Disclaimer: I do not own MTMS, MTM Enterprises and 20th Television do.
Author's Note: Begins eight months after the end of Not Expected. If haven't you may want to read the last chapter of that story for this to make sense.
A/N 2: I want to thank ounceofperversion over at Tumblr and hippiechic81 for being supportive of this idea!
It was love at first sight for us both!
Rhoda Faye Morgenstern
and
Louis Grant
invite you to share in their joy
as they join together in holy matrimony
on 31 March 1979 at 2 PM
Ceremony to take place Kimpton Hotel Eventi's Ventana I
Spring themed reception to take place at Ventana Ballroom the Kimpton Hotel Eventi in NYC!
Please RSVP by 31 January 1979
-March 31, 1979-
It was the day of her wedding and Rhoda and her bridal party members were in the bridal suite provided by the venue. Rhoda, who was in her gown, looked at her bridesmaid Brenda helping out the Jr. Bridesmaids Tessa, Amy, and Abby Phelps (Suzi's daughters) and flower girl Mary Lou Baxter making sure they were ready to go. Rhoda (and Mary) loved how Tessa loved being the older cousin to Mary Lou and how she became fast friends with Lou's granddaughters.
Mary looked over and saw tears gathering in Rhoda's eyes and Mary walked over and helped her. Or more like waddle over since Mary was a month or so away from giving birth to Baby Boy or Baby Girl Cronin. Once Mary reached Rhoda, Mary wiped the tears and reapplying the mascara Mary put her arm around Rhoda's shoulder and asked, "Are you nervous?"
With a big smile on her face, she answered, "I'm more excited than nervous. Oh, Mary I seriously can't describe it."
Mary smiled; she knew the feeling. She had experienced it with Steven last year. All the times Mary talked with Lou each moment Rhoda's name was mentioned he would light up and grin widely from ear to ear. Rhoda and Lou brought out the best in each other; they were meant for each other. She remembered how she squealed with happiness when she heard Rhoda say yes eight months earlier. A short time later after the time-honored traditions, it was just Rhoda and Mary as most of the bridal party had left to go and take their places.
Mary looked at Rhoda and saw how beautiful she looked in her one shoulder wedding gown. She along with the bridal party, Rhoda and Brenda went through a lot of gowns to find the right one. It was just the two of them when a knock came on the door. Mary asked so to be sure, "Who is it?"
When they heard a say "It is me, Mary", Mary and Rhoda breathed a sigh of relief. Mary went to the door and let Steven in and when he saw Rhoda all he could say was, "Wow Rhoda you look incredible! Lou won't know what hit him. He is one lucky guy."
Rhoda blushed. Steven saw Mary watch him and he remembered. "Okay, your groom wanted me to drop off this love note to you."
Steven got the note to Rhoda. Before heading back Mary gave her best friend a quick hug and said, "Rhoda, I will head out with Steven now and take our places."
Mary then added, "And your dad will be here shortly."
With a reassuring pat on the shoulder, Mary picked up her bouquet, left with Steven and closed the door behind her and went to take their places. For now, Rhoda was on her own. She took a deep breath to calm her racing heart. Before she opened the note, she thought back to when she met with Lou's grown daughters.
-Early September 1978-
It had been a week since Rhoda accepted Lou's proposal and she was nervous. She was going to meet with Lou's grown daughter, Ellen, Jane, and Suzi. She thought it would be good to meet at a bistro. Problem she was so nervous she couldn't even think about eating…what was she thinking when she mentioned they meet at a bistro?
Once the girls had arrived and they ordered their food. Rhoda began, "Ellen, Janey, and Suzi. Thanks for meeting with me. I know this sounds ridiculous for me to say this but I won't be taking your mother's place, you have my assurance and…"
The girls looked at each other. Now they understood the way their dad's former producer's best friend is. If they accepted their step-father, Howard, they would accept their soon-to-be stepmother, Rhoda. Janey put her hand on Rhoda's hand and stopped her rambling by saying, "Rhoda it's okay. We understand. We all care about our dad and we see how happy he is now. The fact you helped him to lose weight is impressive. Our mom noticed how much energy he has and even our kids love you already. For that, we would love to help assist you with the wedding planning."
Rhoda smiled. Her nerves have dissipated. She added, "Great thank you so much! Although I may want to warn you that my mother may try to give her opinion from time to time."
Rhoda smiled. The help from her soon-to-be step-daughters was a big help. After the initial conversation, she did have a good time chatting with them. Of course, her mother did try and give her input. At least this time she wasn't insistent. Nonetheless, Ellen, Janey, and Suzi loved having a step-grandmother around.
Remembering the note in hand, Rhoda opened the note read which brought a smile on her face when she saw Lou's beautiful script.
My darling Rhoda,
I can't wait to see you walk down the aisle in a little while. I love you!
Xoxo,
Lou
Rhoda read it over a few times; she was sure very lucky to have Lou in her life. Then when she heard a knock on the door she quickly folded up and tucked it in her stocking garter and asked, "Who is it?"
Her father, Martin answered, "It's me, Rho."
Rhoda took a deep breath and grabbed her rose and lily bouquet and went to open the door and saw Her father, Martin standing there. Her father asked without managing to choke up, "Rhoda, you are so beautiful. Are you ready to marry your groom?"
Rhoda answered with a bright smile on her face, "Oh Pops I sure am!"
Her father, Martin smiled and offered his right arm and Rhoda looped her arms around his. After closing the door, she with Martin went up the elevator to the doors to the altar where she was going to start the next chapter of her life, marrying the love of her life, Louis Grant.
The doors opened as the Canon in D began and Rhoda started her walk down the aisle. When she saw her groom, she had to take a few breaths, he looked absolutely dashing in his tux. As she saw Lou's handsome face light up after they made eye contact. When she saw the look on his face she knew she had chosen the right gown. A wedding gown that she knew that would hug her body and would knock Lou off his feet
When Lou had seen his bride walk down the aisle in a one shoulder lace and tulle gown that had a sweetheart neckline, he felt his breath hitch in his throat. Seeing her in that gown with a mid-length veil on her hair which was styled in loose waves made him feel dizzy. Luckily Steven had noticed his friend's minor sway he placed his hand gently on his shoulder to steady him and whispered, "Take a deep breath, Lou, now you wouldn't want to faint in front of Rhoda, do you?"
That helped Lou regain his composure. Once Rhoda and Martin were close to the altar, Lou and the officiant stepped forward. The officiant, asked in a regal voice, "Who gives this woman to this man?"
Trying hard not to shed a tear, Martin answered, "I do."
Her father, Martin then gave Rhoda a kiss on the cheek and placed her hand in Lou's hand and then whispered to him, "You better take care of her Lou."
Lou nodded and said, "I promise Martin."
As soon as Martin went to stand with Ida, Rhoda and Lou were at the altar. Rhoda gave her bouquet to Mary she joined hands with her groom. Lou couldn't help but whisper, "Rhoda you are so beautiful."
Rhoda smiled as the officiant said, "You may be seated."
Once the guests sat down the officiant began, "Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today in the joining of Louis Grant and Rhoda Morgenstern in holy matrimony."
They tuned out everything else after this as if they were the only ones at the altar. Rhoda and Lou briefly reflected on all that had happened that helped to where they are today.
A/N 3: Thanks for reading the first chapter of "Happiness All Around". Reviews are appreciated!
