The Wedding, Chapter One
Author: Pinkcat4569
Spoilers: May refer to Series 4, 5
Rating: PG/Teen Adult language and situations.
Description: It's finally the day of Connor/Abby's wedding. Everyone is there: ARC staff, old friends, and some unwanted guests. Oh, there's also a yellow, shining light.
Disclaimer: I don't own Primeval or the characters. For fun only.
Author's Note: Sequel to The Wedding: Rehearsal and Dinner
Additional Note: OK, this takes place right after the end of Wedding: Rehearsal and Dinner. Actually, the stories are too closely related, I should have made them one, but then it would be super, super long.
Chapter One, The Wedding
Lightning flashed around the car as it drove through the storm.
"Ee," cried, Jess, snuggling into Becker's side. "I hate storms."
"It's a good excuse for cuddling close together, though," said Becker.
She giggled as another flash drove her face back into his chest.
"Am I dropping you off at the same cabins as before, or are the bride and groom sleeping separately tonight?" asked the driver.
Abby and Connor looked at each other.
"Hadn't thought about that," said Abby.
Connor smiled. "I don't see the need. Do you?"
Abby shook her head. "We're all getting picked up tomorrow to go to the lodge to change, so there's no threat of you seeing my dress."
Jess nodded. "Plus, I don't want a roommate with me and Becker tonight, no offense, Abs."
She laughed. "No offense. I really don't want to be in that cabin tonight, either."
Becker smirked, and Jess giggled.
"So same cabins?" asked the driver.
"Same cabins, please."
The driver smiled, and dropped off the happy couple first. "I'll be here in the morning, so you'll have plenty of time to get married without stress. Sleep well."
"Thank you," said Abby. Connor opened the door, and jumped out into the rain. "Yikes," cried Abby, jumping out with him. They ran to the cabin.
Next were Matt and Emily, who leaped out and ran.
"Shoot, my shoes are going to be ruined," said Jess, "and please, Becker, no comments about my not being prepared for the weather. Who brings wellies on holiday, anyway?"
Becker laughed, threw open the door, said goodnight to the Lesters, and jumped out. Jess scooted to the end of the seat, but before she could get out, Becker scooped her into his arms. She squealed and giggled as he ran with her to the cabin.
"How sweet," said Mrs. Lester.
"Indeed. Darling," asked Lester when the car was in front of their cabin. "Would you carry me?"
"Not funny, James."
Inside the soon-to-be newlywed cabin, Abby dripped. "I'm soaked, and cold."
"Care to share a hot shower?" asked Connor, with a smirk.
She giggled and nodded.
Matt and Emily went straight to bed, Lester watched the news while Mrs. Lester took a warm bath, and Jess and Becker made hot chocolate.
"Who brings hot chocolate mix on holiday?" asked Becker, teasing. "Jess Parker, that's who."
"You bet, and doesn't hit the spot?"
Becker looked at her, already dressed for bed. "I'll tell you what hits the spot Jess, that camouflage nightie."
She smiled, she slinked up to him. "That's why I brought the cocoa, to get warmed up."
He smiled back, slightly leering. "Sounds good."
Abby woke up the next morning. Connor was still asleep. She lay still looking at him in the last few hours before taking his name and committing legally to him.
She broke into a smile. "I love you, Connor."
The sleepy face broke into a smile. "Love you, Abby. Mrs. Temple."
He opened his eyes, and they smiled at each other, than kissed.
"I can't believe I slept at all. I'm so excited," she said.
"Me too. Today's the day."
"Yep," she said.
They got up, packed the last minute things they'd need, and walked out front to wait for the car.
The car was already there, and being loaded.
"What do you mean, 'Jess' beauty things', Matt? These boxes are full of things in these to make the reception Abby-licious, just like Andre said. I have party favors, gifts for the guests, decorations, all kinds of things. Less talking and more stowing gear!"
Becker smirked at Matt. "I've learned not to ask too many questions."
Matt laughed. "That's how you survive, huh?"
Becker only smiled..
"Good morning," said Abby, happily.
Everyone stopped what they were doing, turned, and said as one cheerful voice, "Good morning." They then stared like idiots.
Connor laughed. "Yeah. Hi."
"Hi," came the group response.
The couple laughed, and piled in the car, as the others finished packing. They all headed to the Lodge.
"Well, the skies look clear," said Matt.
"Yep, the storm blew over quickly," said the driver. "No damage. Today will be bright and sunny. Perfect for getting married."
Abby smiled. "Good. No complications today, nice."
Connor smiled back, "Very nice."
"Yep, smooth sailing," said Jess, turning to grin at Becker. Instead of a happy smile, she saw a slight grimace. She elbowed him, and frowned.
He chuckled and smiled. "Smooth sailing," he agreed. Then under his breath he muttered, "Right."
Abby kissed Connor in front of the Waterfall Lounge. "See you soon."
"You will, Abigail Maitland Temple."
She nodded and laughed, and followed her girls into the Lounge.
Connor walked into the Conservatory and immediately saw the entertainment systems all unlocked and turned on. "Yes!" he cried.
Becker chuckled and threw a rucksack at him. "Courtesy of one outstanding maid of honor."
Connor dug into the bag to find all his favorite games. "I love Jess."
"Watch it," said Becker, with a smirk. "So, which game shall I or Matt clobber you in first?"
Matt laughed.
"Funny," said Connor. "I clobber both your butts plenty. How about a little vampire slaying?"
Becker sighed but said, "You're the groom."
"We'll humor ya, today," agreed Matt.
"If you'll excuse me, I believe I'll leave the bloodsuckers to you. I'll go see who's arrived," said Lester, strolling onto the veranda.
A few moments later, the conservatory door opened, and Jack, Abby's brother, walked in.
"Hey," he said to Connor. Connor smiled.
Becker grimaced and ignored the new arrival.
Abby sat in one of her new, luxurious robes. Her feet were on a stool and she was laughing. "Get some polish on the toes, Jess."
"Stop wriggling them, then," said her maid of honor.
Emily grinned. "You should try to eat some of the scones and muffins the kitchen delivered."
"I can't. I'm too nervous," said Abby.
"I will fetch a drink to calm you. What would you like?"
"Um, a beer, I guess?"
"Dear, it's your wedding day. Splurge. Get her some champagne, Emily," said Mrs. Lester.
Emily nodded. "I agree. I shall be right back."
Emily, dressed in her long blue bridesmaid's gown, stepped onto the veranda. She saw several familiar ARC faces: Beverly the medic, Chef Bernie and Kim, his sous-chef, Lieutenant Flowers and his wife, and Epstein and Sara, both Ops techs.
She also recognized Connor's friend Duncan. She saw Eleanor, seated beside a man who was probably her husband, the minister. Lester was fawning over him, so he must have been a VIP.
As Emily walked over to the Kingdom Hall door she saw Jenny Lewis, and her husband Michael.
Emily embraced them both. "So nice that you have come. Both Abby and Connor will be pleased."
Jenny smiled. "I had to come."
Michael laughed. "They helped save our lives and union, so why not?"
Emily laughed. "I do hope today's affair is much more boring than yours."
The couple laughed, and Jenny groaned. "I hope so, but I'm paranoid."
"You and the Captain."
Jenny laughed. "Good, then he'll be prepared."
"Stop that, Jenny. Everything's fine," aid Michael. "Let's go sit down."
They bid Emily goodbye, and Jenny ran to hug Lester.
Emily walked into the Kingdom room, and into Zora.
"What are you doing here? Why aren't you with the bride?"
Emily smiled calmly. "She is nervous. I thought perhaps a libation to soothe her. Might I have some champagne?"
"Oh...well, that's different. Yes, of course. I would have sent a bottle myself, of course, uh...see the bar man."
Zora left, overseeing a thousand things, and looking flustered.
Emily simply smiled, kept her cool and proceeded to the bar.
"Hello. Could I please have some champagne? The bride is nervous."
The bartender smiled. "Not uncommon. Here you go, a bottle of our finest, and glasses for you and the other ladies."
"How kind. Thank you."
Emily turned to go back to the Waterfall Lounge, and saw some large butterflies. They were large, nearly ten inches long. The wings were shaped like butterfly wings, but translucent like a dragonfly's.
"Those are strange butterflies," she said.
The bartender looked up. "Yeah. I've never seen ones like them. Weird. Are they...humming?"
Emily walked closer. "They are producing a sound," she said.
One landed on a reception table, and Emily peered closely at it.
"These are not butterflies," she said.
End of Chapter One