Disclaimer and a few notes: First of all, many thanks for taking the time to read my material-I really appreciate it! This fan fic is based on my recent experiences in online roleplaying, or rp. I had to quit abruptly, so this story serves as closure for my rp friends, as well as a type of "therapy" of sorts for me. The only Moulin Rouge related character in this story is Christian. The rest are rp characters dreamed up by some very creative, talented people, whom I love dearly. They are all made-up, except for Emperor Lucius Commodus, an rp from the movie "Gladiator". I do not claim to own Moulin Rouge, or any of the songs whose lyrics I have incorporated, and the only rp character I can claim as my own is Cody. The people behind these characters know nothing about, nor have they approved this story, which should not matter as much,for several of them left rp shortly after I did. That said, I hope you enjoy reading this "epic romance" as I like to call it. Reviews, positive or negative, are welcome.

The Characters

Cody-"The bride", Christian's former love, Lon's wife, Gabby and Zoey's mother

Ty-"The man of honor"-Cody's best friend, biological father of Cody aka "Marlene" 's baby

William "Lon" Harding "the groom"-Cody's husband, Gabby's father

Christian-Cody's former love

Gabby-Cody and Lon's adopted daughter

Zoey-Cody's adopted daughter

Lucius Commodus-Cody's friend, wedding guest, "Marlene" 's former lover, adoptive father of Cody aka "Marlene" 's baby (no dialouge)

Wedding guests

Minister

Cody stands in the foyer of the church, pacing. She hadn't talked to Christian in weeks. But now, she was marrying her wonderful husband Lon-again. She realized how stupid she'd been to leave him. She wondered what Christian was doing right now. She thought of their time together often, though she knew she shouldn't. Now, she was waiting for her gay best friend Ty to come and walk her down the aisle. She longed for her father to be there, but they hadn't spoken much since she dropped out of school and moved to London to take care of Christian after he jumped off his roof-silly fool. But she was hopelessly in love with him. Many unpleasant things had happend that kept she and Christian apart, including her leaving him for Erik Destler, otherwise known as The Phantom of the Opera. When that fell apart, she met and married Lon. They were happy, but not for long. Faced with an impossible choice, courtesy of Roman Emperor Lucius Commodus, now a vampire, who had lusted after her from afar-Christian's life for she and Lon's future child. No other solution at hand, Cody allowed Marlene, Commodus' lover in a previous life, who was killed by Commodus' enemies, to come back to him, using Cody's body as a vessel. But Lucius had changed, and not in a good way. Sure, he was a vampire-that didn't bother Marlene. What bothered her was his demeanor had changed, and she feared for her safety. She promised to give him the child she was carrying, the product of an alcohol-induced romp with Ty in his previous life. After leaving Lucius, she met and fell for Chris Whitfield, a friend of a friend. They became engaged, and came up with a plan to raise the baby and Cody's two adopted daughters, whom she treated as her own, together. One day, Chris left, providing no explanation. Devestated, Marlene gave birth alone, leaving her newborn son at the gates of Commodus' palace. She allowed Cody to return, and when she did, she attempted to repair the damage with Christian, but he ignored her. She learned that Lon had passed away some weeks previous, and she was very sad. Miraculously, they were reunited, and now they were going to rededicate their lives to each other in the presence of all their loved ones-if Ty would get his butt to the church! Still, she could not help but think of Christian.

"Where the hell is he? He should have been here 45 minutes ago! When I get my hands on him…" Gabby and Zoey appear in front of her.

"Ma, you okay?" Gabby asks.

"No…he's not here yet-we can't start until he gets here, damn him!"

"He'll be here Mom, don't worry," Zoey says, hugging her.

"Thank you, sweetheart." She turns to Gabby. "Go find your father, and keep him busy-I can't let him see me-it's bad luck!"

"'Hokay. C'mon Zo."

They leave. A quiet voice comes from behind her. "Oh Dahling…"

She spins around, and sees Ty . "You whore! Where the hell were you?"

"A thousand apologies, love. I got stuck in traffic," he embraces her.

"You are a miserable bitch of a best friend, you know that?"

Ty nods. "That's why you love me so damn much," he grins.

Cody sighs. "Yeah, yeah, yeah, save it for the preacher!" shel aughs.

Ty laughs. "Are you ready to become Mrs. Harding again?"

She hesitates for quite a while before answering. "Yes…" she groans and buries her face in his chest. "I have no freaking clue!"

Ty laughs slightly. "Hey watch the tux! Why the hesitation?"

Cody glares. "Stuff it, Penguin Boy! You look hot, by the way…gah…I…oh, forget it! You wouldn't understand," she sighs.

"Try me…" he slips his arms around her waist, nibbling playfully on her ear.

Cody giggles. "For a gay man, you sure are frisky!" She sighs, leaning against him. "It's nothing-I'm happy, really, I am. I'm marrying the man of my dreams, I have two beautiful daughters, and all our friends are here…it's perfect…"

Ty laughs. "Well, how do you think I made a baby?" He mimics her. "For a woman, you sure are a terrible liar!"

Cody smacks him playfully. "Shut up, you manwhore! If memory serves me, it involved you, Marlene, a tour bus, and lots of alcohol."

Ty shakes his head in disbelief. "I don't even know how we managed to…never mind…" He spies Lucius sitting near the back of the sanctuary and whispers, "Who's that? He's cute!"

Cody snickers, says in a low tone, "Easy, Tiger. That is none other than your baby's Daddy…"

Ty raises a brow. "Really? How about that! I wonder… " he smirks.

"No, honey, he doesn't swing that way."

"Rats! So what's the baby look like?"

"Like his sexy Daddy…little Julian Lucius," she smiles.

Ty makes a disgusted face. "Julian Lucius? Ugh! That's so…"

"Ancient Roman Empire?" she nods. "Hey, I didn't get to pick the name."

"Yeah well, it doesn't matter,"' he gently brings his lips to hers and smiles. "You ready to get this show on the road?"

"Ready as I'll ever be," she takes a deep breath.

"Well, let's go," he says.

Cody signals the sound man, and she and Ty "booty dance" down the aisle to "Dontcha" by The Pussycat Dolls. The guests laugh out loud, Gabby and Zoey turn crimson with embarrassment, and Lon, ever the gentleman, simply stares at them, though his eyes suggest something reminiscent of shock, disgust and amusement. As they approach the end of the aisle, Ty playfully slaps her ass and whispers, "Go get him, tiger…"

Cody speaks quietly. "Oh, I plan to lover…believe me…rawr!"

"Oh baby, meow…"

She spanks him. "Meow indeed…" She chuckles. "Alright, time to behave ourselves."

Ty pouts. "Aw, do we have to?"

"Yes. Now, be a good boy and give Mamma a kiss."

Ty kisses her softly and quickly. "I love you, you know."

She nods. "How could I forget? Thank you…for everything."

Ty grins. "Anything for my baby's mamma." They turn and face the altar, meeting gazes with a very confused Mr. Harding, and an even more confused minister.

The minister clears his throat. "Who…gives this…woman…" he eyes Cody suspiciously, "...to be married to this man?"

"That would be me," Ty respomds. Cody and Ty embrace, and she walks up the few steps of the altar, taking her husband-to-be's hands in hers.

"Do I even want to know what that was about?" Lon asks.

Cody grins. "It's a girl thing," she turns to Ty. "Ain't that right, baby?"

"That's right, lover!" Ty sings, "Girls just want to have fun!" dancing to his seat as everyone laughs again.

"Lover?" Lon eyes both of them suspiciously.

"Long story," Cody says, giving him a mischievous grin. Lon sighs and shrugs, nodding to the minister to continue.

The minister speaks. "Family and friends, we are gathered here today to witness the joining of this man and this woman in the bonds of marriage. If anyone has a reason why these two should not wed, please speak now or forever-"

Cody interrupts him. "Or forever shut 'yo mouths!" Laughter ripples through the crowd-she grins apologetically. Lon smiles a little, and the minister squirms, not liking all the spontaneity. Silence ensues, waiting to see if anyone will protest.

"Very well. Do you William, take this woman-"

"No! Cody…" A voice is heard from the back of the sanctuary. Everyone turns toward the voice. Gasps and murmurs ripple through the sanctuary. Cody is stunned. One hand flies to her mouth as the other drops to her side. She is so stunned, in fact that she can only whisper hoarsely, fumbling.

"Christian…"

Lon places a hand on her shoulder, thoroughly confused and concerned for his bride. He'd never seen her like this. "Darling…who-" She holds up her hand, gesturing for silence. The murmurs quickly cease. Everyone, except Lon, Zoey and a handful of others, knows the gravity of the situation. She blinks several times, trying to gain some shred of composure-she feels as though she is going to crumble right there at the altar. "How..."

Christian stares into her eyes, still standing at the back to the sanctuary, he sings softly, "I drove all night…to get to you…"

Cody inhales shakily. "That voice…those eyes…oh…stop! Stop it!"

Christian advances toward the altar, singing,"I'm caught in trap…I can't walk out…because I love you too much, baby..."

"Please…stop," she pleads. Christian keeps walking toward them, a determination in his eyes that Cody has never seen. Lon steps in front of her protectively, very confused and worried about her.

"What do you want with my wife?" he asks sternly.

"Lon, please," she looks at him, imploring him not to start something.

Singing, Christian gets closer. "Girl, can't you see…what you're doin' to me…but you don't hear these words I'm saying…"

Cody gently pushes past Lon, marching down the altar steps, singing, "We can't go on together-with suspicious minds!" She steps quickly, getting closer to him."And we can't build our dreams…" they are face to face. "On suspicious minds!" She is quite perturbed at this point, as they step past each other. She tries to speak calmly "What are you doing here?" She narrows her eyes. This look usually sends him into "back-track mode" where he falls all over himself, nerves getting the best of him. But not today-his eyes stare into hers, penetrating to the depths of her soul. She was becoming more uncomfortable with each passing second, but she stands her ground, determined to end this charade once and for all.

"Cody…don't do this…I need you…" Christian says, looking into her eyes.

She stares at him in disbelief. "What? Oh, I get it-now that I'm attached, here comes Christian the Valiant, riding on his white horse, to sweep the One That Got Away-she turns to the guests in case you all are wondering, I'm the One That Got Away-off her feet and ride into the sunset, and live in the castle happily ever after, am I right?" She gets no response. "Am I?"

Christian swallows, speaks quietly. "I thought…that I could go on without you…but…I can't…I need you…I didn't realize how much I needed you, until…until you were gone…" his voice trails off.

Cody rolls her eyes. "Oh for heaven's sake, Christian! That's the same b.s. you fed me the last two times I left! Can't you come up with some better material? Hell, it's been three months! For a writer, you are pretty lousy with words!"

Christian is a little surprised at her bluntness, but given the circumstances, he chooses not to protest."You're right…I just don't know what to say…you're beautiful, talented, brave, witty, kind, harsh, yet gentle…you stole my heart…"

She scoffs. "Well, mes excuses good monsieur… I don't suppose you want it back?" she asks icily."Oh, and let's not forget to mention the myriad of occasions where, after much consideration on my part, I decided I still loved you, and groveled, most unladylike, at your door, and you…"she waits for him to respond, smirking.

Christian mumbles, staring at the ground."I ignored you…"

Cody puts a hand to her ear. "I'm sorry, I don't think everyone heard you…what did you do?"

"I ignored you!" Christian says loudly. Loud murmurs course through the sanctuary.

Cody speaks."You heard him, ladies and gents-I dropped everything and everyone to be with him, and he ignores me! Such chivalry!" She chuckles, thoroughly enjoying lambasting the man who had caused her so much misery.

Christian sighs. "You're right, Cody…I have no right to steal you away from your husband and children…I just want to see you happy…I was hoping…that we could be happy…together…that's what I want…I only ignored you because…I was afraid of getting my heart broken again…but you…you made me whole again…you showed me how to love again…"

Cody sighs. "Not this again! Please!"

He knows he's getting through to her, so he pushes even further."You were there with me in the hospital-you flew across the ocean to be by my side…you never left…not for a second. You did everything-you and Toulouse nearly died trying to rescue me…I-I almost lost you…when you left, I realized that I did love you…you came back…and then…" he sighs, sadness in his eyes.

Cody swallows and nods, speaking quietly. "Erik…" tears form in her eyes.

"Yes, Erik…I was heartbroken," he says.

"What was I supposed to do, Christian? Sit around and wait for you to get it through your head that I would do absolutely anything for you?" she asks, holding back tears.

Christian sighs. "No…I didn't expect you to."

"Then why are you here? What do want from me?" she asks, growing angry.

"Don't do this…don't marry Lon…please…"

"It's too late," she closes her eyes. "You had your chance," she scoffs ."Or should I say chances? Idiot…" she opens her eyes and walks toward the altar.

"Don't do this! This isn't what you want! You know it, I know it, and everyone here knows it!" Christian states boldly.

Cody is livid. "You're wrong! This is what I want! " she grabs Lon's hand, practically dragging him to the altar.

"What is going on?" Lon asks, irritated by the sudden intrusion.

"Don't mind him, dear. He is just trying to cause trouble…" she glares at Christian.

"You-you're lying!" Christian protests.

Lon is furious. "How dare you call her a liar?"

"Lon!" Cody says, suprised by her husband's uncharacteristic outburst.

"Cody…" Christian gazes at her, eyes pleading. Gabby stands up and kicks Christian hard in the shin. Christian cries out and stumbles backward a little.

"Shut up, moron! My parents are trying to get married!" she says.

Cody's anger rising, trying to keep it together, she says authoritatatively,"Gabriella Rose Harrison Harding! Sit…down…"

"But, Mom!"

"Don't but, Mom me, young lady! Sit…down…right now…"

Gabby looks at Lon."Daddy?"

"Sit down, Gabriella. Please…" Lon says, trying to keep his composure.

"Ugh! Fine!" Gabby mumbles and sits beside her sister.

Zoey whispers to Gabby, "Who is that guy? What's going on?"

Gabby whispers, "That's Christian…"she says his name with disdain. "Mom left her life in the U.S. behind to be with him…he didn't even know she loved him…"

"What happened?" Zoey asks.

Gabby scoffs. "She dumped him for some loser Erik, who broke her heart. She wanted him back, but he chose to ignore her. Then she met my dad, and they got married, but she still loved him…"

"Whoa," says Zoey, shocked.

"Whoa is an understatement," Gabby says, shaking her head.

Christian breaks the silence of the adults. "Cody, tell him!"

"Tell me what? What is going on?" Lon asks, confused. Cody stands there, feeling helpless, eyes shifting between the two of them. She is at a loss for words. Lon stares into her eyes, his voice soft. "Darling, say something…anything…"

"Yes, say something…please…" Christian says quietly.

Cody shakes her head, saying weakly, "Lon…Christian…please…no more…no more…" Christian gets on his knees, looking at her, completely vulnerable. She and Lon stare at him, and the guests watch, captivated and confused by this interruption.

He speaks quietly."I never thought I would love again, and then you came to me…I was reluctant…I was afraid…"

"Oh, get up!"she scoffs."You look pathetic!"

Christian continues."We both said and did things that hurt the other, and I'm sorry…so sorry…I know you are sorry, too."

"Aren't you putting words in her mouth?" asks a frustrated Lon.

Christian makes eye contact with him."No, I'm not…she told me herself…the day after your first wedding…" Murmurs resume as the guests sit in awe of the whole situation.

Lon stares at him."What are you talking about?"

Christian looks at Cody. "I came to you, to congratulate you, and you apologized for everything that you did wrong…"

Cody nods and says to Lon, "It's true…he stopped by…we said our goodbyes, and it was over," she sighs.

"But it wasn't over," Christian says.

"What?" Lon is thoroughly confused at this point.

Infuriated, Cody says to Christian, "You-you said we were not meant to be!"

"I know what I said…"

"Then why here, why now?" she asks.

"Yes, why indeed…" Lon shifts his wieght impatiently.

"Why can't you…just…let…go?" she asks, eyes filled with pain and confusion.

"Yeah, let it go!" Gabby interjects.

"Gabriella, hush!" Lon says. He looks to Christian. "Why are you doing this? Don't you see she's happy? Or at least, she's trying to be happy!"

"I-I want to her be happy…" Christian stutters, like he always did when he got nervous or upset. Cody had always thought that to be one of his most endearing traits.

"Then leave us be!" cries Lon.

"I know, I know. But…"

"But what? You'd rather make her miserable?"

"Of course not. That wasn't my intent."

"Then why are you even here? Why do you insist on barging in like you did? It's despicable. Look at you-groveling there like some miserable animal! You think that's going to win her over?"

"Lon, don't." Cody attempts to mediate between the two men.

"Why shouldn't I? He only wants to cause trouble-you said so!"

"Yes, I did, but-"

Lon runs his fingers through his hair. "Oh, not you, too! What is with you?"

Cody is hurt by his pointed question."Love, don't…please?"

"Don't talk to her that way," Christian says, angry.

"You have no room to speak, sir." Lon glares.

"Lon, stop," Cody begs.

"And you do?" asks Christian incredulously."You both 'come back from the dead', and suddenly you have a right to tear people down?"

"I'm not the one tearing her down!" Lon's usual respectful, gentlemanly demeanor is quickly falling apart.

"Aren't you?"

"No…I am simply trying to make her my wife again!"

Christian: "What if…" Christian looks at Lon, then Cody, searching for the right words."She doesn't want to be your wife?"

"What are you suggesting?" Lon adresses Christian, then looks at Cody, searching her face for any clues to her thoughts and feelings about this sudden turn of events.

"You seem like a smart man-what do you think I'm suggesting?"

"You are suggesting something that can't possibly be true…not in the slightest!"

"Are you sure about that, Mr. Harding?"

Lon crosses his arms."Quite. She cried over me, not you."

"For crying out loud, Lon! Why all the probing?" Cody asks, growing tired of the men's ridiculous dialouge.

"Me? I'm not the one doing the probing, my dear."

"Well, you're just as guilty!" she gestures to Christian."Feeding into his tactics!"

"Excuse me?"

"Tactics? What tactics?" asks Christian, slightly offended

Cody shoots him a deadly look. "Only the same tactics you've been using for months now!"

"I'm telling the truth!" he counters defensively.

"Your own twisted version of the truth!" Lon interjects.

Christian scoffs. "Indeed!"

"Good grief," Cody sighs, walking to the unoccupied end of the altar.

Christian follows her with his eyes. "Cody…I know you…I know your heart…listen to it…listen to your heart," he sings, "when he's calling for you…listen to your heart…"

Cody sings, "There's nothing else you can do…"

"I don't know where you're going…"

"And I don't know why…"

"Listen to your heart…"

Cody sings quietly, tears flowing. "Before…"

They sing in unision. "You tell him goodbye…"

Lon chuckles. "You just don't quit, do you?"

Christian stares at Cody."No…not when it comes to the woman I-" he stops himself.

"Oh, Christian…" Cody stares back, her heart breaking for the man who so desperately wanted her back.

Lon turns and faces Christian dead-on. Christian rises to his feet and stares right back. Lon is furious and irritated beyond reason now."Go ahead…say it… I dare you…"

"That sounds like a challenge," says Christian, equally irritated.

"Both of you please…not here." Cody tries to diffuse the situation between the two men vying for her heart.

"Where do you suggest we go, my love?" Lon asks coldly.

Losing her patience, Cody says,"Darling, shut up!" Lon, Cody and the guests are shocked. She has never raised her voice to him before. Silence fills the sanctuary. Cody stands there, hand over her mouth as fresh tears flow. All three of them have lost their patience entirely."Lon, I-"

"Cody…" Christian's gaze penetrates her soul.

"Be quiet!" Lon shouts.

"Don't tell him what to do!"

"Why not? He is ruining our wedding!"

"He's not the only one!"

Lon scoffs. "Don't start!"

"It's already been started!"

Lon nods. "Indeed…by him!" He points an accusing finger at Christian.

Christian gestures to Cody."With good reason! To stop her from doing something she'll regret!"

Lon shakes his head."You've got some nerve…I'm beginning to wonder what she ever saw in you!"

"Lon!" Cody is shocked by her husband's behavior.

Christian's eyes gleam with determination."Freedom…"

"What?" Lon eyes Christian, confused.

"Beauty…"

"Beauty?" Lon repeats, pondering the meaning of this man's strange words.

"Truth…"

Lon chuckles."This from the man who called her a liar!"

"And above all things... " Christian stares at Cody intensely. The murmurs rise again. Everyone who knows the story of the Moulin Rougeknows what comes next…

Christian speaks quietly "Love…"

Lon stares at him, trying to understand why he is doing what he is doing. "Love…"

Christian repeats himself,l ouder. "Love!"

"Funny way of showing it…" Lon's eyes scan the rows of intrigued guests, trying to prevent himself from flying into a rage.

Christian speaks. "Love is a many splendor'd thing…love lift us up where we belong…"

"You are a fool." Lon shakes his head at this man's pitiful attempt to win over his wife.

"All you need is love!" Christian says.

"Indeed?" says Lon, laughing at the absurdity of it all.

"All you need is love…"

"Please, don't start that again!" Cody huffs.

"All you need is love..."

"That's not true!" Cody cries harshly, desperately trying to hide her emotions.

"All you need is love…

"Lon's right-look at you!"

"All you need is love…"

"I think… you said that…already…" Lon says through clenched teeth.

"Lon, enough!" Cody cries again.

"Cody, look at me!" Christian gazes at her.

"No!" She turns from him, scared of revealing too much.

"Look at me!"

Lon clenches his fists."Quit telling her what to do!"

"Look at me!"

"Stop!" she hollers, shaking.

"Please look at me!"

"I can't!" her voice breaks with emotion.

"Yes, you can!" he speaks with intense passion, the same passion he excersized when he was with Satine. "Please!"

"No! Stop!"

"That's enough!" Lon raises his voice.

Christian shouts, his anger rising, "Cody, I love you!"

"How dare you?" Lon questions him, furious.

"I love you, too!" she responds with equal fury. Cody stands there, in shock. Lon and Christian turn and stare at her. The murmurs have turned into a roar of confusion and excitement.

Lon's eyes flash with rage."You!" He lunges at Christian, knocking him to the ground. A full-on brawl ensues between the two of them as the guests exclaim loudly.

"Lon! Christian!" Cody cries, mortified.

"Daddy, stop!" pleads Gabby.

"Stop it!" Cody shouts. They continue to fight

"Daddy!"

"Not in the Lord's house!" the minister cries.

A gunshot rings out. The guests scream, some of them crawl under the pews. Lon and Christian abruptly stop wailing on each other and look in the direction of the shot. The minister cowers behind the pulpit. The smoke clears. Cody stands at the altar, one arm raised above her head, hand gripping a still-smoking .45. "That's better. God bless leg holsters. Now, everyone please…sit down." She points the gun at Lon and Christian "You two playground morons…get up…" Scared and confused, they both slowly rise to their feet. "Thank you." Her voice is cold, and fury emanates from her eyes.

Lon speaks, his voice wavering."Cody, what-"

"SHUT UP!" she screams."To the back…" she motions with the gun toward the back of the sanctuary. "NOW!" They get about three-quarters of the way to back. "Stop right there…turn around…slowly…" They obey. She quickly comes face-to-face with them.

Christian adresses her, his eye wide."Cody…"

Cody puts the gun against his chin. "Ah-ah, my turn to talk, darling…"

"Mommy…" Gabby's voice is small and scared.

Cody turns her head toward her daughter's voice. "Gabby, please! Mommy is dealing with her "men" right now," she lowers the gun slowly.

"What has gotten into you?" asks Lon, bewildered.

Cody slaps Lon in the face-hard. The guests exclaim."What's gotten into me? Shouldn't you be asking yourself that question? Honestly, Lon! Acting like a ten-year-old schoolboy! That, my darling husband, is despicable!" She turns to Christian. "I tried to deny it a thousand plus times, but it was always you…you have my heart…" she touches his face. "I love you…" She smiles sadly as Christian places his hand over hers, closing his eyes and savoring the final touch of the woman he loves as a single tear rolls down his cheek. The guests murmur and sigh, watching this heartbreakingly tender moment between two people that have been through so many ups and downs. They all realize the pain these star-crossed lovers are going through. Lon fumes, but dares not do anything, as Cody is still holding the gun in her free hand. She speaks, lowering her arm to her side.. "But, seeing your apalling behavior, I've come to the conclusion that I won't give either of you the satisfaction of claiming me as your own."

Lon is on the verge of tears. "No…Cody…I-I'm sorry…"

"I'm sorry too, love…I am sorry it has to end this way…I did love you, never question that-I just can't love you the way to need to be loved. I'm so sorry," she cries. "Congratulations, Mr. Harding. You just lost, quite possibly, the best thing that ever happened to you. Because of you, our daughters will never have the mother they need."

"What?" Lon asks, puzzled.

Gabby jumps to her feet. "What! Mom, what are you saying?"

Cody turns toward them, crying. "Girls…I'm so sorry…"

Zoey stands and begins crying. "Mom, what's going on?"

Cody turns to Ty. "Dahling, be a dear and go get my purse, please."

"Okay…" Ty leaves the sanctuary, puzzled.

"Cody, what are you doing?" Lon asks with sorrowful eyes.

"What I should have done four months ago…I'm going home," she speaks with quiet finality. Protests ring through the sanctuary.

"No, you can't!" Lon protests.

"I have to…I'm sorry…"she faces the guests. "Goodbye, everyone…I love you all…" Ty brings her purse."Thank you, she says quietly, taking the purse from him.She walks to the doorway, turns and looks at Lucius. "Oh, that reminds me…Lucius, say hello to your baby's Daddy," she indicates Ty. The guests talk amongst themselves, excited over this juicy tidbit. Slightly stunned, Lucius nods politely.

"Hey there." Ty winks at Lucius.

Cody chuckles."Down, boy. And yes…he's as gay as they come…" she smirks and walks out.

TO BE CONTINUED?

That depends…have you had enough? Or have I left you screaming for more?