Wedding Surprises

AN: Well, consider this your invitation to the wedding. I had a lot of fun writing this and I hope everyone will enjoy it.

Disclaimer: I do not own any of the BatB characters from the show.

Something old, something new,
Something borrowed, something blue,
And a silver sixpence in her shoe

Chapter 1: Something Borrowed, Something New

The night air was quiet — as quiet as an evening in New York City could be. Two lone figures walked side-by-side as they made their way through the shadows of Central Park. The whole time neither one spoke.

"Will you just tell me where you're taking me already?" one asked.

"Be patient," the other replied, "we are almost there?"

"And just where is there?" He was answered by his companion's silence. Looking around he noticed his companion was taking them toward the southern entrance of the park. As he looked about their surroundings, he noted how closed in the trees seemed. It almost felt as if they had stepped into a forest from one of the storybooks they'd read as children.

Finally they stopped as the other man pointed out they had arrived. The man looked and was surprised to see a structure perched among the trees. It was a gazebo made out of tree branches and tree trunks. The entire structure was elegant and the climbing wisteria added to the already enchanting look of the organic design. A pathway led up to the gazebo and it stood in the middle of two tall trees. The surrounding area was wide and clear, enough for a whole crowd of people to fit.

"Well Devin, what do you think," Vincent asked. He chuckled at his elder brother's wide-eyed expression as he viewed the area.

"Shoot, this is perfect. We can bring everyone up here and still have enough room for Tasha's relatives."

"It was Catherine's idea. She remembered walking here with Tasha once, and she had commented on the scenery."

Devin walked around the gazebo before stopping at the entrance. He placed his hand on the ancient wood and sighed. "Just think Vinnie. In a couple of months my bachelor days will be over."

"Tasha is a fine woman." Vincent gazed at his surrounds, picturing the plans Catherine and Tasha would have for this venue. "You two will have a happy life together."

"Yeah, I hope you're right…" The hesitation in his brother's voice did not go unnoticed. Vincent waited quietly for Devin to explain.

"It's just…I don't know. I look at you and the rest of the family, and I wonder if I can really make Tasha happy. I'm great with Charles, but the whole idea of a…committed relationship? I mean, I never stuck in one place for long; how can I make a life for her if I get the urge to move to a new place again? Sure Charles would be alright with it, but I can't expect her to just leave her life behind and come with me."

"Have you spoken to Father about this?" Vincent asked.

"You kidding? The Old Man would tell me I was being selfish, and that I should get a real permanent job so I can take care of her, or something," Devin scoffed. His arms crossed over his chest and he turned off to the side, not wanting to look Vincent.

Vincent could see the turmoil in his elder brother's eyes. He knew Devin since they were boys, and he recognized his brother was only concerned for the woman he loved. Now Devin was having the same hesitation about a life with Tasha. Vincent remembered what life had been living with such thoughts; he did not want his brother to have the same regrets. Yet here he was, worrying just as he had before he asked Tasha to marry him.

Vincent walked over and placed a comforting hand on his brother's shoulder. Devin turned and saw the understanding in Vincent's eyes. Yet he still could not stop the seed of doubt had already planted, and was slowly taking root. Vincent squeezed his shoulder affectionately.

"Devin, when we were boys you were one of the few children who dreamed anything could be possible, even for someone like me."

"Yeah and look how that turned out." Devin's voice was bitter. He recalled the day he left the Tunnels: part of him wanted to escape Father's constant rules about the safety of the Tunnels and Vincent. Another part remembered that if he wanted to do any of the things he dreamed of, he needed to leave Vincent behind. That had been his greatest regret.

"Yet look at all you've accomplish," Vincent continued. "You've seen the world, and helped many people. You have given Charles a chance to have a life he could never before. One where he is free to live without fear of the judgment of others." Despite the smile on his face, Devin's eyes were still hesitant. However, Vincent had one last trump card. "Devin, tell me. What does Tasha mean to you?"

Devin sighed. "Well, when I first met her, she was a real pain. Then getting past her tough outlook I found she has this real companionate heart. She looks out for others and won't take crap from anyone. I mean, I found someone who knew I was a screw-up and yet she still wanted to stay with me. Even when I really made her made, and I mean Pop's blood pressure mad. She still forgave me and told me I was an idiot, but I was her idiot."

Seeing the look on Devin's face as he spoke of Tasha made Vincent smile. He couldn't remember when his brother looked happier. Vincent looked Devin in the eye. "Then you've nothing to fear."

Devin rubbed the back of his head. "Huh, guess I pulled a you there? No offense."

"Do not worry yourself," Vincent said. "I know the cost of my past mistakes; the pain of denying yourself what your heart already knows. I did not want you to feel that same regret."

"Forget it." Devin threw his arm over Vincent's shoulders. "But think I could continue borrowing you in the future for this kind of stuff?"

"Of course," Vincent chuckled. They continued to look around before heading back to the Tunnels.

XXX

The room was small and felt slightly claustrophobic. To the right were a couple of chairs that held her purse and her clothes. All that stood in the room was her, at least ten dress bags, and a floor length mirror. As she looked at her reflection, she could not recognize herself. How had she agreed to this?

"Ms. Lockhart, are you coming out?" a voice asked from the other side of the door.

"Yeah, might as well." Tasha sighed and walked out.

Outside the dressing room Tasha saw her friend Catherine waiting with her daughter, Rosie. Both mother and daughter were wearing clothes similar to what they had worn while they had been hiding in Connecticut, only Catherine wore more baggy clothing to compensate for her pregnant belly. At the moment Catherine was sitting on the bench while Rosie was laughing and smiling. Catherine suddenly took her daughter's hand and rested it over her belly. Rosie laughed as she felt the unborn child kick. The tender moment made Tasha smile. She hoped one day she could be happy like her friend, but first she needed to get married. She had the perfect groom, now all she needed was to find the perfect dress. And that was easier said then done. Tasha took a deep breath and stepped out of the dressing room, drawing her friend's attention. Both Catherine and Rosie looked up and smiled.

"Wow Tasha, you look pretty," Rosie commented.

"She's right," Catherine added. "This dress looks stunning on you."

Tasha stepped forward to look in the three-way mirror. The gown she had on was an allover lace A-line gown with beaded motif detail and a chapel train. The color was an elegant ivory, giving the dress an overall classical look. It was a beautiful gown, but somehow it just didn't feel like the right dress.

Tasha sighed. "Yeah but it ain't it."

Catherine carefully got up from her chair and walked over to Tasha's side. She laid her hand on Tasha's shoulder and gave it a gentle squeeze. "Don't worry Tasha," Catherine encouraged, "you'll find the right dress."

"Perhaps we should try something else," the consultant suggested.

Tasha nodded and followed the bridal consultant back into the dressing room. She slid out of the A-Line gown and allowed the consultant to help her into the next gown.

"Now I have a good feeling about this one. It has a more modern look that you wanted."

Once the dress was on Tasha took a look at herself. This dress was a champagne sheath dress with a V-neck halter features, and a ruche surplice bodice. It also had a dropped waist adorned with striking beaded embroidery; the Godet chapel train was adorned with beaded embroidered appliqués. The consultant smiled as Tasha continued to examine herself in the mirror. With Tasha's hourglass figure the dress managed to hug every one of her curves, making her look beautiful and sexy at the same time. However, the bride-to-be did not share in the consultant's vision.

Noticing Tasha's unenthusiastic attitude, the consultant asked, "Would you like to show your friend, or would you prefer to try something else on?"

Tasha just groaned. This had to be the hundredth dress she tried on. She's already been to three bridal shops, but nothing felt right. Even her mother couldn't help her find the right dress. If Tasha had it her way, she'd wear a white pantsuit down the aisle. Sadly this would not happen. Her mother insisted that Tasha wear a wedding dress and that's what led her here.

"I give up." Tasha threw her hands up in defeat before flopping into the chair next to her clothes. The consultant sighed and excused herself from the dressing room. She sat up as the door opened, but her smile vanished as the consultant came out alone. Catherine sighed and got up. She walked over to the door and knocked lightly.

"Tasha, can I come in?" Catherine was answered by a muffled 'yes.' She asked the consultant to watch Rosie for her. The consultant smiled and took the girl over to the flower girl dresses. Seeing her daughter was in capable hands, Catherine entered the room. Tasha was sitting in the wedding dress having a panic attack. The poor woman look exhausted and stressed — not the best look for a bride.

"Tasha, what's wrong?" Catherine asked.

Tasha didn't even look at Catherine as she answered. "I can't do this. I just can't do this."

"Now Tasha, don't be like that. I know you'll find the right dress."

"Cathy, I'm just not a gown-wearing girl." Tasha stood up and began pacing the small room. Catherine couldn't help but wonder if everyone in this family — blood related or married-in — were pacers. "I never wore a dress in my whole life. And now I have to pick one that's supposed to be the ultimate dress? Hell, I don't even understand half the lingo these fancy joints use. I mean, what the hell is a satin fit&flair anyway? Not to mention I'm only wearing the damn thing for one day and it cost more than my jeep and Harley combined."

Catherine let Tasha pace some more before she coaxed her friend to sit down next to her. Once Tasha calmed down, Catherine spoke. "I can understand how this can be overwhelming, but I know you'll find the dress."

"Easy for you to say Cathy," Tasha said. "You got the fairytale wedding every girl dreams of. You even wore a gorgeous gown, and it was your mother's dress. I wish I was that lucky."

Catherine smiled as she remembered her wedding gown. Peter had retrieved her mother's wedding dress from storage just in time for Mary to have it ready for the wedding. The dress was an off-wife floral lace gown with a fitted waist, sheer lace sleeves, and very full skirt. It had a scalloped, lightly sequined neckline, and the sleeves ended in a snap button closure. There were two layers of tulle — the outer layer has appliqués of lace on the lower portion front and back with lace coming down over it. The tiered layer of tulle gave the dress volume, like a crinoline. It was old-fashioned but fit perfectly in the Tunnels. It was the gown Catherine knew was what she wanted to wear for her wedding day. Now, she wanted Tasha to have that same feeling about her dress. Maybe she was just looking at it the wrong way. Tasha wanted a dress that reflected her personality, but she was trying on dresses that gave her a more modern look. Perhaps, instead of a tomboy dresses, what Tasha needed was a real feminine dress.

Catherine suddenly thought of a dress she had spotted among the gowns the consultant had shown them earlier. "Tasha, I think you need to try on one more dress."

"Ah come on Cathy," Tasha groaned. "I really don't want to try on any more dresses today."

"Trust me, I think you'll change your mind when you see this." Catherine eased out of her chair and left Tasha alone in the dressing room. She walked over to the flower girl dresses to find Rosie in the most adorable White Taffeta sleeveless dress. The dress gathered taffeta at the tea length skirt with an attached crinoline for extra fullness. There was a purple sash and a light blue flower surrounding her waist. Tasha and her mother had seen it in a catalogue and it fit perfectly for the wedding. Catherine would have to talk to Mary about maybe making something similar for Rosie to wear for the wedding.

"Excuse me, but my friend would like to try on one more dress." Catherine then led the consultant over to the dress she had seen. The consultant was skeptical at first, but took the dress off the rack and took the gown to Tasha. Catherine smiled. I hope this is it, she thought. She gathered up Rosie and waited for Tasha to emerge in Catherine's pick.

When the consultant knocked on the door and walked into the room, Tasha watched as she took the new dress out of the sleeve. She groaned. This was not what she wanted to wear on any occasion, let alone her wedding day. It had to be the absolute girliest dress to have ever been made for a woman. But she decided to grin and bear it for Catherine's sake. Tasha let the consultant help her out of the sheath dress and into the new gown. Once she had it on, Tasha could not even turn to look at the dress in the mirror. Already dreading the poof and frill of the dress. It was more fit for a Daddy's Little Princess, not a kick-ass girl like Tasha.

"Oh my, Ms. Lockhart," the consultant gasped. "I know I've said this before, but this dress…it's breathtaking. I think it was made for you. You look absolutely beautiful; drop-dead gorgeous."

Please. It's your job to tell me that, Tasha mentally scoffed. I bet I look more like a frigging cupcake in this goofy thing. She didn't have time to verbally remark though because she knew Catherine was waiting to see her in this ghastly thing. Hesitantly she stepped out of the dressing room and into the hallway where her friends awaited her. She shut her eyes and groaned.

"Alright, go ahead and laugh," Tasha sighed. She knew Catherine would never laugh, but that didn't prevent the little seed of doubt planted in her when she saw the dress. She waited but not a sound was made. Not even a remark from Rosie. Tasha opened her eyes to see both Catherine and Rosie staring at her. "What?"

"Tasha," Catherine started to say, "Have you seen yourself?"

"Not a chance." Tasha shut her eyes and grit her teeth. "Look Cathy, I know you're trying to help and all, but really? Ya had ta pick this?"

"But Tasha, you look like a princess," Rosie stated. She got up from her seat and walked over to Tasha. The small girl grabbed her hand and led her to the three-way mirror in the hallway. "See? You are a princess."

Tasha gave the girl a half smile. "That's really sweet cub but–"

"Tasha, Rosie's right." Catherine said. "Take a look."

Tasha sighed and gave up. Bracing herself for the worst, she turned to look at herself. What she saw stunned her beyond belief. She didn't even notice as the consultant came back into the room.

"She's still looking a little hesitant. I think we need to jack her up." She ran off to grab a veil and some accessories. She attached them to Tasha and then took a step back.

Now Tasha could find no words. The dress alone was more than she could take, but the added jewelry gave it that final touch. "I… I can't believe that's me…"

"I had a feeling this was the dress you really wanted," Catherine said. She walked to Tasha's side and put her hand on her shoulder. "So, what do you say?"

Tasha turned with tears in the corners of her eyes, a large smile on her face. "I think, the groom better hold onto something. Cause once he sees this dress, Devin's gonna need your husband to keep him standing up straight."

XXX

AN: Since the groom isn't allowed to see the bride in her gown before the wedding, neither are the readers. You'll just have to wait for the wedding day like Devin.

I know, I'm mean. :D