CHAPTER EIGHTY-NINE: THE WEDDING BEGINSIt was well before sunrise on April 8th. The ladies had gotten their hair and makeup done and were now changing into their dresses. They had gone to the spa Friday followed by the rehearsal. The dinner at the Seascape had been wonderful. They'd had so much fun they didn't get to bed before midnight.
"I am so tired!! I shouldn't have stayed out so late!" said Fancy. "Me too!! But it will all have been worth it Fancy my dear......soon you will be married to Luis and you can relax on your honeymoon. Did anyone ever get the guys to crack?" Amy asked. "Not me.....and believe me I tried." Theresa said.
"You and me both....Sam wouldn't give and inch, he'd just act like he was zipping his lip. I swear, you'd think it was Top Secret!" Julia added. "Well, I'm totally confused about it. Ethan said we will all be flying on the jet together. Think it's a package deal?" Theresa laughed. "It very well could be, I mean, how many places can you take the same flight to?" Fancy agreed.
Che' and Ally were busy making sure all the hems and seams were secure, they looked at each other and just rolled their eyes. Like it was such a big mystery. The guys had been holed up together on many occasions "planning" their honeymoons. It didn't take a genius to figure out that it would indeed be a package deal.
Nadine poked her head in the door. "Excuse me ladies.....your limo is waiting." "Thanks Nadine......would you please tell them we'll be down in just a few minutes?" asked Theresa. "Sure thing! And by the way, you all look simply beautiful." she closed the door behind her. Che' excused herself.....'limo my butt!!' she thought as she headed to the front door. She'd have to work fast.
As the ladies prepared to leave, Ally stopped them at the door. "You aren't going anywhere until I make sure the men are safely secured. Can't have them seeing you before the wedding!!"
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A couple doors down from the ladies was the room all the men were dressing in. Ally gave a light tap and opened the door. "Oh---um---excuse me" she said as she tried not to stare at the bare chests in front of her. "I just want to make sure you don't peek at the girls as they go downstairs."
"Spoilsport!!" Jared teased. The others laughed and continued to dress. Ally stuck her head out and nodded to Mary who was waiting for her signal. Then, she closed the door behind her as she stood guard. "Don't you trust us??" asked Sam. "I think she knows better!" added Ethan.
She watched as they donned their casual white tuxes. They all looked extremely relaxed and extremely sexy at the same time. The tuxes were perfect for the wedding setting.
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The ladies exited the mansion to find not a limo but a white carriage drawn by two white horses. "What?? I thought Nadine said our limo was here. I know I ordered two limo's......" Theresa was perplexed. Che' peeked around the corner and decided to step in.
"Theresa---just take the carriage, it's so romantic-----and magical." she urged. "You know what, she's right---this will be so much more memorable, Let's just do it." Fancy stepped into the carriage. "I guess we really will get that 'princess' feeling this way huh?" Amy said as she followed Fancy's lead. "I'm game!" Julia agreed.
"Well---guess I'm out numbered." Theresa laughed---"Oh well, this will be fun!!"
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The men followed a few minutes later. "What is this?" Luis asked as stood looking at a carriage and two black horses. "Beats me." Ethan said. "Who knows what those women cooked up." Jared added. "Well, I personally don't care, as long as it gets me to the wedding." Sam stated.
"You got a point there Sam" Luis grinned. "Guess they changed their minds about the limos." Jared jumped into the carriage. "Might as well climb in---don't want to be late for the ceremony!" he said. All the men agreed, it was pointless to even wonder----they just didn't want to be late!!!
They climbed in--anxious to be on their way---"We're ready driver." Ethan said. He didn't notice that Tabby's shining, warm eyes twinkled beneath the hat that was pulled down low on her head. "Right away Sir!!" she said and with a flick of her wrists they were on their way!!!
CHAPTER NINETY: THE CEREMONYThe carriage carrying the brides slowed to a stop and the ladies carefully descended. They walked to where the two white tents had been placed. "Oh---" Theresa stood in wonder, 'their' spot had been transformed into a small piece of paradise. The beach had never looked better.
The white gazebo gleamed and the roses, lilies, daisies and orchids that spilled from the gazebo were breathtaking. The tiki posts spewed floral arrangements and the glass covered candles lit the beach in a soft glow. They were everywhere. Theresa wiped a tear from her eye. Even the chairs draped in white were beautiful....and the miles of various colored ribbons tied all the brides dresses into the decor.
Theresa hurried into the brides tent, ducking in just before the grooms carriage pulled to a stop. After the men had entered the groom's tent someone whispered to Father Lonigan and he gave the cue to the string quartet---the sun was just beginning to rise.
First down the aisle came Whitney and TC, she caught Fox's eye as she passed by. He gave her an appreciative wink and she actually blushed. Then came Jane and Little Ethan. He had to help her throw the rose petals---she wanted to keep them for herself. She looked like a doll in her dress and crown made of flowers.
The quartet shifted into "Unforgettable" as the first bride and groom appeared. Amy was striking in her yellow dress. Jared couldn't take his eyes off her. He kissed her cheek and took her hands in his, "I love you and I would marry you a thousand times " he said as they made their way down the aisle to the gazebo.
As they took their place on the left of the gazebo, Sam and Julia appeared. Sam cupped her face in his hands, kissed her softly and said "You are unforgettable--I love you" as they turned and walked down the aisle. Julia's lavender dress made her blue eyes sparkle.
As they took their place on the right side of the gazebo Luis and Fancy stepped into the aisle. Luis placed one hand on her neck, "My Princess---my beautiful Fancy" he placed a soft kiss on her nose and they turned and walked down the aisle. Fancy looked gorgeous in her ivory and gold gown.
When they stopped left center of the gazebo the music once again changed. The quartet began to play "Amazed", which Ethan had requested. He took one look at Theresa and a tear slid down his cheek. He took her in his arms "God Theresa---you've never looked more beautiful! I will remember this moment forever---I love you so much!" He kissed her forehead and tucked her arm in his as they started down the aisle. The pink of Theresa's dress gave her skin a warm glow.
Finally, all four couples stood before Father Lonigan. "Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to join these men and these women in holy matrimony" he began just as the sky was turning pinks and lavenders with the rising sun. Suddenly a sparkling pink mist swirled off the water. It enveloped the entire wedding. Piper smirked as her spell for eternal love and protection wrapped around the couples, and everyone else in attendance. She knew they would never again lack happiness.
There wasn't a dry eye to be found during the nuptials. When Father Lonigan got to the "Speak now or forever hold your piece." part, there was a collective inhalation of breath, which everyone held until he finally said, "OK---tooo late, you missed your chance---the ladies rings please."
TC chuckled as he bent to retrieve the rings. He'd been worried about how to tell them apart, they were identical. As he had tied them to the pillow Little Ethan would carry he realized they were also all inscribed "Destined Together Forever." The only distinguishing thing was the names---Therethan, Lancy, Salia and Jamy. He was still smiling as he handed the rings to the grooms.
When it came Whitney's turn to collect the men's rings she was growing concerned. They too were identical, inscription and all. When she looked closer she knew who's was who's. While all were inscribed with "Destined Together Forever" they too had a distinguishing feature. Whitney laughed as she read the coincidence. 'Therethan, Lancy, Salia and Jamy' had been engraved in the men's rings too.
She handed the rings to the appropriate bride then stood back. As they exchanged rings all four couples noticed what had happened and laughter erupted at the make-shift altar. Ethan finally turned and explained to the guests their coincidence.
Just after Father Lonigan pronounced them husbands and wives, but before he could say 'you may kiss your brides', BonJovi appeared on stage and sang an acoustic version of "Thank You For Loving Me." a little surprise set up by Sam through a friend of a friend. Not to be outdone, Piper summoned Paul McCartney, who did a rendition of 'The Way You Look Tonight'.
As the song ended Father Lonigan announced "I am so pleased to present Mr.& Mrs. Jared Casey, Mr. & Mrs. Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald, Mr. & Mrs. Ethan Winthrop and Mr.& Mrs. Sam Bennett. Gentlemen, you may kiss your brides." The grooms happily obliged, and after lenghthy kisses, the couples made their way back up the aisle to thunderous applause. They piled into the carriages and headed back to the mansion for a little R&R before the reception.
Each groom carried his bride up the stairs to the waiting rooms. They paused, then looked at each other and grinned. Then, simultaneously--four doors slammed as they were kicked shut.
CHAPTER NINETY-ONE: THE RECEPTION
The white tent covered the lawn of the Crane Estate. Inside, above the beautifully decorated tables hung thousands of white twinkle lights. Candlelight added to the ambiance, casting a warm, welcoming glow. At one end of the tent sat a huge square table that held the cake.
Meagan had just completed the finishing touches moments before the guests began to arrive. "Meagan that looks fantastic--I see know why you couldn't come to the wedding with me." Meagan turned to see Noah leaning against one of the tent's support poles. "You might not want to do that, this whole tent could come down and ruin everything. You don't want to be responsible for that do you?" she teased. "That would not be cool. Take a walk with me?" "Sure, I could use some fresh air."
As they exited the tent, Che' and Daniel walked in. How she'd ended up here with Daniel she wasn't really sure, they hadn't even talked about it, but she was going to make the most of it. She clung to his arm as they looked for their table. He smiled when he spotted it, they were sitting at the Russell Table.
"Hello everyone" he said as he held a chair out for Che'." "Daniel, I wasn't sure you'd come---this is TC, my...well, ex-husband." Eve said. "Soon to be husband I hope." added TC, he held out his hand to Daniel, "I'm sorry we haven't met before...I had a hard time with it. It's no secret I've never liked Julian Crane.....but that's not your fault. You are Eve's son too and that makes you family."
Before much more could be said, it was announced that dinner was being served. On the menu was prime rib, salmon, shrimp, pork tenderloin, steaks.....you name it, it was there. The only thing missing was the dessert--not needed because of the giant cake.
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As the last of the guests were being served, the four couples appeared. Fancy spoke for the group. "We would just like to thank all of you for joining us today....although it was beautiful, the ceremony and this reception, would not have been the same without all of our families and dearest friends who shared it with us. Please, enjoy your dinner....and I believe the music is about to start."
All eyes turned to the stage area and sure enough---Paul McCartney stood ready to perform. "That's odd...." Theresa said, "I could have sworn we hired that local band......Oh well......no sense worrying about it, this will be so much better." she laughed and they all headed to their table at the front of the tent.
Much later, they all headed to the cake table. Meagan's creation was finally lit for all to see. It had been in the half light all night, Meagan had been afraid the icing would start to melt. Tears came to the ladies eyes as they took in the cakes.
High on a pedestal in the middle of the table sat a fairy tale castle, drawbridges made of candy glass lowered to the four cakes on the four corners of the table. Each couple took their place at one of the cakes, knives were raised and four photographer's caught every movement. They fed each other the symbolic piece of cake and then it was time for the best man to toast the couples.
TC stood, raised his glass and began to speak, "I've known some of you for what seems like forever---and some of you not so long. But I an see just how right you all are for each other. May you be blessed with good fortune, lasting love" he paused to chuckle. "I was going to say 'and hopefully children' but I guess I don't really need to!! Any way, congratulations and God bless you all!"
"Amen" came the unanimous response.
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Soon came time for the first dance as husband and wife. Paul stepped to the mike and said "I received an anonymous request that I perform this song for the newlyweds, so here it is" and he began to sine 'Woman'. All the couples took the floor--as the song wound down they had formed a tight circle and were all dancing as one. "We will always remember this night---I'm so glad we shared it with you." Theresa said as tears rolled down her cheeks.
Finally, at two am the couples left the party. They were set to leave on the Crane jet at 8am. Granted, they could make the jet wait, but none of them wanted to waste one second of their honeymoon time. They said their goodbyes and requested that the guests stay as long as they like or till the champagne ran out, whichever came first.
CHAPTER NINETY-TWO: HONEYMOON DESTINATIONThey had boarded the jet at 7am and it seemed that they had flown forever. Throughout the flight the ladies had tried desperately to get an answer to where they were headed. The men were having none of it though, they'd even closed the shades on the windows so as not to get a hint from the view. They spent the time watching movies and playing poker---finally the pilot announced they were getting ready to land.
As the plane rolled to a stop the men stood up. "Ok ladies---time for the blind folds." announced Sam. "Are you kidding me???" gasped Amy. "No way!" insisted Fancy. Theresa sent a scathing look to Ethan. "Look--obviously we are all headed to the same place---I trust you at least had that figured out. We just want to continue the surprise." explained Luis.
"Fine---but you are really pushin it!" said Julia. "Let's get it over with" added Theresa. The men placed the blind folds on the ladies and helped them descend the stairs to the waiting limo. After getting everyone tucked in safely and making sure their luggage was secure they headed away from the airport.
The limo driver announced they'd arrived and the men carefully helped the ladies from the car. They walked them a few yards then stopped. Each man stood behind his wife. "Ladies, are you ready?" asked Jared. "We've been ready---where are we?" replied Theresa.
The men lifted the blindfolds to reveal what would be their home for the next two weeks. "Surprise" they said in unison. "Oh my God---it's beautiful---" cried Amy. "It's---so fairytale!" said Fancy. "Wow--I truly never would have guessed---this is perfect!" said Julia. Theresa stood with tears in her eyes---her emotions were really out of control during a pregnancy---"Ethan---you shouldn't have." she finally said.
On one side of the castle lie the ocean and on the other a swimming pool.The ladies couldn't wait to look inside. The bedrooms and attached baths were almost identical except for the color---pink, lavender, yellow, peach, ivory, blue--they had their pick. Finally they chose which room would be theirs. Theresa and Ethan chose the blue room, Fancy and Luis would be in the peach room. Amy and Jared opted to take the yellow room and Julia and Sam agreed on the pink one. Then they decided to explore the rest of the castle.
As they peeked into one room after the next, the ladies finally learned where exactly they were. Dublin Ireland would be their home for the next two, glorious weeks!!
CHAPTER NINETY-THREE: POOLSIDEThe couples had spent the first few days of their honeymoon hanging out at the castle. They had decided that they really needed some down time to recuperate from the flurry of the last few months activities.
"Hey Ethan--will you come over here and put some sunscreen on my back?" asked Theresa as she rolled over. Ethan climbed from the pool "You bet!" he said as he sat down on the chair beside her. He picked up the bottle of tanning lotion and began to softly massage it into her skin. "MMMMM--keep that up and I'll be asleep in no time" Ethan chuckled, "If you fall asleep I promise not to let you burn. Just relax---you need rest."
Fancy sat in the chair beside them, "Anyone else think it's strange that we never see any of the staff here?? I mean--it's like they are invisible!" "I know Fancy, maybe they use magic" Amy laughed, "that would explain why we never see anyone!" "I don't know, it's just kind of eerie---before you can do anything, it's already done for you. It's like they lurk behind doors and.....I don't know. I guess I'm just used to seeing the staff at the mansion. I'm sure it isn't anything."
Fancy stood up, "I think I'll do a few laps---maybe that will clear some of these cobwebs" "That's a great idea, I think I'll join you." said Amy. "Amy--are you sure that's a good idea?" called Jared. "Sweetie--it's fine...really!! Are we going to have this discussion every time I want to do something?" "Baby--I just want to make sure you are safe--and our baby is safe. What's wrong with that?" "Jared look--I promise you everything is fine!! The doctor said to keep up with regular activities as long as it's comfortable for me." Amy kissed him and then dove into the pool. "Well--you can't blame a guy for worrying!!" he called after her.
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"You know what? I'm going to go take a nap---care to join me Ethan?" Theresa asked as she headed for the door. "Right behind you babe!!" "That doesn't sound like such a bad idea" Julia said, "I think maybe I'll do the same. A little sleep before dinner might be just what I need." "Are you feeling ok?" Sam asked. "I'm just tired. Seems like I can't get enough sleep these days." She stood from her lounge chair. "I'll join you" said Sam and they too headed inside.
"I'm going in for some drinks--anyone want anything?" Luis asked and waited for their replies. "I'll help you" offered Jared. "Hey Fancy--know of any places we should see while we are here?" asked Amy after the men had left. "Not really--I was thinking of doing some research later. Maybe we can find something on the inter net." "That's a good idea. We should do that!"
Luis and Jared returned and Jared decided to ask Luis if he had any knowledge of the fire pit he'd spotted earlier. "Luis--have you ever used a fire pit? Does it work like a grill?" "You know, I'm not really sure, I would imagine it does. We'll have to check it out." Fancy took the glass he handed her. "You could do that now---I'm going to go take a quick shower and then get on line and see what Dublin has to offer. If anyone wants to join me, I'll be in the parlor in about twenty minutes." "Ok love--I'll meet you there." Luis kissed her forehead. "I'm gonna hit the showers too." Amy said as she hugged Jared. "I'll see you inside."
"Ok Jared---let's check out that fire pit!!"
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Fancy was on her way to the parlor when someone slammed into her like a ton of bricks. "OH!!" she gasped. "Oh my stars and garters!!!" exclaimed the culprit, "Are you alright miss?" Fancy looked up to see a young maid offering to help her up. "I'm so sorry miss!! I---I didn't--it's all my fault" she stammered as she helped Fancy to her feet. "It's ok really, I'm fine. Just startled me that's all."
"Really Miss---I must go." "Wait--what's your name? I am so glad to finally see someone!! We were beginning to think that the staff here was a bunch of ghosts!! I'm Fancy Lopez-Fitzgerald..." "Miss please....we are not to interact with the guests....I will get in trouble if any one sees. If you would like to lodge a complaint, I will get the head maid." "That's ridiculous!! Why would I do that??" Fancy said, "I would like to know the name of at least one of the people taking care of us here!!" "Really Miss!! I can't---" the young maid hung her head, "It could cost me my job".
Fancy placed her hand on the maid's shoulder, "Are you serious? Who made that up?" "It's what we have been instructed......." "Corrine--That is enough!!!" A voice barked from the staircase. Fancy looked to see another maid--this one was much older and looked mean enough to eat nails. "Mrs. O'Malley!!" "Corrine--you have been warned about fraternizing with the guests. This was the last time!! Go pack your bags and be gone by nightfall!!" she ordered.
"Wait just one minute here!" Fancy protested, "What is going on?? You can't fire her....it was an accident that she ran into me. I made her stay and talk...." "Look Miss, we have our policies...speaking to the guests is simply not done. She knew the consequences when she ignored her instructions." "You don' have to be so harsh Mrs. O'Malley....In fact, I'd like a meeting with the entire staff!!" Fancy decided.
"Oh no Miss---that is impossible." Mrs. O'Malley refused. Fancy took a deep breath, she knew the only way to get done what needed to be done was to bring up the Crane name. "Mrs. O'Malley, perhaps you don't know who I am. I don't normally do this, but you leave me no choice. I am Fancy
CRANE Lopez-Fitzgerald....granddaughter of
Alistair Crane of Crane Industries.....Shall I call your boss and ask who created these 'instructions'? Would he be surprised at how you treat your staff?'' Fancy almost laughed at the fear that crossed the elder maids face...."would you care to call that meeting now? I 'd like to meet the staff in the parlor in say 5 minutes." "Yes Ma'am!! Right away."
The two maids scurried off to round up the staff. Fancy knew it was wrong of her to have used her grandfather's name that way but she couldn't help it. That Mrs. O'Malley had a lot to learn about how to treat other people and Fancy was going to teach her a lesson!!!