The old Victorian had been turned into a bed and breakfast years ago and now specialized in same sex weddings. As a wedding gift, her mother had rented the whole place for the long weekend. As Alex stood near the window of her bridal room she smiled softly. It was an absolutely beautiful place. They'd arrived yesterday afternoon and had been served a bridal tea as they went over everything with the inn's owner and the minister who'd be performing their unique ceremony. After Casey, Serena, Sally, and Munch had arrived they rehearsed everything before having a wonderful dinner. They'd all had such a great time the night before that Alex was taking that as a good sign.
"Alexandra," Her mother said softly as she came into the room. "You need to get dressed darling."
Alex turned from the window and smiled, her eyes brimming with tears. "I was watching Casey trying to chase Allie inside."
Caroline laughed softly. "Allie seemed to find that rather funny."
"She's just playing," Alex reassured her mother as she moved towards the center of the room where her dress was waiting. "She's just as excited as we are."
"I know." Caroline said approvingly as she unzipped the garment bag and pulled out Alex's dress.
The dress was an elegant nineteen-thirties Hollywood style ivory silk dress with a v-neck cut in the front, low scoping back, and beading on the straps. It was fitting, but comfortable. Classic, but non-traditional. It was completely Alex. As her mother helped her into it, Alex couldn't help but trail her finger tips over the material. She was finding it hard to believe this was all real, so she was feeling everything for the tactical reassurance.
"It's beautiful baby." Caroline said as she stood behind her daughter who was looking into the full length mirror. "You're beautiful."
Alex sniffled and laughed at the same time. "Even with my hair in curlers?"
Caroline smiled as she used a handkerchief to wipe tears off her daughter's face. "Even in curlers." Leaning in a bit she kissed her daughter's cheek and took her hand, leading her to the couch where she sat them down. From her pocket she pulled out a small velvet bag and offered it to Alex.
"What's this?" Alex asked as she took the bag with trembling hands.
"Open it." Caroline replied.
Alex did and then carefully poured it's contents into her hand, then gasped. It was a pair of diamond drop earrings that Alex recognized right away. "These are Grandmother's earrings."
"And now their yours." Caroline said with a nod. Now her eyes were filled with tears, and it was Alex's turned to wipe them away. "And someday, they're to be Allison's."
"Oh Mommy," Alex said before wrapping her arms around the older woman. "Thank you, thank you so much for everything."
Caroline hugged her daughter tightly as she cried softly. "You're my baby girl, Alexandra."
"Liv?" Casey asked as she stuck her head into her friend's room. "You need any help?"
Olivia was sitting in the middle of the bed fingering a strand of pearls. She had tears in her eyes when she looked up at Casey and tried to wipe them away quickly. "Allie all set?"
Casey nodded. "Serena's doing her hair." Coming into the room the redhead closed the door behind her then walked over and joined her friend on the bed. She didn't say anything, she simply waited for Olivia to say what she needed too.
Several minutes passed before Olivia finally said, "These were my mother's." She offered the strand to Casey and then drew her knees up to her chest. "I thought I should have something of hers with me today, though I'm not entirely sure why."
"You loved your mom, Liv." Casey said as she held the pearls carefully. "You two didn't have a healthy relationship, but under all the carp, you still loved each other."
Olivia simply nodded.
Casey smiled at her friend then bumped her playfully. "Come on, lets get you dressed."
She'd wanted something simple yet beautiful and slightly different. So when Olivia had seen the soft pale pink strapless dress with the sweetheart neckline that she was now slipping into, she'd fallen for it instantly.
After she put Olivia's hair up into bun and encircled it with the ring of pale pink roses and white gardenias, Casey put the strand of pearls around her friend's neck and smiled. "Wow Liv."
Olivia smiled as she looked at her reflection. "Clean up pretty good huh?"
"You're beautiful darling," Caroline said from the door way.
Casey nodded her agreement. "Breath taking, Liv."
Olivia blushed.
"Casey," Caroline said softly. "Would you mind giving us a moment?"
Casey nodded. "Sure Mrs. Cabot. I'll go see if Allie managed to wrap Reenie in ribbon."
Once they were alone Caroline walked over and kissed Olivia's cheek before handing her a velvet box. "Here my darling."
"What's this?" Olivia asked as she took the box.
Caroline laughed. "Popular question, so I'll tell you the same thing I told Alexandra. Open it."
Olivia smirked as she opened the flat square box. Chocolate brown eyes grew twice their normal size as she took in the stunning diamond bracelet inside. "Caroline?"
"It was mine," The older woman said as she took the bracelet from the box and lifted Olivia's hand. "I wore this the day I married my Alex," She explained as she put it on Olivia. "I thought it would be perfect for you to wear as you marry your's."
Tears welled in Olivia's eyes as she tried to think of what to say. "Caroline I…"
"You're my daughter now Olivia," Caroline said. "You have been for a while."
"Thank you." Olivia said tearfully.
Caroline smiled and wiped tears from Olivia's cheek just as she'd done for Alex.
