Chapter 35
(see my Profile for more info ... Cast of Characters ... Timeline ... etc ...)
The Forrester Mansion … Living Room … Several minutes later …
Stephanie and Matt had gone into the Study with Stephanie's doctor. Matt's family
took that as their cue to go to their bedrooms to freshen up. Hope, Ally, RJ and Dominick were all occupied with making their grandma and new grandpa a wedding card while Zende supervised. The rest of Stephanie's family was left alone to just sit there and mull over their future.
"This is going to take some getting used." Phoebe announced to no one in particular. "We've never had to share Grandma with anyone else before."
"So just what do we know about this guy? How can we be sure he's really good enough for Stephanie?" Rick asked – more forceful than he intended.
"Rick – I think it's safe to say that Matt is a well-respected and law abiding citizen who happens to be madly in love with Mother." Ridge assured him.
"Besides - I told you – he's been the Chief of Staff of Stephanie's Pediatric Research Center for over 30 years PLUS he's won THREE Nobel Prizes. That's as good as it gets." Bridget reminded him.
"Add to that the fact that if anyone so much as looks at Mom cross-eyed - the man would tear you limb from limb – and you pretty much have the whole picture." Thorne added.
"But what does Grandpa think about all of this?" Thomas asked confused.
"Guess you could say that your Grandpa isn't doing much thinking these days. At least not with his brain." Felecia told them flatly.
"Felicia." Ridge reprimanded her.
"What? It's the truth."
"I heard about him and his latest bimbo. No offense." He looked at Rick and Bridget. "But he's the laughing stock of Forrester International." Thomas told them, making a face. "Grandpa's never had to deal with the fact that Grandma is going to marry another man – other than him. Does he even know?"
"Oh – he knows alright." Thorne assured him. "And he's not taking it well - at all."
"WE'VE never had to deal with Grandma marrying another man – other than him – before, either." Steffy pointed out. "I mean the man sounds like he's the perfect match for her – not to mention that he's drop dead gorgeous – but still … Phoebs is right – we've never had to share her. Or compete for her attention."
"Or go any real length of time without seeing her." Phoebe added. "I feel like I'm going into withdrawal already. Grandma has ALWAYS been there for us. And now –"
"Get used to it, Sweetie." Felicia told her glumly. "This is a whole new world we're living in. After Saturday, we won't see her again for over four weeks. And then, after that – who knows." She shrugged.
"Did you forget that Matt said he wasn't going to force Mother to move away from LA?" Thorne pointed out, trying to optimistic.
"They left where they're going to live up in the air – until after the wedding – and the honeymoon." Kristen reminded them. "You can just bet it won't be Florida." She added glumly, sinking back into Tony's arms even more as he kissed the top of her head.
"No one is forcing you to live in Florida, sis. Move back home and you'll have at least a 50-50 chance of seeing Mom again." Thorne pointed out.
"We could always open up an East Coast branch of Forrester Creations -" Rick suggested.
"Where in the hell is all this interest and concern for OUR mother coming from?" Felicia asked suspiciously. "You've done your damnest –"
"Look - I know I've been a real ass towards Stephanie these past couple of years but I never thought I'd actually have to – well, you know –" Rick just shrugged, leaving his words hanging.
"Live your life without her?" Ridge finished for him.
"Well – yeah. None of us have ever had to – including Budge and me. Stephanie's been more like a real mother to us than our – "
"We get the picture, Rick. We lived through the whole mess along with you." Thorne frowned. "Some of us have even done our part to make it an even bigger mess." He admitted.
"So why are we supposed to be so supportive of this marriage then?" Thomas bottom-lined it.
"Because it's what's best for HER. Stephanie deserves that." Bridget pointed out. "More than any of us – Stephanie deserves happiness. And now, she's found it. With Matt."
"Bridget is right." Ridge agreed. "It's time for us to stop being so selfish and spoiled and do what is right. For Mother's sake."
"We will." Thorne agreed. "And we have to remember that tonight is the last night that Mother will be spending in this house. So we should do our best to make it a really special memory for her – and for us."
"Well – when you put it like that –" Felicia sniffed as her eyes clouded with tears.
"Yeah, Uncle Thorne. Thanks for cheering us up." Steffy sniffed as well.
"Hey – it's just the reality of the situation. So let's make the best of it."
"It's going to be hard to make this night so special if the lady in question isn't even here with us." Kristen pointed out.
"Well – let's just PRETEND that she's here so when they do join us – the party is already in progress." Pam suggested as she joined the glum group. "I could use some help getting dinner ready. I thought it'd be fun if we have a barbecue down by the pool – since the weather is so nice and warm."
The Forrester Mansion … Stephanie's Bedroom … 6:30 PM …
Stephanie shifted in Matt's arms and held up her hand to look at her new ring – again.
"I can't believe its official … I'm finally Mrs. Matthew Brannigan … Stephanie Brannigan." She whispered then let out a contented sigh as Matt snuggled into her even more.
"Mmmm … and I'm the Mr. to your Mrs. … nothing has ever felt more right than this does."
Matt sighed just as contentedly. "The rest of our life is going to be one long heavenly honeymoon, Mrs. Brannigan. I promise you that."
"I promise you that, too." She grinned then turned back into him and met his mouth in another long, satisfying kiss. "It's off to a very good start." She teased his lips with hers. "Marriage obviously agrees with the both of us."
"Mmmm … very obviously." He added as he slid his hand over her bare skin, insisting. "We're never going to wait that long to make love again."
"You won't get any argument from me, my love. My body craves your touch … Mmmm … just like that." She sighed as his hand continued to work their magic on her. "Lay on top of me more. I love to feel the weight of your body on mine."
Grinning, Matt scooted over even more.
"How's that?" He whispered into her ear then started to nibble on it.
"Perfect. If I had to choose one position to spend the rest of my life in – this would be it." She slid her hand up and down his bare back slowly – teasingly – giving him a seductive smile. "So – my darling – what are you doing the rest of your life?"
"We'll live together and die together just like this. Just an old married couple stuck together forever." He assured her with a satisfying kiss then added, "We could pre-order a casket large enough so we can be buried together just like this as well."
She laughed softly at the suggestion.
"Or we could be more environmentally friendly and be cremated together – just like this – with our ashes mixed together and used to fertilize the garden that we're going to grow once we buy our new home."
"Hmmm … I could go along with something like that." He agreed thoughtfully then let out another contented sigh. "Thank you, my darling … for loving me and letting me love you and for marrying me and making all my dreams come true." He whispered emotionally as he took hold of her hand and entwined their ring fingers together.
"All OUR dreams are coming true." Stephanie whispered back then had to suppress a yawn into his shoulder.
"Nap time for us old folks?" He teased.
"A short nap would be nice." She pulled the covers up closer around them.
"And then that nice long hot bath." He reminded her.
"And then something to eat. Maybe even one of your famous martinis." She raised an eyebrow.
"And a lot of stares and whispers from our family members." He made a face.
"We might as well just tell them that we went ahead and got married this afternoon."
"Might as well … who knows - maybe we'll get lucky and they'll decide that since they missed the civil ceremony, they'll boycott the religious ceremony and just go home."
The Forrester Mansion … Pool Area … 9:30 PM
The Forrester and Brannigan Families have continued to mesh together for the most part as they enjoyed a nice, relaxing barbecue down by the pool. The youngest children have already gone to bed while the rest are just sitting around and talking about nothing in particular – like the unseasonably warm California weather, national politics, the economy …
"You've mentioned "the family business" more than once –" Greg pointed out. "Just what business is that?" He asked curiously, getting everyone else's attention. "I mean it must be successful – considering the size of this mansion and all but –"
They just looked at him silently for a moment, surprised he'd have to ask.
"We have a company called Forrester Creations – a fashion house –" Ridge explained.
"My God – are you serious?" Susan interrupted, shocked. "You're THAT Forrester Family?"
"That's us." Felicia shrugged, making a face.
"This is embarrassing." Susan had to admit. "I thought some of you looked familiar but I just didn't make the connection."
"That's quite alright. Sometimes it's nice when people don't." Thorne admitted, making a face.
"Just what is a "fashion house"?" David had to ask confused as he peered over the top of his glasses at Ridge.
"We design and sell women's fashion … clothes … haute couture, mostly. Though we've branched out into other areas –"
"I just bought my daughter a bottle of Phoebe cologne. And now - there sits the real Phoebe - right under my nose." Susan pointed out.
Phoebe smiled self-consciously.
"Well – that was Grandma's idea to name it after me." She shrugged. "Felicia came first."
"So Stephanie is involved in the business as well?" Joyce spoke up curiously.
"Very much so. She and Dad started the business together right after they were married. Mother is the real business genius behind it's success. The glue that's held us all together through all the ups and downs." Thorne explained proudly.
"A marketing mastermind. Stephanie's instincts are amazing." Rick added.
"How has she managed all that? Raising 4 children, managing your business as well as the foundation that our Mattie has worked for all these years –" Mary spoke up.
"We often wonder about that as well." Kristen admitted.
"And actually – Stephanie raised 6 children." Bridget corrected her.
"I see." Mary raised a thoughtful eyebrow then quickly turned her attention to the stairway as they all watched Stephanie and Matt come into view.
Stephanie was wearing a white cashmere sweater and slacks set while Matt was wearing a black cashmere sweater and slacks set. Stephanie's white hair glistened in the moonlight as they came closer. Seeing the two of them together with their sparkling eyes and easy smiles held onto everyone's attention.
"Let me just say that it's really nice of the two of you to join us." David spoke up, breaking the spell.
"We finally got bored with each other's company so –" Matt shrugged as he tried not to grin too obviously, getting an exasperated look from Stephanie.
"We kept the grill going – in case you're hungry." Thorne spoke up.
"Actually – we're starved. Thank you, honey." Stephanie leaned over and gave his cheek a quick kiss.
"You missed saying good-night to all your grandchildren." Felicia pointed out.
"No we didn't. We just finished tucking them all in and giving them each a kiss good night." Stephanie gave her a mischievous wink as she slipped her arm around Matt's waist. "Mmmm … it's a perfect night to be down here by the pool." She sighed as she pulled Matt over to the railing to show him the view of the lights below and the stars above.
Matt wrapped his arms around her shoulders as they looked out across the horizon. Sighing heavily, he nuzzled her cheek and whispered.
"It's a perfect night to be anywhere with you, my bride."
Grinning, Stephanie turned and met his lips in a deep, tender kiss.
"So much for the boredom excuse." Thomas pointed out, louder than intended.
"Why don't I fix us a plate of food while you mix some martinis." Stephanie suggested with a quick kiss before they rejoined the others.
"You could at least tell us what your doctor had to say, Mother." Ridge spoke up impatiently.
"Ben said that I'm doing just fine and should live another 60 years or so." Stephanie gave him a reassuring smile.
"Gee, Mom – that's nice to know." Felicia spoke up dully.
"And the rest of the men that filed into the Study?" Kristen pointed out.
"What other men?" Peter asked curiously.
"My – you're a bunch of nosy busybodies – aren't you?" Matt pointed out good-naturedly as he went to work on the pitcher of martinis.
"After you guys went upstairs – they had four more visitors." Kristen filled them in.
"And you're just dying to know what that was all about – aren't you?" Stephanie teased good-naturedly as she started to nibble on some of the food.
"Give us a break – can you blame us?" Felicia pointed out.
"Ahhhh –" Stephanie tried to sound sympathetic. "Alright." She decided as she carried the plate of food over to the remaining empty lounge chair and sat down. "Next came Judge Reynolds. He was kind enough to deliver our marriage license –"
"You had a judge make a house call to hand deliver your marriage license?" Davey asked incredulously.
"Well – we had planned on going to the court house ourselves this afternoon but a certain family's unexpected early arrival kinda put a crimp in those plans." Matt pointed out as he carried two glasses over and joined Stephanie on the lounge chair.
Hearing that, Davey gave his sister a sheepish look.
"Next came my attorney with some legal documents that had to be signed –"
"Aha – the Prenup –" Greg guessed out loud than made a sheepish face. "Sorry."
"Not a Prenup." Stephanie told him then took a long sip of her martini. "Mmmm – you've outdone yourself tonight, Dr. Feelgood." She smirked as she leaned to give Matt a kiss.
"In more ways than one, I trust." He winked mischievously as he took his own sip.
"Absolutely." She winked back. "Anyway – where was I –"
"Not a Prenup." Susan spoke up to remind her.
"And not anyone else's business." Matt pointed out as he chewed a mouthful of food.
"And then – " Stephanie hesitated, raising an eyebrow at Matt.
"Since we had a judge, a marriage license and two witnesses – Stephanie and I decided that we didn't want to wait any longer – so we had Judge Reynolds perform a civil wedding ceremony." Matt told them slowly but matter-of-factly.
The two of them watched as the news sunk in and shocked all of the others.
"The two of you are already married?" Darcy spoke up stunned.
"Legally." Stephanie answered quietly. "We're still going to have the religious ceremony on Saturday."
"The two of you were in the Study – getting married – while the rest of us were here in this house
- waiting for you." Ridge pointed out.
Stephanie hesitated then shrugged.
"Yes." She answered simply then took another longer sip of her martini.
"And you can't see why something like that would upset us?" Ridge asked incredulously.
"Honey – it's not that we can't see it …" Stephanie let her voice trail off then paused. "Matthew and I are not going to live our lives based on what may or may not upset - or even please - other people. The ceremony was the way we wanted it to be – very simple and very private." She told him as gently as possible. "And for the record – it was my idea."
There was a long, strained silence before David spoke up.
"So back to my earlier question – then why did you even invite us here to begin with?"
Matt made a thoughtful face.
"Our answer is the same as it was then. If you still want to attend our religious ceremony – we still want you to – so you'll still need to be ready to leave at noon tomorrow."
"Well – I for one wouldn't miss it for the world. And I just want to say congratulations to the both of you." Pam finally spoke up as she went over and gave Stephanie a hug.
"Thank you, sweetie." Stephanie whispered emotionally.
"My guess is – you'll be sleeping late tomorrow and won't be down for breakfast –" Pam teased, trying to lighten the mood.
"Well – actually – Matthew and I have an early morning appointment to keep so we won't even be here –"
"We won't?" Matt interrupted surprised. "What appointment?"
Stephanie raised a mysterious eyebrow.
"It's a surprise." She shrugged then gave him a wink. "The bride's prerogative."
"Well – it's been a long, long day." Mary spoke up. "I think it's best if we just get some sleep." She suggested as she looked over at her sulking husband.
"Goodnight." Matt just told them all simply with a shrug as he continued to eat – seemingly unbothered by the fact that no one else had congratulated them.