To set the mood if you are so inclined, you can visit one of my daughter's (cello) favorite inspirational string quartet sites and listen to snipits of the music mentioned for the ceremony. Sagestringquartet (dot com) /soundvideo/

Chapter 54

The string quartet was just starting to warm up after tuning their instruments in the alcove off the side of the church and the sound was wafting through the open doors when a stretch limo arrived in the front followed closely of course by a familiar SUV as Frank's immediate detail fanned out before five sharply dressed men and two handsome boys stepped into the afternoon sunshine. Most of the guests were still milling about outside as it was a glorious fall day and a rousing cheer went up from all as the male side of the wedding party made their first appearance. The crowd gathered was intended to be intimate, consisting of only the closest friends and family with very limited political attendees, but wound up still fairly sizeable considering Reagan's stance in the city. Tom McPherson soon appeared from inside and began doling out the light orange rose boutonnières to all the men in formalwear on his wife's strict orders.

"Well, it's about time," Eddie's former full-time partner and now Sergeant, Mark Wilson, greeted Jamie with a firm handshake as he was holding a little brown-haired boy in his arms and the pair were likewise dressed in the party's tux style since he and Jamie's former rookie George Mahoy had been volunteered to act as ushers. Kara's young son Brandon, now hanging out with his buddy "Policeman Mark" had originally been slated to be the ring bearer, but a late terrible three's propensity for balking in public and all-out temper tantrums caused his mother to be too nervous to allow for a possible ceremony stopper, so the plan was revised a few weeks ago to have Kaylin fly solo for the big event while her counterpart still dressed formally, but hung out with his dad in the pew and popped in for pictures whenever he was so inclined. Eddie was remarkably relaxed about things like that, especially with the little ones and she called the shots, so as long as the bride was happy, Jamie had no qualms with however she wanted to handle things so long as that ring ended up on her finger today and they were off on the trip of a lifetime late the following evening.

"It's not often I agree to get into one of these stiff suits, but I had to do it for Janko," Mark continued. "I was getting nervous you weren't going to show... you know I would have been forced to hunt you down, even if you are the PC's kid. If you think I could survive a tour in the car with her after something like that… well I just won't go there. I'd have to transfer out."

"I know," Jamie smiled with a twinkle in his eyes as he teased Brandon with a little fist pumping handshake and a pinch on the nose. "I'm glad you still have Eddie's back, but I'm here. Wouldn't dream of leaving her at the altar," he added as he straightened up. In truth, despite Lillian's strict attention to detail, the men were running a little late as it had taken some time for him to compose himself after reading his mother's letter… a situation that had been communicated ahead to avert any panic, but he was at peace now and feeling oddly calm. As Eddie had implied before, they were already married in their hearts and it was just the matter of this formal ceremony to make it official.

"Harvard, you dog!" Renzulli exclaimed as he was next in line as they walked the gauntlet and he grabbed Jamie by the back of the neck. "Took ya long enough to get here! Didn't I just give you a watch yesterday? Knowin' the time is important when you're married too or you'll find yourself locked out of the house with the cat! I thought I taught you better than that. You know how to use one of those old-time ones, right?"

"Got it right here," Jamie admitted with a grin as he tapped his pocket. "Thanks again."

"Well, now you've got my missus all nervous and teary-eyed already and that was just from her waiting for you to show and looking around inside at the flowers. Wait until the music starts and she sees Kaylin and Eddie! We're gonna need a mop for the floor. Adele gets herself all worked up at these things. Congratulations, kid!"

Just as he stepped away from his former TO, the first strains of the quartet's prelude began to emanate from the church and Jamie had to bite back a smile as he paused for a second to figure out what to do with the flower he had just been handed. Eddie refused to remain completely stuffy with the ceremony and had chosen a progressive foursome to add some fun to the proceedings to see how many of their guests were actually paying attention. In addition to the traditional wedding selections of Bach, Wagner and Handel, there were going to be contemporary pieces from Broadway, cinema, the Beatles and even Guns N' Roses. Indeed, the uptempo Firework by Katy Perry, one of Eddie's favorites, appeared to be starting everything off with a bit of a bang. There was even a little of the hated Queen planned later for a particular older brother, but that fact remained a closely guarded secret for now.

"Jamie! Jamie Reagan! Come over here! What are you doing with that, silly?! I'll help you! You're putting it on crooked!" an unmistakable shrill voice cut through the surrounding air as an effervescent petite brunette dragged her own apparent love over towards him by the arm and grabbed the boutonnière out of his hands as he fumbled with it. Addison Greene and George Mahoy had defied the odds and we're still going strong as the seemingly once mismatched couple were now just a few months shy of their own first year dating anniversary and Jamie had a feeling that his old protégé was getting set to pop the question himself soon. "You men are just helpless at this," she chided as she fixed them both up and paused to give Jamie a peck on the cheek as she brushed his shoulders off and straightened the knot in his tie. "There," she said with satisfaction as she pulled her phone out to take a picture of the two former partners together. "Now stand up straight and say 'pumpernickel!'..." she demanded as they obediently posed with big smiles. "Angie and my parents send their love. Baby Michael is still too much of a handful to travel with or they would have been here to see this," she kidded. "Little Jamie Reagan's getting married today," came the friendly mocking sing-song voice as she sent out the promised text to her family in Seattle.

"You look beautiful, Addie... so glad you came," Jamie smirked as he returned the favor and hoped that his future mother-in-law was nowhere near to spot them, although he had found it amusing when Eddie had revealed Eva's seeming obsession with his former short-term girlfriend. At least from all reports it seemed that mother and daughter had resolved their differences and the procession down the aisle appeared to be back to the original plan which was a great relief to all. "And George, you're looking sharp there, man! Thanks for helping us out today, but you know how women get when they see you in formalwear… good luck with that," he kidded as he leaned in for a final whisper which was purposefully loud enough for another to hear. "Lillian takes reservations a year in advance here unless you're special like me."

"Gee, thanks, Sarge," George acknowledged with a warm smile as he took Addie's arm proudly once more and she gave him a knowing squeeze, the poor ex-rookie and now key CompStat man was toast and he knew it. "I'll keep that in mind. Good to see you still have my back."

"Anytime," Jamie grinned as Spencer walked up on an obvious mission to move the proceedings along.

"Alright Jamers, c'mon now," he prodded with a smile as he pried the groom away from the other well wishers and pushed him towards the front doors of the church. "Clear a path people… enough stalling. The boss says it's time to get him inside so the guests can be seated and the girls can come down from the house. Can't let you see that beautiful bride before her big moment and spoil everything… I'll get fired then probably tossed in a lockup somewhere and I have a garter to catch at the reception tonight. Here we go… let's get a move on it..."

"Jamie, wait!" Erin called as she and Linda were hurrying up the path to perform a promised final check of the Reagan men before the ceremony. "Hands off, Croft!" she ordered as Spencer obediently relinquished his hold with his arms in the air before she stopped short to tilt her head and listen to the latest melody emanating from the musicians within. "Isn't that from Cats?" she asked as the show tune 'Memory' was being played with particular vigor.

"For Bear," Jamie snickered. "He's part of the family. Kaylin insisted that he was invited and cried when we told her he couldn't come so Eddie had them add some stuff throughout the day for her."

"Oh, little brother… you are such a good daddy," his sister sighed with a smug smile as she straightened his already perfectly placed boutonnière and tie before brushing his shoulders off once more and resting her forehead against his and staring him straight in the eyes. "I'm glad you're having fun today. You are right?" she asked. "I mean you're gonna be okay up there?"

"I'm gonna be fine," he assured. "I promise. I love you, sis, but we've gotta get things rolling here. I can't mess this up. We're supposed to be inside already."

"Alright," she sniffled as she still refused to let him go as she held onto his arms. "I know I'm not the best one to ask, but if Mom were here she would tell you… you know, to remember that every marriage has its ups and downs, and what Grandma said is true…"

"That the secret to success is falling in love over and over again, but always with the same person," he finished for her with a soft smirk. "I know; she told me herself today," he assured as he slipped the envelope out of his breast pocket where it would be kept close to his heart just to show her.

"Oh, Jamie!" she sobbed as she read it and then wrapped her arms around him even tighter and refused to let him go. Spencer just rolled his eyes as he watched from a distance and looked around for help. They weren't any closer to getting the groom inside and half the guests had already been seated. The last thing he wanted to see was Lillian coming down the path and shaking her finger at him.

"C'mon, Erin… turn off the waterworks and let the kid go before you get him started again," Danny called as Linda was likewise giving her husband and the boys the final once over. Besides, I'm getting hungry!" he deflected as he fingered a small object in his pocket. Things needed to move along now or they would lose the light for pictures at the end, especially since he had his own little encore planned. "Dad! You better get over there and pull her off of him!" he admonished as Frank and Henry began knowingly to make their way towards them.

"Okay, sweetheart," Frank sighed as he came over to claim his daughter and he slipped his arm in hers to ground her. "Erin, it's time to let him go now. I'll tell you the same thing I said to Eva, you're not losing a brother today, you're gaining a sister and some entertaining new in-laws," he paused as he finally managed to separate her. "You ready, son?" he asked as his eyes fell on his youngest and he put a big hand on his shoulder.

"Now or never, right?" Jamie huffed with a smile as Henry likewise offered his congratulations and clapped his grandson proudly on the back. "Let's do this."

Finally everything was set after one final brief pause to light four special candles for those who were present in spirit only, and according to Lillian's well-scripted plan the groomsmen entered in tongue-in-cheek fashion as the quartet played their last non-secular sort of piece before the ceremony began and Jamie, Spencer, Danny, Jack and Sean were presented with an enthusiastic violin and cello dueling rendition of "Throne Room" from Star Wars which caused Eddie to laugh out loud as the girls had finally been permitted safely to make their way down the path from the main house and were now gathered in order at the top of the steps out in front of the church.

After a moment to settle the guests, the lights dimmed to enhance the mood of the candlelit sanctuary, and the first strains of Mary and Grandma Betty's shared favorite of Schubert's arrangement of "Ave Maria" began to play as Henry turned around to give Eddie a kiss on the cheek and a whisper of "Welcome to the family, sweetheart," before proudly taking Linda's arm as the pair entered. Danny's eyes lit up as he watched the love of his life walk down the aisle on his grandfather's arm in her lovely cream-colored chiffon dress and it brought back all the memories from their own day so many years ago… something that he hoped to recapture a little with some help once again. As if he needed to be reminded of just how far back in time that was, Jack nudged him from behind and offered a "Mom looks hot!" in a not-so-subtle teenaged boy kind of whisper while Sean's animated snickers at his brother's comment just served to further cause his father grief. Danny tried his best to hold it together before Father McMurray tutted at his former reluctant altar server with a frown and Jamie leaned forward to shoot them all the evil eye as they struggled to settle themselves while Henry and Linda took their seats.

Next it was Frank and Erin's turn to grace the aisle after he likewise welcomed his soon-to-be daughter-in-law with a hug and kiss before father and daughter walked in together arm-in-arm to knowing looks and even a few small good-hearted cheers and low whistles from his staff. Except for the height difference, Erin Reagan was the spitting image of her mother and it tugged on many hearts to see her accompany her father in Mary's place. She was wearing a stunning floor length grape-colored trumpet v-neck chiffon evening dress with ruffle beading to go with the fall theme and Frank offered a wide, proud smile and a nod to Jamie as he escorted her to their seats.

The atmosphere in the room changed to a nervous swell as the music now seamlessly switched to the classic version of Pachelbel's Canon in D and the back doors opened once more to reveal a smiling Nicki marching in slow procession with the beat... the beautiful oranges, purples and greens in her bouquet offset against the dark blue of her gown which of course just set Erin off to sniffling again as Frank shook his head. This was the best part of the day for him… seeing all of his children and grandchildren dressed to the nines and happy before him as they welcomed another kindred spirit into their family, and his heart was swelling with pride at the sight even though there were always a few important souls missing. Surely they were here on this day in this place though, he thought as he watched Kara and then Hailey following suit. All the available cameras were poised to capture the next moment though, and a certain tiny blond-haired girl who herself was new to the family did not disappoint as if she ever could… although as always she offered herself in a unique fashion.

The quartet once again chose to insert a little levity into the proceedings as an off-scripted blended version of "Sweet Child O' Mine" played softly in the background while Kaylin was prompted to make her trip down the aisle since a slow song would have never complimented her energy. Jamie's eyes lit up with tears of their own as he watched the little one at first balk just a tiny bit as she took in all the stranger faces looking back at her before Lillian kneeled down and whispered in her ear and pointed down the way so that she focused on a few she knew well. At that point she was off... at first obediently flinging her soft flower petals out of the basket with exuberance along the way to many smiles before stopping once more halfway down as she spotted a familiar friend. Kara's little boy Brandon was in his father's arms and waving at her from the end of the pew with a giggle, prompting Kaylin to take a segue mid-processional to go over to see him. They were after all good playtime buddies, besides Brandon was supposed to be walking in with her... and she had not forgotten that point.

"C'mon Branny, p'ease!" she offered in a fierce whisper that the whole quiet room could hear. "We hav'ta get married today!" she admonished while she tugged at his hand as Matt Walsh kneeled down so the two preschoolers could see eye-to-eye. Unfortunately her pleas were for naught as Brandon bashfully shook his head and turned and buried his face in his father's shoulder as Kaylin was left at the altar for what everyone hoped would be the only time in her life. The beautifully dressed little girl turned and huffed at the refusal… following the pedal flinging protocol for a few more steps before abandoning her basket next to Renzulli and his wife Adele and running the rest of the way to the front with tears. Jamie scooped her up for what would surely not be the last time in the next few years that those daddy services would be required as she sobbed on his shoulder because a boy broke her heart.

"It's okay, baby," he grinned as he tried to console her while the rest of the wedding party and guests struggled to hold back the laughter and tears themselves at her expense… three-year-olds and formal occasions were always a dangerous mix but despite the breaks in procedure, the memories that were being made today were priceless and the family would not have wanted it any other way... well except for the part about the ache of the nuptial rejection. Luckily for Brandon all was forgiven quickly at this age or he would have had a pack of displeased Reagan men waiting for him outside although Uncle Danny had already made a mental note to keep an eye on this Walsh kid in the future.

"Sweetness, look it's time for Mommy to come in… let's see if she's as pretty as you are," Jamie attempted the distraction route as he continued to hold Kaylin and shifted her around to see. She was still sniffling pitifully but her curiosity was peaked and a wave from the groom let the musicians know that it was okay to proceed with the big moment even though he was still occupied with the little one. They did not have long to wait as the familiar strains of Wagner's "Bridal Chorus" resounded through the space and Father McMurray began with his appointed "If everyone will please rise."

As he did so the back doors opened a final time to reveal Edit Katalin Janko in her stunning vintage lace wedding dress with a sweetheart neckline, cap sleeves and a low v-back with a court train as she stood proudly on her mother's arm and flashed a nervous smile about until she saw Jamie standing ahead with Kaylin and she beamed in pride while his jaw dropped open in utter amazement. In deference to his grandmother's wishes he fell in love with her all over again in that instant.

"Ready, Mom?" Eddie asked as it was time to start down the aisle and she gave Eva a little tug before an uneasy wave rippled through the attendance as her mother steadfastly refused to move forward once more. "Mom? Please?"


My apologies on this one, I really had no intentions of allowing for another bit of a cliffy here, but this chapter got insanely long as I went into more details with the ceremony than in "Follow Your Heart" and there is an added surprise afterwards that I don't want to gyp. So I will take the pressure off and tell you that Eddie and Eva will eventually make their way down the aisle together, but I'll let you hang on mommazilla's reasoning for the delay until tomorrow. Next, Jamie and Eddie will finally say their "I do's" and a certain someone will be forced to reveal exactly where they will be winging their way off to for a romantic honeymoon trip alone. Any guesses? Last chance!

Plus *spoiler alert* Daniel Reagan might just have one last trick up his sleeve in his effort to close out that scrapbook.