Chapter 56

'I wonder if there's some sort of problem' Diana said as she checked her watch.

'You know weddings… there's always some last minute glitch' Ivy Jones countered. 'I'm sure everything's fine.'

'Yeah, maybe Sara got a run in her stocking or something' Clinton offered with a grin.

'Or maybe Neal had to check his hair… one last time' Christie joked.

'Mom?' Olivia Berrigan said as she appeared by her mom's side. 'Should we be getting the kids to come and sit?'

Diana craned her neck in an attempt to get a glimpse inside the house, to no avail.

'Elizabeth said she was going to give us a five minute warning. You can probably let them play a few minutes longer' she told her daughter.

'The place looks amazing' Christie said, glancing around the large yard, impeccably decorated. 'Neal and Sara have really gone all out.'

'Compared to their first wedding, this is pretty elaborate' Diana observed as Clinton nodded in agreement.

The Caffreys' wedding, twenty-five years earlier, had been an intimate affair with less than twenty guests congregating in June Ellington's dining room to witness the nuptials. Of the group assembled today, only Peter, Elizabeth, Mozzie, Jones, Cindy, Diana and Christie had been present that day. By comparison, this was a large affair - and much more family friendly - than their first wedding, considering three-month-old Hope had been the only child in attendance all those years ago.

A few seats over from the Jones, Moira Rivers squirmed in her chair as she tried to find a comfortable position to sit in. Her attention was drawn to the young man who'd introduced himself as Neal and Sara's son-in-law. He was holding the tiniest of newborns, clad in the cutest little mini-tuxedo sleep set as he dozed calmly despite all the noise and excitement around them.

Moira elbowed her husband. 'Isn't he cute?' she said wistfully.

Even after four newborns of their own, the magic was still there and Scott Rivers smiled at his wife and brought his arm around her shoulder, pulling her in to him.

'That'll be us in just a couple of weeks' he replied with a wide grin. 'I can't wait.'

'So, when are you due?' Joanne Cooper asked as she leaned in to speak to Moira.

'Three weeks' Moira declared, rubbing her belly. 'And not a day too soon. I just hope this one's arrival isn't going to be as dramatic as little Jacob's birth.'

'Yeah, he took us all by surprise' Dr. Cooper admitted. 'I'm Joanne Cooper, Hope's OB/GYN, by the way.'

'Oh, so you were the one who got left out in the cold?' Scott joked.

'Apparently, little Jacob didn't need any extra help making his entrance' Dr. Cooper said.

Marion Birch sat next to the doctor and listened with interest. She was more than happy to be there to celebrate with Neal and Sara on this special day. After all, she'd seen the Caffreys at their very worst, as they worked through the aftermath of Sara's sexual assault and later, as they supported each other in dealing with Neal's struggle with alcohol abuse. They had come such a long way and, after years of therapy, they still chose to meet with her a couple of times a year in order to have a frank and open discussion and make sure they weren't leaving any lingering issues unaddressed. Despite the need to keep a professional distance, Marion had let herself grow very fond of the couple and she felt like she knew every member of their family intimately — which, of course, she did. Now, sitting there amongst the other guests, she was excited for the couple and their new beginning.

Elizabeth appeared on the backyard deck and walked up to the microphone which had been set up, preparing to address the chattering group of guests.

'Good afternoon everyone!' she said as the small crowd settled in to listen. 'I just wanted to let you know we're running a few minutes late but we'll be getting underway very shortly. Please, help yourself to some drinks and make sure you have a glass of champagne for our toast to the bride and groom following the ceremony.'

She was gone as quickly as she'd appeared and the buzz of voices resumed as the guests continued to chat amongst themselves, the excitement building. It was a gorgeous summer day, the background music played, Jacob Armstrong snoozed, the children frolicked nearby and the birds chirped…

Perfection.

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'Aunt Elizabeth says she needs you upstairs' Liam said, tapping his dad on the shoulder.

Neal returned his attention to the phone. 'Honey, I need to go. El needs me for something.'

'What's the matter?' Sara asked.

'I don't know… but I'll see you in a few minutes, okay? I love you' he said with a goofy smile on his face.

'I love you too' Sara replied, hanging up.

Liam took his dad's arm and guided him upstairs. 'I think it has something to do with Uncle Moz' he informed his dad as Neal frowned.

What now, Neal wondered.

'What now' became immediately apparent once Neal stepped off the basement stairs and spotted Mozzie by the front door, chatting with Peter while three huge guys in ceremonial garb hovered nearby. Elizabeth reappeared from the backyard and laced her arm in Neal's.

'I need you to have a word with Mozzie' she murmured as she guided him towards the front of the house.

'No kidding…' Neal muttered under his breath.

'Moz!' he said as he glimpsed his friend, his eyes drawn to the little man's elaborate getup.

'Glad tidings on your wedding day!' Mozzie replied as if it was the most natural thing in the world that he was standing there in the Caffreys' front hall wearing an unconventional, one might say outlandish, outfit, complete with fur trim and flanked by three huge dudes holding African drums.

Neal's eyes grew and he took a long steadying breath, trying to keep himself from totally losing it.

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Upstairs in the Caffrey bedroom, Sara's ears perked up at the sound of the soft dulcet tones of Neal's voice talking to someone and she stood, preparing to step into the hallway outside their bedroom door.

'Mom! What are you doing?' Hope said, intervening.

'I can hear your dad's voice down there' Sara said as she tried to tune in to the conversation taking place down in their front hall.

Hope took her by the arm, holding her back. 'Mom, Aunt Elizabeth said to wait up here. I think we should do what she says.'

Sara gave her a deathly stare before sighing and retreating back into her bedroom.

'Fine' she muttered, moving to stand in front of the full length mirror in order to check herself out once more.

She fiddled with the top edge of her dress, a mindless, nervous gesture that wasn't lost on Hope.

'Mom…' she said, her voice quiet.

Sara turned away from the mirror, facing her daughter. 'What?'

'I know it's only been a few weeks but… nobody's really looking at that thing, you know.'

Sara smiled at her daughter, her shoulders relaxing. 'I know, honey… it's me… I'm having a little trouble adjusting, that's all.'

Hope turned her mom around to face the mirror once more and stood beside her, her arm around her shoulder.

'Look at yourself, Mom. What do you see?'

Sara was taken aback by the question and looked away, slightly embarrassed.

'You know what I see?' Hope continued. 'I see the strongest, most courageous, most determined woman I've ever known. A woman who has been my inspiration my whole life, who taught me to fight for what I believe in, stand up for myself and who gave me strength when I couldn't do things on my own. And now, I get to be a mom and the only thing that keeps me from going totally bat shit crazy is the knowledge that I have the best example in the world and the thought that you'll be there to support me.'

'Honey…' Sara murmured, staring back at her reflection and feeling the emotion rising in her chest.

'It's true, Mom. You're all those things to me… and to Liam. And to Dad. You're the glue that keeps this family together' Hope said, her arm tightening around her mom's shoulder.

The women hugged. You could have heard a pin drop in the quiet room.

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Neal took the last few steps separating him from his oldest friend and fought hard to keep breathing, willing himself to stay calm even though he could feel his blood boiling in his veins.

'Moz… a word. Please' he said sternly as he opened the front door and ushered the bespectacled man out onto the front porch.

Peter, who'd been standing there in shock looked from Elizabeth to Liam and gave them both a head nod towards the back of the house. It was probably better for everyone involved if they gave Neal and Mozzie a little space to work this out.

'Do you want to tell me what the hell is going on?' Neal whispered as he glared at Mozzie.

'Oh, those are djembes, African drums… it's part of the wedding ceremony' Mozzie said, obvious pride in his voice.

'Which part? None that we discussed and agreed on!' Neal reminded him, his voice growing louder.

'Consider it… your wedding gift from me' Mozzie attempted gleefully.

'Which I will be returning' Neal said with emphasis as Mozzie looked back at him, forlorn.

Neal could see the look of disappointment on Mozzie's face; he'd known the man long enough to recognize when his feelings were truly hurt versus when he was trying to manipulate Neal into feeling guilty.

'Look, Moz, I know you mean well but today… well, it's not about you. It's about Sara… and me' Neal reminded him, his voice growing calmer.

Mozzie nodded, looking like a chastised five-year-old.

'So tell me, what were you planning? With those… musicians?' Neal asked, unsure what to call the three huge dudes standing in his front hall, brandishing their instruments.

'I was going to do a chant after the first reading' Mozzie said, looking down at his feet. 'And they were going to accompany me on those drums. It's a special wedding chant.'

'O—kay' Neal said, thinking on his feet. Surely there was a way to resolve this without giving Sara a coronary and still allow Mozzie to save face.

'How about this?' Neal continued, in solution mode. 'Why don't we have the ceremony exactly as we rehearsed it and before the DJ starts the music after dinner, you can do your little… number.'

Mozzie frowned, seemingly unsure as to whether that was acceptable, yet knowing this was the best offer he was going to get.

'And I can wear my ceremonial garb for the ceremony?' he asked, running his hand down the elaborate costume he was wearing and tugging at the intricate trim.

Neal looked him up and down, examining the colourful outfit with fur tails along the back and front edges and the oversize headdress in what he sincerely hoped was synthetic leopard skin.

'Is that real?' he asked pointing to his head. 'Because Sara's going to have a fit.'

'Of course not!' Mozzie replied indignantly as Neal nodded.

'All right then, we're agreed? You get to wear the garb but we stick to the script and you do your chant with the… musicians after dinner, before the DJ starts the music' Neal recapped, making certain there would be no further misunderstandings.

Mozzie nodded like a little kid and smiled, apparently happy with the compromise.

'Now, let's get going' Neal said, opening the door and inviting him in. 'Otherwise, my bride is going to think I've changed my mind and skipped out on her.'

Peter, Liam and El were hovering halfway between the kitchen and family room when Neal and Mozzie reappeared and Neal gave the event planner the thumbs up, letting her know that everything was worked out.

'All right' El said with a smile. 'I'll go give them the five minute warning and then we'll get Sara and Hope down here.'

'Can I… well, can I have just a minute with Sara before we start?' Neal asked. 'Alone.'

Elizabeth frowned. 'Neal, you were with her non-stop up until about five hours ago. What more can you possibly have to tell her?'

'I know… I know' Neal said, flashing one of his charismatic smiles. 'There's just… something I forgot to say… two minutes, tops.'

Truth was, they were about to step out and say their vows publicly and he just needed to see his wife one last time before they faced everyone together.

'Fine' Elizabeth said with a laboured sigh. 'You can go up and see her and then, come down and I'll have Hope and Liam waiting for you. You've got two minutes!'

'Oh, and one more thing…' Neal said, drawing Liam aside and whispering something in his ear.

'Sure Dad' Liam said as Neal smiled and bounded up the stairs.

Sara was pacing in their bedroom when Neal appeared in the doorway and he stopped dead in his tracks when he saw her, looking so beautiful that the sight of her literally took his breath away.

'Dad!' Hope said, surprised to find him standing there - not part of the approved 'Elizabeth Burke' agenda.

'It's okay, it's okay' Neal said, eyes still glued on Sara. 'I got permission from El to come up and talk to your mom.'

Hope looked from her mom to her dad, suddenly emotional at the sight of the two of them and all that they meant to her and Liam. Perhaps it was the maternal hormones flowing through her veins or maybe it was just the sight of the two of them looking so crazy in love but she choked up, emotion rising in her chest and she suddenly had her arms around them both, hugging them fervently.

'You guys are the best. I love you so much' she blubbered as Neal and Sara chuckled nervously.

'We love you too, sweet pea' Neal replied as he gave in to her insistent hug.

Hope pulled away, wiping her eyes. 'Sorry… hormones' she said, somewhat embarrassed at her lack of self-control. 'I'll… leave you two alone, then. See you downstairs.'

Neal nodded. 'Check in with your brother when you get down there' he said cryptically as she frowned, not quite understanding what he meant.

She turned to look at them wistfully one last time as she prepared to head down to the main floor, giving them a final wave of her hand.

Neal let out a long exhale as he turned to focus on his wife, running his hand gingerly over her hair, careful not to disturb the gorgeous magenta orchid that was tucked at the nape of her long, slender neck.

'I love the hair' he said breathlessly as he took in the sight of the hairstyle he'd never seen on her before. 'Very classic and… classy.'

'I wasn't supposed to… anyway, Sandy talked me into it' she replied, scrutinizing her husband, looking dapper in his dark navy suit, the matching orchid on his lapel reminiscent of their first wedding.

'I love this tie. Good choice, Caffrey' she said, running her hand longingly down the lapel of his suit jacket.

He shrugged demurely and raised his eyebrows, letting the compliment sink in. Neal didn't usually get tongue-tied but he was obviously overwhelmed at the sight of his wife.

'I'm so glad you got the dress you really wanted. It's… perfect on you. You look beautiful, Sara' he said, his heart beating wildly in his chest.

'Did you peek in the garment bag?' she asked with a frown; she'd had her suspicions all along.

'No' he said without hesitation. There was nothing like telling the truth and he didn't falter in the least. 'But it was well worth the wait…'

He leaned in to kiss her lips, his hands cupping her face and Sara leaned into the kiss.

'So, how did you ever get Elizabeth to let you come up here?' she asked when their lips parted.

'I begged…' he said with a nervous grin. 'I just… Sara, there are some things that are just harder to say in front of everyone' he said ambiguously.

Sara studied his face; whatever he wanted to say was obviously difficult for him and she waited patiently for him to find the words.

Neal swallowed hard before continuing. 'You know, when I started drinking and… drifting away from you and the kids… I was… I was so messed up and I wouldn't have blamed you one bit if you hadn't taken me back after I disrespected you the way I did.'

Sara brought her finger to his lips in an attempt to get him to stop talking… to stop dwelling on something she had long ago forgiven, if not forgotten.

'No' he said, gently taking her hand away. 'Let me say this… please. You, wanting to stand up in front of everyone and reaffirm the commitment you made to me… well, after everything that's happened, it means the world to me.'

'Oh, Neal…' Sara said, getting emotional herself. 'There has never been nor will there ever be anyone but you. That could never change.'

Neal wiped a tear and coughed to stifle a soft sob that was on the edge of slipping out. He nodded and smiled at her, searching for words.

'I just… I just wanted to say that… well, this is a new beginning for us and I promise to do everything I can to be worthy of your love and to be my best self because… well, that's what you inspire me to be. Every day.'

Sara smiled, tears threatening.

'I knew you would do this to me, Caffrey' she cried as his eyes narrowed in response. 'You're going to ruin my make-up!'

Neal laughed and brought his arms around her, hugging her and letting out a long slow breath. They stood in silence for a moment, holding each other tightly, their hearts beating as one. Neal was the first to pull away, intent on keeping from falling apart when they had a backyard full of guests awaiting their arrival.

'You ready?' he asked as he put out his hand to take hers.

'Oh, one more thing' he added as they stepped out of the bedroom. 'About Mozzie…'

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Liam was waiting for Hope at the bottom of the stairs, watching as she came down, uncharacteristically decked out in heels and a gorgeous lavender coloured dress.

'Holy shit!' he called out before letting out a whistle. 'Who are you? And what have you done with my sister?'

Hope giggled at her baby brother's straight talk. 'You clean up pretty good yourself there, Mr. Man…' she replied '…for a kid brother.'

Liam took her by the arm and led her away from El and Peter who were hovering nearby.

'Dad wants to know if you'd be okay with us asking Caitlin to walk down the aisle with us' Liam whispered.

'Sure… you?' she replied without hesitation.

Hope had never had much of an issue with Caitlin joining their family. Sure, it had taken a few months to get used to having the younger woman around but she had never felt the kind of animosity that had existed between Caitlin and Liam from day one. Perhaps it was because Liam and Caitlin were so close in age and shared many of the same friends or maybe it was just the fact that they were polar opposites… whatever the reason, there had always been tension between Liam and their foster sister.

'Yeah… I am' he said, surprising himself. 'She's part of our family and she should be there with us' he affirmed. 'Besides, it's what Dad wants.'

'So, let's go tell her' Hope suggested.

'Tell who what?' Elizabeth asked as she prepared to get them all lined up for their big entrance.

'Slight change of plans' Liam said with a wide grin. 'Caitlin is going to walk Mom and Dad down the aisle with the two of us.'

Elizabeth looked on, surprised but pleased; for years, she'd been privy to the whole saga, watching as Liam merely tolerated the young woman while she tried so desperately to fit in. It was nice to finally see things come full circle.

'Well, that sounds very… fitting' El said. 'Hurry up, I'm going to go get your mom and dad.'

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Will Allenby had been thrilled when his best friend had walked over and whisked his girlfriend away — but not half as thrilled as she'd been. As the outsider in the Caffrey family, Caitlin was delighted to be asked to join the wedding party and she willingly followed Hope and Liam back into the house to prepare for their big entrance.

In the meantime, El had entrusted Will with the mission of making sure the unexpected guests, brought along by Mozzie, were seated comfortably during the ceremony. The three men got a few strange looks as they settled in towards the back with their large drums, attracting the attention of the younger crowd who hovered around them, curious.

'So…' Will said, pointing to each of the men individually and trying to recall their names. 'Amare, Imamu, Chunks.'

'Chuks' the third man corrected him.

'Chuks, right.' Will repeated. 'So, how do you guys know Mozzie?'

'We're… business associates, you might say' said the largest of the three men, easily clocking in at six-foot-five.

Will looked away, uneasy; all he knew was that Liam's uncle Mozzie had some very… shall we say, unorthodox 'friends'. Even though Will Allenby had been hanging around the Caffrey household for going on fifteen years, his best friend's godfather still remained a riddle… wrapped in a mystery… inside an enigma.

There was a little commotion on the deck as Elizabeth called everyone to their seats and the string quartet began its slow but moving rendition of Pachelbel's Canon in D, the hauntingly beautiful piece that heralded the arrival of the wedding party.

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'Everybody ready?' Elizabeth asked as she smoothed Hope's dress and righted Sara's bouquet.

Neal and Sara took one last look at each other, Neal winking at her and Sara beaming back at him. To her right, she laced arms with Liam while to Neal's left, Hope took her place, one arm in her dad's and the other laced with Caitlin's who was wearing a smile that could light up the darkest night.

'Ready, family?' Neal asked as everyone nodded resolutely.

And with that, the Caffrey family took its first few tentative steps to go meet their guests, Sara and Neal preparing to pledge their love and devotion for everyone to hear.

TBC