Chapter 4: End of Angst

A/N: Sorry this is so late coming up, I've been super busy this week. I'll try and not delay as long before the next chapter!

“Andie!?” Pacey and Joey were shocked to see their friend (and Jack’s sister), who had now walked over to them. She gave Dawson a quick kiss, then gave Joey a hug.

“I’m so happy for you guys! Not exactly surprised, but I was thrilled when Dawson told me.” Pacey and Joey continued to stare, their mouths slightly agape.

“I think they’re taking some time to adjust to the news,” Dawson said with a grin. “I will say though, Pacey is handling finding out about me dating his ex-girlfriend much better than I handled him dating Joey at first.”

Out of nowhere, Joey punched Dawson in the arm. “How could you not tell me about this? We talk on the phone all the time, and you never thought to tell me that you were dating someone, and that that someone was Andie McPhee?”

“Well Jo, it was a weird situation. I wanted to tell you guys in person to make more sense of it. Honestly, I’m still trying to figure it all out myself,” Dawson said.

“So how did this all happen?” Joey asked. “Because Dawson, last time I checked, you were a fancy television producer in L.A. And Andie, I thought you were working at a hospital nearby?”

“It’s one of those strange coincidences that seems like something that should be on my show or something. About three months ago, I came back for a week to visit my mom. While I was here, Lily got really sick. We took her to Capeside Hospital, but they couldn’t figure out what was wrong with her. So we had to take her to the Boston Children’s Hospital. Andie was the doctor who handled Lily’s case. She pretty much saved her life.”

“Dawson…” Andie began to protest.

“Andie’s version is much less grand, but if you ask me or you ask Mom, we’ll both tell you Andie was literally a life saver. Anyways, after Lily was well I asked Andie to get some coffee with me so we could catch up on old times, and we really hit it off. We’ve been dating ever since.”

“How have you managed that while still living in L.A.?” Joey asked.

“It hasn’t been easy. I never saw myself as someone capable of a long-distance relationship. But we’re both kind of in a place that makes it work. Both of us are so busy at work that we hadn’t been able to manage a relationship at home, so not seeing each other every day was a sacrifice that we could make.”

“It won’t be permanent though,” Andie added. “For a while it worked for us, but we’re starting to get serious. Right now I’m in the process of looking for hospitals in L.A. so I can try moving out there.”

“So you guys have dated and gotten serious, and you’ve never mentioned a thing?” Joey asked. “Honestly Dawson, sometimes I don’t get you. But I’m so glad you both have found someone, so much the better if it’s each other!”

With all the guests having arrived at last, the party settled down for some dinner, and talk turned discussion over the impending wedding.

“Alright Joey, I waited patiently, now I want details!” Bessie exclaimed. Several of the other guests muttered their assent.

“Ok, ok, I know I promised. So what do you guys want to know?” Joey responded.

“How about a date for starters?” asked Gretchen.

“Well, we decided to do it next summer, so we’ll be having it on June 19th.”

“Where’s the wedding going to be?” This question came from Gail.

“We’ve thought long and hard about this, and even though we’ve made a life in New York, Capeside is still home,” Joey said. “All our friends and family are here, and we wouldn’t think about having the wedding anywhere else.”

“Pacey, who’s going to be your best man?” Audrey asked.

Pacey scowled at her, and then looked around the table. “Well, I haven’t had a chance to ask him yet, but hey, what’s a Capeside event without awkward public moments. I was kind of hoping Doug would be my best man.”

Everyone around the table seemed shocked by this news, particularly Doug. “Pacey, I’m flattered. Of course I’ll be your best man. It’s just…”

“What?” Pacey asked.

“Well Pacey, not to make an awkward moment more awkward, but I think we all kind of assumed you’d pick Dawson.” Everyone else around the table, save Pacey, Joey and Dawson, nodded their heads in agreement.

“Well Dougie, thanks again for making this moment just slightly more awkward. You’re right, I did think about picking Dawson. But Joey and I got to talking, and it seems she’s got a job for him herself. I bought a book about the groom’s responsibilities for the wedding, and rule number one was always give the bride what she wants.”
Everyone at the table stared back and forth between Dawson and Joey, trying to figure out what Pacey meant.

“Guess this puts me on the spot,” Joey said. “Dawson, as you know, my father’s never really been there for me. I’ve never been able to rely on him. But there’s always been one guy in my life I’ve always been able to rely on, no matter what happens. Dawson, I was hoping you would give me away.”

Everyone was silent for a moment, looking to Dawson for an answer. Then, with a tear forming in his eye, Dawson said, “Of course I’ll give you away Jo. It would be my honor.” Suddenly, everyone at the table applauded.

As the applause was dying down, Jack said, “Pacey, I think the gathered masses have one question.”

“What’s that, Jack?”

“You bought a book?”

After many more hours, the crowds began to thin out. Eventually, only Pacey, Joey, Dawson and Andie remained.

“Well, it looks like the crowds are all gone,” Dawson said. Looking over at Andie, he continued, “We should probably be headed out soon ourselves. I’ve got an early flight out tomorrow, and Andie has to be at the hospital fairly early.”

“Thanks so much for coming, both of you,” Joey said. “I know we don’t see each other nearly as often as we should, but you guys are like family to me.” Looking over at Pacey, she added, “To both of us.”

“Likewise, Joey. And again, I’m so honored that you want me to be a part of your wedding.”

“Dawson, we’re honored to have you as a friend.” Joey stood up and hugged Dawson, as Pacey gave a hug to Andie.

Dawson and Andie then left, hand in hand, leaving only Pacey and Joey. Watching them leave, Joey said, “It’s still so weird seeing them together.”

“I know. My ex-girlfriend is dating your soulmate. On the plus side, it’s stuff like this which gives Dawson endless material for his show. We’re a regular living soap opera.”

“Maybe. But I think our angsty melodrama and constant couple-switching is pretty much done. Jack had Doug, Dawson has Andie, and you and I have each other. Strangely enough, I think we’ve all started to figure it out.”

Pacey kissed Joey on the forehead, then the two walked out of the Icehouse hand in hand.