Chapter 21

2 Weeks Later

(Jake)

Today was the day.

The day that every single man secretly fears…ha-ha no.

Deep down inside, I was thrilled.

I turned my head over on my pillow and looked up at the ceiling.

I was finally getting married.

And Cassie deserved a perfect ceremony, even if our plans were thrown together at the last minute.

She deserved nothing less than the best.

That seems to be our MO these days…

There was a knock at the door.

"Yo, Jake, it's your friendly neighborhood best man." Marco stuck his head through the doorway.

"Ehhh…just a second…." I said groggily.

I turned over.

The clock said 1 PM.

"It's 1?"

"Yeah, it's 1. Your folks called me over to make sure you still wanted to do this. To tell you the truth man, after the bachelor party, I might be having second thoughts myself-"

Marco had taken the liberty of hiring out a Gentlemen's club for my bachelor party. I think I can leave the rest to your imagination.

"Nah, man, those strippers in that place? HARMLESS. All silicone. My woman is 100 human. With special superhuman powers. I'll take that any day." I pulled a sheet off of my body.

Marco just chuckled and stood in the doorway, dressed up in a nice white tuxedo.

"Anyway, the ceremony starts at 4. We have 2 and ½ hours to get you dressed and ready."

"Where are my parents?"

"I just spoke to them. They're upstairs helping the rest of your family get ready for the wedding."

"Oh."

"Well, I thought you would be a little happier that your cousins and Grandparents are coming back."

"Heh, you've never spent extended periods of time with them. Not counting Jordan and Sara."

"You're right. Relatives, they're a piece of work." He went over to the bathroom as I started to drag myself out of the bed and prepared for my shower.

They certainly are.

After my shower, a quick shave, inserting my fake eye, and Marco spiking my hair with gel, I was almost ready to go.

Marco walked over to the closet to get my tuxedo.

"All we need is to get you in this tux and we're ready. Wow, Cassie was right. White is a great color for summer-"

"Marco-" I heard my dad yell down the stairs. "Is he ready?"

"No Dad, I still need to get dressed." I yelled back

"Well, you only have an hour and a half." Dad came into the room, checking his watch.

"I know, I know. I've just been trying to be a little bit more independent in getting ready."

"He has, Dr B. he's been making a lot of progress today." Marco pointed out.

Dad looked like he was going to say something, but then stopped.

"Marco, thanks so much for getting him up. I think I can take it from here,"

Dad sat on the side of the bed facing me.

"About 25 years ago, I sat in my med school apartment, a nervous wreck, tuxedo bow in hand. I was about to marry an amazing woman, yet I still couldn't keep my breakfast down. And not everyone in the family was ok with what I was about to do. But you know what, they accepted it after a while, especially after I gave Mom and Dad two wonderful grandkids. The point is, don't worry about what anyone else says. You're following your heart, and that's all that matters."

He hugged me and then started to help me get into my tux. This was the first time he talked about Tom without crying. Maybe he had started healing as well.

"You have a beautiful woman and a lovely child out there, waiting for you to join them."

Finally, he topped it off with my yarmulke.

"You're ready to go Jake."

He put his own on.

"Wait, Dad, can I ask you a question?" I asked him as I started to roll out of my room. "How did you know-?"

"Your old man isn't out of the loop as you think," he smiled as he wheeled me out of the room.

(Cassie)

I woke up early this morning. The sun wasn't out yet, but I could make out the faint impressions of the barn and the fields outside.

I could also see the wedding decorations that the wedding planner had erected outside.

White silk, linen, and crepe EVERYWHERE.

It was kind of funny; this was my fourth planned wedding date.

But this time, it would happen for real.

After we met on the beach, Jake and I had another discussion. We went over our relationship, and our missteps, and came to the conclusion that we were better together than apart. I called the wedding planner, and after much good-natured ribbing on her part, she got our wedding back on track. We only had 2 weeks to plan everything out, so it seemed like every single day was wedding-related.

And now, the day was here.

Unbelievable Cassie, Un freakin believable.

I drew back the curtain and went over to the other side of the room.

Rachel was asleep in the little trundle bed we had been using for her and I pulled the blanket around her shoulders.

I could have walked away from Jake at any time. Rachel and I could have gone on.

But you can never give up on someone you love.

I pulled up a chair and watched her sleep.

Her little freckles framed her button nose.

I could see so many of his features in her.

Both of us, really.

Today would be filled with activity and I just wanted her to rest up before the wedding and reception started.

Our family will be whole again.

It was then I saw the picture of Big Rachel on my nightstand.

She would have been so proud of me, of us. Don't worry Rachel, I know you'll be looking down on us and smiling, wherever you are.

"MOMMY! MOMMY!"

I was sitting on my bed in my wedding dress and I heard Rae yell down the hall.

Lynette was trying to finish crimping my hair and Lauren was doing some last minute checks to my entire outfit.

"Rachel Berenson if you do not come back in here so that I can get you dressed-" I could hear Mom say from down the hall.

Last week, I filed a name change request on Rachel's birth certificate, it was supposed to go through after the wedding. Of course, she was using it as an excuse not to listen to anyone. The child ran into my room and jumped into my lap.

"Hey baby!"

"Mommy, but I no wanna dress up to-day." She stood there half dressed and pouted.

"But sweetie, we've been over this at least 200 times. Mommy and Daddy are getting married today. And you're going to be the flower girl. Only the prettiest girls can be flower girls, and you can't be pretty without your dress on."

"But Mom-mom said I have to go outside. I scar-ed."
We walked over to the window, where I could see many guests outside, filling seats and holding programs. There were even paparazzi set up outside a little barrier.

"Rae, I'm going to let you in on a little secret, I'm scared today too. I'm more scared than I've ever been. But I know everything will be fine because Daddy is down there waiting for us. And after we finish today, we'll be a family again."

She didn't let go of my hand.

I saw Lauren take a small child's dress out of the closet. Lauren agreed to be my maid of honor, although we would have big Rachel's name on the program as well.

Never forget.

"She came running up to you huh? Figures. I wouldn't want to be near your Mom misbehaving either-wow Cassie, you look beat. The bachelorette party wasn't too much for you, was it?"

I rolled my eyes.

"Oh please, they come up there thinking they're hot stuff, I bet you they have to stuff themselves with socks- and how do you know about this? You were supposed to be upstairs babysitting. I want my hundred dollars back, please."

Lauren giggled.

"Besides, Jake packs more than enough down there-"

I realized that Rae was staring up at me. And so was my Mom.

"Excuse me?" she said.

"Sorry Mom,"

She shook her head and left the room.

I covered Rae's ears.

"Anyway, I'm glad that the both of you finally got everything resolved." Lynette came over to me and sat next to me on the bed, undoing the zipper on the dress and putting stockings on Rae.

"Rae, stand up." I ordered.

She grudgingly did so.

"Well, it's all about a give-and-take in a relationship, as you've shown me. Heck, I bet even Grammy couldn't have been married for 54 years without some sacrifice. Rae! Arms up!" I told her.

As I was dressing her, Lauren started putting flowers in my hair.
"I'm just so happy that you're happy today." She gave me a small hug.

"This is something I've been waiting for the last 4 years of my life," I told Lauren. "It's just unreal."

"Rae, Girl, I swear if you don't stand still, I'll-" Lynette was buckling her shoes. "Done. Phew!"

Rae smiled and disappeared back down the hall.

That child, I swear. The next 16 years will be quite a ride…

"Almost ready there, Cassie? Don't worry, this IS real. Maybe I misjudged Jake at first, but anyone who is willing to die for you, I can't get mad at him."

She stood up and looked at me.

"Congratulations," she told me with a hug. "Now, let's go get you married."

(Jake)

Marco somehow got me dressed and ready in enough time to be ready for the ceremony. My nerves were twisting up my stomach.

We were driving to her farm, and on the way there we passed so many places, so many old memories.

It was a huge reminder that one phase of our lives was over, and a new one was starting.

"Thinking man?" Marco asked.

"Yeah, just thinking a bit."

"You know, we can turn the car around-"

"NO! Don't do that! You know I'm ready for this; It's just that Cassie and I are taking the next step. It's different from going steady…we're together for life."

"You couldn't have picked a better person."

The car slowed down as we pulled into Cassie's farm.

"She really loves you dude, and I've watched the both of you since the second grade."
He patted my back.

"Try your best to make today the best day of her life."

The limousine stopped at the side of the house and I saw my parents walk up to the doors.

Mom was all smiles as she came up to the limo. I suppose she got there early.

"Hi Jake. Are you ready!" My mom hugged me as Marco helped me out of the limousine.

"I think so, Mom, I think so. "
"Well, I just wanted to tell you how proud I am, AGAIN, that you're getting married. This past summer, it's been very rocky and we're just so glad…that it can end with some happiness."

Dad just nodded.

I saw the bridesmaids and groomsmen proceed down the aisle, and I swear I was deaf from some beating sounds somewhere.

Then I realized it was my heart.

Calm down, Jake! You can do this!

I looked to both sides of me as I went down the aisle. Justin sat next to Jordan and Sara and put his head down as I rolled by.

My grandparents sat almost near the altar, with my grandfather stroking his beard and smiling.

Thank You.

I got into position, and then Rae started to walk.

She started throwing flowers on the aisle.

So far, so good…c'mon!

But then the paparazzi started flashing their cameras.

She dropped the basket of flowers and ran over to me.

"Daddy, I no like people. They scary!" she started to cry.

"Shh. Then just stay here with me. Mommy will be here soon."

I rubbed her back and then I heard the music start.

Cassie looked stunning in her gown. I could barely believe my eyes. Where did she pick up something like that? The train was so long!

As she walked down the aisle, I could feel my heart start pounding in my chest again. When she arrived at the altar, she leaned down so I could take off her veil.

She was gorgeous.

As always

The priest and the rabbi were both at the altar.

"Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to celebrate the joining of these two people Jacob and Cassandra, in holy matrimony. If there are any people here today who for any reason think that the two of them should not be together, please speak now or forever hold your peace."

No one spoke up.

"The couple has decided to write their own vows. Cassandra, you decided that you would like to go first." The priest said.

She nodded and smiled.

"Sure Father Banion."

Then she turned to me.

"Jake…oh wow…there's so much to say. If I had to list everything that we've been through, from meeting Elfangor until now…everything has been thrown out at us. Everything. In the valley, I just think we…lost our grip on what made our relationship special. And I decided that I couldn't deal with the pressure from both outside and inside our relationship. But I never should have walked away from you when you had your struggles. And when Rae came, well, both of our families know what joy that brought to our lives. What I'm trying to say Jake, a relationship is only worth it if you can find ways to be together through the good times and the bad times. And I know I can't lose you again. Ever."

She held my hand.

"We've gone through too much for that."

"And you, Jacob? Are you ready to speak your vows?"

I nodded.

"Cassie…I…."

Oh great, Jake, you're screwing things up again.

I looked down at the vows I had written out.

They sounded silly and I couldn't justify saying them.

Not today.

"Cassie, I had all these words written down, I was going to-"

The tears just started to fall.

"But I can't say them, they don't, everything,"

I wiped my eyes.

"When I was on that ship, the last thing I remember was telling Marco something very special. Something-"

I stopped again. How was I going to say this to her.

"Cassie, Iskoort."

Everyone just sort of stared at me curiously, but her eyes lit up.

"Jake, do you know how long it's been since-?"

"Shh. Yes, I do. When I hit the Blade Ship, I told Marco to tell you that. I thought I was going to die. But I didn't, and I never realized that I had another opportunity to tell you…but I do now. Cassie, I love you."

She started to cry.

"I love you too, so much, so much," she leaned down to kiss me.

"Not so fast, you two…the rings?" the Rabbi said.

The ring bearer, one of my little cousins on my mom's side, brought the rings.

We placed them on each other's ring fingers.

"Then by the power invested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride,"

Lifting her veil, I saw the same beautiful face that I grew up with.

It's crazy; this is the same woman I used muck stalls with. Just to be with her.

Dad handed me a cane and I smashed the glass someone left for me with it.

"Mazel Tov!" I said. Then Cassie kneeled down for the kiss and apparently we got so into it that both the Rabbi and Priest started to cough.

"May we present to you Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Berenson!" both of them said.

"Yay!" Rae smiled and jumped back up into my arms.

I looked up and both of us started to smile.

Cassie and I held hands as we turned around and went back down the aisle together.

Married.

The reception was awesome.

Marco stood up and gave a great speech during dinner.

"Attention, attention. Everyone, I have an announcement to make. Jake has been my best friends since we were babies. Everyone here knows that. So I think I know him rather well. I also know how long he's been in love. Ever since Cassie transferred into our second-grade class, I knew there was something special between the two of them. And let me tell you, I've watched the two of them grow and share great moments together, along with painful heartbreak. Cassie, Jake, there are no two people in the world who deserve more happiness. You've saved the world."

He lifted his champagne glass.

"Now enjoy it. A toast to Jake and Cassie!" he said.

"Here here!" everyone said.

Drinking my glass full of sparkling cider, I drew Cassie closer to me. Though I was a little concerned.

Tobias hadn't shown up.

We sent Loren and him invitations to the wedding, but he was a no show. We even asked him to be one of the groomsmen, but he was still MIA.

As people started to eat, Marco came over to our table.

"Have you heard from him?"

"No, and this really isn't like him. Or at least what he's done recently." Cassie pointed out as she had her fried tofu with mustard greens and rice. Everything was mashed up really; with so much diversity anyone could choose a plate without offending someone's palate.

But me, I really loved Cassie's family's food.

While I was eating my second helping of sweet potato pie, I saw a silhouette of a young looking teen boy with unmanageable blond hair, followed by a big blue Andalite…Ax!

"Tobias! Ax!"

A loud murmur went through the crowd.

"Sorry I'm late Jake, Cassie, I had to pick up my shorm."

(Hello, Price Jake, I am happy to have made your marriage to Cassie.)

"Tobias, we're both just really glad you're here." Cassie stood up and hugged him, and then Ax.

(I apologize, Tobias was sent to retrieve my ship, but the War Council doesn't know I've left my post today. And they are still mad at me for interfering in human affairs-)

"Wait, Ax, so you're saying that the Andalite Forces don't even know you're here?"

(Yes, Prince Jake.)

I rubbed my head with my hand.

Oh boy.

Just like old times.

"Jake, don't worry about it…this is our day, let's try to make the best of it," Cassie stroked my cheek. "I'm sure Ax can handle himself."

Before I could say anything, I saw a huge circle form on the dance floor. The next thing I knew, I was in the middle of a hora. Cassie got swept up in the female side, with Jordan and Sara leading the way.

This was really fun! Maybe my family wasn't so bad after all.

I was at the side for a moment. Cassie and her dad were having the traditional father-daughter dance.

Uh-oh. I know what comes next.

"Now, I want everyone else to clear the dance floor, it's time for the bride and groom to have their first dance.

I looked at Cassie, mortified.

She looked away.

I'm not going to let her down.

Taking her hand, we strolled to the middle of the floor and the DJ put on an old love song, I think. Cassie's Dad started happily screaming something about Roberta Flack and Donny Hathaway…but I wasn't even paying attention to the lyrics. Something about getting close.

Well, I was really close to Cassie. And I liked feeling this way.

I even let her spin me in the chair.

The focus wasn't on what I couldn't do; it was about making the most out of what I COULD do.

And I felt really good about it.

When the song was over, we heard a lot of clapping, from all around.

Then CRASH!

I saw a very pretty boy going around, eating out of the buffet trays, and as he was doing so, he made one table fall over.

"Um, Cass, who is that boy over there destroying everything? Do I have to call the cops?" Lauren asked.

"AX!" we both yelled at the same time. Then we burst out laughing.

It was a wedding we would never forget.

After that night, we spent another month on our honeymoon, a TRUE vacation, in the Hawaiian Islands. No all-powerful beings, no aliens. Just us.

We did the touristy things, but we really reconnected on a personal level. I think you know what I mean.

As for what started this mess, the Hork-Bajir colony agreed to give me back 10 million dollars from my now void will. It was pretty nice. I mean, I didn't want to take their money, since the government was giving them the run-around. Plus, I was going to use some of the money to help establish a mental health clinic for veterans. Cassie decided to quit her job with the government and just be a full time student for right now,

It just goes to show you that you can get a second chance to make your life right, even if you don't think you deserve it. All I know is, I have the two most important people in my life with me, and I wouldn't want to be anywhere or with anyone else.

The End.

OR IS IT?