Chapter 2: Something Old, Something Blue

October 31, Halloween morning…

The sun rose and spread its golden rays in threw the hotel window. The light reflected off fiery red hair as it beckoned the slumbering form to wake. Tasha's eyes fluttered open and she smiled with the dawn. She stretched the night's stiffness before settling back against the pillows. Today, in less than a few hours, she would become Mrs. Devin Wells. The thought made her smile. She noted the ring that rested on the fourth finger of her left hand. Seeing the light catching in the gems seemed to make the ring all the more beautiful. She had always her admired great-grandmother's wedding ring, though her mother had it altered. The band was her grandmother's, as was the tanzanite that stood in the center, but the two diamonds had once been her grandmother's earrings. Tasha had been so busy reminiscing she almost didn't hear the knock on her door.

"Tasha, honey? You awake?" her mother called from the other side of the door.

"Come on in Mom."

The door opened and Katie walked in, a big smile on her face. "Hi sweetheart." She came over and sat down on the bed. She was carrying a small pouch in her hands. "I can't believe this day is here already. Seems like only yesterday your father and I were teaching you how to hold your first gun."

"Mom," Tasha smiled, "I'm not a little girl anymore."

"I know." Katie took her daughter hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. This was both a joyous occasion for her, and a sad one. Today she and her husband were going to give their daughter away to a man who would care for her now. Still, her daughter had chosen a fine young man, who in some way, reminded Katie of a younger Brutus. Stubborn, ambitious, and a heart for others around him, especially for those in need.

Katie had to wipe her eyes. Now was not the time for tears…yet. She released Tasha's and took the pouch she'd been carrying.

"Well now, before anything else, I need to give you the mother-daughter-prenuptial-talk."

"Ah Mom," Tasha groaned. "Please tell me this isn't gonna be one of those talks."

"Don't worry, nothing like that," Katie assured her. "I just wanted to tell you how proud I am of you. You're my only child, but you've grown into a fine young woman. You weren't always the easiest child, being your father's daughter, but you have made both of us so proud of you."

"Mom, I wouldn't be who I am without you and Dad. And just because I'm marrying Devin, don't think anything will change."

Katie just smiled and drew her daughter into her arms. They embraced before Katie drew back. For a moment time had turned back and she was holding her little eight-year-old girl again, smiling up at her mother with bright eyes filled with wonder. She closed her eyes then opened them to once again see her daughter, no longer a child but a grown woman.

"Mom," Tasha asked, "what's that in the bag?"

Katie shook herself from her daze. "Oh, thank you. Tasha, I wanted to you to have this for the wedding." Katie reached inside and took out a handkerchief. "I know technically you already have your engagement ring, but I hoped you'd consider this your something old."

Tasha took the handkerchief and carefully unfolded the cloth. She was stunned. It was a vintage Irish handkerchief, made of cotton and Irish lace with hand embroidered shamrocks. "Mom! I-I can't take this."

"It was my great grandmother's, on my father's side," Katie explained. Then she pointed to the letters framed by the shamrocks. "The MC stands for the McCracken family name. Maize gave it to me on my wedding day, so I now I'm giving it to you." While Tasha admired the handkerchief, Katie reached into the bag to retrieve the next item for her daughter.

"Now for your something borrowed," Katie said. She waited for Tasha to hold out her hand and then placed the item in her open palm. "A little something from Catherine."

Tasha started down at the item in her hand: a pair of vintage Weiss earrings, with sparkling blue and green marquise cut stones with a large AB treated round at the bottoms. Tasha remembered when she and Catherine had found these earrings. It had been a special trip to a town full of antique stores or thrift shops for Rosie's first birthday. Tasha didn't know what to get the little baby, but Catherine had mentioned her love of finding old, vintage items. While they searched in one store Catherine had spotted the earrings and bought them on an impulse. It was only after Catherine had been reunited with her family that she explained to Tasha what the earrings meant to her. The earrings reminded Catherine of Vincent, and since she had lost the crystal he gave her, this was a way for her to carry him with her.

Tasha held the earring close to her heart. "I'll have to thank her when a see her today."

"That reminds me, we'd better get going or we're gonna be late." Katie gathered the items back into the pouch and went over to Tasha's suitcase. "We're meeting Catherine and your aunt at the salon for hair and make-up after lunch, then we have rush back here and get dressed. Oh I can't wait to see your dress, Tasha."

Tasha laughed as she rose from the bed. "Don't forget we're having breakfast with Dad."

"I thought I was forgetting something," Katie joked. "But you need to get dressed first, Missy."

"Yeah, yeah." Tasha shook her head. Her mother was always teasing her father, but it reminded her of how she and Devin acted. Her mother always said, "Love is spending the rest of your life with someone you want to kill, and not doing it because you'd miss them." She was never sure where her mother had heard that particular quote, but it seemed to describe her parents very well.

It also fits how Devin and I acted just before he proposed, Tasha thought. Thinking about her fiancé only made her miss Devin more. Her mother insisted she keep the tradition of the groom not bride for the first twenty-four hours before the ceremony. When both tried to voice their protest, Brutus threatened to have Devin in a wheelchair if he tried to sneak over. Katie practically pried her away as she and Devin shared one final embrace, and one very, very passionate kiss. The next time I kiss him like that, he'll be my husband. The thought sent a shiver down her spine and warmed her heart.

"Tasha!" Tasha blinked and focused back on her mother. "Honey, I know you're excited to get back to your man's arms, but you still have the wedding to go through first. Just be patient."

Tasha blushed while her mother chuckled, and continued looking through Tasha's clothes for what she would wear.

XXX

Devin sat on the bridge as the voices carried throughout the Chamber of the Winds. One moment someone was arguing with a cop, the next he listened to the sound of a mother singing a lullaby to her child.

"I thought I might find you here."

Devin didn't turn as Vincent stood behind him. He had long gotten used to his younger brother's stealth, yet it never ceased to amaze him how such a large man could walk so lightly without anyone detecting him. Eventually Vincent sat down, taking the silence as an invitation.

"Today's the 'big' day, huh Vince."

"You don't appear very nervous."

Devin chuckled. "A little. Part is because I just want to make her happy. I did only want to do this marriage thing once." He nudged his brother in a playful gesture. "But then I remember her smile and I know I picked the right one. Now I can understand what you and Cathy have."

"And the other part?" Vincent was curious to what else could possibly make his older sibling so apprehensive.

Now Devin was smiling, reminding Vincent of when they were boys. It was that same smile that usually ended up with the two of them in Father's chamber awaiting punishment.

"The other part," Devin replied, "is wondering just how Tasha's gonna wow me in her wedding dress. No matter where we went together, she never wore a dress. It's had me crazy curious ever since she told me she bought it."

Vincent smiled. "Yes, Catherine mentioned I may need to support you when Tasha walks down the aisle. Apparently it's quite the gown."

"Well, guess we better go meet Pop. He wanted us to meet him for lunch before giving me his father-son-talk." Devin stretched and stood, offering his hand to Vincent. He took it and stood next to clamped Devin on the shoulder before heading to the Dinning Hall.

XXX

"Aboot time ye git 'ere, wee sister. Getting a bawherr slow, ur we?" Maize scolded teasingly as Tasha and Katie approached the salon.

"Ha, ha. Very funny, Maize." Katie shot her sister a smirk. "We had a late breakfast and then our cab got stuck in some traffic. We're only a few minutes late anyway."

Maize laughed. "A'm juist teasing ye, Kate. Forby, Catherine 'n' wee Rosie wur 'ere tae keep me company."

The two very people were standing behind Maize. Catherine held onto her daughter's hand, while the little girl waved. "Hi Tasha!"

"Hey, there's my little cub." Tasha picked Rosie up and gave her a hug. "You ready for a fun day at the spa with the girls?"

"Yep, yep, yep."

The three women laughed and walked into the salon. The consultants looked up and smiled as they entered. They salon was owned by one of the Helpers, so Catherine could remove her disguise without worry. Once they checked their appointment, they each were told to pick a nail polish, then take a seat. They chose their colors and sat down first for manicures. After that was done, they received their pedicures. Rosie laughed the first few minutes because of her ticklish feet, but she finally sat still long enough for the consultant to paint her toenails. Once their nails were dry, Tasha and the rest of the group was led over to get their hair done.

While Katie and Maize talked about what kind of hairstyle they wanted, Tasha chatted with Catherine as Rosie looked through the picture magazines.

"So, you nervous yet?" Catherine asked.

"Nervous doesn't even cover it." Tasha chuckled. "Was it this bad the day you and Vince tied the knot?"

"Oh yes, but more from excitement then anything else. When I walked down the isle, I wondered if Vincent was as nervous as I was. When I finally met his gaze, I could tell any apprehension he had melted when he saw me. The warmth I saw in his eyes; such unconditional love." Catherine smiled and turned to Tasha. "I'm sure you'll see the same in Devin when you meet him at the alter."

"Thanks Cathy." Tasha took her hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. In truth, there was something else on her mind. It was one of the worries she'd had about tonight, but she wasn't sure how to ask. It was a rather awkward thing to ask. Luckily she didn't have the chance to worry.

"Tasha dear," Maize called, "yer mither juist reminded me aboot yer jammy token." She got up with her hair still in curlers to grab her wedding bag. She carried it over and sat down next to her niece. She reached back into her bag and pulled out a small gift box. It was chocolate brown with aqua strips, and a matching aqua ribbon. Tasha removed the ribbon and opened the box. What lay inside made Tasha gasp as well as blush lightly. There, lying in the box was a white Sheer Organza Garter with a blue band.

Looking up from the magazines, Rosie watched as Tasha lifted a strange object from the little box. "What that?"

Catherine and Maize laughed as Tasha's cheeks burned a brighter shade of red. Taking pity on her daughter, Katie answered for her. "Well Rosebud, that's a garter. Garters are like bracelets but for legs."

"Why?" Rosie asked.

There was another round of laughter, and to spare her daughter further embarrassment, Maize got up from her seat to take Rosie. "Honey, why don't we look at some more pretty hair styles over here, okay?"

"Okay good, okay fine." Once Rosie was out of earshot, Tasha let out a sigh of relief. She really was grateful for the gift, but it was a more scandalous accessory than she was used to wearing. Tasha didn't even wear bikinis because they were too revealing. Despite her tuff-girl exterior, Tasha was a very modest woman. Still, Maize had gone to the trouble to get her the gift, and thanking her was the least she could do.

"Wow Maize, thanks," Tasha replied. "Now I have my something blue."

Maize chuckled. "Ah, bit that be ainlie hauf th' gift dear."

Maize reached back into her bag and pulled out a flask. The flask puzzled both Catherine and Tasha. It was white and embellished with lace, a matching blue ribbon, and a pretty crystal buckle. The lace and ribbon on the flask matched the band on the garter. There were also two charms attached just beneath the buckle: a Heliotrope Heart and a pewter handgun. Then to their amazement they watched as Maize took the flask and, using a special clasp on the back of the flask, she attached it to the garter. Maize laughed.

"Th' garter is specially designed 'n' sized wi' th' proper tension tae haud up a 3oz flask stowed oot o' liquid, whilk ah taken th' liberty tae fill fur ye."

Tasha took the flash and undid the lid. Placing her finger over the top, she tipped the flask. Quickly turning it over she then licked the tip of her finger. "Mmm, Scottish whiskey. My favorite."

"Ah hud yer cousin in Glescae send ower some o' his homemade brew," Maize stated. "A bawherr bridle the noo, sin he coudnae come."

"I'll have to remember to send him a thank you card."

"Ah bit mind, Tasha, that whiskey insae juist fur ye," Maize warned teasingly. "Yer guidman get's at least hauf o' that." She couldn't help the little wink at the end, making Tasha blush even further.

"Ms. McCracken, it's time to take the curlers out," said the hair consultant. She left with the consultant, leaving Catherine and Tasha alone again.

Catherine turned and gave her friend a questioning look. "Tasha, can I ask you something?"

"Say no more, I already know what you're gonna say."

"You do?"

Tasha smiled. "You're worried I'm gonna chug this flask before the wedding when the jitters hit. Well, not to worry. You and I both know me and the rest of my family can hold our liquor. Scottish whisky is not only the most popular Scottish drink, but my family's used it to steady nerves before any major event. But I promise, I won't drink any before the ceremony. I'd rather not have the taste of whisky on my lips for my first kiss as Mrs. Devin Wells."

Catherine laughed. "That's not exactly what I meant, but good to know."

Now Tasha was puzzled. "Well, what's up?"

"Earlier, before Maize, you looked concerned about something," Catherine explained. "Is there something you'd like to talk about?"

Crap! Tasha panicked. I can't believe I was so obvious. "Well, uh… Ya see, Cathy…umm…it's-it's really not the kind of, well, the kind of thing someone wants to ask, let alone talk about. Especially the day of their wedding."

Catherine leaned over and took her friends hand. "Tasha, you can ask me anything."

"Ms. Lockhart, Mrs. Wells. We're ready for you now." Two consultants were standing before them, waiting to style the two women's hair.

Tasha was hesitant. "Can I ask you later, Cath? You know, somewhere less…public?"

"Of course." They smiled and let the consultants lead them away.

Once the appointment was over, the consultant led them to the back room where a Tunnel entrance was located. Catherine and Tasha were going to head back to retrieve Mary and their dresses. Along the way Tasha spoke with Catherine about her worries, and Catherine was quick to reassure her. Catherine easily assured her friend that every bride felt that way, though she could tell Tasha was still concerned. Meanwhile Rosie, Katie, and Maize got everything set back at the hotel. Just as Katie and Maize finished setting up the make-up station, Tasha opened the door. Maize quickly ushered the three women in and shut the door. Katie helped Mary lay out their dresses while Catherine grabbed her outfit, and slipped into the next room to help Tasha into her wedding dress. Both Maize and Katie protested that they should help, but Tasha had insisted on surprising them.

After the three women and the little were dressed, Catherine slipped out. "Are you ready to see the bride?"

"YES!" came the statement from all four. Catherine smiled and stepped back to open the door. She used the doorstop and moved out of the way so Tasha wouldn't have to slip past her large belly. And then, Tasha stood in the doorway, her veil pulled back so they could get the full view of her dress."

"Well I'll be," Mary exclaimed. Having sewn many a dress, she was amazed with the detail and the material put into the gown.

Maize was flabbergasted. "Ne'er in a' mah years… Tasha darlin', this gown is beyond anythin' A'd Jalouse fur ye."

Katie just didn't have the words. Her eyes were filled with tears. She walked over and took her daughter's hands. Even up close the gown made it all the more real, yet the moment seemed straight out of the realm of dreams.

"Mom," Tasha asked. "Do you like it?"

"Oh Tasha, it's more than anything I could've dreamed for you." She drew her daughter into a hug, careful not to wrinkle the ethereal gown.

"Pretty!" Rosie said. Tasha leaned over and smiled at the little girl. She drew back from her mother and smiled at all her friends.

"Well, what are we all standing around here for? We got ourselves a wedding to get to."

They all started bustling about. As Maize handed out the bouquets for Catherine and Tasha, she placed Tasha's on the table. "Noo fur yer neist 'n' final token." She smiled as she reached in and pulled out a silver coin, and placed it in Tasha's hand.

"'ere is yer silver six pence, bit pat it in th' pouch fur it wull fall oot o' they strappy sandals o' yers. 'n' yin fur ye tae, Catherine." Taking out another silver sixpence Maize handed it to Catherine. "Ah will need ye tae gie it tae yer guidman tae gie tae Devin fur th' doo. Juist please mind tae remind him tae steid it ben his left shoe."

"I'll make sure he gets it," Catherine said, placing the coin in her pocket.

Tasha laughed. "Sorry bout that Cat. This is the one tradition Maize goes a little overboard on."

Maize gave Tasha a stern smile. "Tis a custom dating a' th' wey back tae Scots times, lassie. Dinnae ye be sassing th' auld ways noo, ye 'ere me?"

"Wouldn't dream of it Maize."

They quickly put on the finishing touches before setting out. It was almost time for the ceremony to start, and they needed to get to Central Park soon. Catherine was getting Rosie ready for her part in the wedding as Mary helped put the finishing touches on Katie's and Maize's dresses. When it was time to leave, Mary held Rosie's hand out the door, followed by Maize, and then Catherine. Tasha was the last to leave the room. She took her bouquet and had once last look in the mirror. She still could hardly believe the woman starring back at her was herself. But that was her and soon she'd be married to the man of her dreams. Her mother touched her arm and said it was time.

This is it! I'm getting married.

XXX

AN: And now, the moment you've all been waiting for… is in the next chapter.

Had you going there for a moment didn't I? lol Well don't worry, you will get to see the dress soon enough.