out.  He was so preoccupied now with the fact that he may not be able to be a proper Anderson.  Blaine sensed Kurt's inner turmoil and broke into his thought.  "We need flowers for multiple areas, right honey?"  Blaine nudged Kurt and nodded toward the florist.

"Uh.. yes."

Blaine eyed Kurt and then immediately turned to the florist.  "Can you give us a minute please?"  The woman nodded and left the table.  Blaine took Kurt's hands into his.  "Something's bothering you.  I know it."

"No.  I think I'm just tired."

"Kurt, you don't think I know you better than that?  I know that something's bothering you.  Is it something I did?"  Kurt turned his eyes downward.  He wasn't his normal confident self.  He looked worried.  "Please tell me so we can get on with picking the flowers for our wedding.  You were so excited about today and now you seem worried.  Do you not like this place?"

Kurt said in a low voice, "I don't think I'm good enough for you Blaine."

"What made you think that?  Wait.. Did they.. Are you uncomfortable with this florist?  Did they say something?"  Blaine's face was getting heated and red as his pants.  Kurt was perfect for him and people didn't see it, they certainly didn't deserve his business.

"No, no.. They didn't say anything.  I did."  Blaine was confused by Kurt's response.  "I mean, I don't seem to be able to say anything right anymore."

It dawned on Blaine that he was continuing to correct Kurt while they were there.  "Kurt, I'm sorry that I corrected you, Baby.  It didn't mean anything.  I was just helping you get your point across."

"That's just it Blaine.  I don't how to say things right without embarrassing you."

"Wait a minute.  You could never embarrass me.  Look at you, your perfectly dressed and your look like a million bucks."

"No, not with my looks.  I just keep saying things wrong.  I don't think I'm good at being, well, like an Anderson."

Blaine laughed at the term ‘an Anderson'.  "What do you mean?"

"I mean that I can't speak the way I should be speaking.  I keep saying things wrong and you keep having to correct me."

"I knew it was about that.  I said I was sorry for correcting you.  I was really just helping you get your point across to the florist."  He kissed Kurt's hands one at a time.  "Now, let's get on with picking our flowers.  Our wedding needs to be filled with the flowers you and I pick.  Stop worrying about the little things, Baby."

"I'll try harder to think before I speak."

Blaine shook his head.  "Don't be silly.  You speak perfectly."

Kurt gave Blaine a smile hoping he didn't notice how disappointed he was in himself.  "Okay."

Blaine made a note that he would have to have a long discussion with Kurt about this.

Blaine and Kurt stood in their chosen tuxes.  Carole, Ellen, Catherine and Rachel were all sitting on a couch in the fitting area.

Carole took in her surroundings.  "I can't believe we're picking out tuxes for them.  I think everything is going to be perfect, but did anyone notice that Kurt seemed to be off at the florist?"

Catherine was the first to answer.  "I did.  Blaine took him aside.  I hope they aren't fighting."

"They're not Mrs. A."  Rachel was completely confident.  "Kurt gets this way sometimes.  He's probably overthinking things and Blaine had to calm him down.  Kind of like when Kurt gets panic attacks."

"What could he possibly be worrying about?"  Ellen questioned thinking in the back of her mind about the conversation she had with him on Thanksgiving.  She knew it was a lot to drop on someone, but she knew Kurt was strong and could handle anything thrown at him.

"Kurt tries his hardest at everything.  He always gives 100% to things he cares about.  He must be doubting something."

"It can't be his ability to plan a wedding.  I know firsthand that he is the best wedding planner."  Carole praised confidently.

"I don't think it's that Carole.  I don't know what it is, but Kurt will talk to me if it really starts to bother him.  I'm his best friend."  Rachel sat primly and confidently.

"Well?"  Blaine walked out in a simply classic 2 button black tuxedo with a notched collar and a deep purple bowtie.  Ellen's smile was wide and her eyes watered.  Catherine was giddy and Carole cooed.  

"Honey, you look so wonderful.  I like the purple bowtie.  It's very you."  Catherine had already stood holding Blaine by his shoulders just looking at the fit.  "It fits you well.  Ralph Lauren honey?"

"Yes."

"Perfect for you sweetheart."

"Blaine come here."  His shoulders slumped a little, but he didn't hesitate to go to his grandmother.  "Darling.  You look dashing."

"Do you think Kurt will like it?"

"He will."  Ellen winked at him.

Blaine unbuttoned his jacket and lifted one side up to display his matching deep purple suspenders.  "Is this okay?"

"Of course sweetheart.  I wouldn't expect you to wear anything less."  Catherine chuckled.  "So you're sure this is the one you want?"

"Yes.  I want this."

"Sir, we would like this tuxedo, but we don't want to fit it until April or May."  Catherine ordered as Blaine looked at her with nothing but the love of a son.

He looked in the 3 sided mirror.  Rachel and Carole moved into view behind him.  "Blaine, you look so perfect in this.  Kurt is going to love it."

He turned to Rachel, "You don't think he'll think it's boring?"

"No, not when you look this hot in it."

"I could add a vest or tophat?"

Caroled shushed him.  "Don't be silly.  Don't add any of those things unless you feel like it's you.  I personally think this is you, Blaine.  Kurt will be so proud to marry you."

"I think he'll be impressed that I picked it out on my own."

Rachel giggled, "probably so."

"Now sweetheart, go in the back and change.  You can't come out until we see what Kurt picked out and you aren't allowed to see it."  Catherine urged Blaine toward the fitting room.  "We're ready for him now."  The salesperson nodded.

Kurt came out in a beautifully tailored straight cut black tuxedo with a silver brocade vest with matching bow tie.  His shirt was light purple.

"Oh sweetheart, it's perfect."  Carole had tears rolling down her face.

"You really think so?"

"Oh, honey you have no idea."  Carole looked at Catherine and Ellen who were teary eyed at how Kurt could just read his future mate.

Kurt was happy with his choice.  "I picked black because, well, it's a classic and I want this to be a classic wedding.  I picked silver brocade because it's me.  I would have picked something more showy, but I didn't really see anything else that would look good with this tuxedo.  The pale purple shirt..."  Kurt blushed as he trailed off and looked down touching the purple shirt almost caressing the fabric. 

Carole urged him to complete his sentence.  "I wore it because I thought Blaine might wear a purple bowtie.  It's his favorite color.  He said it is the color of creativity."

Now all four women were crying.

"What is wrong with all of you."

Catherine hugged Kurt tightly.  "You are definitely Blaine's match.  If there was any question before, it should be dispelled immediately."

Kurt smiled brightly.  It may have been his first real smile all day.  He felt like he had made so many mistakes at the florist, but this one he hit out of the ballpark.  "I knew it.  I know my Blaine.  Purple bowtie's just go with him like peanut butter and jelly."

Catherine turned to the salesperson.  "We will take this as well.  Same as the other one.  We will have them altered closer to the time of the wedding."

"Thank you for buying this for me Catherine.  I wouldn't have such a beautiful tux if you weren't paying.  I really appreciate it."

"Don't even think about it Kurt.  Just make my son happy."

"I hope I can."  A hint of worry spread across his face.

"I'm sure you can.  You are perfect together sweetheart."

Blaine, Kurt and the four women were gathered around the table talking about all of the food they tasted this afternoon when the other men walked in the door.  "Hey guys, did the fitting go okay?"

Burt grunted, "Okay? Yes, but really Kurt?"

Burt glanced over at JR and nodded toward Kurt.  "It's not that bad Burt."

"Oh, now it's not that bad, but when we were at the tux shop it was a different story.  Come on JR, we need to band together on this if we're going to get it changed."

JR sighed and looked at Blaine and then Kurt.  "Okay.  Fine.  I was trying to be polite, Burt."

"It's too late for polite.  Kurt will have us wearing bunny suits if we don't protest."  Finn stood behind laughing.  Burt glared at him.  "Finn, you can leave if you're not going to be part of the solution."

"Hey.  No fair.  I like my tux."

"Of course you do.  Yours is normal.  I feel like I'm supposed to be wearing slippers and smoking cigars."  Burt was completely serious.

"Dad, your tux is completely acceptable.  I wanted an older look for the parents and grandparents.  One that was both regal and scholarly."

"I have one word Kurt.  Ascot!  I didn't even know what an ascot was until I asked the guy why I'm wearing a scarf.  He told me it was an ascot."

Blaine was hiding his laughter now.  Not because of the ascot, but because Burt was going at Kurt.  Kurt would definitely lose this one because Blaine knew that Burt would rather show up in his shop clothes than wear that.

"Ascot's have been worn for hundreds of years dad.  They were a thing of rich people.  I thought it would look, I don't know, regal."

Burt reached into his pocket and pulled out his phone to display the picture of the older men.  "With tails, the ascot and hat.  A hat Kurt.  We look like penguins.  Look Kurt, penguins."

Kurt looked at the picture of the three elder parents in the tuxes.  It was definitely not what he had pictured in his head.  Kurt shrugged and shook his head.  "Okay.. I agree."  He burst into laughter taking the phone and handing it to Blaine and then passing it amongst the rest.

Burt had his hands on his hips.  "Very funny.  So, no ascts or tails."

"No ascots or tails.  We are going back to classic for the dads and granddads."  Kurt was still laughing and tears found their way out of his eyes.  "I'm sorry.  You may have to go back, but I think you'll be happier when I tell them to switch the tux."

"Thank you Kurt.  In fact, we all thank you."  Burt motioned to all the men there.  "Now we're going to go watch more football."

"I liked Chef Henry."  He was referring to one of the catering chefs they talked to this afternoon.

"Kurt, it's too uppity.  I like the one place that had the pastry chef lady.  You know Presidential Catering.  It was more realistic food."

"But Blaine."  Kurt was beginning to pout.

Rachel chimed in hoping to help.  "Kurt, I tend to agree with Blaine.  They were willing to provide a chef at every station.  They were also willing to prepare to taste which is a very swanky offering.  I would personally find this to be extra special because I'm so picky and a vegetarian.  To be able to get something made at a wedding that is to my taste would be so wonderful."

Blaine nodded hoping to convince him.  Kurt was thinking.  Carole added, "Think about how your dad hates all that weird food Kurt.  This would be a real treat for all of the guests."

"It doesn't cheapen it?"

Ellen stepped in because it seemed the majority was for Presidential catering and, frankly, she was ready to take a nap before dinner.  "It definitely doesn't cheapen it Kurt.  Remember their lamb?  How could anyone say that the lamb they served us wasn't high quality.  I think I agree with Carol and Rachel.  It would be very special to do for every one of the guests."

"Okay, then it's settled.  We're using Presidential Catering."

Blaine smiled and gently rubbed Kurt's shoulder.  "You're so stressed.  It didn't go bad today.  Let's go lay down for a little while."

"Okay."

Blaine turned to his mom.  "I think we're going to lay down for a little bit before diner."

"Certainly sweetheart.  I'm going to call the caterer and put the down payment on them, then relax myself."  Catherine stepped out of the room.

"Finn!  Finn!  Let's go out somewhere.  I want to sightsee."  Rachel was screeching. 

You could hear Finn from the basement yelling.  "I wanna watch football!"

"Finn Hudson, we are not in Boston for 5 days to sit in the basement and watch football.  I want to go see cheers and Harvard and go shopping."

Finn groaned.  "Fine."  Rachel was already out the door.  "Well, how are we supposed to get there?"

Blaine offered, "My mom is in the kitchen.  See if you can get the car keys and directions from her.  I don't think you want to walk to all those places."

"Dude, I don't want to go anywhere but that awesome theater seat in the basement in front of the widescreen TV that's playing football on it right now."

Kurt laughed and pulled Blaine in the direction of the basement stairs.  "Come on."

They were snuggled in under the covers.  "Do you think I'll make a good husband?"

"Why are you asking these strange questions?  What's gotten into your head Kurt?"

"Just answer the question Blaine."

"Yes, I think you'll make me the happiest person on earth.  You already do."

"But will I be presentable?"

"For what?"

"For your family to take me places.  Will I say the wrong things, act the wrong way, look wrong?"

"Is this about the conversation you had with my Grandma?"

"Kind of.  She just got me thinking."

"Did she say that you wouldn't be right for me?"

"No, on the contrary, she said I was perfect for you, but she also reminded me of all the things that go along with marrying you and things I'll be responsible for.  It just worries me that I would live up to yours or their expectations."

"I don't think there are any expectations Kurt.  I think she just wanted you to know how our life might change when we move to New York and when we have to help them as they get older."

"Will this change?"

"Us?"

"Yeah.  Will we change?"

Blaine paused to think about the question.  Really think about it.  "Nothing about our relationship will change.  What we do on weekends or where we go out, might change, but that's all.  We'll still be us."

"I just hope I can live up to the Anderson name."

"Oh, so this was the Anderson discussion.  You're really worrying too much."  Blaine kissed him on the cheek.  "If there's one thing that I'm certain of, every Anderson has made their own mark and built their own sense of self.  My dad is successful outside of the Anderson name.  It's not like a birthright or anything."

"It sort of felt like one."

"Well, don't worry.  We will create our own Anderson-Hummel empire.  Yeah, when my grandparents and parents die, we will have to settle a lot of things, but their life doesn't become ours unless we want it.  Think about it this way.  When you dad passes on someday way far into the future, do you want to run his auto shop?"

"What do you think?"  Kurt giggled at the thought.

"So we settle it.  We sell it, or we hire someone to run it, or other alternatives that haven't even presented itself yet.  Maybe Puck wants to run it or buy it.  We can't predict the future, nor do I want to.  Just let things happen in their own time.  Everything will work out."

"I just felt like I said all the wrong things at the florist this morning."

"You didn't."

"Then why did you correct me?"

"Did I?"

"Yes, you did.  Not just once, a few times."

"I'm sorry.  At least I know why you were upset now."  Blaine took Kurt's hands in his.  "I know I repeated some of the things you were saying, but it was only to help clarify it to the florist.  I was really just trying to help.  Plus, you were getting a little frustrated with her, so I thought I would step in.  That's all it really was, Kurt.  I would never expect you to answer any way than what is Kurt Hummel's way."

"Promise?"

"Absolutely.  I love you."

Kurt finally smiled with a little reservation hidden in the back of it.  "I love you too."