xp_logs | Warren and Hope: Wedding planning

xp_trance posting in

Warren isn't done with complicating Hope's life yet...

"Okay, if a dog or any living animal is going to jump out when I open that box, you will live to regret it, Warren Worthington." Hope eyed the man in front of her like he was holding a ticking bomb.

"I have only surprised one person with a pet before, and that's because she was obsessed with those instagrams and I heard all the time 'War, if I had a dog, I'd want this one'. I may be stupid but I'm not that obtuse." And before Hope could actually comment on that, he nudged the box. "Now open it."

Inside, she'd find a 'Will You Plan My Wedding?' gift. This time discussed in advance with Bobbi. What was the point of having Tartan or Chardonnay or whatever her name was plan it when Hope knew them, knew how to do it, and was still on retainer for a ridiculous amount of money. So in the box Hope will find a new pair of Laboutins, some chandelier diamond earrings and an autographed picture of Warren topless.

Hope tentatively accepted the box, studying it for a moment just to be sure. Just as carefully she put it on the table, opening it and carefully removing its contents. "The 'Eloise' Laboutin pumps, a pair of diamond earrings..." She paused to take in the slender strands of diamond dropping before eyeing the final object... and a signed photo of the man before her. "Alright, what mess did you create this time?"

"The opposite," he responded cheerfully. "I decided to finally suck it up and marry Bobbi. We would both like to know if you'd plan the wedding. What do you think? Obviously limitless budget, we want it in New York, and we want all our friends there. I think you would be the best to handle it unless you suddenly don't love money and want to say no."

"Alright..." Hope couldn't stop herself from blinking in surprise once. She ought to have known this would be coming. "I would need to know a few things before I am fully able to commit. For a wedding... For example it is generally recommended to start planning one year out, but depending on location we might need more of a lead time if it is very desirable. Have you and Bobbi already considered location and timing by any chance?"

"Oh I have no idea on any of those things. I can also hire an actual planner if you'd rather. I know I tend to throw wrenches in your plans on a regular basis." Warren shrugged with a casual smirk on his face. He knew who he was and what he did to people. It wasn't something he was about to change any time soon. "Plus, I also need someone that can stand up to my parents. I'm sure they'll both try to change things on me and I don't need that. I barely want them there but the media will have a field day if I don't invite them."

"The fact that I managed to at least protect and restore your reputation somewhat has given me a miniscule amount of respect from your father. He actually acknowledges me now at the Club." Hope stated drily. "It is quite simple though. You need to go and have a discussion with Bobbi first and then we need to have a discussion with the three of us to sort out some of the very basics. What do you absolutely want for your wedding, what you absolutely do not want. Consider your budget, the type of location and timing. Only then we can have some kind of meaningful discussion about this."

Warren waved a hand. "Yes, yes, that's for other people to worry about it -- primarily Bobbi. If she doesn't want to make certain decisions, I will on her behalf, otherwise, I'm fine to be part of it however she wants." And he gave her a grin, reaching out to take her chin in hand. "And did you really say the B word, Hope? Budget?" Warren threw his head back and laughed, before giving her a kiss on the cheek and pulling her in for a tight hug. "I've missed you and your constant professionalism. One day, you'll relax and actually treat me like a friend. Maybe."

Hope raised a sharp eyebrow. "So if Bobbi and I decide to put you in a pink tuxedo with purple polka dots, hold it in Antarctica with six generations of your nastiest relatives and have two cockroaches as your ring bearers You will not object? Or if I wish to spend your entire trust fund?"

"Why must you always be ridiculous, Hope?" Warren flopped down on his couch, his arms draped over the back while he gave her a no nonsense look with his eyes. "Obviously Antarctica would be cool but ew cockroaches? Disgusting, and I doubt Bobbi would like that. Now a ring bear as a ring bearer? Sign me up! We can definitely have someone train one, right? That can be in the budget." And since he knew that Hope was still unimpressed, he continued. "And yes, I get it. I'm not planning on washing my hands of all this, it's that this is Bobbi's day and I'm not stupid enough to fuck that up. If she has an opinion and dreams of me in a pink tuxedo, I'll do it. Whatever. I'm only getting married once."

"Let me just be extremely clear on my conditions then." Hope threw him a glare and crossed her arms. "'Not washing your hands of all this' is not enough. I will not be involved in any form of planning your wedding unless you agree to actively participate. I am not going to deal with you whining or grousing after the fact because something is not to your liking. Now you do not have to be involved in every detail, but I expect your input on all major decisions."

Warren rolled his eyes and extended his hand. "Fine. Pinky swear. I'll be on my best behavior and will act as a fully capable adult for however long the wedding needs to be planned as long as I can go back to being useless after the honeymoon."

Hope stopped herself from rolling her eyes and linked pinkies with him. "Now, when I get to the office I will send you and Bobbi a list with the major things I would like you to discuss. If you are not entirely sure about a topic, I suggest putting down three things you do want and three things you do not want for each point. Once that is done, we will meet, discuss and make a plan for what my involvement will look like."