Desert Dreamers XV

Previously: A lot happened for our two stars on the rise, with Rafael navigating his confusing feelings for his friend, Alexis, on the cusp of entering young adulthood and Ana succeeding in a new genre of acting - lesbian sci-fi cop drama - and earning an impressive promotion.



Guess what? It's Gaby's birthday!


You can tell how very well-planned this celebration was by the fact that everyone's in their pajamas but trying their hardest to act excited even though it's probably obscenely early in the morning. I'm sorry for giving short shrift to this monumental event in Gaby's life, but, honestly, I had kind of forgotten it was coming and already planned another monumental event for today: Ana and Gracie's wedding.


So here's your first glimpse of teenage Gaby alongside the rest of her family while they wait for the ceremony to begin. Unfortunately, it began raining the second they arrived on the Brindleton Bay lot where it's taking place. I can never win with this game, can I?

(Side note: it's very weird for me to see Gaby like this because it took me a while to figure out her style and she also immediately lost weight and is currently extraordinarily fit in my game... must've just been baby fat or something.)


Honestly, even though I was initially pissed off by the rain and no one wanting to put down their umbrellas and also the fact that almost all their other guests left because of the weather and this lot was kind of glitchy... I'm feeling this dreary yet romantic atmosphere a lot more in retrospect.


This would be a perfect shot of everyone who matters if not for the random taking a distracting seat in the back.


To be fair, I think that guy is one of Ana's costars who she actually invited, so props to him for sticking around. Still, you'd think an actor of all people would have better taste in formalwear...


Rafael, sit your ass down! I know it's raining and you want to get inside, but maybe if you'd been smart enough to bring an umbrella like your mom, you wouldn't have to so rudely interrupt this beautiful moment!


Anyway, my girls! MY GIRLS! LOOK AT MY GIRLS!


Maybe it wasn't the huge scenic wedding I was dreaming of, but as long as they're happy, I'm happy. At least no one got struck by lightning and they're all safely inside now, if a little wet.


Apparently, even Actor Friend has ducked out, leaving only the family to celebrate on their own... Maybe it's better this way, though. I think Ana felt compelled to invite everyone she knows for social-climbing purposes and Gracie just went along with it because she loves Ana so much. But, in the end, some moments are meant to be more personal.


I'm not crying! I swear, I'm NOT CRYING!


So... does anyone remember Fátima and Gideon getting engaged in Granite Falls way back before Rafael and Gaby were even born? If you don't, it's okay. I'm pretty sure they forgot for a while, too... They got swept up in the whole parenthood thing and, to be honest, are pretty okay at this point with not being officially hitched. Still, when in Rome and all. They might as well take advantage of the beautiful (and never to be used again because, like I said, glitchy) venue to finally tie the knot. Ana even offers her newfound guitar talents to soundtrack their exchange of vows.


It was very beautiful, obviously, and I'm sure tears were shed by all in attendance.


Even though we've reached the point where I'm more infatuated with their kids than them, I really do still love these two. They're a couple of weirdos, which is what makes them perfect for each other.


Anyway, everybody knows the real fun happens at the afterparty, which Ana hastily threw together after the rain drove everyone away from the actual wedding.


She made the mistake of inviting Orange Bailey-Moon, though, and you can guess exactly how that went. Trust me, this guy knows he's at her marriage celebration, and he still thinks he's going to bag her in the end.


Mandy: Maybe I'm wrong, but it sure looks to me like that guy is flirting with your wife... and she's flirting back.
Gracie: Wait, what guy? You'd better be messing with me.


Gracie: Hey, bastard, listen up! I will kick the living daylights out of you if you come near my wife with your enticingly ginormous pecs again!


I've never witnessed such aggression from Gracie before, and I think Ana is oddly turned on by it. I think she's also very, very drunk right now so a blank white wall would probably turn her on.


Of course, what better way to deescalate the situation than by ordering more drinks for everyone?!?


Gracie: Great, it's this guy again. Didn't he listen when I told him to fuck off the first time?
Ana: Trust me, babe, he's totally harmless and a little dim-witted. Never in a million years is he going to steal me away.


Orange: Wait, do... do you really mean that? You think I'm dim-witted?
Mandy: Oh, the drama of it all! I can't wait to see the other twists and turns this real-life soap opera has in store!


Gracie: That's right. Walk away. Keep on walking. I never want to see your face again.

Okay, now I am kind of turned on... Angry, jealous Gracie is pretty sexy (the suspenders help, too).


In further exciting news, as a freshly-married couple, Ana and Gracie are finally moving into their own home. Actually, I just decided to stick with the house Gracie already lived in because I thought it could be pretty cute with some intensive redecorating. The only problem was I wasn't really in the mood for doing it myself at the time, so I had my sister do it for me! (Shameless plug for her blog, where her Sim is currently exploring Sulani.) Here are several pictures to give proper due to her very classy and tasteful work (with some minor alterations by me).







It's definitely a home fit for a soon-to-be celebrity, in my opinion. Even the bathroom looks chic and expensive.


I'm also obsessed with this cute little outdoors dining area on the back patio. Hopefully, I'll remember to actually make use of it at some point!


Of course, before even entering the house, Ana had to pause to take a #homeowner selfie for her Simstagram account. I'm envisioning a great amount of future success and happiness taking place here!